Automotive aftermarket professionals are naturally concerned about their job security as artificial intelligence capabilities grow. An industry expert recently put minds to ease, explaining that AI is set to boost efficiency in the industry without slashing jobs.

Attendees raised concerned about the impact of AI on job functions within the automotive aftermarket at the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Vision Conference earlier this year. In a session focused on AI’s role in the industry, Neury Freitas, partner at advisory firm Roland Berger, acknowledged the interest around the concern and offered insights into how AI can enhance efficiency without significantly reducing the workforce.

“We see that AI is going to definitely help companies improve their efficiency in general,” Freitas observed.

But, he clarified that increased efficiency does not necessarily equate to a massive reduction in jobs within the industry.

“There are clear use cases — you have your service, when you have within the chats or you have your customer center, this is an example [of how] AI with chatbots, they can really help,” Freitas explained

He further added that time to complete work can be reduced at the lower-skilled jobs because AI can help speed things up.

Freitas aimed to demystify the implications of AI on employment, highlighting the demand for more specialized roles. “Yes, in the world, like in the U.S., we will have demand for more specialized jobs, including data scientists. But we as the aftermarket … that’s knowledge proof.”

In other words, there’s a lot of specialized knowledge in this industry. There are many specialists and that’s knowledge that artificial intelligence can’t replace.

He explored what aftermarket companies will need to think about. Freitas specially stressed the importance of a strong IT infrastructure rather than hiring an extensive team of expensive AI specialists.

“You need to have a strong IT infrastructure, you need to have a strong IT group. Again, you do not need to go and hire 20 very expensive data scientists that specialize in AI,” Freitas said.

He cited the high costs associated with AI experts, noting, “The last information I got is like the signing bonus of like an AI expert is around like $1 million. This is what we are talking about; like it’s insane. This is not something that we believe most of them are going to be able to afford.”

Freitas concluded by emphasizing the importance of partnering with specialized experts to effectively implement AI without overwhelming costs. “We need to go in and hire and then finally, openness that they have hired those experts,” he said, advocating for a balanced approach to integrating AI into the automotive aftermarket.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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A new survey found just how important honesty is in the workplace and why it’s essential for success and loyalty.

The Harris Poll Job Insights survey revealed that 96 per cent of job seekers believe that it’s important to be honest with new managers, with 36 per cent considering open communication essential.

Furthermore, seven in 10 (69 per cent) of respondents feel that employees should comfortably discuss personal issues with their managers if it impacts their work. And nine out of 10 (89 per cent) of job seekers agreed that an environment where employees and managers can be honest is crucial for a company’s success. Almost the same number (87 per cent) said they believe that honesty between employees and managers is key for a productive workforce. Promoting honesty may also result in lower employee turnover and increased retention, the results found.

The survey also noted that 82 per cent of job seekers would be more loyal to a company where they feel they can be candid with their managers.

Impact on morale, productivity,  loyalty

Hiring managers agreed, with more than half linking honesty to higher employee morale (58 per cent), productivity (53 per cent) and loyalty (51 per cent). Conversely, when honesty is lacking, employee morale (58 per cent), turnover (49 per cent), productivity (48 per cent) and burnout (48 per cent) suffer.

Honesty is critical in manager-employee relationships, with 61 per cent of hiring managers stating it’s essential for being a good manager. Around 90 per cent of managers believe that employees who can be honest with their leaders are more loyal and productive.

Training needed

Recognizing the importance of honesty, 91 per cent of job seekers value companies that provide managers with training on handling employees’ personal issues. A significant number (86 per cent) believe employees should receive training on managing personal issues to prevent work interference.

Most companies feel they’ve created a space for honesty, with 86 per cent stating they’ve fostered a safe and trusting environment and 80 per cent having systems for constructive criticism. Almost all (95 per cent) of hiring managers believe employees can speak honestly with anyone in the company about their concerns.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

The post Why honesty is essential in the workplace appeared first on Auto Service World.

AAPEX and the SEMA Show are underway in Las Vegas as part of Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week and the Auto Service World team is there.

In what promises to be an exciting and busy week as always, the team will keep this page updated with news, information and other notes as we come across them. Many companies are unveiling new products, making announcements and otherwise showing off their latest tools, technology and services for the auto care industry.

Many training sessions are scheduled for pros of all stripes, from solving vehicle issues, diagnosis strategies, selling strategies for service advisors and management advice for owners. You can check out our preview of both shows for some of the highlights of what’s taking place.

We’ll update as best we can here on this page — it’s a busy time with a lot happening so there may be delays.

You can also head to our Instagram page. Give us a follow there for more highlights straight to your feed.

Tuesday, Nov. 5

After last night’s opening reception, AAPEX’s opening day started off with the morning keynote. Bill Hanvey, president of Auto Care Association, and Paul McCarthy, president of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, kicked things off with an industry update and another push for right to repair support.

NFL broadcaster Erin Andrews took part in a Q&A about how she got into broadcasting, being a woman in a male-dominated field — “If you’re a woman in this industry, you have to love it.”

Andrews then hosted a panel discussion with Ashlee Arnold, vice president, Arnold Oil Company, Brad Beckham, CEO, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Randy Breaux, group president, GPC North America, Philip Daniele, president and CEO, AutoZone and Shane O’Kelly, president and CEO, Advance Auto Parts.

They talked about lessons learned, insights on how to be successful, the importance of putting customers first, dealing with change and more.

“This industry has changed and it’s incumbent on us to change,” said Daniele.

”The pace of change will never be slower than it is today,” O’Kelly, adding that change requires telling the people who are executing change and are impacted by it the why behind the change.

Breaux noted the opportunities AI brings, calling it another tool in the workshop.

Once the clock hit 9 a.m., the doors opened and attendees hit the show floor.

Tood Campau from S&P Global Mobility gave his annual chat on aftermarket trends, covering everything from buyer ethnicity trends, new vehicle inventories, prices, EV trends and more.

A joint forecast looking at EVs and another at e-commerce in the aftermarket were released during the show.

Canada Night was once again held but at a new location: Outside on the Palazzo pool deck. The industry gathered to celebrate, network and hangout.

Wednesday, Nov. 6

The day started off with two big events. The MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers hosted its media and member breakfast and Women in Auto Care held its annual breakfast.

At the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, the morning after the U.S. election, politics was a hot topic. Ann Wilson, its head of government relations, noted that vehicle repair costs are tied to concerns over cost of living — and all that ties into right to repair. President Paul McCarthy noted other issues like tariff evasion and further discussed right to repair.

Nathan Shipley from Circana took to the stage for the second general session for his annual Aftermarket Outlook presentation. One item he highlighted was to pay attention to work from home rules from companies and how it may impact leisure travel.

The Women in Auto Care held its awards reception where recognition was given to top women in the auto care industry. Julie Holmes, CEO of Virginia Tire and Auto, won the Women Shop of the Year. RepairPal’s Sheila Sarkozi won the Outstanding Leadership Award. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Tina Hubbard, president and CEO of HDA Truck Pride.

Thursday night saw an 80s night themed party for the Young Automotive Newtowrking Group. Those under 40 from the aftermarket got together for the biggest meetup the group holds. YANG Mentors were also in attendance, partaking in food, music, dancing and good times.

The post Updates from AAPEX & SEMA 2024 appeared first on Auto Service World.

Air Lift Company has released new LoadLifter 5000 and Air Lift ProSeries kits for the 2019-2024 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab DRW 2WD & 4WD.

The air spring kits are designed to work with the vehicle’s existing suspension to level the vehicle properly. They put an end to squat and correct frequent issues while towing or hauling, including poor headlight aim, unresponsive steering, body roll and bottoming out. Eliminating these issues allows users to tow or haul with safety and comfort.

The LoadLifter 5000 (PN 57263) offers up to 5,000 lbs. of load-leveling capacity through double-bellow air springs paired with upper and lower roll plates and ultra-high-strength nylon end caps.

The Air Lift Pro Series (PN 93263) is an installer-exclusive kit option that is a variation on the LoadLifter 5000. It features upgraded aluminum-anodized end caps and stainless-steel end cap hardware.

“From smaller half-ton trucks all the way up to 1-ton trucks and beyond, we see frequent issues with towing and hauling no matter the truck’s size,” said Cody Wolgamott, product marketing manager at Air Lift. “We offer products for hundreds of different vehicles to ensure we create a safer and more enjoyable towing experience for everyone, no matter what vehicle they have.”

The post New Air Lift spring kits appeared first on Auto Service World.

SKF Automotive announced its new Hub Bearing Unit (HBU) wheel bearing.

It has a blend of two different types of rolling bearings in one unit, a unique combination of ball and tapered roller elements. The design provides greater strength and is 10 per cent lighter than conventional wheel bearings.

The HBU Ball/Taper Wheel Bearing features low friction capabilities, designed to support the demands of EV pickup trucks and vans, which require low friction and high-speed capabilities. The hybrid nature of this bearing, combining taper bearing and ball bearing elements, allows it to handle increased vehicle weight and performance demands effectively.

The reduction in friction translates directly into increased running miles per battery charge.

The post SKF adds new hub bearings appeared first on Auto Service World.

A team that knows the value of a customer, puts them ahead and ensures they are what’s important to the business is invaluable when you’re an automotive repair shop.

That’s why Motorcade Industries St. Catharine’s branch is the 2024 Jobber of the Year Award winner.

The customer-centric approach is key for branch manager Shannon Black. She has set a standard for what automotive parts distribution can and should be.

Running a successful automotive parts business is about more than just selling parts, Black explained. It’s about putting the customer first and fostering a family-like atmosphere where employees and customers alike feel valued and respected.

“The big picture is the same: Your customer is the most important part of your day,” she said. “Getting them the parts they need affects their business. And they’re more than just your customer.”

The store has expanded to 15,000 square feet to house the plethora of automotive parts shops need — and drivers make two trips every day to Toronto to get anything else their customers need.

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And to stay focused on their key customers, they don’t accept any retail requests — everything is wholesale.

“Our customer base is on-hoist orders for automotive shops and we don’t really deal with retail at all,” Black explained. “We have a few people we may have dealt with a long, long time ago that might have been at a shop at one time, and maybe they have their own business. But besides that, it’s just professional and wholesale.”

Black’s team of 30 inside staff, seven company drivers and 27 broker drivers serve the entire Niagara region, a large geographical footprint with Lake Ontario to the north and Lake Erie to the south. Being able to serve a diverse group of clients with a large variety of needs means the store has to be able to accommodate all sorts of requests.

And those requests often are fulfilled in six minutes. But they also have to manage expectations.

“I teach these guys to under-promise, over-deliver, but I also teach these guys that and they have rapport,” Black explained. “I’ve probably been talking to a lot of these customers for 30 years, so and I have people on the desk that have the same amount of experience.”

This long-standing relationship with customers is a point of pride for Black, who sees them as more than just clients.

“My main business philosophy is that that person on the other side of the phone is your best friend,” she said. “They are the person that pays your paycheck. They take care of us. We need to take care of them.”

That’s just a preview of the full story — the November issue of Jobber News will soon be released and you can see the full story and read all about what makes Motorcade St. Catharines stand out from the crowd.

Image: Shannon Black, centre, is flanked by sales reps Dan Kovacs, left, and Mario Torelli, right

The post The winner of the 2024 Jobber of the Year is… appeared first on Auto Service World.

Air Lift Company has released new LoadLifter 5000 and Air Lift ProSeries kits for the 2019-2024 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab DRW 2WD and 4WD.

The air spring kits are designed to work with the vehicle’s existing suspension to level the vehicle properly. They put an end to squat and correct frequent issues while towing or hauling, including poor headlight aim, unresponsive steering, body roll and bottoming out. Eliminating these issues allows users to tow or haul with safety and comfort.

The LoadLifter 5000 (PN 57263) offers up to 5,000 lbs. of load-leveling capacity through double-bellow air springs paired with upper and lower roll plates and ultra-high-strength nylon end caps.

The Air Lift Pro Series (PN 93263) is an installer-exclusive kit option that is a variation on the LoadLifter 5000. It features upgraded aluminum-anodized end caps and stainless-steel end cap hardware.

“From smaller half-ton trucks all the way up to 1-ton trucks and beyond, we see frequent issues with towing and hauling no matter the truck’s size,” said Cody Wolgamott, product marketing manager at Air Lift. “We offer products for hundreds of different vehicles to ensure we create a safer and more enjoyable towing experience for everyone, no matter what vehicle they have.”

The post New Air Lift spring kits appeared first on Auto Service World.

Frontier Automotive & Industrial Supplies has expanded its facility to enhance growth and service to the community.

Located in La Crete, Alta., almost 700 km north of Edmonton, the location is now 30,000 square feet — almost double the size of its previous 15,040 square-foot building. It includes a 10,000-square-foot sales floor and a 20,000-square-foot warehouse. The expansion will help improve overall efficiency and inventory management.

The store, a member of Bestbuy Distributors, now features separate and dedicated industrial and automotive counters, enhanced staff specialization and customer service. Its large windows provide visibility for product displays during the day and nighttime spotlights showcase key items for passing traffic.

An indoor van delivery bay is also part of the new addition, keeping drivers and vehicles warm during winter and located near automotive parts and the delivery area.

Frontier’s new setup saves labour and delivery times, Bestbuy pointed out in an announcement. New storage systems, including gravity-fed shelving and accessible V-belt storage, have streamlined operations, cutting down on retrieval and restocking times.

“With these upgrades, Frontier continues strengthening its ability to serve the community with quality auto parts, industrial supplies, and farm products,” the announcement said.

The post Bestbuy shareholder Frontier expands footprint appeared first on Auto Service World.

It’s been a year now since Nick Brunet took over as the president of Bestbuy Distributors.

At the company’s annual Buy & Sell event, held in Vancouver this year, Auto Service World Conversations host Adam Malik sat down with Brunet to reflect on his year at the helm and more.

Brunet gives his background on how he made his way to lead Bestbuy, which included a tenure with 3M and what was meant to be a pitstop but grew into more within the mattress industry.

Now back in the automotive aftermarket, he talked about challenges facing the industry, how distributors like his are adapting to change and how the aftermarket is shifting.

Brunet highlighted the “magnetic pull” of the industry, noting the wealth of knowledge and veteran experience. He emphasizes the importance of exposing younger generations to the opportunities in the aftermarket.

“There’s an opportunity for growth within our own industry for those who are interested in a future in automotive,” he said.

He explored challenges around inventory management, a big one over his first year, trying to make sure vendor fill rates in managed fill rates going out.

“With having very little control over that piece of that supply chain, so a lot of learnings there,” he said.

He also explored the “shocking” breadth of products, with “a million active SKUs” in the system that can’t just be eliminated due to the wide range of products in this industry.

Regarding growth, Brunet noted its shareholder base has grown and is trending upwards. He attributed the success to the “communal feel and family” within the shareholder group.

“We’re truly friends,” he explained. “People have seen their kids grow up with each other and it’s infectious when you bring in a new shareholder.”

Looking ahead, Brunet predicted continued consolidation in the industry — and with those that have been acquired, they may be looking for change as they may not fit in well with the new owners and that could lead to new opportunities for growth for Bestbuy.

“So we’re going to see some probably discontent within those who are being acquired,” Brunet said.

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SKF Automotive introduced new products at Automechanika this year.

The engine Masterkit is a comprehensive service solution that combines the water pump and timing belt kit with the auxiliary belt and tensioners kit in one package solution.

SKF will also manufacture CV joints and driveshafts in-house at its Italian OE Airasca facility.

It added new bearing solutions for electric vehicles in China that can handle motor speeds of up to 30,000 rpm while maintaining performance in extreme temperature conditions. Additionally, low-friction tapered roller bearings boost system efficiency, potentially enhancing the range and longevity of electric vehicles.

The post SKF adds new products appeared first on Auto Service World.

Hunter Engineering announced that 13 ADAS calibration target packages may now be bought online through the HunterNet 2 customer portal.

The OEM-approved targets can be used for various ADAS calibration procedures with Hunter’s Ultimate ADAS system, such as surround-view, lane watch and forward-facing cameras and radar.

The selection includes camera calibration targets for Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Ford and GM vehicles, as well as universal radar plates and cube reflectors.

The post Hunter adds ADAS targets appeared first on Auto Service World.

Schaeffler’s Vehicle Lifetime Solutions division (formerly Automotive Aftermarket) added new Luk TorCon 68RFE and 48RE applications.

The torque converters have the same proprietary material and production process as Luk manual clutches which are trusted by professionals worldwide. The TorCon units also feature best-in-class INA thrust bearings

The 68RFE design ensures peak performance under any condition, featuring a quad-plate clutch system, delivering greater torque capacity that outperforms some triple plate billet converters on the market by up to 60 per cent.

The Luk TorCon 68RFE is compatible with 2009 – 2021 RAM 2500 & 3500 trucks with 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel engines, with a current VIO of over 1 million.

 “The LuK TorCon 68RFE is built to perform under normal and heavy-duty conditions, with a higher torque ratio and higher TCC holding power to ensure reliability when it matters most,” said Jason Haney, product manager.

The post Schaeffler adds Luk torque converters appeared first on Auto Service World.

BAAN Powertrain is now carrying Tesla Drive Unit Rebuild Kits and Coolant Deletes.

The rebuild kits and coolant deletes are designed to provide reliable and high-quality solutions for Tesla drive units. They are compatible with Model S (February 2012-March 2016) and Model X (September 2015-February 2021).

“Whether you’re a repair shop looking to expand your service offerings or a distributor seeking new opportunities, our Tesla Drive Unit Rebuild Kits and Coolant Deletes will help you stay ahead in the rapidly growing EV market,” said the announcement from BAAN.

The post Tesla rebuild kits and coolant deletes from BAAN appeared first on Auto Service World.

Digital natives, those who have grown up with personal computers, cell phones and the Internet, are set to significantly influence the future of the automotive aftermarket, according to a recent report.

In Lang Marketing’s Digital Natives Are Rewiring the Aftermarket’s Future, it noted that this demographic shift underscores a transformation in how automotive parts and services are researched, purchased and utilized.

In contrast to digital immigrants — those who adopted digital technology later in life — digital natives are inherently inclined to use the internet and various digital devices for making buying decisions. This generational divide is reshaping the aftermarket industry, with digital natives preferring online interactions over traditional face-to-face engagements.

By 2030, Lang estimated, digital natives will account for about 50 per cent of light vehicle aftermarket product volume.

“Digital natives and digital immigrants differ in three significant ways that affect their aftermarket behavior: Use of the internet as the primary source of aftermarket information, preference for online transactions as opposed to face-to-face purchases and the growth of platform buying,” it said in the report.

Internet, the primary resource

Digital natives instinctively turn to the Internet as their first resource for diagnosing vehicle issues, estimating repair costs, and locating parts or repair services.

This online-first approach contrasts sharply with digital immigrants, particularly Baby Boomers, who are more likely to seek information directly from repair outlets or parts stores through in-person visits or telephone calls.

Online transactions

Unlike digital immigrants who often see a distinct difference between in-store shopping and online purchases, digital natives perceive little disparity between the two. The speed, variety, and often lower prices associated with online transactions outweigh any advantages offered by in-store experiences.

Consequently, digital natives are less likely to value face-to-face interactions with parts store personnel or repair shop technicians when making purchasing decisions.

Platform buying

Platform buying has become particularly appealing to digital natives due to its efficiency, wide range of options, competitive pricing, and convenience. Platforms like Openbay, RepairPal and Amazon provide consumers with access to multiple repair outlets and parts choices, allowing for a comprehensive comparison of prices and services.

Amazon, in particular, has become a trusted platform for digital natives.

“Many digital natives are figuratively joined at the hip with Amazon. They love and trust Amazon,” Lang said. “It has become a powerful search engine that provides buyers with a wide range of automotive products and a growing array of automotive repairs.

This trust in Amazon offers a level of confidence that individual repair or parts outlets struggle to match.

Implications for the aftermarket

The increasing influence of digital natives is expected to drive profound changes in the automotive aftermarket. As noted, by 2030, digital natives will account for approximately 50 per cent of light vehicle aftermarket product volume. Their growing reliance on digital platforms for research and purchases will likely lead to a continued shift away from traditional retail models.

The report also noted that the volume and diversity of online-to-offline (o2o) purchases are rising, showing how consumers’ increasing use of the Internet is changing, especially with platforms, to make a broad range of buying decisions. That, Lang suggested, shows digital natives will continue to expand their use of platforms like Amazon to research and purchase vehicle parts and services, fundamentally altering the landscape of the automotive aftermarket.

“It’s inevitable that digital natives, driven by their values and purchase preferences, will increase their use of digital platforms (such as Amazon) to research and purchase vehicle parts and services in the future,” Lang said.

“This has profound implications for the future of the aftermarket as Digital Natives rapidly expand their share of the light vehicle aftermarket.”

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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But what you do need is an all-round business plan that includes how to implement AI to achieve your goals

Over the past few years, the buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) has become hard to ignore, especially in the automotive industry. It’s no surprise. Recent reports have shown that businesses utilizing AI in their operations are reporting a 15-30 per cent increase in revenue.

Though the fundamentals of AI are over 70 years old, the recent release of large language models like ChatGPT has created an inflection point. This has transformed advanced uses of AI from conceptual ideas into key components of strategic planning sessions — from boardrooms to factory floors.

