Darin Guillet has been promoted to regional sales manager for the western region with Wakefield Canada, which manufactures, distributes and markets the Castrol brand in Canada.

He has been with Wakefield since 2011 working in the automotive, commercial/heavy duty and industrial segments.

Before that, Guillet worked in sales management and operations roles in the petroleum industry and is a professional signature lubrication specialist focused in tribology from Southwest Research Institute of Technology. His 36 years in the industry means he carries a vast knowledge of lubricants, Wakefield noted in an announcement.

“Darin brings a growth mindset, results-driven and trusted advisor and coach approach to both our team members and our customers, along with a winning attitude and skillset,” said Shannon Spano, Wakefield Canada’s VP of sales says. “We all look forward to Darin working closely with our customers, earning the Castrol business every day.”

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Novus Glass Hamilton Central has opened its doors, led by owner and operator Jason Russell.

He is the owner of Russell Automotive Repair & Service Inc. and brings more than 20 years of experience to his latest venture

Russell saw the potential to expand his services to meet growing needs in the glass and calibration market. “Performing ADAS calibrations for four years showed me how the glass business could enhance what we already offer,” he said in an announcement. “I saw an opportunity to elevate customer experiences and set new standards.”

Russell’s automotive journey began in high school. His first major project was a 1968 Mustang he built with his now-wife at age 16.

His approach to business is guided by a focus on innovation and community involvement. He supports youth sports through coaching and mentorship

“We believe the youth are the future. Engaging with the community through youth sports not only supports their athletic development but also allows us to teach vital life lessons,” Russell said.

“Jason’s well-rounded repair service business exemplifies what is necessary to stay ahead in the industry,” said Zakari Krieger, Vice-President of Prime CarCare. “His dedication to incorporating windshield repair alongside his calibration services reflects a forward-thinking approach that benefits both customers and the market at large.”

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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

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Ashok Vedanayagam has been named as head of marketing for passenger and truck tires for the Americas at Continental Tire, covering North and South America.

Vedanayagam is responsible for a broad portfolio, including product management, marketing communications, public relations, e-business, market intelligence, pricing and strategic planning for the Americas.

“We are excited to have Ashok take on this pivotal role,” said Jochen Etzel, CEO of Continental Tire for the Americas, in an announcement. “With his broad international experience and strong understanding of the industry, he will play a key role in enhancing the value we provide in the region. His ability to align our strategies with the evolving needs of our customers will further help us strengthen our leadership position in the Americas.”

Vedanayagam has been with Continental since 2014 and has more than two decades of experience in leadership within the automotive and tire industries. He was most recently key account manager for truck OEMs in the Americas. Previously, he led the marketing function for the company’s Asia Pacific region.

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NTN Canada announced that aftermarket veteran Jeff Lee has joined its team as director of sales for the Canadian automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket, overseeing those sales channels.

He will officially take on the role on October 28, 2024.

In an announcement, NTN noted Lee is “a respected aftermarket sales professional with over 20 years of sales and account management experience.”

It further highlighted his experience in the aftermarket, which will help support NTN’s growth in the channels. Lee has held various leadership positions in sales, including national, regional and territory sales management, B2B sales and private labelling. 

“Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge and sales expertise in the automotive parts industry, as well as the heavy-duty truck segment,” the announcement said, further highlighted that “his expert knowledge and proven sales success in the aftermarket vehicle markets will go a long way in helping NTN to rebuild its aftermarket sales team and substantially grow and expand its business.”

He takes over the role from Rita Payne, who will move to director of corporate marketing and communications for NTN.

“Rita will apply her analytical approach and experience in aftermarket sales to bolster and bring to fruition NTN’s strategic marketing plans,” the announcement said. “With a solid track record in campaign management and strategic partnerships, she will now focus on broadening NTN’s aftermarket commercial initiatives and enhancing NTN’s brand identity in the market.”

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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.

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Heading to AAPEX and SEMA in Las Vegas this year? Do you have your calendar planned out? If not, here are some highlights to get you going.

Keynotes

AAPEX and SEAM each will have special keynotes, though at different times.

