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By Counterman
Standard Motor Products (SMP) announced new additions to its electronic parking brake actuator program. The company said the parking brake actuator is one of the fastest-growing categories in the automotive aftermarket. Standard offers coverage for both import and domestic vehicles.
Automakers now use electronic parking brake actuators on almost all new vehicles. These have replaced manually operated cable parking brakes. The new parking brake actuator plays a critical role in vehicle safety systems, according to SMP.
SMP: Quality Engineering in Every Parking Brake Actuator
Standard said its parking brake actuators are always 100% new and never remanufactured. They are engineered to match OE performance. These actuators integrate seamlessly with electronic safety systems.
The plug-and-play design simplifies installation. Technicians do not need additional programming. Many actuators also include the correct O-ring and hardware for a complete repair.
New Applications Cover Ford, Jeep, Subaru and More
link hidden, please login to view has introduced new applications for millions of late-model vehicles. Coverage now includes Ford models like the 2023–22 Escape, Bronco Sport, and Maverick. SMP also added the 2024–23 Super Duty trucks. Other new applications include the 2024–22 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram ProMaster. Mercedes-Benz vehicles through 2023 and Subaru models through 2024 are now covered.
SMP expanded its program to include additional Mazda, Audi, Volkswagen and General Motors vehicles.
SMP Supports Distributors with Training and Tools
“Standard’s parking brake actuator program is the most comprehensive in the industry,” said John Herc, vice president of vehicle control marketing at
link hidden, please login to view. “In addition to industry-leading coverage, we are providing our distribution partners with training, marketing materials and key category insights to help them capitalize on the growth of this category.” Actuator Catalog Available Online
Standard lists all parking brake actuators in its online catalog at
link hidden, please login to view. The company also supplies listings through electronic catalog providers. The post
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By Counterman
SmartParts has announced the launch of DR!VE+ in North America at the 2025 NEXUS Business Forum in Abu Dhabi. This marks a major step in its global expansion. The launch follows strong growth in 2024 for the exclusive global aftermarket brand for NEXUS members worldwide. The first phase of the North American aftermaket expansion will introduce a 13,700-part Chassis range, with additional product lines to follow. DR!VE+ will serve as the unified brand for NEXUS North America members. SmartParts also introduces a new DR!VE+ battery range, reinforcing its commitment to a comprehensive aftermarket offering.
NEXUS Accelerates North American Aftermarket Expansion
To capitalize on growing market opportunities, NEXUS said it decided 18 months ago to speed up the deployment of the DR!VE+ brand. The aging car parc and transformation of the aftermarket are driving demand. The first phase of the North American aftermarket expansion will focus on the Chassis range, offering 13,700 part numbers. A roadmap will introduce multiple additional product lines over the next 18 months.
“This joint initiative marks a key milestone in the history of NEXUS North America,” said Robert Roos, president of APSG and NEXUS North America.
2024 Growth and 2025 Plans for SmartParts
SmartParts welcomed over 20 new
link hidden, please login to viewmembers and increased revenue by 50% in 2024. This success expands its reach to more than 80 members and customers in 50 countries, the company said. SmartParts aims to further increase its turnover in 2025. The company added it will fast-track expansion into North America, India and Asia. New DR!VE+ Battery Range to Meet Market Demand
SmartParts is unveiling its all-new DR!VE+ battery range at the NEXUS Business Forum. The lineup targets both light vehicles and heavy-duty applications. It is segmented into four categories—DR!VE+ Platinum (AGM), DR!VE+ Performance (EFB), DR!VE+ Essential (SLI), and DR!VE+ Access (Commercial Vehicles only). This range includes 61 part numbers, covering 99% of market demand and catering to older vehicles, hybrid models and commercial applications.
Future Growth and Global Expansion
The
link hidden, please login to view portfolio expanded by more than 1,100 part numbers in 2024. This brings the total to over 11,000 part numbers. SmartParts will continue expanding the range in 2025. The company remains committed to strengthening its position as the global aftermarket brand exclusive to link hidden, please login to viewmembers. “2024 has been an exceptional year for SmartParts,” said Pascal Popis, CEO of SmartParts. “With sales more than doubling compared to last year, this growth reflects the strong commitment of NEXUS members, the power of the DR!VE+ brand and the dedication of our team.”
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By Counterman
Valvoline announced the launch of its new passenger car motor oil formulas for both the U.S. and Canada. The company said these formulas surpass the updated International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) GF-7 standards, which formally went into effect on March 31.
Valvoline added that its current ILSAC GF-6 certified synthetic
link hidden, please login to view motor oils already meet all requirements of the new ILSAC GF-7 specification. The company said its engine lab in Ashland, Ky. allows Valvoline to perform critical engine sequence tests that help define industrywide performance requirements every five to seven years. “These days, everything seems to move just a little bit faster, and our engines have to work even harder to keep up with the pace of our busy lives,” said Dr. Michael Warholic, senior global technology director at Valvoline Global Operations. “By helping car owners maintain their vehicles’ performance and longevity, Valvoline’s dedication to the development of the ILSAC GF-7 standards is protecting engines not just for today, but for the needs of tomorrow as well, delivering improved performance levels in almost every area.”
link hidden, please login to view said its ILSAC GF-7 full synthetic technology was tested in a single engine for over 500,000 miles across three years without the need to replace any critical component, while significantly reducing sludge and deposits compared to an ILSAC GF-6 quality oil. The ILSAC GF-7 specification continues the A and B designations started with the ILSAC GF-6 upgrade in 2020. The ILSAC GF-7A designation applies to all SAE 0W-20 viscosity grades and heavier. ILSAC GF-7A is backward compatible with all previous GF-6A, GF-5 and older ILSAC specifications. The ILSAC GF-7B designation applies to SAE 0W-16 viscosity grade oils and is backward compatible to ILSAC GF-6B only.