However, after spending the last year speaking about AI at industry conferences, it has become evident that many companies in the auto part industry are still grappling with how to fully harness the potential of AI-powered technology. Many indicate they are developing an “AI strategy,” but there is no such thing as an AI strategy. What companies need to be assessing are forward-thinking business strategies that AI supports.

Solving real business challenges

The automotive industry is a prime example of a sector that is often “data-rich but information-poor.” Challenges around managing large inventories, complex supply networks and vehicle fitment data have historically constrained companies, as analyzing such vast amounts of data often exceeds the capacity of even large organizations.

However, with the right tools matched to the right strategy, AI can thrive in this environment — especially when it comes to extracting key insights. Below are just a few key industry challenges where AI is bound to make a huge impact:

Inventory management

Auto parts businesses often face regular instances of poor inventory management due to a lack of data. By studying real-time information, market tendencies and seasonal changes, AI can enhance inventory control by processing and analyzing more data, improving accuracy, and reducing errors typical of manual forecasting methods.

Dynamic pricing strategies

Real-time overseeing of market trends and competitor prices is what AI does best. Therefore, companies can make instant adjustments that will keep them competitive as well as maximize profits. Properly integrated with other systems this allows businesses to overcome delays and errors inherent in conventional processes enabling them to capitalize on market opportunities.

Enhanced customer experience

AI can analyze real-time customer data to offer personalized recommendations and support. This proactive approach boosts satisfaction and loyalty by delivering tailored experiences that meet modern consumer expectations. By incorporating AI into customer experience strategies, businesses can swiftly adapt to changing preferences, outperforming traditional segmentation methods.

AI not only makes processing data easier and faster but also makes significant progress in detecting inefficiencies and preventing their costly consequences. For example, Predii uses the power of artificial intelligence to analyze service data for prediction of what might go wrong with a vehicle’s component. At my company, Tromml, we utilize AI to analyze large amounts of sales data in real time, uncovering insights that often go unnoticed through manual analysis.

However, with the right tools matched to the right strategy, AI can thrive in this environment — especially when it comes to extracting key insights.

AI needs a purpose

Tying AI to clear business objectives isn’t just critical for prioritization; it’s essential for the technology to function effectively. Many modern AI systems, particularly those that leverage machine or deep learning, rely on feedback loops to improve over time. It’s much like training an employee. Without ongoing refinement, AI can become outdated, delivering insights that no longer serve your business. A good AI system continuously learns, adapts and provides actionable insights aligned with your goals.

If an AI system is delivering irrelevant or outdated insights, it’s a signal to reassess why it’s not working. Often, this is due to factors like incomplete or poor-quality data or a lack of diversity in data sets. This is why collaborating with your vendor or technical team is key; rather than abandoning the system, work together to refine data inputs and objectives, ensuring the AI evolves to better meet your business needs.

In the end, AI’s true potential will only be unlocked when the right tools are thoughtfully integrated into your business strategy, where you can understand both its limits and its capabilities. This isn’t about chasing the latest tech trend; it’s about using AI to solve real challenges, streamline operations, and foster sustainable growth.

As you engage others around artificial intelligence at work, consider how best it might help us achieve particular targets instead of perceiving it as an end-all solution itself.

Critical thinking among employees should be encouraged so they may identify areas where maximum value addition may be achieved through the deployment of this technology. Every project undertaken under this banner must show clearly what impact it will have on overall performance within your enterprise.

By approaching AI with a strategic mindset, you can not only avoid costly missteps but also position your company as a thought leader, driving innovation and staying ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Lauren McCullough is the founder and CEO of Tromml, an AI-powered business intelligence platform specifically designed for the auto parts industry. She is actively involved with industry organizations including MEMA, Auto Care Association, SEMA and YANG.

This article originally appeared in the September issue of Jobber News

The post <span style=color:#ff0000>From the Magazine:</span> You don’t need an AI strategy appeared first on Auto Service World.

Building a strong team is essential in a jobber store because you can’t manage everything on your own. Here’s how to ensure success…

The true secret to success of a jobber store lies not in the parts we sell, but in the people who sell them.

When I was managing jobber stores, staffing was always my primary concern and focus on a day-to-day basis. The jobber business is highly competitive, requiring prompt phone responses, excellent service to support shop scheduling and workflow and consistent, accurate delivery of parts. All of these functions depend on the operations of the staff you rely on.

As the leader of the business, many operational aspects are beyond your direct control, with you relying on your staff to ensure the business’s sustainability and growth.

Many people ask how to develop staff to maximize their performance and provide the best service for clients, how to handle personal issues and recurring retention problems and how to avoid the pitfalls of running shorthanded.

Over a decade of running the jobber business, I found that the key to success in developing and driving staff performance was rooted in the business’s vision, mission, and values. On a daily basis, I consistently aligned actions with these guiding principles. Over time, this consistency resonated with the staff, fostering an understanding of our unwavering commitment to our clients and the crucial role our service played in maintaining client loyalty in a highly competitive market.

For jobbers and those in the automotive aftermarket, I always emphasized industry trends and market dynamics. Through effective communication, we cultivated a culture of accountability, where effort, actions and the business’s reputation reflected our staff’s performance.

My staff were crucial in executing for our clients, so I recommend that jobbers and owners maintain an open-door policy and encourage positive communication.

I advise today’s jobbers that as the industry consolidates and competition intensifies, the advantage entrepreneurs and jobbers have over corporate competitors is their passion for building a strong culture with their staff — one that resonates with clients.

On a more practical level, we invested heavily in staff training to ensure that our team was up to date on new products, supplier training refreshers, and operational processes. This commitment to continuous learning became part of our culture and enhanced our business execution and customer service.

Regarding recruitment and retention, given the competitive nature of the automotive aftermarket and parts distribution, we proactively focused on retaining our staff and recruiting individuals who fit the business culture and could deliver for the business and its clients. If issues arose, such as compensation disputes or interpersonal conflicts, they were personally addressed promptly, along with our HR functions. In a store environment, staff may leave for a difference of just  a dollar or two, given the general salary ranges and affordability challenges in Canada. I generally overpaid for driver and warehouse positions and addressed staff concerns on a case-by-case basis to minimize turnover and its impact on operations.

My staff were crucial in executing for our clients, so I recommend that jobbers and owners maintain an open-door policy and encourage positive communication. This approach helps prevent staff from seeking alternative employment and avoids the costly impacts of turnover.

Overall, these strategies were key to my success in managing staff and delivering exceptional service.

Zakari Krieger is the Fix Network, Canadian vice president of Prime CarCare, responsible for the Canadian retail business, encompassing the Speedy Auto Service and Novus Auto Glass business lines

This article originally appeared in the September issue of CARS magazine

The post <span style=color:#ff0000>From the Magazine:</span> Unlocking staff potential appeared first on Auto Service World.

Auto Value announced 25 scholarship winners for the 2024 season in collaboration with the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, including two Canadians.

Recipients were chosen from a competitive pool of applicants across North America via their local warehouse distributor, all aspiring to complete their secondary education. Both Canadian winners are from Saskatchewan and are under Auto Electric: Madison Gray-Pirsak from Regina and Carter Thomas from Tisdale.

“2024 was yet another outstanding year, with a pool of highly qualified and competitive applicants for these scholarships,” said Laurel Lopez, marketing and events coordinator for Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc. “Congratulations to all our Auto Value Scholarship Recipients. We are proud and excited to see what the future holds for you.”

Applicants submitted comprehensive applications including essays, letters of recommendation and transcripts. An industry panel of judges reviewed and ranked the applicants based on their merits, with oversight and administration from the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. Candidates were required to be employees or children of employees at an Auto Value or Confidence Plus location.

Since 2001, the Alliance scholarship program has awarded nearly $600,000 to deserving students. The program encourages continuing education and supports the next generation of the workforce.

The post Canadians on list of Auto Value scholarships appeared first on Auto Service World.

What was once the Automotive Fellowship Society is now the Aftermarket Guild armed with a new vision for the future while making sure to honour the trailblazers of the past.

The group last met in 2019 and reunited Oct. 3 in Toronto, with major changes. With a new name, the group opened its membership to women — a group once barred since the original society was founded in 1960.

It’s an invitation-only event and admittance to the group requires 20 years of service in the aftermarket in a ‘responsible’ position.

Greg Stone, decades-long chairman of the group and sporting his Hockey Night in Canada sport coat, spoke to attendees — made up of members new and old, and members of industry press for the first time — about the group’s history and the change with the times.

He emphasized that the changeover from AFS to Aftermarket Guild isn’t a downgrade of any kind — the guild is still the important group that it always has been.

It is an area where competitors can gather together in a non-competitive setting and take in an atmosphere of fun. As the group states on its new website (more below), in the the AFS, “There would be no rules; no dues; no board of directors; no by-laws; no lofty aims; no Guests; and really, not much sense.”

Stone also announced a $10,200 cheque was being sent to Shad’s R&R, the longstanding aftermarket charitable golf tournament.

New members of the guild were also welcomed during the three-hour event, which included dinner and presentations.

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Hall of Fame

The capper on the night was the start of a new tradition: The induction of 11 aftermarket visionaries to the Aftermarket Guild Hall of Fame.

Part of the mission of the group is to ensure that the names and memories of the architects of the Canadian automotive aftermarket are honoured and remembered for all time, preserving the heritage of the industry.

Members of the inaugural class were:

• Don Chase
• Don Hannah
• Ed Coates
• Emmett Grant
• George Clark
• Greg Stone
• Fred Shaddick
• John Grant Sr.
• John MacDonald Sr.
• John Vanstone
• Tom Saxton

Presentations and bios were provided for each member. For those who have passed, family members or close friends accepted the honour on their behalf.

New website

The group announced a new website: www.aftermarketguild.ca where the Hall of Fame members are commemorated so that years from now, new and young members to the industry and look back on those who built the Canadian aftermarket. The website has more information about the inductees and background on the former AFS, how it came to be, how the Guild was formed and how new members can join.

Please see the photo gallery below and Instagram reel for more highlights.

The post Aftermarket Guild honours industry trailblazers appeared first on Auto Service World.

Online part sales have yet to catch up in our country

South of the border automotive parts e-commerce is on a tear.

According to a recent report by automotive aftermarket data specialists Lang Marketing, online parts sales increased by 50 per cent between 2019 and 2023 bringing the market to USD$35 billion. That represents about a 14 per cent share of the total aftermarket.

A big chunk of that growth came in the COVID years when the physical business hobbled and digital sales skyrocketed. The explosive growth has since tapered off but has remained strong enough to manifest solid year-over-year increases. Do-it-yourself (DIY) sales have traditionally buoyed the online market, but higher growth is coming from the business-to-business (B2B) segment now. Indeed, the B2B share of online sales has doubled since 2016, according to the Lang report. B2B growth is expected to continue to outpace DIY growth in e-commerce in the next five years.    

Given that the Canadian market often mirrors America, the e-commerce story would be similar here, right?

Wrong.

Before we get into it, I must note that data on online sales in the Canadian aftermarket is limited. My analysis — or theories — to follow are entirely based on my observations of the market and ongoing discussions with industry stakeholders.

Let’s start with the big picture. Compared to about 16 per cent in the U.S., Canada’s online share of overall retail sales was around 12 per cent in 2024, based on data from eMarketer. Not a huge gap, but things are different in automotive.

America has become an increasingly retail-driven market in the last couple of decades with the ascendance of the big four players: AutoZone, NAPA, Advance Auto Parts and O’Reilly. All these retailers have a substantial presence in online sales. Then there are marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay, along with highly successful pure players such as Rock Auto, Jegs, Summit Racing and others. All of these competitors report substantial revenue.

Canada does have NAPA and Canadian Tire/PartSource, but its other key players are distributors such as Uni-Select and Lordco, which do not have a direct e-commerce presence. It does have the tire retailers and Amazon, but other pure players such as PartsAvatar and Tdot are either too small or too niche. We are also a largely DIFM market that does not lend itself to consumer e-commerce.

E-commerce is also a great source for understanding your market position. Do you have the right products? Are you positioned correctly in the market?

According to a survey by the Automotive Industries Association of Canada, only 12 per cent of respondents purchased online parts in Canada. Top purchase categories included motor oil, washer fluid and wipers. While the AIA Canada data paints a positive picture, other anecdotal evidence suggests that online penetration is well below 10 per cent.

Suppose we assume the Canadian parts aftermarket to be about USD$11-12 billion (based on the Auto Care Factbook, service and parts estimate at about USD$24 billion). In that case, online sales will account for less than USD$1 billion overall.

So, the big question is: Does parts e-commerce matter in our market?

If you are simply thinking about revenue, probably not for most stakeholders. Unless you are selling wipers and tires, the market is still too small to have a major impact on your topline.

But there are other things to consider here. Canada has enough online pure players and traditional retailers to create price transparency for customers. Twenty-one percent of Canadians browsed for parts online before making a purchase decision, as per the AIA Canada report. My assumption would be that number is far higher when Canadians make a repair decision; that is, when they are not looking to buy a part but would simply like to know if they are being charged fairly for parts and labour.

Part websites may not generate a lot of sales, but they influence purchase decisions creating product and pricing transparency. A customer might request a garage for a specific brand if it fits their budget and quality needs. If a product is available across multiple websites, a customer might attribute availability to popularity. Therefore, a brand without an online presence may as well be operating in the dark.

E-commerce is also a great source for understanding your market position. Do you have the right products? Are you positioned correctly in the market? Industry stakeholders regularly use online data to benchmark their products and pricing strategies against their competitors.

It might be a while before Canada sees any substantial revenue from online platforms, but e-commerce is still a worthwhile pursuit.

Kumar Saha is vice president (U.S.)/managing director (Canada) of global automotive data firm Eucon. He has been advising the North American automotive industry for over a decade and is a frequent conference speaker and media commentator. He is based out of Toronto.

This article originally appeared in the September issue of CARS magazine

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Image credit: Depositphotos.com

There has been a surge in promo codes and discounts offered by online retailers in recent times, a new survey has found.

The study by SimplyCodes found a substantial increase in the issuance of promo codes by online retailers and brands, indicating a growing reliance on discounts as a strategy to attract customers. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 400,000 retailers January and June 2024, found a 31 per cent increase in the number of unique promo codes issued compared to the same period in 2023.

The study also showed that promo codes are not only more abundant but offer larger discounts. This year, the average discount provided by promo codes is 17.6 per cent, up from 17.17 per cent last year, a 2.6 per cent increase. Additionally, the average dollar amount off per promo code has risen by 22 per cent, increasing from $27.26 to $33.25.

A notable trend identified in the study is the rise of single-use promo codes, which are unique codes provided directly to customers, often via email, and can only be redeemed once. The number of retailers offering these single-use codes has jumped by 47 per cent compared to last year, indicating that merchants are increasingly tailoring their promotional strategies to individual customers.

The suggestion from the study is that there’s a growing reliance on promotional codes by both consumers and retailers, driven by competitive pressures and economic factors such as inflation and the rising cost of living. Nearly 70 per cent of respondents reported that having a promotional code makes them more likely to complete a purchase, while 62 per cent actively seek out and use promo codes when shopping online.

This suggests that promo codes have become an essential tool for retailers looking to boost sales and customer engagement in a challenging economic environment.

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There are four generations in any given workplace in the automotive aftermarket, creating a widely varying dynamic when it comes to getting business done.

You have the Baby Boomers, (born from 1946-1964), Generation X (1965-1980), Generation Y, or Millennials (1981-1996) and Generation Z (1997-2012), many of whom are just getting their feet wet in the working world but making big impacts.

Each group prioritizes different things in the workplace — you can read more about it here and read the full study results here.

And you can tune into the latest episode of Auto Service World Conversations to hear from Jeff O’Hara, chair of the Modern Industry eXpertise (MiX) Council, a leadership council for the next generation of aftermarket leaders that is part of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers.

He dives into the survey results, key takeaways for employers to work with the four generations and how each generation can help the other grow and succeed.

“People are willing to stay and grow within an organization, but people are craving that path — what is it going to look like for me?” O’Hara said on the podcast. “And how can companies, especially larger ones, how can you help provide that path to folks with the understanding that you can’t always get everything from an employer — and there are many different paths. But how can you get, especially the younger generation on board with growing within a company?

Tune into the conversation by clicking the banner above or choose your platform of choice below to hear this episode and find the full Auto Service World Conversations library.

Choose your preferred platform:

• Spotify
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Things have changed in the auto parts distribution scene over the last few years. Jobber stores have been hit by mass amounts of disruption to the way business has traditionally been done, faced supply challenges and are looking ahead at a pathway that leads to more e-commerce.

And facing the brunt of all these changes are the store’s counter professionals, the unsung heroes. They are the first point of contact for customers, the ones who navigate the complexity of an inventory that is only growing to find that elusive par. They are the faces that represent the store’s brand. Yet, despite their pivotal role, those in such positions are at risk of their voices going unheard.

This oversight can be a costly mistake for jobber store owners.

Listening to front-line staff, particularly counter professionals, is not just a matter of courtesy — it’s a strategic imperative. These employees have a unique vantage point, seeing firsthand what works and what doesn’t. They understand customer pain points, the inefficiencies in the system and where the gaps are.

So Jobber News decided to get their opinions on where the issues are — and where things are working well. The goal here is to tap into the wealth of insights that can help jobbers drive operational improvements and enhance customer satisfaction.

In essence, the act of listening to front-line staff is a powerful tool for continuous improvement. It fosters a culture of inclusivity and respect, one where employees feel their contributions matter. This, in turn, can lead to lower turnover rates, higher productivity and a more loyal customer base.

So let’s dive into what our survey found…

Counter pros love their job

The vast majority of counter professionals are happy with the position they’re in — 92 per cent said that their job is at least good. Breaking that down, 54 per cent said they love their job. Only 8 per cent believe improvement is needed.

“I enjoy learning about new technology in vehicles, the new EV vehicles [are] exciting,” one respondent wrote when given the opportunity to explain their answer.

They admitted that they’ve had challenges being good at customer service but have grown into the role.

“I think I would like to see more training for products we sell in order to better explain the benefits to customers,” they noted as something that could use improvement.

When looking at the other responses, most pointed to the joy of working with customers to find the part they need or otherwise helping a customer resolve the issue they’re facing.

“Love being able to find parts to fit our customers’ needs,” one respondent said.

“Interesting field of work. Making customers happy is satisfying,” another said.

One pointed to enjoying the challenge of the work because there’s a new one popping up all the time. “It feels good to help people solve their problems or just give them helpful advice,” they added.

When it comes to the bad, some pointed to demands of some customers as taking the wind out of them.

“The mental demand to fill the needs of the consumers and installers can be taxing,” one noted.

Another pointed to the lack of pay for a position that requires them to be at least a semi-expert in the field. This respondent prefers to work with pros who know what they’re talking about. “Fulfillment comes from my shop and fleet customers. I help them get what they need without having to explain how to do [a] brake job,” they explained.

Great work environment

The vast majority of counter pros (85 per cent) said they love their work environment and feel supported by their employer and superiors.

“They are constantly trying for improvements, internal, inventory, delivery,” one person noted.

“My employer allows me flexibility to take care of the customer and make the situation right if something goes wrong,” another wrote. “They provide just enough pressure to ensure that we are on the right track, and doesn’t micromanage.”

Many responses were similar, noting that the store feels like a family environment.

“We laugh. We cry. We fight. We make up.  It’s like family and we all care,” one commented.

However, another pointed out that even though they feel like a number to the owner, they get along great with their immediate manager.

“The employer is good at providing for employees in pay and benefits,” another respondent said. “Communication from the top down could use improvement.”

Top customer issues

Dealing with customers can be a challenge. They come from all walks of life and armed with different demands and expectations.

Given the digital age in which we live, that can help — and hurt.

“I find the retail customer is more informed these days but not with the best information most times,” one counter pro mentioned.

Sometimes, the customer doesn’t even know the type of vehicle they’re driving. That doesn’t help when trying to find the parts they’re looking for, one answer pointed out.

But it’s not just the retail customer giving headaches — shops are often making things more difficult on jobber store staff. Many pointed to the lack of information provided about the vehicle being worked on.

“More shops need to use VIN scanning and decoding to get accurate parts,” one respondent commented.

Others noted that their customers often “have no idea” what they’re looking for. The counter pro is left asking many questions about what they’re looking for.

“Providing full information has always been the weaker point for installers and consumers. Lack of knowledge of part needed is also a challenge since OEM manufacturers are creating new part names for their components,” one observed.

Supply issues easing but some complaints

We’ve come a long way from the times of shelves being relatively empty. Jobbers reported selling out of many products; quality wasn’t a question because shops wanted to get their hands on whatever they could to service customers’ vehicles.

Recovery has taken place as 85 per cent of respondents reported that they have most items back in stock or can quickly get what’s needed.

But when asked to comment on how things are, rather than singing praises, counter pros noted there are still challenges they’re facing.

“Still problems with getting basic maintenance parts. Our warehouses need to do a better job of stocking really common maintenance parts,” noted one respondent.

“Our supply chain is good but being NAPA, it should be second to none but [that’s not] not the case. I often have to go outside our company to find product for my customers,” another explained.

A pair of comments pointed to the need for better data when looking up parts online, from fitment data to inventory levels.

One noted that manufacturers are putting products online to be purchased at a lower cost.

“Manufacturers should be more proactively protecting the integrity of the authorized supply chain and authorized reseller network,” they said.

Dealing with online retailers

Speaking of selling online, a common issue jobbers face is when a customer pulls out their phone and sees the same part available through an online retailer for a lower cost. How do they deal with this?