NFL sportscaster Erin Andrews will headline the opening keynote at AAPEX on Nov. 5. Starting at , she will be joined on stage by automotive aftermarket industry leader Kathleen Callahan, owner of Xpertech Auto Repair for a fireside chat

Then, Andrews will moderate a panel discussion with automotive aftermarket leaders who will share observations and perspectives on the industry. The industry titans participating in the discussion are: 

• 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
• Shane O’Kelly, president and CEO, Advance Auto Parts

The breakfast, which goes from 6:30-8:45 a.m., requires a separate ticket from the show. Contact, Chris Kalousek from AAPEX Event Management at chris.kalousek@aapexshow.com to inquire.

Over at SEMA, there will be a kickoff breakfast from 7-8:45 a.m. at the Paradise Event Center in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

Bear Grylls, host of Man vs. Wild, Running Wild With Bear Grylls and You vs. Wild, will be the event’s keynote speaker at 2 p.m. on Nov. 7. He will speak about the experiences that have shaped him and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Education

Both SEMA and AAPEX have a wide range of education seminars geared towards automotive service professionals. Session topics range from marketing to sales to business strategy and technical training.

You can view the full list of educational session from SEMA here and filter by track.

AAPEX is bringing back Joe’s Garage, which will have live demonstrations daily. Otherwise, you can go here and choose the type of training you want, based on job role, content level or session type.

Industry trends

There will be several sessions focused on where the industry is expected to go.

At AAPEX, two general sessions will be held. Trends Impacting the North American Aftermarket Todd Campau, aftermarket practice leader at S&P Global Mobility, will kick off with his annual overview of key industry trends impacting the North American aftermarket and new insights affecting the global aftermarket. You can catch this session will be held on Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to noon, at The Venetian, Level 1, Galileo Room 901.

He will also make the same presentation at SEMA at W311 from 11 a.m. to noon on Nov. 7.

At the Aftermarket Outlook 2025 session, Circana’s executive director and industry analyst, Nathan Shipley, will cover trends observed in general retail and the aftermarket over the past two years. This session will take place on Nov. 6, from 11 a.m. to noon, at The Venetian, Level 1, Galileo Room 901.

Joint EV Trends and Outlook Forecast and the Joint E-Commerce Trends and Outlook Forecast will provide EV sales forecasts, market trends and post-warranty EV part opportunities at 1:45 p.m. on Nov. 5. Then, from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m., Jefferies will present the 2024 Joint E-commerce Trends and Outlook Forecast, offering a view of aftermarket e-commerce growth through 2026. Both take place at the EV Experience Stage on Level 1.

showcase new forecasts for growth in electric vehicle sales, the share of vehicles in operation, and predictions for select EV-related parts categories. This session will take place on Nov. 5, from 1:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

At SEMA, 2025 Economic and Job Market Outlook With Smart Ideas to Solve for Workforce Shortages will be hosted by Jeff Korzenik, chief economist at Fifth Third Bank. He will look at external factors and trends that may impact your business in W311 on Nov. 5 from 3-4 p.m.

On Nov. 6 from 1-2 p.m., Gavin Knapp, market research director at SEMA, will present SEMA State of the Industry: Where We Are, Where We’re Going. He will look at the trends driving the market and influences on the specialty equipment sector.

Canada Night

What’s Industry Week without Canada Night? The Automotive Industries Association of Canada’s anticipated networking event provides Canadian businesses from the entire auto care industry an opportunity to connect with top leaders and experts from the Canadian automotive aftermarket.

It will be in a new location — the Palazzo Pool Deck at The Venetian on Nov. 5 from 5:30-8:30

Canada Night requires a separate ticket available to industry individuals or companies. Business attendees must currently have an office in Canada or a representative who works in the Canadian market. U.S.-based companies with a strong Canadian presence are also welcome.

You can purchase tickets here.

SEMA Fest

While AAPEX wraps up on Nov. 7, SEMA will continue into Nov. 8 and wrap up with the return of SEMA Fest.

A live music and automotive event will feature performances by Cage the Elephant, Sublime, Fitz and the Tantrums and Petey.

The event is open to the public as well as industry professionals, taking place at a new outdoor venue right at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), adjacent to the South Hall.

Separate tickets are required, starting at $49. They are available at www.semafest.com.