As ILSAC GF-6 designated motor oils are phased out of distribution channels after the March 31, 2025, GF-7 launch, Valvoline said its new motor oils meeting the ILSAC GF-7A standard will include the “Starburst” API mark on all bottles, while ILSAC GF-7B-compliant oils will have the API “Shield.” Oils meeting API SP will feature an updated API “Donut” with SP designation.
“Advances in engine oil performance wouldn’t be possible without the dedication, expertise and leadership of our Valvoline engineers and scientists, who work tirelessly to help define and shape the industry standards, continually raising the bar to benefit us all,” said Warholic.
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By Counterman
The APA/Trustar 2025 Annual Meeting, held March 21-24 in New Orleans at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, was a success on many levels, from recognizing supplier and shareholder achievements to forging and renewing business partnerships. Automotive Parts Associates said it prides itself on prioritizing in-person connection opportunities for members, suppliers and shareholders, with this event being an ideal forum for networking.
Guests heard from leaders across the industry, including Ted Hughes with the Auto Care Association and Simeon Gutman with Morgan Stanley. Group sessions on topics ranging from electric vehicles to cybersecurity were offered, as well as the opportunity for one-on-one meetings between members, shareholders and suppliers.
“The business is still people to people, and I think get-togethers like this prove that even more. A lot of business was written, a lot of friendships renewed, and a lot of business relationships renewed, so we had a lot of fun,” said
link hidden, please login to view link hidden, please login to view President Steve Tucker. “We did a lot of business and it was good to see everybody get together. We had a little over 300 people total in attendance and multiple countries [represented], including Germany, Switzerland, the United States and Canada.” The long weekend was capped off by a special awards banquet hosted at the WWII Museum. Attendees wined and dined under restored war planes and got a chance to view one of the exhibits. After dinner, an awards ceremony was held to honor those making significant achievements in the past year.
DENSO came home with the coveted “APA Supplier of the Year” Award, saying it’s through hard work and good partnerships through
link hidden, please login to view that they are able to accomplish everything over the past 365 days. “It just shows that everybody’s efforts are recognized from my sales guys to the people in the warehouse, to all the key functional departments in our business. It’s a team effort, and to be recognized from this group is super important,” Jose Ramirez, senior manager of light-duty and heavy-duty aftermarket sales for DENSO, said. “For us, it’s a big deal, but I think it’s something for all of us to be proud of as a company. Not just the sales guys, but everybody.”
“We value our suppliers, we value our shareholders and members. We are able to get to come together and promote the industry and promote the business as one,” Tucker said.
All of the award winners from this year’s gala, as well as additional images, are showcased below.
2025 Supplier Awards
APA Supplier of the Year Award – DENSO Distinguished OE Partner Award – Hitachi Outstanding Marketing Partner Award – Bosch Cornerstone Award – Standard Motor Products Ambassador Award – Wheeler Fleet Solutions Technology Award – Pricedex Phoenix Award – Holstein Parts APA Supplier Champion Award – David Arriaga APA Shooting Star Award – Judy Sanell 2025 Shareholder Awards
Dan Freeman Excellence Award – Singh Auto Parts
Milestone Awards – 80 Years APA Shareholder
AB&S Warehouse Factory Motor Parts Milestone Awards – 30 Years APA Shareholder
Royal Auto Parts Schulz Motor Parts Wheeler Fleet Solutions Tinker Auto Parts Milestone Awards – 10 Years APA Shareholder
Ideal Auto Parts Inc. Victory Imported Parts New Shareholder
Bob’s Speed & Auto Parts Hamilton Discount Auto Parts New TruStar Members
Parts Universe Technology Auto Parts Axon US The post
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view announced it added the title sponsorship of six World of Outlaws races this season, starting with the Cotton Bowl Speedway, March 21-22 in Texas. “The Federated World of Outlaws events are a wonderful opportunity for Federated members, customers and vendor partners to promote, engage and build business,” said J.R. Bishop, director of event marketing and member services for Federated. “We are excited about expanding our hospitality offerings this year, particularly at the venues where Federated is sponsoring the race.”
Federated said it will be the title sponsor of the following World of Outlaws races this season:
March 21-22 – Federated Auto Parts Texas Two-Step (Cotton Bowl Speedway, Paige, Texas) April 11-12 – Spring Classic (Federated Auto Parts Raceway, Pevely, Missouri) May 15 – Federated Auto Parts Showdown (Ohsweken Speedway, Ohsweken, Ontario) May 18 – Cornwall Clash (Cornwall Motor Speedway, Cornwall, Ontario) Aug. 1-2 – Federated Auto Parts Ironman 55 (Federated Auto Parts Raceway, Pevely, Missouri) Sept. 27 – Federated Auto Parts Showdown (Sharon Speedway, Hartford, Ohio) For the Cornwall Clash in Ontario, Canada, Federated said it will partner with its Canadian member PartSource to sponsor that race.
link hidden, please login to view is in the third year of a multi-year agreement to sponsor the World of Outlaws sprint car work area, select races and serve as title sponsor for the DIRTcar Nationals. At every World of Outlaws Sprint The post
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