One survey participant noted that they lose many customers to online retailers. But they’re mostly retail customers — shops need reliable parts and service right away.

“We lose lots of customers to online. Retail mostly, Jobber shops need service now.”

“Customers need to realize that there is more than price involved. We offer knowledge and a genuine attempt to help solve problems and issues that seem to happen regularly,” one professional explained.

That answer was the general theme of many others.

“We discuss the warranty issue with buying parts online and how it may cause extended downtime if there is an issue. We don’t try to price match. I don’t feel we need to do anything different,” one said.

“If online they don’t care about quality or brand as much so it is a hard sell but possible if we have time to explain the benefits of our products, service and warranty,” echoed another.

“We warn them that online has negative implications for warranty, support, and accuracy of parts fitment,” one respondent noted. “Online can be counterfeit, used, bait & switch, or other sub-par performing parts.”

Vendor support

Vendors are key to the jobber business. Not only do they supply the product, but they also train staff on the features and benefits. So when the shop calls or a customer walks in looking for advice, the counter pro is ready to serve.

However, responses were hit or miss when it came to what value the vendors provided.

“Reps are thing of past,” one observed. “Most lack technical skill and most have never worked inside a shop.”

There was also biting comment about the lack of training provided, with one in particular saying it was lacking from even just five years ago. Another noted that visits from reps have trailed off since the pandemic era and haven’t rebounded.

“Training is woeful, both from our company and our supplies,” said another.

Transitioning to the more positive remarks, one noted that training was limited, but “most supplier partners have good local representation.”

Others noted that reps do still come by nut as often anymore.

And there were several kudos given as well.

“Local suppliers have done an excellent job keeping up with the changes in our industry, especially during the COVID recovery days,” one said.

“Our suppliers are top-shelf,” another commented.

The challenges

The lack of staff and talent shortages were the clear-cut top challenges for counter professionals (62 per cent)

E-commerce (23 per cent) and supply chain (15 per cent) rounded out the top three

“Automotive aftermarket has done a poor job recruiting youth. HR does not work with schools,” said one respondent who added that there’s a lack of part time jobs at companies because they’re cutting back a lot.

While some noted that they’re bringing people in, they often have little experience applicable to the parts selling business.

“Hard to find good help. Nobody wants to work or do things right,” lamented one professional.

And the need to find people is getting stronger by the day. “We have a lot of experienced talent that are coming to the end of their careers. The new talent coming is coming along but is currently not learning at a rate needed to replace the retiring talent,” one respondent said.

Other challenges noted included online shopping and competing with those retailers.

“People shop online. Online stores don’t have to deal with support and warranty. They don’t have a brick-and-mortar presence with staff and technical support (overhead). You can’t walk into your local Amazon or Rock Auto and show someone the part you need or compare parts for accuracy,” they wrote.

Another noted the online competition as a challenge but also parts proliferation as another.

What’s most important

When Jobber News and sister magazine CARS run surveys to shop owners and jobbers, we ask them about what they see as the most important aspect of their relationship. There is no outright consensus — 45 per cent of shops told the 2024 Annual Shop Survey that availability and inventory are the most important factor. Jobbers placed the relationship at the top with 52 per cent saying so.

We decided to ask counter staff the same question. Surprisingly or not, they answered similarly to their bosses — 54 per cent said relationship was tops. A third (31 per cent) picked availability and inventory.

And when given the opportunity to speak to shops, counter pros had plenty of advice to share that would make their jobs easier.

“Acquire and train good front-line talent to handle customer workflow. This will allow your technicians to focus on doing what they do best,” recommended one counter pro.

“Have proper planning and scheduling. Pre-order deferred work parts in advance,” another suggested.

Others noted to be better communicators, support local business and to call the store if you don’t see the product online.

One respondent urged shops to use better parts. “Saves us all time in the long run,” they said.

This article originally appeared in the September issue of CARS magazine

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National Castrol oil brand distributor Wakefield Canada has announced two new members of its team.

Pavindeep (Pav) Ghangas and Patrick (Pat) McCrea are now part of the Western Canadian sales team, based in British Columbia.

The announcement noted that Ghangas grew up in Richmond and Surrey and brings with him years of success in both the traditional automotive aftermarket and on the commercial/heavy duty dealers and fleets side.

He’s been with the team since August and is responsible for the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island territory.

McCrea joined the Western Canada sales team earlier this year. The announcement highlighted his success in automotive parts, systems, components and equipment. He’s responsible for the traditional Automotive and commercial/heavy duty dealers and fleets for BC interior and Vancouver.

 “We are thrilled to welcome Pav and Pat to the Wakefield team, and look forward to them working closely with our jobbers and garages, earning the Castrol business every day,” said Shannon Spano, Wakefield Canada’s vice president of sales.

Pav can be reached at pghangas@wakefieldcanada.ca  or 236-339-8780. Pat can reached at pmccrea@wakefieldcanada.ca or 604-787-9469.

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TotalEnergies Marketing Canada Inc. announced it has opened a third Quartz Auto services centre by its independent partner TQ Auto Care. Meanwhile, it also announced a strategic partnership with Wajax.

Located in Waterloo, Ontario, the service centre is the third of its kind in five years opened as part of the partnership. Another shop is located in Waterloo with the other in Kitchener.

In the announcement, TotalEnergies noted that the independent shops of the service centre network are carefully selected.

“We are excited to announce our partnership with TotalEnergies as our official oil provider,” said Sajiv Kumarasamy and Ashani Missier, owners of TQ Auto Care, Quartz Auto Services centre. “Our mission is to build lasting relationships with our customers by providing reliable, transparent and high-quality auto care you can trust.”

These centres offer more than oil change, noted Olivier Gauthier, president of TotalEnergies Marketing Canada Inc.

“The opening of this new center is a celebration of the ongoing trust and commitment of our partners to the vision of Quartz Auto Services centers,” he said in a statement. “We are grateful for their dedication to promoting the Quartz brand of TotalEnergies.”

TotalEnergies also announced that by teaming with Wajax, a supplier of industrial products, equipment and services, professionals in the industrial, forestry, construction, mining, transport and other sectors will have access to the full range of TotalEnergies lubricants.

Wajax has a 120 branches across Canada. The announcement noted that this partnership will strengthen TotalEnergies’ Canadian distribution network.

“We are proud to extend our partnership with Wajax in Canada. Our two teams have collaborated so well over the years in Quebec, demonstrating the synergy between Wajax’s expertise and TotalEnergies’ wide range of products, so it’s only natural that we should deploy our shared expertise across the country,” Gauthier said in a statement.

Featured photo: From left, Sajiv Kumarasamy, co-owner of TQ Auto Care, Olivier Gauthier, president of TotalEnergies Marketing Canada Inc., Ashani Missier, co-owner of TQ Auto Care (CNW Group/TotalEnergies Marketing Canada Inc)

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Dayco has added 55 new parts to its portfolio. The list includes 41 new branched and quick connect hoses, covering primarily medium- and heavy-duty vehicle applications, 11 new water pumps and three new serpentine belt kit part numbers.

Dayco has spent 18 months to transform its hose product line following a detailed evaluation of more than 3,000 part numbers, adding new numbers with exact fitment and redesigning old hose applications when necessary.

The Dayco water pump SKUs introduced cover 22 million light-duty vehicles on the road. These are 100 per cent end-of-the-line leak tested.

The serpentine belt kit line is also expanding. More than two million VIO will be covered with the three new kits.  

“We have continued to evolve our line review process to assure that we efficiently bring to market products the industry needs based on real data and input from the field,” said Jerry Reeves, manager of product management for Dayco North America. “This is just an example of the type of expansions you’ll continue to see from the Dayco team.”

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Standard Motor Products’ recently released Standard Coils add coverage for the 2021-2023 Ford F-150, 2023-20 Subaru Legacy and Outback and 2022-19 Mercedes-Benz cars and SUVs.

Additional new coverage includes popular vehicles like the 2022-2024 Volkswagen Jetta and Taos, 2023-2024 Ford Super Duty trucks, and the 2015-2020 Alfa Romeo 4C. Currently, fifteen Blue Streak Ignition Coil Multipacks are available for popular vehicles, with additional applications in development.

“Our Ignition Coil program is the most comprehensive in the industry,” said John Herc, vice president of vehicle control marketing at SMP. “We’re dedicated to continuously expanding our coverage with Coils of the highest quality and best performance to meet the demands of professional technicians.”

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The September issue of Jobber News is focused on what’s on the minds of the professionals who keep jobber stores running across the country.

The cover story features the results of our survey of counter professionals from Canadian jobber stores, asking them various questions, ranging from how they like their job to how they deal with customers to the challenges they face to how they deal with customers.

It’s insight that you can’t find anywhere else, giving you a pulse on how frontline staff are feeling behind the counter.

Elsewhere, we have Kumar Saha looking at e-commerce in Canada. We hear about its growth in the U.S. Is it the same in Canada? He examines the trends.

Zakari Krieger draws on his experience as a jobber store owner in taking care of staff. He offers his expertise on how your store can succeed and meet the needs of your staff.

Lauren McCullough is dedicated to helping the aftermarket properly use artificial intelligence successfully — but that doesn’t mean you need an AI strategy. She explains what you do need instead.

And we have our usual sections like Letters, News, By the Numbers, the CAR-toon in the back.

Grab your copy or click here to read the digital edition.

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The combined actions of U.S. and Canadian dockworkers are expected to delay goods movement and increase costs for both businesses and consumers

*Editor’s note: A tentative agreement is in place with U.S. unions; more details at the bottom of the original story

Ports across North America are facing widespread disruptions as dockworkers initiate strikes on both the U.S. East Coast and at key Canadian facilities and the aftermarket is raising concerns over the events.

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has shut down all ports from Maine to Texas, while workers at the Port of Montreal have begun a 72-hour strike. These coordinated actions threaten to severely impact international trade and exacerbate existing supply chain challenges.

The ILA, representing U.S. dockworkers, rejected the United States Maritime Alliance’s (USMX) final proposal, leading to their first coastwide strike in nearly 50 years. Picket lines were set up at waterfront facilities, affecting all Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports.

The Auto Care Association, which represents the automotive aftermarket in the United States, released a statement warning of the disruption labour unrest will have on the industry. It further called on the U.S. government to put an end to the strikes.

The group noted that a significant portion of the auto care industry’s imports and exports ports are handled in the East and Gulf ports. Auto Care warned of billions of dollars in losses and delays in goods movement, impacting repair shops’ and distributors’ abilities to meet demand.

It also noted that estimates show that a day of disruption takes five days to recover. The announcement stated that almost a quarter of aftermarket parts come through the East and Gulf ports.

“Each day that this strike continues, not only does our industry lose out on hundreds of millions of dollars in business, but the nearly 300 million Americans who drive are more at risk on the road as access to service and repair of their vehicles diminishes,” Auto Care Association president Bill Hanvey said. “We are calling on the Biden administration to take all possible and appropriate steps to facilitate a resolution between the two parties so that Americans across the country can get back to work safely.”

The union’s primary demands include significant wage increases and protections against automation, which they argue is threatening jobs and driving unfair practices by foreign-owned shipping companies.

They accused companies of “gouging customers,” noting that the cost of shipping a full container has skyrocketed from $6,000 to $30,000 in recent weeks.

On the other hand, USMX said it had increased its offer to the ILA, proposing nearly 50 per cent wage hikes and better retirement benefits. They called for an extension of the current contract to allow for continued negotiations and avoid further disruption. Despite this, the union remains steadfast, saying the offer falls short.

In Canada, the Port of Montreal is grappling with its own labor unrest. Workers at the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals, which account for 41 per cent of container traffic, initiated a three-day strike on Monday, halting operations at two of the port’s busiest terminals. The Syndicat des débardeurs du port de Montréal (SCFP) union said it was frustrated over failed mediation efforts, saying their efforts to avoid the strike “have not borne fruit.”

The Montreal Port Authority kickied in a business continuity plan, hoping to minimize the broader impact of the strike. However, the port’s CEO, Julie Gascon, warned of the significant disruption to the flow of goods.

“Nearly $6 billion worth of goods are expected to arrive at the port in the coming weeks. The uncertainty surrounding our activities will have a domino effect on importers, exporters and the general public,” she said.

Small businesses are particularly concerned about the impact of these strikes. Jasmin Guenette, vice president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), highlighted the risk to Canada’s supply chain infrastructure, noting that this is the third strike at the Port of Montreal since 2020. He wants to see federal intervention to make ports an essential service.

“It’s simply irresponsible for the unions to take strike action yet again,” Guenette said.

These strikes come as the holiday season approaches, adding to concerns about supply chain disruptions. Everstream Analytics, which tracks supply chain risks, noted that the current situation could lead to widespread congestion at ports, especially as diverted cargo overwhelms the West Coast.

Update

A tentative agreement on the wage portion of the ILA’s contract has been reached. Ports along the U.S. East and Gulf Coast implemented restart plans following the strike. However, negotiations must still take place on issues such as automation and benefits. The deadline for those talks have been extended to January 15, 2025.

“We must now wait to see how quickly the returning workers are able and willing to deal with the huge backlog of ships waiting to offload thousands of containers carrying billions of dollars of goods,” analyst Peter Sand of Xeneta a market and analytics platform, told the Maritime Executive.

Sand further explained that he believes supply chains around the world will feel the effects of the stroke for weeks to come. However, The Maritime Executive noted that many ports that saw closures operated through the weekend and extended hours to help clear backlogs

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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With current CEO Larry Pavey set to retire, The Automotive Parts Services Group announced that Jeff Koviak will take over at the start of next year.

Koviak will lead strategic initiatives for The Group membership, a joint partnership between the Federated Alliance and The Pronto Network that is made up of 300 member companies with more than 5,000 locations and 80,000 employees mostly in North America. His focus will be on maximizing future revenue growth while also streamlining internal systems and resources.

With 26 years at Tenneco, Koviak was most recently the vice president of sales, customer service and sales operations for the Americas, at DRiV, a background that Robert Roos, president and CEO of The Pronto Network called “exceptional.

“During his 30-year career at Tenneco/DRiV, he built strong, long-term, trusting relationships with all of our members, and we are excited to have him join forces with our teams,” Roos added in the announcement.

“We feel Jeff is the ideal candidate to move The Group toward the original goal of strategically unifying the traditional aftermarket partners while still respecting the unique strengths that each of the individual groups offer in their marketplace,” said Sue Godschalk, president of Federated Auto Parts, in a statement.

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Transit Inc. announced the launch of new products under its Kugel brand, the CV Axle New Assembly and the CV Intermediate Shaft.

The CV Axle New Assembly is a new unit designed to meet original equipment standards for fit, form and function. Built entirely from new materials, it eliminates the need for core returns. The assembly features 3D OEM FIT Technology, ensuring a plug-and-play, hassle-free replacement experience with a direct fit guarantee to original equipment. All necessary hardware is included where required.

With 298 SKUs available now, the selection will continue to grow significantly.

“Our goal at Transit has always been to provide automotive components that not only meet but exceed industry standards,” said Simon Bourque, chief operating officer at Transit. “These additions to our offer demonstrate our commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.”

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Continental has announced an expanded line of VDO SingleViu Gauges, designed for use as original equipment or service replacements.

These gauges are compatible with both traditional analog senders and J1939 or OBDII CAN networks. Each gauge features a microprocessor that allows dual-input capability, switching from its default analog input to J1939/OBDII CAN via the SingleViu configuration software. Speedometers and tachometers can also display J1939 system fault codes.

The SingleViu Gauges are water-resistant, fog-proof, and equipped with RGB LED illumination and advanced stepper motors, making them ideal for traditional ‘canned’ gauge applications. They are available in 52mm, 80/85mm, and 100mm diameter sizes, with variants including speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, voltmeter, exhaust gas temperature, ammeter, oil pressure, oil temperature, water temperature, air pressure, brake pressure, hydraulic oil temperature, gear oil pressure, turbo pressure, cylinder temperature, gear pressure, DEF concentration and DEF level.

“SingleViu is one of the most versatile gauge lines we’ve ever offered,” said Jared Hall, product manager of automotive aftermarket, North America at Continental. “These instruments can be used in any on-road, off-road, or stationary application, and they work equally well as original equipment or in retrofit applications. They’re engineered to hold up to the toughest environments, and their level of fit and finish is superb.”

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NTN, the parent company of BCA Bearings, announced the launch of the BCA Wheel Hub with Hardware Kits product line. This adds 27 new SKUs for popular import and domestic applications and coverage for over 16.3 million vehicles in operation.

These kits include a premium OE-quality wheel bearing that includes the hardware needed to install them. The hardware included varies by SKU and includes hub mounting bolts/studs, axle/CV nuts, axle/CV bolts, axle/CV washers, snap rings/circlips, dust caps, grease seals, and O-rings.

Applicable kits also include access to the BCA Bearings Torque Spec Lookup App, which allows installers to access torque specs and any special torque procedures for the proper installation of these products with a scan of a QR code.

“Adding these new Wheel Hub with Hardware Kits to the BCA product line gives our customers the option of a premium, OE quality wheel hub that includes all of the professional grade hardware needed for a convenient installation,” said Matt Gorski, manager of product development. “Every wheel hub replacement is different, and some jobs require replacement of fasteners and other hardware to ensure a safe and reliable outcome.”

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According to a recent survey, the priorities of those working in the automotive aftermarket vary widely by generation.

The Defining Culture Survey shed light on what each generation in the auto care sector prioritizes, what they want to see in the work environment and how they view their peers.

The study was conducted by the Modern Industry Expertise (MiX) Council. It’s a group of industry leaders dedicated to working with the future generation of automotive aftermarket professionals. It was designed to find out how different generations in the industry view the workplace and asked how they view rewards and recognition, diversity and inclusion, technology and more.

Baby Boomers place the highest value on rewards and recognition, and by a wide margin. Almost a quarter (24 per cent) of respondents picked this as their top category, with just 10 per cent of Millennials, 11 per cent of Gen Xers and 4 per cent of Gen Z agreeing.

But Gen Z did put collaboration and teamwork as their top pick (29 per cent) with one in five Gen Xers and 19 per cent of Boomers choosing it. Only 15 per cent of Millennials agreed.

There’s more to come! Stay tuned for a podcast episode dedicated to this topic with Jeff O’Hara, chair of the MiX Council

The Millennials’ top choice was a supportive environment (23 per cent) but even that was lower Gen X (30 per cent) which also picked this as their top category. Even though 19 per cent of Gen Zers picked this category, it was the second highest for them.

But Where Millennials came out ahead of everyone was in the growth and innovation category, though just 13 per cent chose this one. They were followed by Gen Z (10 per cent) and Boomers (5 per cent) No Gen Xers picked this.

Gen Xers were tops for flexibility and adaptability (20 per cent). While 15 per cent of Millennials and 6 per cenf of Gen Zers agreed, no Boomer did at all.

Comments

When asked to comment about the impact other generations have on the workplace, there weren’t many compliments, if any, to go around.

For example, one Boomer comment blasted younger generations’ worth ethic, saying the older cohort is better.

“Seems like younger workers don’t want to get their hands dirty and only want a paycheque,” one Boomer wrote.

Something similar was noted by Gen X. “Younger generation wants the reward but [not] willing to put in the risk and time needed for overall success,” one commented.

Another Gen X noted that hiring bas become difficult because “some younger generations have different thoughts on long-term careers.”

For Millennials, they called out the older generation for being stuck in their ways. It was bought up multiple times that older workers cling to a “things are done this way because this is how we’ve always done it” mentality.

For Gen Z, they noted the need to move towards a different workplace environment. “Getting back to employee-centric is what upcoming generations are trying to do,” one commented.

While another Gen Zer appreciated the in-person work experience, they noted that “Millennials have streamlined the workplace with a heavy focus on technology making work faster and more efficient.”

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Transtar Aftermarket Solutions hosted shops owners and technicians at its Mississauga office for an open house.

Held from 4-7 p.m. on September 25, those who stopped in were able to chat with vendors about their products.

Please see the Instagram Reel and photo gallery below.

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Vancouver played host to Bestbuy Distributors’ annual Buy & Sell event where shareholder members and vendors got together for a few days of work with some play.

With 200 people in attendance for the event from Sept. 15-18, the event kicked off with a welcome reception at the River Rock Casino & Resort, the home base for the event. Attendees networked with each other for the night on the resort’s marina as the sunset.

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The next day featured different activities for the group. One set headed to the Richmond Golf & Country Club while the other took a day tour through downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park and the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

Tuesday morning was dedicated to meetings between shareholders and vendors. Then the whole crew headed to Grouse Mountain for the group night out. Attendees got to take in scenic views of the Vancouver skyline during the cable car ride up to the mountain. They had dinner, networked and enjoyed each other’s company 3,800 feet in the sky in the chalet

The event wrapped up on Wednesday where more meetings were held before everyone headed home.

Check out the Instagram reel for highlights and the photo gallery below for more.

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In an era where the online retail market is more crowded than ever, a positive brand experience, especially during delivery, holds the key to winning over consumers, a recent report outlined.

Almost two-thirds of shoppers said that a great brand experience is more influential than traditional advertising, according to a new report from nShift.

Beyond the Box highlighted that offering a range of delivery options can boost checkout conversions by 20 per cent, showing that the right delivery choices can significantly impact sales. Furthermore, well-managed deliveries can ensure repeat business —two out of three customers said they would likely return for future purchases.