ATRA Powertrain Expo

The Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association has joined forces with AAPEX to bring its annual Expo to the Industry Week.

What was once a separate event can now be found on Level 1 of the Venetian this year and for every AAPEX following. All ATRA Expo vendors will be featured in the dedicated Transmission area, near Joe’s Garage.

Training opportunities can be found here, while additional details about the expo can be found at www.powertrainexpo.com.

The post Here’s what to do at AAPEX and SEMA appeared first on Auto Service World.

The annual three-day Ride for the Future by the Automotive Aftermarket Riders Club (AARC) will kick off once again heading into AAPEX.

The event is supports the University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF), which provides scholarships and educational resources to help develop future industry leaders.

“The AARC Ride for the Future offers an exciting and unforgettable experience,” said Mike Mohler, the leader of the pack. “While we are taking in incredible locations and having a blast, we are also giving back to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.”

He noted that Michael Rukov has been designated the head of “fun stuff” and is working on a mystery field trip that participants will enjoy. However, the location of the mystery excursion has not yet been revealed.

The scenic ride will begin at Eagle Rider Rentals and Tours in Las Vegas on Oct. 31. Riders will cruise through Nevada, Southern Utah and Arizona. Riders will head back to Las Vegas on Nov. 2 in time for the start of the Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) conference.

Interested riders can rent motorcycles from Eagle Rider Rentals and Tours with an advance reservation. For more information or to learn how to become a rider or sponsor, contact Mike Mohler, at mikem@thegroupapsg.com.

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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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Three Fountain Tire executives have been moved up to vice president roles, the company announced.

Curtis Goodwin will become VP of Alberta and Saskatchewan store; Nason Higinbotham will take over as VP of stores in B.C., Manitoba and Ontario; and Yves Richard will become VP of supply and wholesale.           

“I’m delighted to welcome Curtis, Nason and Yves to Fountain Tire’s senior leadership team,” Fountain Tire CEO Jason Herle said in the announcement. “Each bring a unique skillset that will enhance our strategic direction, champion our partnership philosophy and support our store managers in delivering an exceptional customer experience.”

Goodwin started his career at Fountain Tire more than 30 years ago, moving up from assistant manager to store in Edmonton. After spending time in the dealer network, he returned to the company in 2018. He was most recently general manager for Alberta and Saskatchewan stores.

He will now oversee his current territory in an elevated capacity while developing the next generation of regional leadership.

Higinbotham has been with Fountain Tire since 2014, moving to the company’s store operations team in 2020. He led the launch of TireMobile, the company’s first consumer mobile tire service. He was most recently the general manager of B.C. and Yukon Stores.

Richard spent 17 in the telecommunications industry before joining Fountain Tire in 2014. He led the launch of Fountain Tire’s Digital Vehicle Report program. He was promoted to general manager in 2023. Richard also chairs the board of Goodyear’s Canadian Commercial Tire and Service Network.

In his new role, Richar will oversee the company’s product and pricing, inventory, warehousing and logistics, retread and wholesale portfolios. 

The post Fountain tire promotes three to VP roles appeared first on Auto Service World.

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.

The post The Group announces Pavey’s successor appeared first on Auto Service World.

The E.R.I. Group announced the recipients of this year’s Richard Miller Education Award.

The award has been supporting individuals from E.R.I. member companies in their educational and training pursuits for over 20 years.

This year’s awardees, Carson McComb, Peyten Hanson, Erin Eileen Feeleus, Nate Haugen, Victor Hugo de Sousa de Melo, and Molly Powell Rideout, each received a $1,000 cheque to aid in furthering their education.

“We congratulate each of them on their success and wish them well in their chosen vocations,” the goroup’s announcement stated. “We also applaud all of our applicants this year with furthering their training or education.”

Carson McComb of Kelowna, British Columbia, has completed his undergraduate degree, achieving a Bachelor of Science with a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of British Columbia. This year, Carson will be attending his first year of a four-year program at the University of Alberta Medicine, with the ultimate goal of obtaining his Doctor of Medicine degree.

Peyten Hanson of Spruce Grove, Alberta, is entering her first year of a two-and-a-half-year Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. Peyten is starting her postsecondary education towards her ultimate goal of becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.