Brand reputation also benefits from having excellent delivery experiences. The vast majority (90 per cent) of consumers trust recommendations from friends — that shows satisfied customers are more likely to advocate for the brand, driving growth through word-of-mouth.

Delivery communications also present new marketing opportunities — customers are more engaged with messages about deliveries and returns, creating an opportunity to send them relevant promotions.

Convenience in delivery options is critical, especially for younger consumers. The report found that 25- to 34-year-olds are the most likely to abandon online shopping carts because of inconvenient delivery options. It shows the need for retailers to prioritize flexible and efficient delivery services.

“When retailers stop seeing deliveries as just a world of boxes and embrace the opportunities the delivery experience can bring, they unlock a world of potential,” said Mattias Gredenhag, chief technology officer at nShift.

He stressed the importance of integrating delivery management with customer experience, noting that logistics and e-commerce teams must collaborate effectively.

“But retailers can only take advantage of these opportunities if delivery management and the customer experience are joined-up. Logistics and ecommerce teams need to be able to collaborate effectively. The right software is crucial,” Gredenhag said.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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A recent survey has found that there are deficiencies in Canadian drivers’ understanding of dashboard warning lights.

The survey for Diono, a maker of children’s car seats, found that a significant number of Canadian drivers struggle to understand their vehicle’s dashboard warning lights, a confusion that could lead to dangerous situations on the road.

The study, which surveyed 2,000 Canadian drivers, aimed to assess how well they recognize and react to various dashboard symbols. Participants were asked to identify common warning lights, with some less familiar symbols included to test their knowledge. The findings suggest that as vehicles become more technologically advanced, driver education on dashboard literacy has not kept pace.

“Drivers understanding what the warning signs on their vehicles mean could be the difference between life and death, for you, your passengers or other road users,” said Tim Maule, CEO of Diono, “These warning signs are there for your safety and should never be ignored. If one comes on, don’t ignore it. If you don’t know what a warning sign means, either refer to your car manual … then seek expert mechanical help if appropriate.”

Confidence in dashboard literacy

When asked about their confidence in identifying dashboard warning lights, the survey revealed a wide range of responses, highlighting a notable gap in driver confidence.

Only 21 per cent of drivers felt extremely confident in their ability to recognize these symbols, while 29 per cent felt quite confident. A significant portion, 33 per cent, only felt moderately confident, and 14 per cent were slightly confident. Just 3 per cent of respondents admitted they were not at all confident in their ability to identify warning lights.

Handling of warning lights

The study also examined how drivers would respond if a warning light appeared on their dashboard and they were unsure of its meaning. The results showed a concerning number of drivers who might ignore potentially critical alerts.

Only 26 per cent of drivers said they would stop their vehicle immediately, demonstrating a cautious approach. Meanwhile, 39 per cent would seek help by calling someone or searching for the warning’s meaning online.

However, 25 per cent indicated they would head directly to an auto repair shop. Just 9 per cent said they would continue driving, hoping the issue would resolve itself.

A small fraction, 1 per cent, admitted they would ignore the light altogether unless something else seemed wrong.

Ease of symbol recognition

When asked whether they find the symbols on car dashboards easy to understand, the responses revealed that nearly half of the drivers struggle with symbol recognition.

While 49 per cent of drivers reported finding the symbols easy to understand, 21 per cent admitted they found them confusing, and 30 per cent were unsure whether the symbols were clear or not.

Ignoring warning lights

Regarding the likelihood of ignoring a warning light, a significant portion of drivers admitted they might overlook such alerts.

While 77 per cent of respondents said they were unlikely to ignore a warning light, showing some level of responsibility, 15 per cent admitted they were somewhat likely to do so, and 8 per cent said they were very likely to dismiss it outright.

The survey also revealed that nearly a third of drivers have ignored a warning light at least once. Specifically, 29 per cent of respondents admitted to having ignored a warning light, while 59 per cent claimed they had never done so, and 12 per cent were unsure if they had.

Among those who previously admitted to ignoring a warning light, a significant portion cited fear of repair costs as their primary reason. Specifically, 29 per cent said they ignored the warning light due to concerns about the potential costs involved.

Additionally, 26 per cent of drivers admitted they did not understand what the warning light meant, while 21 per cent said their car was still functioning normally, so they chose to carry on. Meanwhile, 19 per cent of drivers felt confident they knew what the warning meant and believed it was safe to continue driving, and 5 per cent were unsure of why they ignored the warning.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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BendPak has enhanced its Mobi-EVS Series of EV battery and powertrain lifting systems to boost technician productivity and ergonomics. The new Mobi-EVS4500 and EVS3000 models are stronger, more durable, and easier to maneuver.

These compact, portable lifting systems are powered by a 12-volt DC unit with a deep-cycle battery, eliminating the need for extension cords or air lines. The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene tabletop is durable, impact-resistant, and provides a low-friction surface for easier shifting of heavy components.

Updates include a lower center of gravity, redesigned base frame and scissor assemblies, increased use of high-tensile steel, wider safety assembly, and larger weld sizes. The improved tilt-deck table enhances stability and adjustability.

Mobi-EVS models feature full-length utility trays and new storage bin options for tools and adapters. Enhanced mobility comes from a full-width, U-shaped handle and upgraded swivel casters with a tri-caster locking pin for better control.

A single person can operate the lift with the attached pendant controller, raising the platform over six feet in 18 seconds. The multi-point safety lock system engages automatically. The machine lifts up to 4,500 pounds, while the EVS3000 handles up to 3,000 pounds.

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Bosch has launched the 6.0 software update for its ADS X series scan tools, offering new features, faster scan times and expanded vehicle coverage. The update includes a topology view and battery voltage indicator to enhance diagnostic efficiency.

Key improvements in the 6.0 update include faster scan times, improved by an average of 57 per cent across multiple popular Asian and European brands, including Honda, Volvo, and Land Rover.

The topology view provides a visual representation of vehicle controllers organized along the vehicle’s bus lines, helping technicians identify non-communicating ECUs and linking to OE-color wiring diagrams.

The battery voltage indicator automatically displays the vehicle’s battery voltage in the user interface, helping technicians avoid improper or incomplete scans.

“Our goal for each ADS X scan tool update is to make diagnostic scans more efficient and increase vehicle coverage, allowing shop owners to expand their services,” said Danijela Haskin, senior product manager at Bosch Diagnostics. “The ADS X 6.0 update leveraged insights from repair shop owners and technicians to ensure these updates make their work easier. Because of this user feedback, the 6.0 update will streamline diagnostic scans through increased speed and key software additions.”

Bosch ADS X users with an active subscription can install the update after automatically receiving the download.

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KYB has announced the launch of its new shock assemblies, designed to help service professionals reduce installation times and simplify ordering while providing top-quality OE replacement parts.

The new KYB Shock Assemblies will be available soon for a wide range of vehicles that use rear shock mount technology. These assemblies come complete with the shock, mount, and boot already installed, similar to the KYB Strut-Plus and Truck-Plus complete strut assemblies.

“More and more vehicles have begun using mounts to secure their shocks, as opposed to simply bolting the shock directly to the frame,” said Guna Sathyamurthy, product manager for KYB North America. “Using a mount makes for a stronger, more durable method of installation, resulting in less stress on the shock and a longer shock life.”

By combining the necessary parts into one package with a single part number, KYB eliminates the need to purchase a bare shock, mount kit, and boot kit separately.

“We’ve designed this new product line to be a plug-and-play replacement for vehicles using this installation method,” said Andy Castleman, KYB director of product and marketing. “Including an OE replacement shock with the mount and protective boot already installed allows shops to install these units quickly and easily, reducing rack time and decreasing downtime for vehicle owners.”

KYB’s initial release of complete shock assemblies includes several high VIO late model vehicles, with additional part numbers to be released as the market grows.

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June’s automotive retail sales data revealed notable declines across various segments, including those in the aftermarket, raising concerns within the industry.

DesRosiers Automotive Consultants (DAC) reported a “worrying” drop in automotive retail sales for June, with declines observed across multiple segments.

New vehicle dealers led the way with an 8.6 per cent decrease in sales compared to the same month last year, while used vehicle dealers saw a 6.1 per cent decline.

The aftermarket also saw a significant drop-off. Automotive parts, accessories and tire stores reported a 7.6 per cent decrease in sales for June 2024 compared to June 2023. DesRosiers noted that even though monthly data can be volatile, the scale of the decline is alarming, especially considering the impact of the CDK software outage that affected the industry in June.

Despite the troubling June figures, the consultancy noted that the first half of 2024 showed more stability in the automotive retail sector.

Used vehicle dealers recorded a 0.9 per cent increase in sales, while new vehicle dealers saw a slight 0.5 per cent rise. Conversely, gasoline stations experienced a minor 0.4 per cent decrease in retail sales.

Automotive parts, accessories and tire stores fell behind the pack with a 1.1 per cent decline — however, that number comes off the record high sales seen in the first half of 2023.

“Retail sales have remained stable in the first half overall and have maintained high dollar value figures, but June itself has shown notable weakness,” commented Andrew King, Managing Partner at DAC.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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As consumers express increasing optimism about their current lives, a new EY study highlighted the crucial role of loyalty programs in navigating economic challenges.

The 14th edition of the EY Future Consumer Index (FCI), a global study surveying 23,000 consumers across 30 countries, including 1,500 in the U.S., indicated that American consumers are optimistic about the future.

More than three-quarters (77 per cent) of consumers noted that they think their lives are the same or better now than three to four months ago. Despite easing inflation, the act of saving has become an ingrained consumer behaviour across demographics, with shoppers turning to loyalty programs, private labels, and discounts to cut costs on items they want and need.

Loyalty programs have become more critical than ever. For the past few years, consumers have been balancing a tightrope between brand loyalty and savings. Many consumers have foregone brand affiliation in favour of savings. In the U.S., 49 per cent of consumers noted they’d be willing to download a brand’s app just to receive loyalty promotions or exclusive deals, and 70 per cent would join a company’s loyalty program for free shipping perks. Additionally, 45 per cent used a discount code or voucher while online shopping in the last six months.

“Sales have gone from specific moments in time, like Black Friday and back-to-school, to consistent opportunities for deals — and strong loyalty programs elevate that culture of consistent savings even further,” said Kathy Gramling, EY Americas consumer industry leader. “At the same time, loyalty programs provide brands and retailers with invaluable consumer data to better inform products, programs, and personalized experiences. Winning brands are those that use the data found in loyalty programs to not only attract new customers but also retain and reward existing ones.”

Despite the shift towards online shopping during the pandemic, there’s still significant value in going to the store. The report noted that EY is seeing a notable pivot away from online-first shopping behaviour today. When asked about the main drivers to in-store shopping, 59 per cent of consumers said they make the trip in-store to see, touch, and try items before making a purchase, while 57 per cent noted a desire to bypass shipping.

Consumers have also begun to increasingly value human interaction during their post-purchase journey. More than half (56 per cent) of U.S. consumers noted that interacting with humans is extremely important during product returns and refunds, and an additional 55 per cent found it extremely important when looking to discuss questions or concerns about a product they already bought.

Security remains a significant concern that brands need to address. While consumers continue to shop online, brands must create a sense of security, especially as feelings of distrust rise among consumers. In the U.S., 63 per cent of consumers express extreme concern around online ID fraud and theft, and 60 per cent note extreme fear when it comes to data breaches.

“We are seeing an ongoing juxtaposition between the data consumers are now willing to share online and their concern around data privacy and security,” says Isaac Krakovsky, EY Americas retail leader. “This divide becomes even more evident when there are incentives and deals in play. For brands, this means security and communication around security is a must-have in driving long-term trust.”

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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Standard Motor Products recently released electronic throttle bodies for popular Volvo cars and SUVs through the 2022 model year, as well as Jeep vehicles like the 2024-22 Grand Cherokee and 2024-18 Wrangler.

Additional new coverage includes popular vehicles like the 2024-21 Ford F-150, 2019-15 Hyundai Sonata, and 2022-20 General Motors heavy-duty trucks.

New related components include Accelerator Pedal Sensors for the 2023-21 Hyundai Elantra, 2023-22 Hyundai Tucson and 2023 Kia Sportage.

“Electronic throttle bodies are a product category that barely existed just 20 years ago, but has become one of the industry’s fastest growing underhood categories,” John Herc, vice president of vehicle control marketing at SMP. “We are committed to consistently expanding our extensive, industry-leading ETB program to ensure that service providers look to us for quality and coverage.”

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LTI Tools introduced the new 10-Piece Wheel Hub Master Rethread Kit for Damaged Studs and Bolts.

It allows technicians to quickly repair damaged wheel threading on a variety of vehicles. Auto and Tire Technicians get two rethread kits in one — a precision external stud repair set and an internal bolt tap rethread kit.

The set includes four unique split dies for stud repairs covering more than 90 percent of domestic and import vehicles, including light trucks. Die sizes consist of M14 x 2.0, M14x 1.5, M12 x 1.25, and M12 x 1.5.

The kit also contains replacement O-rings for the split dies as well as a 2-pin socket adapter and a thread gauge. The thread gauge allows the technician to quickly and accurately identify the exact die size to use for the rethread repair. Additionally, this new kit includes four bolt tap thread chasers for import car mounting bolts, import and domestic hex, and even chrome encapsulated fasteners.

“Wheel mounting fasteners become corroded regardless of where the vehicle is driven. They can easily become damaged during a brake job or rotor replacement, especially with unlike materials used in the manufacturing of today’s high-end wheels,” said Milton Specialty Tool Group general manager Jeffrey Del Rossa. “The kit is ideal for tire stores, brake and muffler shops, automotive technicians and DIYers working on their own vehicles.”

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ZF Aftermarket released 25 Electric Axle Drive Repair Kits for cars and SUVs in the U.S. and Canada. The kits enable independent workshops to perform repairs without removing electric axle drives, making it faster and easier for shops to service electric vehicles.

The kits have all the spare parts and fastening elements for the needed repair. Removing the electric motor or the electric axle drive is not required; however, workshops must ensure that only qualified technicians with the proper training carry out the relevant work. High voltage training is required.

“Repair shops are seeing more electric cars and need spare parts to service them. As one of the leading producers of electric drives worldwide, ZF is now making its products available to the independent aftermarket in our region. We are excited to launch these specially compiled kits for 25 repair scenarios on electric axle drives,” said Mark Cali, head of independent aftermarket for the U.S. and Canada at ZF Aftermarket.

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Artificial intelligence can unlock the future of the automotive aftermarket, transforming business operations and boosting profits, according to an industry advisor.

Neury Freitas, partner at Roland Berger explored how AI can revolutionize automotive aftermarket businesses during the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Vision Conference. Highlighting four key areas, he told attendees about how AI can drive revenue growth, cost savings and quality assurance in the industry.

He started with improving revenue. Can it happen with AI? “We think that yes, you can you can gain market share — if your competitors are not doing the same thing,” Freitas observed.

AI tools enable businesses to better identify customer needs and stay abreast of industry trends, he emphasized.

“You can use AI tools and use cases to be really on top of everything that’s happening in the industry. And that will allow you to create personalized aftersales. You can better serve your customers,” Freitas explained. “And in doing so, you can also understand better the end consumer — why are they really wanting? Why did they are looking for?”

Freitas pointed out that many companies are not optimizing their demand forecasting processes.

“When we talk to a lot of few of you in the room, it’s shocking for us. A lot of companies have a very, very simple process of doing the demand forecast,” he said. “A lot of times [they] use historical data, without any real additional steps or machine learning. [There are] tools that are available right now like additional intelligence for demand forecast. So go and deploy those … they are going to help you there.”

Discussing cost savings, Freitas highlighted the potential of AI in commodity procurement during the session, Profitable Deployment of AI in the Automotive Aftermarket, based on insights from MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers 2024 Landmark Study.

“Can we save some money on our costs? Absolutely,” he said. “So the first thing that a lot of companies are deploying right now is commodity procurement. So you will know when to buy, what to buy [and] what’s happening with the trends. You will be able to track more information than a human is able to. And again, use cases they have been developed — it’s something you could go and deploy right now.”

Quality assurance is another critical area where AI can make a significant impact. “When you are producing parts, you can deploy visual AI tools to help make sure that you have the right parts. And then you can go in, identify if there is a problem, what’s the potential root cause and then go back and solve that,” he said. “So you start having issues and you stop having scrapping of production.”

Freitas acknowledged that not all AI use cases will be relevant for every business but urged attendees to look for areas where it can help.

“But off the bat, there will be a few use cases that you can go and deploy and be able to save some money or be able to capture some additional market,” he said.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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Auto Value has announced the launch of its 2024 Amazing New Ride Giveaway fall sweepstakes, now underway.

From September through November, three grand prize winners will be selected, each receiving a brand-new vehicle of their choice.

Professional technicians can earn entries with every qualifying $150 invoice from their Auto Value parts supplier. MyPlace4Parts users are automatically entered with each $150 invoice. Additionally, daily purchases on MyPlace4Parts will be totalled — every $150 increment will earn bonus sweepstakes entries.

“This will be another fantastic sweepstakes promotion from Auto Value,” said Jim Holik, director of marketing for Auto Value. “We appreciate the support of all of our valued channel partners who help make these promotions possible. We are geared up and ready to offer this exciting promotion to technicians and can’t wait to see who gets to walk away with an amazing new ride!”

In addition to the vehicles, Auto Value is giving away 240 gift cards totalling $45,000 to other lucky winners.

The official promotion drawings will take place on October 1st, November 1st and December 15th, 2024, just in time for three grand prize winners to start the new year with a new set of wheels.

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Dana Incorporated has added additional coverage to its line of Spicer Select RPL yokes with new end yoke and weld yoke part numbers.

Newly available Spicer Select RPL yokes include the RPL20 weld yoke (35-20RY607), RPL20 end yoke (35-20WYSC3818), RPL25 weld yoke (35-25RY683), RPL25 end yoke (35-25WYS361), and RPL25 end yoke (35-25WYS442).

“Spicer Select RPL yokes are engineered to help minimize noise and vibration, and keep drivelines running smoothly,” said Bill Nunnery, senior director, sales and marketing, global aftermarket for Dana.  “By expanding the line of Spicer Select RPL yokes, Dana offers its customers the quality and comprehensive coverage they need to build driveshafts quickly and efficiently.”

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Aisin has expanded its product line to include EFI Tank Additive for gasoline engines only.

After being added to the fuel tank and while the vehicle is running, the AISIN EFI Tank Additive removes carbon deposits, which can easily build up in older cars used for short distance driving, and restores the vehicle’s performance. AISIN EFI Tank Additive cleaner helps consumers perform preventive maintenance, and cleans fuel injectors, intake valves and the combustion chamber while the vehicle is being driven.

The benefits of AISIN EFI Tank Additive include improved fuel mileage, restoration of drivability and improvement in acceleration and acceleration response, elimination of rough idling, knock prevention, prevention of carbon deposits from accumulating and improved vehicle performance.

“Consumers can be assured that the formulation of this product provides the highest level of cleaning allowable in pursuit of increased drivability and performance,” said Larrow Kaufman, senior sales manager, aftermarket division at Aisin World Corp. of America

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With a more complex supply chain due to more players and reduced reliance on China, the question was asked of supplier leaders if customers would be willing to pay more if it led to a stronger supply chain that was more reliable.

The question was tackled by Gino Amador, president of Snap-on Equipment, and Eric Sills, CEO of Standard Motor Products during the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Vision Conference. They emphasized the critical balance between cost and resilience, highlighting the lingering impacts of past supply chain crises and the evolving expectations of customers during the session The Race to Mexico … and Beyond.

“Nobody will pay for theoretical resilience. But everyone will pay for actual resilience when the other guy can’t show,” Amador asserted, capturing the practical reality of customer expectations.

He then impressed upon the industry to build strong resiliency measures by paraphrasing an old proverb: “The people that are resilient don’t pray for an easier time, they pray for stronger shoulders.”

Sills empathized with consumers, understanding why supply chain resilience is a hot topic.

“I think it’s because there continues to be a certain amount of PTSD still coming out of [how] the supply chain was in the last couple of years,” he said, referring to the pandemic that left the aftermarket with empty shelves at times.

This ongoing concern drives customers to seek assurances from suppliers about their ability to withstand future disruptions, Sills added.

Customers, he further noted, are increasingly wary of relying too heavily on China.

“They’re expecting us to reduce our reliance on China. We’ve been talking a lot about supply chain diversification, the ultimate source of supply, so on and so forth. And so it’s clearly top of mind for them,” he explained.

This presents an opportunity for suppliers to demonstrate their supply chain strategies.

“We do satisfy a lot of what you’re expecting,” Sills said.

However, Sills acknowledged the challenge of balancing resilience with cost competitiveness.

“As the shelves get replenished … they may be willing to pay a little bit more, but not a lot more,” he said.

Customers expect suppliers to remain competitive while mitigating risks associated with low-cost products from China.

“It’s an ongoing dialogue with all of our customers. And I think that there’s receptivity to it. But it’s still going up against the low-cost product and people will take some risks with that,” Sills said.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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E-commerce auto parts market has experienced phenomenal growth, with sales exceeding $35 billion in 2023 in the United States — a 50 per cent increase over 2020 and more than triple the 2016 volume, according to Lang Marketing’s report, “E-commerce Auto Parts Sales Triple.”