Erin Eileen Feeleus of Headingley, Manitoba, is entering her third year of studies at the University of Winnipeg in the Faculty of Education. While attending school, Erin has also been working in childcare for the past four years at a daycare center, which has given her the opportunity to broaden her experience with children of all ages. Erin’s ultimate goal is to become a teacher to contribute to the development of the next generation.

Nate Haugen of Blackstock, Ontario, is attending his first year of studies in Mechanical Technology at Durham College. Nate was selected this year to compete at the Ontario Skills Competition (Provincial finals for Motive Power), where he finished in second place.

Victor Hugo de Sousa de Melo of Granby, Quebec, came to Quebec in 2022 from Brazil. Victor’s goal is to become a general surgeon. He is currently enrolled at Centre régional intégré de formation, where he is in the process of completing Formation Générale, a certificate needed to pursue his education in Canada since his diploma from Brazil is not recognized in Canada.

Molly Powell Rideout of Sussex, New Brunswick, is attending her first year of studies in Forest Technology at Maritime College of Forest Technology.

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Brendan Morris

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers announce Brendan Morris as the new chair of the Brake Manufacturers Council.

He is currently vice president of sales at GRI Engineering. He takes over from John Bennett, managing director at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Detroit.

With more than two decades of experience in the automotive and aftermarket braking sectors, Morris, MEMA highlighted his ability to lead the BMC through crucial developments in industry standards, regulatory challenges and technological advancements.

“We are currently facing an unprecedented period in the history of aftermarket braking,” Morris in the announcement. “The importance of BMC is now more apparent than ever. It serves as a platform where industry professionals can collaborate to share insights about market challenges and unite to address regulations. This enables us to navigate the obstacles affecting our business and products, ultimately delivering superior outcomes.”

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and the BMC noted its gratitude to Bennett for his leadership and contributions during his tenure. Under Bennett’s guidance, MEMA noted, the BMC has enhanced collaborative efforts among brake manufacturers and tackled pivotal industry issues.

“We are incredibly grateful to John Bennett for his visionary leadership and commitment to excellence,” said Ben Brucato, vice president of member engagement at MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. “We are confident that Brendan will continue this legacy of proactive leadership and innovation to advance the interests of our members and the industry at large.”

Morris’ appointment is effective immediately. He will preside over his first BMC meeting in November during AAPEX.

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Gary MacCausland

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) announced it elected a current board member to its executive committee.

Gary MacCausland of VIP Tires & Service was voted in as secretary. He has served on the TIA board for two years,.

MacCausland’s term will officially begin on Nov. 4th during the group’s board meeting in Las Vegas prior to the opening of the 2024 Global Tire Expo and SEMA Show. His election as TIA Secretary places him in line to become the association’s president in 2026-27.

A tire industry veteran with more than 35 years of experience in automotive and tire service centers, MacCausland currently works as Senior Vice President of Operations & Merchandising at VIP Tires & Service in Lewiston, Maine. He is a certified Automotive Tire Service instructor since 2017.

“I am honored to be elected as Secretary and look forward to collaborating with this talented team of board members and staff to continue making a positive impact on safety in the tire industry,” MacCausland said.

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Matthias Wacker is the new Porsche Cars Canada after sales head.

He joins from Porsche AG where he held various management positions in after sales and supply chain strategy for the past five years. His started with the company in 2013 in product monitoring and quality analytics at the brand’s world headquarters in Zuffenhausen, Germany.

Wacker takes over from Alexander Pretsch who has returned to Germany after spending four years with the Canadian subsidiary.

“Matthias’ impressive resume, abilities, and knowledge of the brand make him an exceptional addition to the team,” said John Cappella, President and CEO of Porsche Cars Canada. “I would also like to thank Alexander Pretsch for his dedication, leadership, and overall contribution to our success.”

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Mike Ferris

Mike Ferris is joining NTN Bearings’ automotive aftermarket business unit as the regional sales manager for the central region.

He was most recently with Schaeffler, where he spent three years as an account executive. The parent company of BCA Bearings and Bower Bearings noted his background in sales and account management in the automotive and heavy-duty aftermarkets. He’s spent 11 years on the supplier side of the industry in roles with Lumileds and Mahle.

Ferris will oversee NTN’s sales strategy, which includes managing customers and sales agency partners and developing new business in the automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket segments.

“We are excited to add Mike to our sales management team,” said Charles Harris, NTNs vice president of sales and marketing for the automotive aftermarket. “His experience in the automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket channels will enable him to hit the ground running, and immediately make an impact on our central region. Mike’s positive energy and fresh perspective will pay dividends for our customers and our organization as a whole, and I look forward to seeing him succeed in this role.”

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Image credit: Depositphotos.com

The U.S. automotive aftermarket is poised for continued growth, according to new research.

The Joint Forecast Model, a comprehensive analysis prepared by S&P Global and released by the Auto Care Association and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, revealed that total aftermarket sales grew by 8.6 per cent to reach $391 billion. Dealers’ service centres, auto parts stores, and general auto repair sectors all saw significant growth, surpassing initial estimates.

The model, the announcement explained, provides an in-depth review of the market’s size, growth projections through 2027, and the trends influencing this trajectory. It also highlighted that, despite challenges such as persistent inflation, the U.S. automotive aftermarket showed resilience in 2023.

Several key trends are shaping the aftermarket industry. Rising wages and a strong labour market are boosting consumer spending despite inflationary pressures. The industry’s ability to charge more for services and parts has helped counteract inflation, which is expected to return to the Federal Reserve’s target range by late 2025.

Although consumer sentiment remains low, spending levels have been resilient. However, ongoing pessimism could pose risks to future spending patterns. New vehicle sales are projected to stabilize, contributing to the expansion of the U.S. vehicle fleet. Additionally, there is a continued rise in e-commerce purchases of DIY parts, reflecting changing consumer preferences and the increasing convenience of online shopping.

In 2023, the aftermarket faced similar influences as in 2022, with high inflation and a resilient consumer base driving spending. Despite high inflation hindering potential federal rate cuts, the strong labour market and rising wages kept consumer spending robust, benefitting the aftermarket.

The model predicted that U.S. automotive aftermarket sales will grow by 5.9 per cent in 2024. From 2025 to 2027, the market is expected to see average growth rates of 4.5 per cent, with the aftermarket expanding to $472 billion as inflationary effects retreat.

“Despite inflationary pressures, vehicle owners are investing more in their cars, with an aging vehicle fleet and significant growth in both service and retail sectors supporting our industry’s trajectory,” said Paul McCarthy, president and CEO of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. “The report’s analysis on how these factors are shaping our market provide essential clarity for our members as they strategize for the future.”

Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association, also noted the industry’s promising growth prospects.

“As we navigate the evolving market dynamics, industry stakeholders can expect a wealth of opportunities to emerge, driven by consumer demand, the aging vehicle population and technological advancements,” he said.

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Alana Baker speaks at the 2024 AIA Canada National Conference

Alana Baker has left the automotive aftermarket, leaving her position as vice president of government relations and research at the Automotive Industries Association of Canada.

Baker posted to LinkedIn that she left as of June 5 and confirmed separately that she was leaving the industry.

“This is, of course, very bittersweet. While I know deep down this is the right decision for me and my family at this time, my heart is certainly heavy to be leaving the association and the team,” she wrote. “It has been a pleasure representing Canada’s auto care industry with government, partners and stakeholders.”

Baker has been with the group since the fall of 2021. She has been a regular speaker and advocate for the industry’s right to repair efforts in Canada and internationally.

Jean-François Champagne, president and CEO of AIA Canada, said in a statement to Auto Service World that the group is sad to see her go but excited for her next chapter. He praised Baker for her work on the right to repair file, both in Canada and globally.

But just because Baker is gone, that doesn’t mean the movement has lost momentum, he noted.

“Our commitment to the R2R initiative remains steadfast. During this transition, we will continue to work closely with our long-standing partners, Summa Strategies and Boudeweel Public Affairs, alongside the AIA Canada team, to ensure the momentum of our government relations efforts is maintained,” Champagne said. “We wish Alana all the best in her future endeavors and are grateful for her impactful work.’’

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A new summer promotion is underway from Perfect Stop with its 2024 Perfect Stop Powersports Promotion.