Lang Marketing’s analysis divides the e-commerce auto parts market into three major categories: do-it-yourself (DIY), business-to-business (B2B), and online-to-offline (o2o).

DIY e-commerce involves auto parts purchases made by individuals rather than professional technicians or businesses. B2B e-commerce includes transactions between businesses such as distributors, retailers and installers. Online-to-Offline e-commerce covers the online purchase of auto parts that are then installed offline by authorized repair shops.

The report found big shifts in the e-commerce shares of these segments. DIY, which dominated nearly three-quarters of the e-commerce market in 2016, has seen its share decline to less than 60 per cent by 2023. In contrast, o2o volume has grown significantly, expanding its share by about two-thirds over the past seven years. Meanwhile, B2B transactions, though still representing the smallest share of the e-commerce auto parts market, have doubled in size since 2016.

Growth dynamics also vary widely among the three categories. While DIY sales captured the largest share of e-commerce product growth over the past seven years, their overall market share has diminished. Transactions in the o2o space, however, have taken a larger share of the total e-commerce aftermarket growth between 2016 and 2023 than their current market share reflects. B2B sales have similarly outpaced their market share in contributing to e-commerce growth during the same period.

The report also noted a shift in the sales channels for e-commerce auto parts, particularly between platforms and e-sellers. The shares of first-party (1P) and third-party (3P) segments of e-commerce auto parts sales have changed over the past seven years, reflecting broader trends in the marketplace.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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The design of vehicles, including their size, shape, and technological features, profoundly affects the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users, according to Jessica Cicchino, senior vice president of research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

One critical finding from IIHS research is that SUVs, pickups, and light vans pose a greater risk to pedestrians and cyclists compared to sedans. The prevalence of SUVs on U.S. roads has increased from 24 per cent of registered vehicles in 2013 to 36 per cent in 2023, she wrote in a piece entitled, Designers must make vehicles safe for everyone — not just drivers and passengers

IIHS studies reveal that the height and bluntness of these vehicles’ front ends contribute to their danger. Vehicles with front ends over 40 inches high, as well as those with blunt fronts between 30 and 40 inches, are more likely to be involved in fatal pedestrian crashes than vehicles with shorter, more sloping fronts. Despite these findings, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) proposed pedestrian protection testing program does not fully address the disproportionate role of larger vehicles in pedestrian fatalities, Cicchino wrote.

Another concern is poor visibility from larger vehicles, which may contribute to their higher involvement in pedestrian crashes at intersections. Features like the A-pillar or large side mirrors can obscure drivers’ views of crossing pedestrians. IIHS is investigating whether poor visibility is a significant factor in these turning crashes, she wrote.

However, not all trends in vehicle design are negative. Since 2019, IIHS has rated pedestrian crash avoidance systems, which alert drivers to pedestrians and automatically apply brakes if necessary. These systems have been shown to reduce pedestrian crash rates by 27 per cent, and even when they do not prevent crashes, they can lower injury severity by reducing impact speed, Cicchino wrote.

Such technology is becoming standard in more vehicles, and NHTSA has mandated it for new vehicles starting in 2029. Although crash prevention systems for cyclists are less common, they hold promise for future safety improvements.

Additionally, the quality of vehicle headlights has improved, with the percentage receiving a good rating from IIHS rising from 1 per cent in 2016 to 42 per cent in 2023. Vehicles with high-rated headlights have 23 per cent lower nighttime pedestrian crash rates compared to those with poor-rated headlights.

While vehicle design and technology are crucial for improving safety, Cicchino noted that they are not a complete solution. It can take decades for new safety features to become widespread.

“Moreover, even advanced technology will not prevent every crash, which means that safe infrastructure will always be needed,” she wrote. “Setting and enforcing safe speed limits, designing roads to require drivers to choose safe speeds, modifying intersections and crosswalks to increase pedestrian visibility and driver awareness, and increasing the separation between pedestrians and cyclists from motor vehicle traffic are needed now to fill that gap.”

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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Younger generations are leading the way in collector car enthusiasm, a recent survey has found.

The survey from Hagerty, titled Future of Driving 2024 found that Gen Z is fueling a growing interest in classic cars, trucks and motorcycles. It found that 60 per cent of Gen Z respondents expressed a desire to own a classic car, a significant jump compared to 31 per cent of Baby Boomers.

This enthusiasm among the younger generation signals a promising future for the collector car market, the company said.

“The next generation of car enthusiasts is here, creating a vibrant market for us to help enthusiasts protect, buy, sell and enjoy their special vehicles,” said McKeel Hagerty, CEO and chairman of Hagerty. “The data is clear that Gen Z isn’t just playing car video games, watching YouTube or creating social media content; they’re also finding ways to participate in the collector car community.”

The survey polled more than 2,000 Americans. It further found that driving passion persists despite the rise of digital entertainment and alternative transportation methods. More than three-quarters (77 per cent) of Gen Z respondents stated that they either loved or liked driving, suggesting that the joy of driving is very much alive among the younger generation.

They have a strong desire for classic vehicles. Gen Z and Millennials are nearly neck and neck when it comes to owning or wanting to own a classic vehicle, with 32 per cent and 30 per cent, respectively, reporting current or previous ownership.

And while SUVs dominate, luxury vehicles attract Gen Z: While SUVs remain the most popular vehicle type among respondents (38 per cent), Gen Z shows a notable affinity for luxury cars, with 23 per cent showing interest in owning one, just behind the 26 per cent who favor SUVs.

They also showed an emotional connection to driving: Half of the respondents who drive reported feeling a sense of freedom behind the wheel, with adventurous (28 per cent) and calm (24 per cent) being other top emotions associated with driving.

The survey also found that DIY repairs are popular among Millennials: While most car owners prefer taking their vehicles to dealerships or service centers for maintenance (55 per cent), 27 per cent reported performing DIY repairs. Millennials, in particular, are leading the charge in this area, with 34 per cent of them opting to handle repairs themselves.

Hagerty’s findings also suggested that younger car enthusiasts are diversifying their interests, focusing on a broad range of vehicles from the past four decades. This trend is driven in part by social media and the accessibility of online and in-person car events, which serve as critical entry points into the hobby.

According to the survey, 40 per cent of respondents said their first exposure to classic and enthusiast cars came from attending car shows, which Hagarty said highlights the importance of these events in fostering a new generation of collectors.

Platforms like YouTube (39 per cent) and Instagram (38 per cent) are playing significant roles in how Gen Z interacts with classic vehicles, often serving as their first point of contact with the hobby. Additionally, driving itself remains a key way for these young enthusiasts to engage with classic cars, with 35 per cent citing it as a primary method of interaction.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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Joe’s Garage is set to expand its offerings with new events, extensive hands-on training and an ADAS-focused presentation stage during the automotive aftermarket industry’s biggest annual event.

Located on Level 1 of The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, Joe’s Garage will serve as a comprehensive hub for automotive professionals. It will host the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA) Powertrain Expo, the largest gathering of transmission repair specialists globally. With around 100 exhibiting companies, the expo will offer an unparalleled showcase of innovation, expertise, and cutting-edge technology in the powertrain and automotive sectors.

AAPEX 2024 will debut a new event where student teams will compete to disassemble and reassemble an engine using only hand tools. The competition will feature eight pairs of students from secondary schools across the U.S., with quarterfinals and semifinals on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 5 and 6, culminating in the final on Thursday, November 7.

Returning will be a fully operational 10-bay shop equipped with lifts and vehicles for hands-on learning. Daily product and equipment demonstrations will be led by exhibiting manufacturers and suppliers. Additionally, AAPEX will offer live training sessions in Bay 6, covering advanced topics such as Tesla drivetrain problem-solving, electric vehicles (EVs), servicing the Mach-E and the advanced application of electrical theory.

The ADAS stage will feature product introductions, essential training and insights into the latest industry trends. The expanded EV Experience will spotlight products and services on the show floor, with focused presentations and training on electric vehicle repair and service occurring on the EV Stage.

Training partners ATRA and WorldPac/WTI have joined the lineup, offering about 20 specialized sessions. More than 100 technical and business management training opportunities will be available. ASE has also highlighted specific sessions within the AAPEX training schedule to assist attendees in preparing for ASE certifications.

Joe’s Garage will also include special sections dedicated to tools & equipment, diagnostics/telematics/shop management solutions, tire servicing, and transmission suppliers.

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With the rising prices of new vehicles, car owners are placing greater emphasis on maintaining their current vehicles. To help, they’re reaching for premium brand products, according to a recent survey.

A survey of 2,000 American car owners, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Pennzoil, found that 73 percent of respondents are taking better care of their vehicles as new car prices continue to climb. This trend is driving a significant preference for brand-name products in vehicle maintenance, with 57 per cent of car owners opting for well-known brands over private-label alternatives, which only garnered 34 per cent of the preference.

Nathan Shipley, executive director of industry analysis in automotive at Circana, showed data at AAPEX 2023 from the last three years and it all suggested that numbers are flat in the private label area.

“But there’s not some major shift to private label like I think a lot of us would expect as we have gotten into a little bit tougher economic times this year,” he said during his session, Aftermarket Outlook 2024.

He noted that higher-income consumers are frequenting the aftermarket more often. Retailers, he said, need to account for that when thinking about their product offerings.

The survey noted that vehicle maintenance products are among the most regretted private-label purchases, ranking in the top three across all product categories in the past month. This finding further underscores the importance consumers place on trusted, high-quality brands for maintaining their vehicles.

Motor oil, in particular, is a key focus for many car owners, especially those who rely on professionals for maintenance services, known as DIFM (do-it-for-me) consumers. Nearly two-thirds of these consumers are willing to spend more on motor oil to protect their vehicle’s value over time. Brand familiarity plays a critical role in their decisions, with nearly 60 percent of DIFM consumers stating that it influences their purchasing choices.

The survey also found that consumers believe premium brands perform better over time and are more trustworthy compared to private-label products.

“Consumers are recognizing the long-term benefits of investing in premium products for their vehicles,” said Amanda Luce, Pennzoil Brand Manager. “This survey underscores that consumers see the tangible benefits of choosing premium brands … knowing that their investment will help to drive value for their vehicle over time.”

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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Image credit: Depositphotos.com

As e-commerce heats up, a new study shows that high delivery costs and complicated checkout processes are driving shoppers to abandon their carts, underscoring the critical need for retailers to perfect their delivery game.

A new consumer study conducted by Retail Week in partnership with nShift highlighted the critical role of delivery in the success of e-commerce retailers. The study, Shopper Unlocked: Inside the Minds of 1,000 Consumers, found that 95 per cent of shoppers have abandoned a shopping basket at some point. High delivery costs are the leading cause, with 62 per cent of shoppers citing this as their reason.

Complicated checkout processes were blamed by nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of shoppers, while around 20 per cent pointed to poor delivery timeframes and unsatisfactory return policies as key issues.

Customers highly value convenience in their shopping experience, with nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of respondents indicating that the ability to choose the time and date of delivery is very important. Additionally, 62 per cent of shoppers stated they would not purchase again from a retailer after a single bad delivery experience.

David Carey, senior vice president of customer experience at nShift, emphasized the importance of flawless delivery experiences.

“These results hammer home just how little patience most consumers have for bad delivery experiences — and how important it is for retailers to get deliveries right every time,” he said in the announcement about the survey findings. “As we move into the second half of the year and the peak shopping season, the most successful retailers are likely going to be those that focus on delivery and experience management as a business-critical point of difference.”

To help retailers prepare, nShift offered five key tips:

1. Offer a broad range of delivery choices: Retailers must provide a variety of fulfillment options, including different delivery costs, times, and locations. Doing so can increase conversions by 20 per cent.
2. Clearly communicate on returns: While free returns are popular among shoppers, they may not be feasible for all retailers. Regardless of the policy, it must be clearly communicated and prominently displayed on the website.
3. Use returns to your advantage: Returns are inevitable during peak periods, but with efficient processes, retailers can convert up to 30 per cent of returns-related refunds into exchanges and repeat business.
4. Take ownership of the post-purchase experience: The relationship with the customer does not end at checkout. Personalized communications, branded messaging, and real-time tracking can enhance the post-purchase experience, fostering customer loyalty and repeat purchases.
5. Ensure your core delivery management capability is up to scratch: Retailers need multi-carrier capabilities to ensure transport capacity during busy periods and offer the range of delivery options that shoppers seek, including local pick-up points.

“Customers expect delivery to be sculpted around their lifestyle,” Carey said. “It will be no different as peak season draws near. Being match-fit for peak season depends on taking the right steps now, so retailers can truly differentiate through deliveries.”

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Vast-Auto Distribution held its annual golf tournament at the Club de Golf de l’Île de Montréal, drawing over 150 participants on August 14.

The event featured representatives from Parts City Auto Parts stores, repair shops from the M 360 Mechanic, Certified Auto Repair, Octo Auto Service Plus and Auto Mécano networks. Also in attendance were business partners, suppliers, and members of the management team.

The tournament was not only a day of enjoyable golf but also a significant fundraiser, raising $25,000 for two local charities. The funds will be donated to ALS Quebec, which supports research on ALS and provides assistance to affected families, and the Welcome Hall Mission in Montreal, which provides resources for individuals facing homelessness and other challenges.

The success of the event was attributed to the generosity of suppliers and partners, highlighting the community’s commitment to supporting important causes.

“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this successful event,” the company said in an announcement. “Your support is making a difference in our community.”

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Amsoil has introduced a new line of Synthetic-Blend Motor Oils tailored for lubricant installers and their customers. This latest offering includes three viscosities — 0W-20, 5W-20, and 5W-30 — each with more than 50 per cent synthetic content for enhanced engine protection compared to conventional oils.

The oil options provide all-temperature protection, managing heat to prevent deposits, oil thickening and excessive consumption. Its detergent and dispersant additives work to maintain engine cleanliness and efficiency.

“Most shops offer a synthetic-blend option for customers in addition to high-mileage and full-synthetic choices,” said “We want to be the premier choice for oil-change professionals,” said Alex Thompson, Amsoil’s senior product manager of automotive. “Adding Amsoil Synthetic-Blend Motor Oil to our full line of top-performing synthetic products makes AMSOIL a strong partner for shops that want to provide their customers with the best protection in each category.”

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Denios-US has introduced Chemsorb Acid Neutralizer, a lightweight silica-free product to absorb and neutralize acid spills up to three times faster.

This loose absorbent includes color change technology, which indicates when neutralization has occurred to enhance safety and provide clear visual feedback to users.

It works for various acids like battery, muriatic, hydrochloric, sulfuric, phosphoric acids (except hydrofluoric), etching solutions, plating solutions and more. It pulls acid into its core, traps the solution, and leaves a dry residue-free surface. Sweep or shovel up after use

Each 10-pound bag can neutralize and absorb up to 2.5 gallons of fluid.

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Plews & Edelmann expanded coverage with 61 new parts across both the Edelmann and Edelmann Elite line of products.

The new releases include 42 power steering hoses with coverage for over 16 million registered vehicles with applications from GM, Ford, Acura, and Toyota, including GM crossovers and fleet-oriented Ford Super Duty applications.

There are also six power steering hard parts that have been added to the Edelmann Elite line of new racks, pumps, and gears. The newly introduced SKUs include 5 pumps, and 1 rack exclusive to Plews & Edelmann. This brings the total number of new hard parts SKUs in the program to 374 with 65 total exclusives.

A new fully synthetic Honda/Acura power steering fluid that provides coverage to over 13 million vehicles in operation.

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Worldpac executive vice president Bob Cushing speaks during Worldpac STX 2024 in Nashville

The future of Worldpac is now clearer following the long-awaited announcement about its next owner.

Advance Auto Parts announced on Aug. 22 that it has agreed to sell Worldpac for $1.5 billion in cash to funds managed by global investment firm Carlyle. The transaction is expected to close before the end of the year.

Worldpac was put on the block in November last year after Advance president and CEO Shane O’Kelly said he’s been working with the board and management in reviewing the business.

Read more: Experts offer their thoughts on the sale

Advance’s Canadian business, Carquest, was also said to be for sale though no announcement or updates about it have been provided.

“The sale enables our team to sharpen their focus on decisive actions to turn around the Advance blended box business,” O’Kelly said in an announcement. “Proceeds from the transaction will provide greater financial flexibility as we continue our strategic and operational review to improve the productivity of the company’s remaining assets and better position the company for future growth and value creation.”

He went on to thank the 5,000-plus members of the Worldpac team over the last 10 years, when Advance acquired Worldpac.

Carlyle is no stranger to the aftermarket and automotive as its portfolio includes the likes of Axalta, specialty chemicals company Nouryon and Allison Transmission.

“We are excited to partner with Worldpac, a great business operating in attractive markets,” said Wes Bieligk, a partner, and Katherine Barasch, a senior member of Carlyle’s Global Industrials investing team. “Our proven track record in executing complex carve-outs position us uniquely to support Worldpac and its team as an independent company.”

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The news of Worldpac’s sale to a private equity group was met positively by industry observers and experts, seeing it as a good deal for both Advance Auto Parts and Worldpac.

On Aug. 22, Advance announced a $1.5 billion deal to sell Worldpac, a wholesale distributor of automotive replacement parts, specializing in import vehicle components, to a private equity firm, Carlyle.

“Advance has been struggling with operations and integration and they needed the cash,” observed Kumar Saha, columnist for Jobber News and U.S. vice president and Canadian managing director for Eucon, a global automotive data firm. “Worldpac had remained largely independent in their operations, so the sale was the easiest plug-and-play.”

The sale to private equity was not much of a surprise as many speculated that to be the ultimate path.

Former Worldpac executive and now-retired aftermarket veteran Joe Mercanti figured this was the best result for Worldpac, which was resource-starved as part of Advance and there being a mismatch in business models.

“It just didn’t mix,” he said about the two models. “They tried to mix it, but it just didn’t mix. So I think it’s going to be good.”

“Worldpac had remained largely independent in their operations, so the sale was the easiest plug-and-play.”

Ken Coulter, president of Ontario-based Specialty Sales & Marketing Inc., was encouraged by the sale, expecting it to lead to greater internal investment.

“Since the announcements of a pending sale last year, no doubt many initiatives at Worldpac have probably been slowed down or on hold,” he told Auto Service World. “With a path forward now in place, one can expect to see some investments forthcoming in logistics, human resources, etc.”

However, Saha thought Worldpac could fill the needs of a traditional aftermarket company, given its specialty within the import market.

“I am surprised that a strategic buyer did not target Worldpac, considering its import focus could fill holes for the likes of an AutoZone or Canadian Tire,” he told Auto Service World. “But PEs make the most compelling offers and may have made the most financial sense for Advance.”

Bob Cushing, Worldpac, and Shane O’Kelly, Advance Auto Parts, speak to the media at the 2024 Wordlpac STX event in Nashville

To that point, Coulter figured that other aftermarket networks probably checked in — and maybe even placed a bid.

“On a purchase such as Worldpac, it would have to make sense to an existing network in all aspects — strategic, financial, logistical, etc.,” Coulter observed. “If it fit all categories with an existing network, we would probably be reading a different news brief today.”

Mercanti said he didn’t hear about an aftermarket company being included in the process but figured if one ultimately closed the deal, they’d face the same integration problems Advance had because of the different, and unique, model that Worldpac is.

“You can’t mix the two. It’s two different things,” Mercanti said in an interview. “I think it’s great that it’s an equity company and they’ll see that Worldpac makes money.”

“I think it’s great that it’s an equity company and they’ll see that Worldpac makes money.”

And there doesn’t seem to be much of a concern about a private equity owner — any fears that the company may be slashed to either improve the bottom line or spun off again weren’t there for the experts we spoke to.

Coulter called it a good move. “Carlyle is extremely diverse and not oblivious to our aftermarket historically or currently,” he said, pointing to Axalta as being a market leader.

Carquest was also mentioned at the same time back in November as being for sale but no deal has been announced, neither has an update been provided. Coulter doesn’t believe there’s as much urgency to sell Advance’s Canadian operations.

“Carquest Canada is still a viable entity today with decent corporate store capacities and an extremely loyal associate following,” he pointed out. “There are also different means in which Canada can contribute to the transitions taking place with Advance/Carquest south of the border.  That does not mean to say that if someone came along with a cheque today [that] a sale would not take place.”

But Carquest will be a harder sell, Mercanti predicted.

“It’s going to be hard to separate it from what they have now,” he explained. “I mean, their computer systems are all hooked into Advance and a lot of other things. I think it’s not going to be an easier sale.”

He noted other large groups could be interested in Carquest, like LKQ or NAPA — but they’re so big already that they don’t really need it.

“So who’s going buy? I mean, someone can buy it just get rid of a competitor,” Mercanti said, adding that it could instead be an entry point for an American company to move north.

“Once key elements have been addressed, look for aggressive marketing and sales strategies in an attempt to garner growth and market share in the coming years ahead.”

Now that one of the biggest deals has taken place, what will change in the aftermarket?

“Private equity corporations don’t buy companies to stay the same or hum along as they were,” Coulter explained. “Canada is different, so we will probably see a different approach here, as opposed to the USA.

“Once key elements have been addressed, look for aggressive marketing and sales strategies in an attempt to garner growth and market share in the coming years ahead.”

Mercanti agreed and echoed Coulter’s earlier sentiments about Worldpac now being able to grow with this chapter now closing.

“They’ll put all kinds of resources into it and then grow it,” he predicted. “Because even when I was there, I know we were being starved of growth. I know if they put in 10 more locations, they can double their business.

“Their business model works. That’s the thing. The business model works.”

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Image credit: Depositphotos.com

The future of the relatively new trade agreement in North America is in question as trade concerns and the shadow of China relations loom large, an industry government relations expert warned.

Ann Wilson, senior vice president of government affairs for MEMA, shed light on the impending renegotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and its potential implications for the automotive aftermarket. During the Advocacy Town Hall during the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Vision Conference in Detroit this year, she highlighted the intertwined issues of USMCA renegotiation and the growing presence of Chinese suppliers in Mexico, emphasizing the complex dynamics at play.

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was renegotiated and transformed into the USMCA, which came into effect on July 1, 2020. The USMCA was designed to include updated provisions to address modern trade issues, ranging from digital trade to intellectual property to labour standards.

The deal is up for renegotiation in 2026.

However, Wilson noted the critical intersection of this renegotiation with the increasing number of Chinese suppliers in Mexico. “You see how these two issues are going to be interwoven. And how this government — the Biden administration, the Trump administration, Congress — is going to find lots of different ways not just to tariff products from China, but potentially prohibit the importation of those products overall,” she said.

While the content dispute resolution that the U.S. lost to Canada and Mexico early last year was primarily an OE issue, it has broader implications for the automotive sector, Wilson explained.

“Canada, the United States and Mexico had to have a dispute resolution [last] year, where they talked about the amount of content that would be considered USMCA content so you don’t have to pay tariffs on it. And this was for motor vehicles. The United States lost that battle because they wanted more U.S. content,” she explained in a simplified version of the conflict.

There is growing sentiment in the U.S. political landscape that trade might not be beneficial for the country, Wilson noted.

“And what we’re trying to say is, we’re pro-North America,” Wilson emphasized.

She argued that the North American auto industry is vital for competing globally against regions like Europe and Asia, including China.

A contentious renegotiation process for USMCA in 2026 can be anticipated, according to Wilson, and it may involve complex political agendas from all three countries.

“It’s going to be a fight. It’s going to be a fight within the United States. The ambassador from Canada, they have their own political agenda here, too,” she said.

Wilson noted that the renegotiation could potentially open up significant changes, especially for Canada. “So I think all three countries are preparing for a massive new look at USMCA in 2026.”

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I’m used to sharing insights with the independent repair shop community but I want to offer parts suppliers across Canada a deeper look into the world of independent shops. Understanding the origins and mindset of these shops can unlock opportunities for stronger partnerships and business growth.

These insights are not just theoretical but stem from real-world experiences and interactions with shop owners and technicians. By delving into their day-to-day challenges and aspirations, we can foster a more collaborative and supportive industry environment.

The mindset

Independent repair shops face numerous external pressures. They frequently voice frustrations about inaccessible information, rising tool costs, public parts sales and uncooperative dealers. While these challenges are significant, they reflect the changing landscape of the industry rather than insurmountable obstacles. It’s often easier for repair shops to blame external factors than to make internal changes, partly because there are few platforms for them to vent constructively.

As you read this, you might recognize some of your customers in these descriptions.

So, how can we move forward? The answer lies in balancing transactional needs with building strong relationships.

It’s often easier for repair shops to blame external factors than to make internal changes, partly because there are few platforms for them to vent constructively.

Practical tips for parts suppliers

Tip 1: Simplify returns and order policies

A simple, easy-to-understand returns and order policy can make a huge difference. Provide clear signage and parts bins for drop-offs and returns at the shop. This common understanding streamlines the process, making it slick and painless for both your team and theirs.

Tip 2: Consistency is key

Feedback from repair shops often highlights the inconsistency of reps’ visits.

Typically, a visit goes something like this: “Hey John, how’s it going? Any returns or problems for me? Bye!” This doesn’t build a relationship.

Establish a solid schedule for your reps and hold them accountable for growing the business. Equip them with tools to add value during their visits.

Tip 3: Address stock issues

Help independent repair shops manage their stock better. Report on stock turnover for their most-used items and discuss this during regular rep visits. This educates your customers about parts business dynamics and separates consumables from other items, allowing for focused conversations about bulk versus individual purchases.

Tip 4: Consider consignment

Consignment can be a game-changer for top-performing stores. By consigning their top lines to the store and having reps check and restock during visits, you not only ensure they have what they need but also give your reps a chance to manage obsolete or unused stock. This frees up capital for the shops and strengthens your relationship with them.

Independent repair shops want more parts in stock and faster delivery, while parts suppliers aim to build relationships. These goals may seem at odds, but they can be harmonized

Building relationships

Independent repair shops want more parts in stock and faster delivery. Meanwhile, parts suppliers aim to build relationships. These goals may seem at odds, but they can be harmonized. By addressing practical needs efficiently, you lay the groundwork for stronger, more collaborative relationships.

Consistency, clear communication, and proactive problem-solving are key. Understand your customers’ challenges and provide solutions that make their lives easier. This approach not only boosts their business but also strengthens your standing as a reliable partner.

Conclusion

The world of independent repair shops is filled with passionate, hardworking individuals who face unique challenges. By understanding their origins and mindset, parts suppliers can develop strategies that address their practical needs while building lasting relationships. Simplifying returns, maintaining consistency, managing stock effectively, and considering consignment are just a few ways to bridge the gap.

Ultimately, the success of your partnership with your repair shop hinges on your ability to balance transactional efficiency with relationship-building. Embrace this dual approach, and you’ll not only meet their immediate needs but also foster loyalty and mutual growth.

Please write in and comment on this article if it resonates with you. Your feedback is invaluable in continuing this important conversation.

Greg Aguilera is a director of IAC Canada, an organization dedicated to the management development of repair shops in Canada. He can be reached at greg@intautoconsulting.com.

The post From the Magazine: A stronger partnership appeared first on Auto Service World.

Sonny Riddle

Sonny Riddle has been lured out of retirement to become the director of sales in the U.S. at NRS Brakes.

The announcement highlighted his “wealth of experience in the automotive industry.” It also pointed to his ability for driving growth and building strong industry relationships.

“This is true OE technology now available in the aftermarket, and that excites me,” Riddle said about the NRS brand and why he came out of retirement.

“Sonny’s extensive sales background and deep understanding of the automotive landscape make him a valuable asset to our team,” said Montu Khokhar, CEO of NRS Brakes. “We’re confident his contributions will accelerate our growth and help us achieve new milestones.”

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Transit Inc. announced it expanded its range of new CMX calipers with 160 new additions.

That brings its total offerings to nearly 600 for a product introduced earlier this year.

“The addition of new SKUs is a very important aspect for our customers,” said Pierre-Luc Vachon, sales director of Transit. “It strengthens our position in this segment and illustrates our promise to offer more efficiency, more choices, and more service.”

In addition to the new caliper assemblies, CMX also offers coverage for its ceramic brake pads and OE brake rotors.

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Renewable Lubricants’ new Bio-Plus Injector Cleaner is a multi-functional, synthetic biobased product that enhances engine performance for passenger vehicles. It meets performance standards set by the EPA and major automotive manufacturers

It also meets stringent criteria set by BMW for lifetime intake valve deposit control when used continuously. Tests show that using synthetic polymeric dispersants can improve fuel efficiency by up to 15 per cent and reduce exhaust emissions by up to 18 per cent.

Bio-Plus is an ideal choice for all grades of gasoline, including those containing oxygenates. It will not affect octane ratings or harm catalytic converters.

Bio-Plus Injector Cleaner’s unique blend of synthetic polymeric dispersants, antioxidants, demulsifier components, and anti-corrosive agents provides essential cleaning and upkeep for intake valves and combustion chambers. It reduces valve issues and restores power to result in smoother accelerations and less tendency to stall on idle.

The post Injector cleaner released by Renewable Lubricants appeared first on Auto Service World.

The Rotary Flex Max Linker is now available. It allows technicians to connect and control up to 18 Rotary Flex Max mobile column lifts using a single remote control. This innovation facilitates lifting large-scale vehicles like heavy-duty trucks, multi-axle buses, coaches, railway wagons, and more.

“With the launch of the Flex Max Linker, we are thrilled to offer a product that brings unprecedented convenience and safety to heavy-duty vehicle repair,” said Mike Rozzi, heavy duty product manager for Rotary. “Connecting more than a dozen columns with a single, easy-to-use remote, technicians will experience new levels of efficiency and flexibility. This innovative solution is set to transform repair shops, making operations smoother and more secure than ever before.”

Linking the mobile columns together can be done with the pushbutton controls and digital display on the remote. Each linked system can consist of two, four or six columns to adapt to the type and size of vehicle to be lifted.

The Flex Max Linker will be compatible with all of Rotary’s Flex Max mobile column lift models. Each pair of mobile columns features adjustable wheel forks for various wheel sizes, with minimal setup time and industry-leading lifting mobility and power.

The post New lift linker from Rotary appeared first on Auto Service World.

Three stores in Newfoundland are now part of the Vast-Auto family.

The Montreal-based auto parts supplier announced it added three new Parts City Auto Parts company-owned stores. Formerly known as Browne’s Auto Supplies, the stores are located in Mount Pearl, St. John’s and Bay Roberts, Newfoundland.

In the announcement, Mauro Cifelli, president of Vast-Auto, welcomed the new team members to the company, noting it serves as a springboard for the company to expand further in the province.

“The stores will continue to operate at their current addresses and their phone numbers remain the same. The team members are excited to continue to serve their customers’ auto parts needs as members of Parts City Auto Parts,” he added. “Our priority will be to capitalize on our high-quality parts, exceptional product availability, strong distribution network, and outstanding team members to deliver excellent customer service.”

These new locations add to Vast-Auto’s two distribution centers and seven satellite warehouses — five in Ontario — that support company-owned stores, independent partners and service centres across Eastern Canada.

The company added its latest warehouse in May in Oakville, Ont. The company noted the addition as part of its growth strategy, a move that was indicated following its acquisition by O’Reilly Automotive at the end of 2023.

“This is a significant milestone and fantastic opportunity for Vast-Auto and will be a catalyst to accelerate our expansion throughout Canada,” president and CEO Mauro Cifelli said in December in an announcement about the acquisition.

The post Vast adds three Newfoundland stores appeared first on Auto Service World.

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Canadians saw a spike in automotive-related costs over the last few years, perhaps mostly in the used vehicle market. But those are starting to normalize — for the most part.

New vehicle supply shortages are mostly in the rearview mirror and the Bank of Canada has started to cut interest rates and that, according to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, has dramatically changed the picture.

“To be sure, pockets of inflation persist,”  it noted in a recent analysis, noting the 8.1 per cent increase in passenger vehicle insurance premiums in June 2024 compared to June 2023, calling it “a key source of price growth.”

Passenger vehicle parts and maintenance also saw an increase, going up 3.5 per cent. It further noted that maintenance and repair services alone are seeing a 4.2 per cent increase, while parts inflation saw 2.9 per cent growth.

But the ‘repair vs replace’ gap might be narrowing, at least when looking at used vehicles. In this area, purchase prices have gone in the opposite direction, down 4.5 per cent compared to June 2023.

New vehicle prices are still up 1.8 per cent as more people buy SUVs and zero-emission vehicles, which cost more.

“It is clear that the automotive market is seeing countervailing forces at play,” said DesRosiers’ managing partner Andrew King. “The new and used markets are heading in different directions as industry dynamics reshuffle the landscape and the market works toward a new equilibrium.”

The post Here’s how auto pricing has changed appeared first on Auto Service World.

In the competitive realm of the automotive aftermarket, the role of an entrepreneurial jobber is multifaceted, requiring a delicate balance between catering to core clients and strategically expanding the customer base.

Whether you own a single auto parts jobber location or manage a network of stores, success hinges on understanding the market dynamics and effectively prospecting new clients while nurturing enduring relationships.

In the pursuit of growth and diversifying your customer base to manage risk, it is crucial to identify potential clients who align with your business values and objectives. Look for characteristics such as growth potential, compatibility with your product offerings, and a willingness to collaborate for mutual benefit.

Many jobbers look to land business from the most established shops in their market. But there is also opportunity in working with emerging shops and working as a partner with them to build their business through coaching, technology, branding and overall shop experience to help that location grow and expand into the next top professional automotive shop in their trading area.

In the pursuit of growth and diversifying your customer base to manage risk, it is crucial to identify potential clients who align with your business values and objectives.

Recent data suggest that the number of automotive shops in Canada has shrunk over the last two years — by close to 20% — due to the impacts of rising interest rates, cost inflation driving up wages, rents and business services and increasing parts costs squeezing the price thresholds shops can charge to consumers.

In this environment, it has become ever more challenging in a trading area to think outside the box. It is increasingly difficult to develop effective strategies to grow sustainably and efficiently to avoid the desperation of selling into customers that do not align with the business’s values or using short-term programs to win business with unsustainable pricing methods. And other short-term strategies can drag a jobber down.

In addition to targeting mainstream markets, exploring niche segments within the automotive industry can be fruitful. Whether it’s catering to performance enthusiasts, light industrial & fleet segments, import or EV specialists, tailoring your marketing efforts and product offerings to meet their specific needs can unlock new avenues for growth.

Our parts business was successful in having various facets to the business where we were able to diversify our revenue streams. At one point, we serviced the traditional ASPs, import specialists, light industrial and fleet, paint and body and tools and equipment sectors. Many jobbers are habitual in servicing a core area of the aftermarket, but diversifying product segments as well as sectors can be an effective way to drive diversification.

In addition to targeting mainstream markets, exploring niche segments within the automotive industry can be fruitful.

Looking back at some time periods when the traditional repair business had slowed, our business was diverse and was supported by recurring revenue from industrial, fleet clients, and paint and body contracts we held.

Furthermore, offering value-added services can set your business apart from the competition. Whether it’s providing technical support, product customization, flexible payment options or going the extra mile to enhance the customer experience can foster loyalty and differentiate your brand.

Additionally, staying agile and adaptable in response to evolving market needs and consumer preferences is crucial. By continuously monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) and soliciting feedback from clients and employees, you can identify areas for improvement and innovation, positioning your business for sustained success.

Successfully managing a jobber business requires a holistic approach that balances the needs of core clients with the imperative of diversifying the customer base. By understanding market dynamics, prospecting new clients strategically and nurturing enduring relationships based on trust, communication and quality, you can navigate the complexities of the industry landscape and position your business for sustainable growth and resilience.

Zakari Krieger is the Fix Network, Canadian vice president of Prime CarCare, responsible for the Canadian retail business, encompassing the Speedy Auto Service and Novus Auto Glass business lines

This article originally appeared in the July issue of Jobber News

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Despite the abundance of job openings, many workers are choosing to stay put.

A new report from business consulting firm Robert Half found that only 35 per cent of workers plan to look for a new job in the second half of 2024. That’s way down from the 49 per cent who sad so during the same period last year.

The trend, dubbed “The Big Stay,” is evident across all generations. The survey found that job search plans have decreased year-over-year, with Gen Z seeing the most significant decline from 74 per cent in 2023 to 44 per cent this year. Millennials followed with a drop from 63 per cent to 45 per cent, Gen X from 44 per cent to 26 per cent, and Baby Boomers from 23 per cent to 13 per cent.

A key factor contributing to this trend is high job satisfaction. The research reported that 77 per cent of workers are generally happy in their roles, and 85 per cent report having a good work-life balance. The top reasons for this satisfaction include competitive salaries with regular merit increases, flexible work locations and schedules, fair workloads and job expectations, positive work culture and team dynamics and supportive managers.

The decrease in job search activity doesn’t stem from a lack of confidence among workers. Nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) of those surveyed feel confident in their professional abilities and have actively taken steps to enhance their skills and marketability.

“In the past few years, professionals made career moves to take advantage of the many job openings and improve their personal and professional lives,” said Dawn Fay, operational president of Robert Half. “While they are now reporting high job satisfaction levels in their current roles and aren’t actively in a job search, many are still taking steps to enhance their skills and ultimately increase their marketability for any future moves they might make.”

Employers must be mindful of potential missteps that could deter prospective candidates. The survey revealed several deal-breakers, including not listing a salary range in job descriptions (41 per cent), requiring on-site work with no remote options (37 per cent), not emphasizing company culture (30 per cent) and prolonging the interview process (28 per cent).

“In the era of The Big Stay, employers need to take into consideration what workers want and come to the table with competitive offers,” Fay observed. “With skilled talent at a premium and workers feeling satisfied in their current role, employers can’t afford to make mistakes that could deter prospective candidates from applying to their open positions.”

The post Why workers may not be quick to leave appeared first on Auto Service World.

Despite rising sales, electric vehicles struggle to penetrate aftermarket product volume. As a result, according to a recent report, EVs have yet to make a significant impact on the aftermarket.

While they have made strides in the new car and light truck market, Lang Marketing noted that the presence of EVs in the aftermarket remains minimal. Despite a growing share of new light vehicle sales, EVs contribute only a small fraction to the volume of aftermarket products, it said in its report, EV Aftermarket Impact Barely Flickers.

Several factors contribute to this disparity, the group noted. First, more than 96 per cent of aftermarket product sales, excluding tires and accessories, come from vehicles at least four years old. Older vehicles, particularly those eight years or older, generate significantly more aftermarket product volume per mile than their newer counterparts.

Electrics haven’t been around long enough and there aren’t enough on the road to have a meaningful impact on the aftermarket sector.

Tesla remains the dominant player in the EV market, capturing nearly 60 per cent of BEV sales in 2023. However, for EVs to gain a significant share of new vehicle sales, other nameplates must attract more consumer interest — a shift that has yet to occur, Lang noted.

Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles still overwhelmingly dominate vehicle inventory, with ICE vehicles comprising 98.8 per cent of vehicles in operation (VIO) in 2023 in the U.S., down only 1 per cent from 2016. The characteristics of the aftermarket, where vehicles under four years old contribute minimally and older ICE vehicles generate disproportionate sales volumes, have kept EVs’ share of the light vehicle aftermarket below 1 per cent in 2023.

A vehicle typically does not generate substantial aftermarket volume until its fourth year on the road, with significant product use occurring in vehicles aged six to ten years.

“Consequently, it will take many years for EVs to impact the aftermarket significantly, even if their sales continue to rise—a prospect that is becoming uncertain as their 2024 sales growth slows,” Lang said.

“While EVs capture headlines and new vehicle market share, their journey to meaningful aftermarket influence remains a long road ahead.”

The post How big is the impact of EVs on the aftermarket? appeared first on Auto Service World.

Within the automotive aftermarket, there are several misconceptions about sustainability. While some may dismiss sustainability as an industry buzzword or an effort replaced by profits or customer demand, nothing is further from the truth.

In fact, finding new ways to be sustainable for environmental stewardship, the betterment of the business and a growing number of customers looking for companies that embrace these practices has never been more prominent in the auto care industry than it is now.

“The automotive and commercial vehicle aftermarket has a long history of helping society meet its need for transportation,” said John Chalifoux, chief sustainability officer and Chief operating officer of aftermarket suppliers for the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). “With today’s increased focus on sustainability, more can be done to show the strides our industry is taking to do the right thing — now and for generations to come.”

And more is being done. Launched just last year, MEMA was formed to meet the needs of its members given the rise in the importance of sustainability and ESG — environmental, social and governance. It focuses on education, advocacy and problem-solving.

“The centre offers education and peer-sharing programming for members. With the help of our affiliate members, we initiated Sustainability Hour — virtual one-hour sessions that focus on a specific topic or point of view,” Chalifoux explained. “Currently, we are hosting one session per month. We also offer sustainability workshops, where members can roll up their sleeves and spend time learning and sharing on topics related to compliance, value creation and building advantage.”

Learning and sharing this knowledge is key, Chalifoux said, to shedding a perception of the automotive aftermarket industry that does not always match reality.

“Sustainability is about being responsible to people, the planet and your business. Every aftermarket company has an opportunity to identify what they’re good at and establish a business case for sustainability,” he said. “Show what your company or shop is doing to make a difference for the environment and the people you serve. Highlight everything from battery and oil recycling and reduced energy usage to water conservation and thoughtful community programs.”

One of the biggest challenges in the automotive aftermarket industry and an area that increases the industry’s sustainability revolves around remanufactured products.

“One key challenge is helping the market understand that the quality of a remanufactured product is as good as new,” said Ben Smart, vice-president of the North America region with ZF Aftermarket. “There is a lingering perception that remanufactured products are lower quality because their core is a used part. In reality, the castings and other materials on a remanufactured part are generally better quality than those of today’s reverse-engineered products.”

“One key challenge is helping the market understand that the quality of a remanufactured product is as good as new.”

Smart adds that the other benefit of a remanufactured product is its sustainability. At ZF Aftermarket, products are not thrown away after a single use but are instead shared, repaired, refurbished, reused and recycled.

“This approach not only reduces resource consumption, emissions and waste, but also lowers material costs,” Smart said. “It makes it possible for products to have multiple lifecycles and offers significant time, material and cost savings when compared to creating a replacement product completely from scratch.”

Through its North American reman operations, ZF Aftermarket has reduced its CO2 emissions by an estimated 8,874 tonnes, lowered energy use by 12.3 million kWh and salvaged 2,823 tonnes of material.

In addition to creating superior products and keeping the automotive aftermarket supply chain stocked with quality parts, remanufacturing also reduces the need for new materials.

“Just as we have learned to use recycled paper products, we should apply the same principles to parts,” Houman Kashanipour, CEO and president of Alliant Power, a diesel engine parts, service and repair company explained. “The extraction of materials from the earth at our current rate is unsustainable. The fresh water required to process new materials is becoming increasingly scarce, making it crucial to rebuild and reuse older products.”

Quality products, whether new or remanufactured, help the industry reach sustainability goals.

“High-quality products reduce the need for new ones, conserving energy and natural resources,” Kashanipour added. “The costs and resources required to build new products are not well understood, presenting an opportunity to highlight the benefits of sustainable practices.”

South of the border, the U.S. International Trade Commission and MEMA are aligned when it comes to the definition of remanufacturing — an industrial process that restores end-of-life goods to original working conditions or better.

“That leads to remanufactured products that are indistinguishable from new products in terms of quality, performance, appearance, functionality and warranty and, in some cases, they are better than new products,” Chalifoux said.

It’s also important, however, that companies are transparent about the products they remanufacture.

“One problem is the term ‘remanufactured’ can be misused by companies and individuals to refer to products that are not truly remanufactured,” Chalifoux said. “In addition to knowing the source of remanufactured goods, customers can also rely on an industry certification. MEMA and its members are behind a quality process certification named Manufactured Again, which holds remanufacturers to the same international quality standards as new manufacturers.”

Wants and needs of customers

More than ever, customers in the automotive aftermarket sector are looking at the sustainability of the companies they do business with and getting that message out is important for future success.

“When it comes to ESG data, think of five action verbs: Collect, analyze, validate, report and communicate,” Chalifoux said. “Validate and communicate are so important; make sure you tell your true story.”

Smart is not shy when it comes to getting his company’s message out on its sustainability efforts, both to its customers and employees. In addition to embracing such elements as employee development and diversity, safety, human rights and responsible corporate behaviour, ZF Aftermarket has helped its customers through the transition from being defined by the internal combustion engine to one more defined by CASES —connected, automated, sustainable, electrified and shared.

“We’re making it clear that ZF Aftermarket’s goal is to be the green and sustainable aftermarket leader. ZF has committed to being carbon-neutral across all emission categories by 2040, 10 years ahead of what is required by the Paris Climate Agreement,” he said. “A significant part of meeting our climate goals will be achieved by powering our manufacturing sites and offices with more ‘green electricity’ from renewable sources.”

Smart’s goal is for ZF to switch completely to green electricity by 2030 and to reach 40 per cent next year.

“Investing more in technologies that help us reclaim and upgrade products, rather than constantly building new ones, is essential.”

Overcoming challenges

In addition to the perception of remanufactured products, Smart says some of the hurdles when it comes to increasing sustainability in the automotive aftermarket include building strong relationships, embracing digitization and attracting new talent.

“Ten or 15 years ago, workshops competed with each other for the best mechanics. Today, they must compete with many different types of industries for the best software and data analytics experts,” he said, adding that Gen Z is a digital-first generation of workers. “They’re tech-savvy and eco-conscious, but these potential employees are often unfamiliar with the aftermarket and its broad field of activities. They often don’t realize the profound ways vehicle maintenance has changed; what used to be managed with a wrench and oil is now proactively handled through software and electronics.”

Kashanipour agreed, saying the need for a skilled workforce capable of performing increasingly technical and complicated repairs is vital for continued sustainability in the sector.

“Collaboration between OEMs and the aftermarket is essential to provide access to the information required for repairs,” he said, “which is why the ‘right to repair’ is so critical and a must.”

For those in the automotive aftermarket, sustainability is not a simple buzzword; it’s a way to streamline operations, improve their bottom line, create a quality workplace, improve customer relations and, ultimately, minimize their environmental impact.

But, as Kashanipour points out, the industry needs to continue to advocate for sustainable practices and people need to be aware of what businesses are doing for the momentum to keep rolling.

“Investing more in technologies that help us reclaim and upgrade products, rather than constantly building new ones, is essential,” he said. “Remanufacturing is green and sustainable and we must emphasize its importance and benefits.”

The post From the Magazine: Changing the perception appeared first on Auto Service World.

Mevotech announced the addition of 158 new part numbers, including 39 aftermarket firsts.

A key spotlight is the TTX front lower control arms for the 2023-2021 Ford F-150 pick-up truck. The engineered Integri-Boot dust boot keeps out contaminants, while the entire part is protected with the Repel-TEK anti-corrosion formula. A full replacement hardware kit, including frame bolts, allows for complete and fast installation.

This new release also expands Mevotech’s steering repair catalogue, with the introduction of TTX inner tie rod ends and additional TTX idler and pitman arm part numbers. Vehicle alignment can now be restored for popular fleet vehicles such as the 2023-2014 Ford Transit Connect using an engineered alternative to the original component with TTX inner tie rod ends.

Mevotech added to its TTX, Supreme and Original Grade lines. Covering vehicles up to model year 2024, this latest part release provides more repair options for domestic and import passenger vehicles, pick-up trucks, vans, working vehicles, SUVs, CUVs and EVs.

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Schumacher Electric Corporation has launched three new wireless charging lithium jump starters. Available in 1000, 1250, and 1500 peak amps, these compact and powerful devices are designed for ease of use and feature a sleek design.

Released in August 2024, these jump starters include Schumacher’s patented wireless charging technology, a 4-cell lithium battery, an intuitive interface, bright LED work light, three USB charging ports, and an integrated lanyard hole. A unique manual override mode allows users to jump-start deeply discharged batteries that other units cannot detect automatically.

These all-in-one tools can jump-start a car, charge a tablet, or provide light. The jump starters are available in-store and online.

The post New wireless charging lithium jump starters from Schumacher appeared first on Auto Service World.

Steck Manufacturing introduced the commercial-grade EasyWedge Inflatable Air Bag Three-pack Combo (STC32925). The multi-use air wedge trio is ideal for emergency vehicle access, vehicle repair applications, construction (window and door casement fitting), appliance levelling, DIY home use and more.

The EasyWedge trio consists of three bags allow for easy insertion into tight spaces. These air wedges feature a non-marring design, ensuring that surfaces, trims, and finishes remain unharmed.

The air bag edges are high-frequency sonic welded, maintaining a tight seal for years of professional use. The air shim bag squeeze pump allows for easy, one-handed operation as well as quick deflation.

“The size and power of these three EasyWedge air wedge bags make them essential tools for towmen, vehicle repair professionals, contractors and others,” said Milton Specialty Tool Group general manager Jeffrey Del Rossa. “They provide a reliable solution for accessing hard-to-reach areas during lockout, auto repair, building construction and many more situations.”

The post Steck adds wedge air bag appeared first on Auto Service World.

The latest issue of Jobber News is here and putting a focus on remanufactured parts and sustainability in the automotive aftermarket.

The cover story looks at changing the perception of reman parts, breaking down stereotypes and not just how they help the environment, but the industry in different ways.

We also take a look at a pair of recent industry reports that outline how the dealer is still the top choice for consumers. We see where dealers are seen as better and how independents can improve.

Canada’s average vehicle age is much lower than in the U.S. Why? There are a few factors that we explore in another magazine feature.

 

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Long-time former jobber owner Zakari Krieger lays down some advice for his former peers on how they can effectively grow their businesses.

We welcome Greg Aguilera to Jobber News to share his shop-side experience on how jobbers can create better partnerships with their shop partners.

Catch highlights from AIA Canada’s National Conference and the Worldpac Supplier & Training Expo in our On The Road section.

Don’t miss our usual departments like Letters, News, Numbers, Car-toon the back and much more.

Grab your copy to read it all or head to this link for the digital edition.

The post Learning about industry sustainability in this issue of Jobber News appeared first on Auto Service World.

After a lackluster performance in June, July light vehicle sales in Canada bounced back.

Sales were up 11 per cent compared to 2023 levels during the same month. The gain was anticipated given the weak performance in July 2023 and a flat June 2024 due to a software outage, noted DesRosiers Automotive Consultants. The recovery is seen as a positive indicator for the market, it noted.

Despite the boost, overall sales for July 2024 were estimated at 161,000 units, which is still below the 170,000-185,000 units typically seen in pre-pandemic Julys.

Andrew King, managing partner at DesRosiers, noted the varied performance among automakers.

“What was of note in July was that performance varied widely by vehicle company, with some players recording sales declines while others enjoyed truly remarkable sales success,” he said.

The seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) for July came in at 1.77 million — higher than any month in the second quarter but lower than all months in the first quarter. The back-and-forth, the consultancy noted, highlights the ongoing instability in the market. Analysts will be keeping an eye on how August will perform to gauge if stability will return.

This performance comes off a flat June performance, a disappointment after several months of strong gains. The optimism for July was partially fueled by the expectation of deferred sales due to the June software outage and a weaker comparative month in 2023.

Automakers have faced numerous challenges, including supply chain disruptions and fluctuating demand tis year. However, the July sales boost suggests a potential turning point. Notably, the report emphasized that while some manufacturers struggled, others capitalized on the market conditions to achieve significant sales increases.

The post July vehicle sales show promising recovery appeared first on Auto Service World.

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Jobber News is excited to announce the launch of a new survey aimed at gathering the opinions of counter professionals at jobber stores across Canada.

We want to hear from you about your job satisfaction, the support you receive from your employer, your experiences with shop and retail customers, the industry trends affecting you and much more.

Our goal is to feature your insights in the September issue of Jobber News, providing jobber store owners nationwide with a glimpse into the minds of their frontline employees.

This survey is your chance to be open and honest. All responses are anonymous, ensuring your feedback helps drive necessary changes and reinforces what’s working well.

Please take a few moments to complete the survey, which is available through this link and in the form below We look forward to hearing from you!

Thank you in advance for your time and participation.

Sincerely,

Adam Malik, Managing Editor

Jobber News

The post We want counter staff opinions! appeared first on Auto Service World.

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For mid-size retailers, a flawless delivery experience is essential for retaining customers and driving growth, according to recent research.

Deliveries are a make-or-break factor for online shoppers, who rarely buy again from retailers that get deliveries wrong, said global delivery and experience management company nShift.  Whether an up-and-coming or mid-size retailer, focus on building the best delivery experience to build customer loyalty and accelerate growth is essential.

The group’s guide, How Mid-Size Retailers Can Drive Ecommerce Success with Deliveries, noted that retailers sending between 10,000 and one million parcels each year should place delivery management and experience software at the heart of their investment priorities.

The guide explained that retailers need to strengthen the customer experience, promote growth, make the best use of data and keep abreast of future innovations.

It offered the following suggestions to ensure retailers are providing the best delivery:

• Scalability: The ability to tap into a ready-made carrier library with over 1,000 connections provides relevant choices for customers at checkout and allows retailers to ship to new customers overseas as easily as to those in their home country.
• A flexible platform for the long-term: Retailers’ needs change as their business develops, but they can ill-afford the cost and disruption of continually adapting their systems. The right platform offers the flexibility to customize, integrate and plan around evolving needs.
• Access to real delivery innovation: What may seem like a cutting-edge customer experience today soon becomes yesterday’s news. Retailers can stay ahead of these trends by sourcing software from companies that continually invest in new services.
• Cost-effectiveness: Proper delivery management and experience can improve warehouse productivity, increase conversion rates, and boost sales. nShift provides a clear pathway for mid-size retailers to see returns on their delivery management investment.
• Integration with key business systems: The delivery and experience management platform plays a crucial role in a complex retail technology ecosystem that includes ERP systems, shopping carts, warehouse management, and more.

“The delivery experience is a crucial part of the wider customer journey. What happens after customers click ‘buy’ determines whether they shop again,” said Jeroen Terheggen, vice president for mid-market at nShift. “Many mid-size retailers may think they can economize by managing without a delivery and experience management system, or by building their own. That’s a false economy.”

The post How essential delivery is for your retail sales appeared first on Auto Service World.

The top job of a service advisor is to get a customer to come through the door when the auto shop’s phone rings, even if that customer is just trying to get the price of a repair.

Jay Huh, a business coach at Shop Fix Academy and owner of CarMedix in North Carolina, called it “curb selling” during the session How to Run your Shop Stress Free at the Midwest Auto Care Alliance’s Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo in Kansas City.

The customer is calling to get a price on a job. But it can be impossible to offer a proper quote over the phone. The customer may think the water pump is the problem. What happens when you quote them the price for a water pump replacement, they bring the car in and it turns out to be an issue with the head gasket?

“And then the quote goes from being $800 over the phone and then suddenly it’s $4,000. You think the customer’s going to be happy?” Huh asked.

Or, say the problem is indeed the water pump. But the customer tried to work on it themselves and every single bolt is stripped. “What then? Are you still going to charge them $800?” Huh wondered.

So never price over the phone, he urged.

But never discount their value as a customer. Just because they asked for a price doesn’t mean they’re a bad customer. They’re not going to ask if your techs are Red Seal or ASE Certified.

“What’s the only question that our customers know how to ask? It’s the price,” Huh explained. “We automatically write them off” when they ask about price.

Rather than dismissing the customer outright, the service advisor should be asking follow-up questions to get the customer through the door. If they say it’s the water pump, ask them how they know that. Suggest to them to bring the vehicle in to make sure.

If they say another shop said so and they’re doing price comparisons, tell them to bring it in for a second opinion. Offer a free 15-minute inspection of the vehicle. Explain to them that you’ll have your master technician go through the vehicle to make sure the issue is with the water pump. Offer for them to come in at a specific time.

Tell the customer: We’ll give you an accurate price. I don’t want to just throw a price out there. I want to give you a price we can stand behind.

“Would that not get the customer in the door? Does that not build value for your shop?” Huh said.

The post Getting the phone shopper into your shop appeared first on Auto Service World.

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Many drivers are navigating the roads without a clue about essential car maintenance, according to a recent survey.

Uswitch, a comparison website for personal services like car insurance, released a survey that highlighted a trend of neglect that could lead to costly repairs and safety hazards.

A majority (67 per cent) of drivers said they’re unaware of how to check their car’s battery health, with about one in five (22 per cent) checking their battery before a long drive. Given that battery issues a the leading cause of breakdowns, Uswitch noted this lack of knowledge as particularly concerning.

The survey also revealed that almost two in five (37 per cent) drivers don’t know how to check if their exterior lights are functioning and 61 per cent fail to do so before a long trip.

More than a third (37 per cent) of drivers admitted they are clueless about checking tire tread depth, a critical factor for road grip and safety.

A quarter (25 per cent) of drivers also confessed they don’t know how to check their car’s oil level. Regular oil checks are essential for engine health, preventing friction between metal parts and ensuring the engine remains cool and clean.

When it comes to seeking car maintenance advice, 41 per cent of drivers said they turn to friends and family. YouTube is the most popular online resource, used by 32 per cent of drivers for its visual tutorials.

The post The gaps in car maintenance knowledge appeared first on Auto Service World.

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With the rising cost of living impacting Canadians’ ability to afford transportation, a recent survey found significant shifts in consumer behaviour and preferences in the automotive market.

A recent Léger survey commissioned by Toyota Canada found that 59 per cent of Canadians find vehicle ownership less financially achievable today compared to their parents’ generation. This sentiment is even stronger in British Columbia, where over two-thirds of respondents feel the financial pressure acutely.

As a result, 66 per cent of Canadians have changed their approach to vehicle ownership in the past year, opting to delay purchasing new vehicles (31 per cent) or choosing used vehicles instead (27 per cent). Younger drivers, aged 18-34, are particularly impacted, with 31 per cent preferring used vehicles, compared to 23 per cent of those aged 55 and older.

“At a time when Canadians are grappling with financial pressures, how to best spend their automotive dollars for long-term value becomes even more important,” said Stephen Beatty, vice president of corporate at Toyota Canada. “This decision goes beyond the new car purchase to consider operating and maintenance costs as well as resale value down the road.”

In response to these findings, Beatty emphasizes the importance of automakers focusing on delivering high value throughout the ownership lifecycle.

Furthermore, most (56 per cent) of Canadians are addressing affordability concerns by either cancelling or delaying at least one major purchase. The most affected areas include travel (34 per cent), personal vehicles (21 per cent), and home renovations (20 per cent). Alberta (66 per cent), Manitoba and Saskatchewan (61 per cent), and British Columbia (58 per cent), report the highest percentages of delayed purchases.

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Advance Auto Parts announced that its service and repair animations tool, MotoVisuals, is now integrated with Steer’s customer relationship management (CRM) solution and Tekmetric’s shop management system (SMS).

MotoVisuals’ animations cover a wide range of automotive technologies, including ADAS, engine management, suspension, brake systems, hybrid and EV systems. Shop owners subscribing to MotoVisuals within their Steer or Tekmetric platforms can now enhance customer communication by integrating these animations into automated messages and digital vehicle inspection (DVI) workflows.

“The integration of MotoVisuals into Steer and Tekmetric gives greater transparency for the motorist during the repair experience, which helps consumers build trust in repair shops<” said Todd Sanders, Advance’s senior vice president, professional.

Through the Steer platform, repair shops can include MotoVisuals animations in maintenance reminders sent via email or text, giving customers a clear visual explanation of recommended repairs.

“This [integration] allows customers to better understand the services being performed, empowering them to make informed decisions. This leads to higher customer satisfaction and increased revenue for the shops,” said Parker Swift, CEO and founder of Steer.

Similarly, Tekmetric’s shop management system now allows technicians to incorporate MotoVisuals animations into DVIs.

“This isn’t just about fixing cars, it’s about creating loyal customers who choose your shop time and again,” said Sunil Patel, CEO and founder of Tekmetric. “By providing customers with clear, easy-to-understand information about their vehicle’s health, we’re helping shops foster transparency and build lasting relationships, ultimately driving long-term business growth.”

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The KW V3 Classic suspension, available for all Porsche 928 models and engine versions, is a stainless steel coilover suspension kit with separately adjustable compression and rebound damping.

It has two visual options: The familiar version with purple anodized components and yellow springs and the new “KW Classic Line” with black spring plates, intermediate rings and spring perches. Both variants include a parts certificate for a stepless lowering of 20 to 40 mm on the front axle and 20 to 35 mm on the rear axle. Unibal top mounts are included.

“By retrofitting a KW V3 Classic coilover suspension kit with our multi-valve technology, the Porsche 928 does even more justice to its character as a sporty Gran Turismo,” said KW Classic expert Sascha Daucher.

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The WD-40 brand announced its product is now available in a precision pen form and to the Canadian market.

The compact and portable pen provides the WD-40 formula with pinpoint precision, making it ideal for tight spaces in projects of all sizes.

“Everyone knows the iconic blue and yellow can with the little red top that was created 70 years ago, but WD-40 Brand continues to innovate and the WD-40 Precision Pen is a prime example,” said Sheree Yoon, brand and digital marketing manager at WD-40 Company. “Now, Canadians can experience the compact and powerful pen that others are raving about, allowing the Original WD-40 formula to go anywhere, fitting perfectly into any pocket and always ready for any job.”

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Garage Gurus has introduced Gurus+, an innovative online training solution designed to simulate hands-on training for technicians of all skill levels.

This new platform goes beyond traditional presentations by offering high-quality videos, hands-on demonstrations, step-by-step lessons and tutorials from ASE-Certified master trainers.

“After much consideration, we challenged ourselves to take our online training to another level,” said Drew Jablonowski, Garage Gurus content and curriculum manager. “We wanted to bring the real-world knowledge and experience of our team and integrate it into every online course we offer. Gurus+ is precisely that: Premium online training content created by our Garage Gurus team.”

The content on the platform is crafted a team with over 110 ASE certifications and more than 300 years of combined repair industry experience. Courses feature 5-minute Tech Tips, 15-minute Micro Clinics, and 45-minute to two-hour Tech Clinics, all infused with practical insights and expertise.

The announcement outlined that Gurus+ addresses the challenges posed by constantly evolving vehicle technologies, offering training on new, in-demand skills such as EV and hybrid systems, ADAS, engine performance drivability, oscilloscope testing, and introductory skills.

The GURUS+ training platform officially launched on July 1, 2024.

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Purolator Filters (a division of Mann+Hummel) announced the addition of 73 new part numbers to the company’s extensive line of oil, air and cabin air filters.

The expansion adds coverage under the Purolator, PurolatorTech, PurolatorBoss and PurolatorOne brands for an additional two million vehicles on the road today. These include applications for domestic and import auto and light truck makes, such as BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota and Subaru.

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If there’s one issue that’s going to change the automotive aftermarket more than anything, it’s the economic and political relationship between the United States and China, an industry advocate predicted.

At the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Vision Conference in Detroit, Ann Wilson, senior vice president of government affairs for MEMA, delivered a critical analysis of the evolving economic relationship between the two countries and underscored the significant implications of ongoing and potential future tariffs, as well as the challenges posed by tariff evasion and the increasing presence of Chinese suppliers in North America.

In short, it’s a complex landscape to navigate and aftermarket suppliers must be prepared to respond to these geopolitical and economic developments.

Wilson emphasized the likely continuation and expansion of the Section 301 tariffs under the Biden administration. These tariffs are trade sanctions imposed by the U.S. on various Chinese goods in response to Chinese trade practices, including intellectual property theft and forced technology transfer. They kicked in under then-president Donald Trump in 2018, affecting a wide range of products and aimed to pressure China into making trade policy changes beneficial to the U.S.

It wouldn’t surprise Murray to not only see the tariffs continue but possibly expand should Democrats win the November election. “President Trump has already said that, if he’s in office, he’s going to expand some of those tariffs to 50 per cent,” she added.

Steel and aluminum tariffs are currently at 25 per cent.

Wilson highlighted the problem of tariff evasion, describing a practice where parts are shipped from China to Thailand, repackaged and then imported into the United States.

“Folks, that is not substantial transformational of a part. That’s fraud and it’s against the law. And we’ve seen the Department of Justice really hone in on that,” she stated.

‘Substantial transformation’ is a concept to determine a product’s country of origin for tariff purposes. Substantial transformation is considered to have taken place when a product, such as an automotive part, goes through significant manufacturing or processing in a country, changing its name, character or use. For example, auto parts from various countries assembled into a functional vehicle in another country might be considered substantially transformed. This would alter its origin for tariff classification. But, as Wilson pointed out, simply changing the box it comes in does not qualify.

Furthermore, the shifting landscape includes a notable increase in Chinese suppliers setting up operations in Mexico. “We have some members who are vehemently opposed to this and want us to do something — that something has yet to be defined, but they want us to do something,” Wilson noted.

She added, however, that other members are more accepting as long as the competition remains fair and everyone plays by the same rules.

Wilson pointed out that the U.S. government is considering a more stringent approach beyond tariffs. “What the government is really looking at is, we’re not just going to tariff goods coming from China, either through Mexico, Thailand or anyplace else — we’re going to prohibit them,” she explained.

This could have far-reaching consequences, particularly in areas involving advanced automotive technologies.

“So what they’re saying on information technology is, ‘If you’re part of this list, we’re going to prohibit the ability to bring that technology into the United States,’” Wilson said.

She highlighted that this prohibition could affect a wide range of automotive technologies, not just fully automated vehicles.

“Keep in mind, in that list of things like (automated emergency braking), lane keeping devices, backup cameras,” Wilson said, noting the political pressure to ban the importation of Chinese electric vehicles as a driving factor.

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After years of soaring auto theft rates, Canada is finally seeing a decline. The latest report from Équité Association, the national group for insurance crime, found a 17 per cent drop in auto theft during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

The group credited the significant decrease in thefts as being the result of the combined efforts of the insurance industry, federal and provincial governments, law enforcement agencies and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Despite this early success, the association emphasize the need for continued vigilance to sustain this downward trend.

“We’re seeing some early signs of progress in cracking down on auto theft thanks to the measures implemented, but there’s no room for complacency,” said Bryan Gast, vice president of investigative services at Équité Association. “The momentum established in the first half of 2024 has been critical in identifying impactful solutions.”

Public Safety Canada’s National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft and the subsequent National Action Plan have played pivotal roles in these positive developments, the group highlighted. However, it noted that ongoing efforts are necessary to ensure the safety of Canadian communities and prevent future vehicle thefts.

Regional Trends

• Ontario and Quebec: Both provinces reported the most substantial declines, with Ontario down 14 per cent and Quebec down 36 per cent. SUVs remain the most targeted vehicles.
• Alberta: Experienced a 5 per cent decrease in auto thefts, with trucks being the primary targets.
• Atlantic Canada: Saw an 11 per cent increase, likely due to heightened anti-theft measures in Ontario and Quebec pushing thieves to other regions. Cars from model years 2010-2016 are the most stolen category.

The regions with historically high theft rates have seen the most significant improvements, the report highlighted. The reduction in Ontario and Quebec has created a ripple effect, leading to declines in other provinces as well, the group said.

Focus on Prevention

“To continue the national decrease in auto theft, there must be a shift from recovering stolen vehicles to preventing vehicles from being stolen in the first place,” said Terri O’Brien, president and CEO of Équité Association. She highlighted the role of auto manufacturers in utilizing existing anti-theft technologies to enhance vehicle security.

New standards, such as the UL Standards & Engagement’s (ULSE) updated Standard for Automobile Theft Deterrent Equipment and Systems, offer a roadmap for manufacturers to incorporate effective anti-theft devices in all new vehicles.

While the early 2024 decline in auto theft is encouraging, Équité Association stressed that continued collaboration and innovation are essential to maintain and build on this progress.

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A sense of normalcy is returning to the Canadian market and the automotive sector stands to benefit, according to an industry observer.

Speaking at AIA Canada’s National Conference in April, Todd Campau gave an optimistic yet cautious outlook on the Canadian economy and its impact on the automotive aftermarket sector.

The aftermarket practice lead at S&P Global Mobility noted that Canada is gradually emerging from the challenges brought on by the pandemic.

“In general, Canada is starting to come out of a lot of the pandemic-era issues. It’s not back to normal. But we’re starting to see normal factors are beginning to drive the business again,” Campau said.

The supply chain is showing signs of recovery. While issues such as unemployment persist, Campau suggested that Canada might be slightly ahead of the U.S. in overcoming these economic hurdles.

“We’re starting to see inflation in Canada softening. We’re starting to see the GDP return part of normal. All in all, I think it’s good,” he added.

Canada has seen two interest rate cuts recently, dropping the lending rate to 4.5 per cent. The improving economic conditions have positive implications for the aftermarket sector but Campau warned that the labour market continues to be tight.

“But it seems like we’re getting back towards normal behaviour. And so I think that’s good for the aftermarket,” Campau said.

However, he acknowledged that inflation and high costs remain ongoing concerns. That said, these factors can benefit the aftermarket by delaying new vehicle purchases, leading consumers to repair their existing vehicles.

“If they’re delayed in vehicle purchases, people have to repair the vehicles in their driveway now,” Campau explained. “We are happy to help with that as the aftermarket.”

Turning to new vehicle sales in Canada, Campau observed a slow but steady progress toward pre-pandemic levels. “We’re not back to the pre-2020 models, but we are moving in the right direction,” he said.

Campau expressed confidence that Canada could surpass the two million unit sales threshold again in three to four years. In a follow-up after the conference, he was what would be key factors to driving new vehicle sales back to a point not seen since 2017.

“I think it is the confluence of all the factors: More of a return to normal market drivers, lowering exchange rates, reduction in inflation and interest rate costs reducing,” he told Auto Service World. “I think all of those factors combined will serve as the catalyst for the return toward two million sales, potentially additional acceptance of EVs too and some lower cost options coming to market.

Campau doesn’t think pent-up demand will be a driving force behind increased sales, “but rather a return to a more ‘friendly’ economic environment for new vehicle sales.”

Yet, this recovery is not without its challenges.

“It has been a little bit slow in coming. This is not unique to Canada. This is the story across the board,” Campau noted during the session, referring to similar trends in the U.S.

Campau emphasized the delicate balance of factors that influence the aftermarket.

“One of the things that I think I personally learned is that it’s such a confluence of factors that drive the aftermarket. And maybe uniquely so because we repair the vehicle for its whole life cycle,” he said.

The current trajectory is promising, but the situation remains fragile, Campau warned. “If we see big inflation, if we see big unemployment happening again, if costs stay high, this could get muted.”

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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As the world increasingly embraces e-commerce, a research and advisory firm is predicting a sharp rise in global online retail sales by 2028, emphasizing the need for retailers to refine their omnichannel strategies.

But Canada may not grow as quickly due to some bigger hurdles than other countries, specifically the U.S.

Forrester predicted that total global online retail sales will grow from USD$4.4 trillion in 2023 to $6.8 trillion by 2028, reflecting an 8.9 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The report, Global Retail E-Commerce Forecast, 2024 To 2028, provided a five-year forecast for total, online and offline retail sales across 40 countries around the world.

Despite the substantial growth in e-commerce, the report indicates that 76 per cent (or $21.9 trillion) of global retail sales will still occur offline in 2028. Consequently, retailers must continue investing in omnichannel strategies to ensure a seamless shopping experience both online and offline.

The report further highlights the varying maturity levels of retail e-commerce globally. Advanced economies like the U.S., the U.K. and South Korea exhibit more maturity due to higher internet penetration and digital literacy. However, as smartphone adoption and mobile commerce become more widespread, emerging markets in Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, and Latin America are rapidly catching up.

This swift adaptation is reshaping the global e-commerce landscape, offering new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.

Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, Forrester anticipates continued growth momentum for online retail sales worldwide. In the Americas specifically, online retail sales in the U.S. are projected to reach $1.6 trillion by 2028, accounting for 28 per cent of total retail sales in the country.

However, e-commerce is more mature in the U.S. compared to Canada, where online retail sales are expected to reach $83 billion by 2028. Forrester’s announcement noted that Canada lags behind the U.S. in e-commerce penetration due to lower population density, a smaller market size, and slower consumer adoption.

In Latin America, online retail sales in the top six countries — Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Peru and Chile — are expected to grow from $109 billion in 2023 to $192 billion by 2028.

“The growth of online marketplaces, social commerce, livestream selling, and direct-to-consumer commerce will accelerate global online retail sales growth over the next five years,” said Jitender Miglani, principal forecast analyst at Forrester. “However, e-commerce maturity and growth opportunities vary vastly by region. Retailers and brands must therefore have a thorough understanding of the key drivers of retail and e-commerce growth in their priority markets and tailor their strategies appropriately to succeed.”

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Ford’s exhibit at the 2024 Canadian International AutoShow

More than 14 million vehicles have been recalled so far this year and Ford topped the list for the most in the second quarter of 2024 in the U.S.

BizzyCar, a leading recall management platform for car dealerships, released its Q2 2024 recall report. It noted that, despite a slight decrease in overall recalls compared to the first quarter, the high number of recalls made this year underscore ongoing safety concerns.

The report identified Ford as the top manufacturer for Q2 recalls, with 1,380,879 vehicles affected. Following Ford, Chrysler FCA US recorded 1,261,023 vehicles under recall and Kia had 468,876 vehicles impacted.

Year-to-date figures show Ford again leading with 3,582,962 vehicles recalled, Tesla, Inc. at 2,552,178 vehicles and Chrysler with 2,224,398 vehicles.

The data highlights critical safety advisories issued by manufacturers. Kia, for instance, released a “Park Outside Advisory” for 462,869 vehicles due to fire risks, and both Kia and Mercedes-Benz have issued “Do Not Drive” advisories for severe safety defects.

Analysis by BizzyCar of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) found 115 recalls affecting 4,621,994 vehicles. Notable defective components include back-over prevention issues, affecting 1.6 million vehicles, and electrical system problems impacting 814,223 vehicles, highlighting ongoing electrical safety challenges in modern vehicles.

“The number one reason consumers cited for not taking their vehicle in for potentially hazardous and even deadly recalls is a lack of convenience,” said Hunter Swift, vice president of marketing at BizzyCar, referencing a recent Bloomberg report. “This year alone, 12,837,245 vehicles have been affected by recalls that pose a crash risk or increase the risk of injury.

“As an industry, we need to rise to this challenge and offer consumers convenient ways to bring in these recalled vehicles by providing easy scheduling options, mobile service, and other methods to mitigate the convenience factor and keep them safe on the road.”

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From left: Mike Hinderer (DRiV), Kevin Reamer (DRiV), Tony Genna (DRiV), Jake Fehr (2024 Canadian TOTY Champion), Avery Breneman (2024 US TOTY Champion), JC Washbish (Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance), Charles Sargent (DRiV)

Jake Fehr of Winkler, Manitoba, has been named the 2024 Auto Value Technician of the Year during a celebration of automotive expertise and dedication.

Fehr is a technician at Chad’s Auto Repair, an Auto Value Certified Service Center and customer of Piston Ring Service and Supply. He was recognized with the honour during a ceremony in Detroit this month.

“I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to be here and the generosity of everyone involved. This has been a phenomenal experience and want to thank the team at Piston Ring Service for their support,” Fehr said in an announcement from Auto Value. “This is such a strong and important program because not only does it honour current professionals, but it sets an example and encourages young talented folks to come join our industry.”

Technician of the Year Finalists and their guests, along with Auto Value & Bumper to Bumper staff, and DRiV sponsors

In all, 16 technicians from across the United States and Canada competed in the 2024 Auto Value Technician of the Year finalist competition, which was sponsored again by DRiV and Garage Gurus. The competition included a custom Automotive Service Excellence examination and a series of Garage Gurus’ hands-on skills tests.

J.C. Washbish, president of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance noted the tough competition with 3,700 Certified Service Centers within the Auto Value network.

“The goal of this program is to recognize top technician talent within the industry, bring honor to the trades and highlight the skills required to be a top tech,” he said in the announcement. “This year’s competition did not disappoint.”

The technician finalists enjoyed a variety of entertainment and experiences around Detroit, including a day at the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, a tour of the Ford Rouge Factory, racing at the Champion Motor Speedway in the M1 Concourse and a luxury suite at Comerica Park for a Detroit Tigers game.

The 2024 Technician of the Year Finalists include:

• Jake Fehr; Chad’s Auto Repair Shop; Winkler, Manitoba, Canada; Piston Ring Service
• Scott Anderson; Canyon Meadows Auto Repair; Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Central Auto Parts
• Matthew Reitmeier; Travel Care Regina Ltd; Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada; Auto Electric Service
• Sean Blakeley; First Choice Automotive Repair; Killeen, TX; 4M Parts Warehouse
• Rafael Borja; Robertson Automotive; Tyler, Tx; ABC Auto Parts
• Avery Breneman; Avery Auto; Blackfoot, ID; National Performance Warehouse
• Jeremiah Clark; Clarks Auto Repair and Service; Pleasureville, KY; Moog Louisville Warehouse
• Bim Gill; Gills Service Center; Harpersville, AL; National Performance Warehouse
• Michael Golda; Kerners Auto Service; Shelby Township, MI; Auto-Wares Group of Companies
• John Kincaid; Grainger Automotive; Bean Station, TN; Hahn Automotive Warehouse
• Brandon Osman; Square Deal Garage; Pinole, CA; Trimon, Inc.
• Mike Powers; Joe’s Garage; North Little Rock, AR; Parts Warehouse, Inc.
• Ryan Radtke; Village Mobil; Waunakee, WI; Automotive Parts Headquarters Inc.
• Rob Richardson; Maclane’s Automotive; Downingtown, PA; Eastern Warehouse Distributor, LLC
• Stephen “Chris” Scott; Accelerated Auto Service; Bennington, NE; The Merrill Company
• Doug Smith; Telle Tire and Automotive; St. Louis, MO; All Car Automotive Warehouse, Inc.

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Dana Incorporated has introduced a new Victor Reinz head bolt socket bit set (#16-38847-01) that covers common European head bolt types, including female splined (Ribe-CV), female torx, and female star in varying sizes of M10, M12, M13, M14, T55, and T70.

Manufactured from high-strength steel and featuring a ½-inch square drive, the set is designed for use on popular European nameplates, such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, as well as world engines like a 1.6L Ford engine.  The set includes a Victor Reinz branded, wall-mounted aluminum organizer, complete with labels, allowing for easy access and systematic organization of sockets.

“The new Victor Reinz head bolt socket bit set is perfect for service technicians and rebuilders in demanding workshop environments and includes bit sizes for most common European head bolt jobs,” said Bill Nunnery, senior director, sales and marketing, global aftermarket for Dana. “This comprehensive kit provides long-lasting performance and unmatched value. It is an excellent storage system for easy access and organization.”

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LTI Tools introduced the new Seven-Piece Half-Inch Drive Flip Socket Set (LT1237) to remove standard or damaged capped/clad lug nuts. Each six-point flip socket features dual hex sizes, covering 12 of the most common lug nut sizes.

The professional-grade Flip Socket Set is ideal for removing wheels on cars and trucks with standard or damaged lug nuts. This set is also perfect for emergency roadside assistance providers and any driver who may need to remove stubborn lug nuts.

This half-inch-drive flip socket set is good for changing tires, repairing brakes, replacing ball joints and bushings and much more. The versatile double-sided lug nut sockets can be used with an impact wrench, air ratchet, breaker bar, or torque wrench.

“The sockets’ thin-walled design allows users to reach fasteners where there is less side clearance,” said Milton Specialty Tool Group general manager Jeffrey Del Rossa. “Additionally, these high-quality sockets are manufactured with chrome moly steel and coated with a black oxide finish. They have high tensile strength and anti-corrosive properties, ensuring the toughness and long-lasting properties of these Flip Sockets.”

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As the automotive aftermarket navigates an increasingly complex landscape, an industry leader explored evolving challenges, particularly the role of China in the industry.

The automotive aftermarket is experiencing unprecedented challenges as it grapples with global supply chain disruptions, regulatory pressures, and shifting market dynamics, Paul McCarthy, president and CEO of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers told attendees of his group’s Vision Conference in Detroit.

As a result, he emphasized the need for the industry to adapt and innovate to maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving landscape.

“Our customers are consolidating; they’re going global,” McCarthy stated, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of the industry’s evolving landscape. He pointed to legislative and regulatory decisions as major influences on the business, touching on issues such as right to repair, trade regulations, electrification, and sustainability.

“It’s overwhelming sometimes,” he acknowledged. “And if that’s not enough, for many suppliers, the supply chain is still a problem.”

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers’ Paul McCarthy speaks at the group’s 2024 Vision Conference

McCarthy recalled to a pre-pandemic edition of this conference where end customers stated that a 98 per cent fill rate was essential. But getting back to that standard today is challenging due to the intricacies of the supply chain. The industry is “aggressively de-risking” supply ties to China. The result is a more complexity-rich supply chain “with many more countries” in the mix. And that hasn’t slowed China down at all, McCarthy pointed out. In fact, they continue to grow as they set up operations in other countries.

“So while U.S. parts imports from places like Mexico and Vietnam and India have been growing, we’ve also seen exports of Chinese parts and inputs to those countries exploding,” he said, emphasizing the interconnected nature of global trade.

One of the most significant trends McCarthy identified is the global expansion of Chinese suppliers.

“This is a new frontier of competition,” he noted. “And when we look back in 10 years, this may be the biggest trend that impacts us.”

He also noted that Chinese companies are setting up businesses in countries like Vietnam and Mexico to circumvent tariffs and de-risking efforts, complicating the supply chain further.

McCarthy also mentioned MEMA’s efforts to ensure fair competition, including working with government officials to shut down companies circumventing tariffs.

“Our members are absolutely pro-competition. But there must be a level playing field,” he asserted.

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A disjointed delivery process could hinder retailers’ success in today’s competitive e-commerce environment, according to a new report by nShift.

The global parcel delivery management software company released the report, Building a Delivery-Management Foundation Fit for the Future, emphasizing the importance of a seamless end-to-end delivery process to enhance customer experience and streamline operations.

The report highlights that differentiation and growth in retail are increasingly dependent on efficient delivery processes. Scalable and smooth delivery operations are essential for business growth, while disjointed processes and “point solutions” that don’t integrate well can multiply the risks of failure.

“Deliveries have emerged as the next battleground in multichannel and online retail,” said Mattias Gredenhag, chief technology officer of nShift. “Consumers are demanding more from their online shopping experience. Economic pressures mean that warehouses must do more with less. Technology provides opportunities for efficiency, but the risks of disruption are significant. If something goes wrong at any stage in the journey, the retailer’s reputation will suffer.”

According to Gredenhag, centring the delivery experience on a scalable delivery management system minimizes the risk of disruption, creating a better experience for customers. Additionally, it allows businesses to track, collate, and analyze data across the delivery process, helping retailers better understand their customers, minimize carbon emissions, and improve performance.

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Since joining the auto care industry in 2008, Kari Hann has seen the industry shift, grow and evolve. Her journey with the Young Professionals in the Auto care sector (YPA) began in 2009, where she received invaluable mentorship and growth opportunities. Now, in 2024, she plans on doing the same as the new YPA Committee Chair.

At a glance:

• Name: Kari Hann
• Job title and company: Marketing and Digital Communications Manager, Specialty Sales & Marketing
• Years of experience: 16 years
• Years in the YPA: 15 years

What causes are you passionate about in the auto care industry? And why?

I am most passionate about bringing talented youth into our industry — it is no secret we have an aging industry. That said, our industry is also very vibrant and filled with passionate individuals. There are so many lucrative jobs in our industry that are not as well-known as they should be. Once we attract the talent, the chances are these individuals will stay in the industry for a long time, if not the entirety of their careers. I believe that this is the key to our continued success as an industry. I am also committed to giving back to the industry and to the communities we all work and live in — I will never turn down an opportunity to volunteer my time to an individual or cause I am passionate about.

How important are mentors when entering the auto care industry?

Mentors are extremely important. Having mentors who can guide and help shape your career is a major key to success in this industry. Throughout my career, I have been very fortunate to have mentors who have provided invaluable support and insight that has helped me in so many areas. I realized early on that I had much to learn, and by actively seeking out and learning from the knowledge and experience of my mentors, I have been rewarded in many ways.

What was the biggest challenge you have experienced in the auto care industry? And what has been the most rewarding experience?

I find that the biggest challenge is being a young female in a mostly male-dominated industry—especially when I first started. While this has been a challenge, it has also been my biggest blessing. It could feel very intimidating in the early years, but once you show your commitment, talent and work ethic, this is just one factor that makes you stand out. Everyone I have encountered throughout my career has been extremely supportive and encouraging.

The most rewarding experience, though, has been being a part of the YPA Committee for so many years, and now stepping into the role of chair. It has been an absolute pleasure to see the committee grow, change and evolve so much over the years and to get to know and collaborate with all the talented committee members.

About the Young Professionals in the Auto care sector

Young Professionals in the Auto care sector (YPA) is an Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) community comprising of young executives, of 45 years or younger, in the Canadian auto care sector. They support the career growth of young professionals by expanding their network and assisting them in becoming a thought leader in Canada’s auto care industry.

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