Six grand prize winners will choose a powersports vehicle of their choice, worth up to $15,000. Another $25,000 in gift cards will also be awarded to 150 lucky winners.

The promotion kicked off June 1 and will run until July 31.

Using MyPlace4Parts, professional technicians can earn automatic entries with each qualifying purchase of Perfect Stop branded products. All qualifying orders are automatically entered into the sweepstakes for the opportunity to win one of the six grand prize selections, or gift cards valued at $100, $250 or $500.

The post Perfect Stop announces summer promo appeared first on Auto Service World.

Denton Lewis

Denton Lewis has been promoted to category manager by the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance.

He will lead a team of product data analysts and represent the Alliance’s head office and Auto Value shareholder members through business interactions with manufacturing partner organizations and their teams.

“Denton Lewis continues his excellent work with our shareholder members and our manufacturing channel partners,” said Justin Hebert, vice president of category management at the Alliance. “His responsibilities continue to expand, functioning as a main conduit with our valued channel partners and our distributor members and is a leader among the entire category management team. Denton continues to grow in his role at the Alliance and has been a great addition to our team. We look forward to his continued career growth.”

Lewis will continue working with new and existing manufacturing channel partners.

“I am delighted to step into this new position and play a larger role in developing our category management program with the visionary team at the Alliance,” Lewis said. “Together we will focus on a category management program that enhances our market presence and builds lasting value for our shareholder members and our channel partners.”

The post Alliance adds new category manager appeared first on Auto Service World.

Veteran automotive aftermarket executive Jason Best announced he has joined Cloyes as its chief revenue officer.

He will oversee revenue at Cloyes, ATI and Rotomaster.

He was most recently vice president of independent aftermarket sales at First Brands Group. He’s also served in senior roles with Uni-Select and Spectra Premium.

In 2019, he served as the chair of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada.

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Image credit: Depositphotos.com

A group has recently highlighted the top vehicles in each segment for the money they cost. And a new category has been added for the top plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Honda and Kia each won four Best Car for the Money awards across multiple categories from consumer advice outlet U.S. News & World Report.

“The Honda Civic, Honda Odyssey and Kia Soul – each previous winner in their respective categories for multiple years – have showcased commitment to low ownership costs, top safety ratings and great driving dynamics,” the group said in an announcement.

It pointed to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which placed atop the Electric SUV class for the first time “thanks in part to its cutting-edge technology features, spacious interior and competitive estimated five-year ownership costs.”

“The Best Car for the Money winners represent vehicles that provide an excellent ownership experience and excel when it comes to long-term value,” said Jim Sharifi, managing editor of U.S. News Best Cars.

The winners in each category are:

• 2024 Honda Civic, Best Compact Car for the Money
• 2024 Hyundai Tucson, Best Compact SUV for the Money
• 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5, Best Electric SUV for the Money
• 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Best Hybrid Car for the Money
• 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid, Best Hybrid SUV for the Money
• 2024 Honda Accord, Best Midsize Car for the Money
• 2024 Honda Odyssey, Best Minivan for the Money
• 2024 Kia Sportage PHEV, Best Plug-In Hybrid SUV for the Money
• 2024 Honda Passport, Best 2-Row SUV for the Money
• 2024 Kia Telluride, Best 3-Row SUV for the Money
• 2024 Kia Soul, Best Subcompact SUV for the Money

The group outlined that award winners have the best combination of quality and value in their class. Quality is based on the vehicle’s overall score in the U.S. News Best Car Rankings, which are based on safety and reliability data as well as the collective opinion of the automotive press. Value is measured by evaluating transaction price data and projected five-year ownership costs.

The recipients were recognized at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show in mid-January.

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Kendall Schaus

Kendall Schaus has been promoted to field sales manager with the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance.

The move was effective January 1. In her new role, she will focus on Alliance member sales efforts including national service retail chain accounts and the Auto Value and Confidence Plus Certified Service Centers (CSC) program.

“Kendall works seamlessly with our shareholder members and their sales teams,” said JC Washbish, President of the Alliance. “She is a natural salesperson and understands service is the difference when taking care of the shop customer. We are excited to see her embrace her new management role as she continues to lead the Alliance sales efforts.”

Schaus officially joined the Alliance in October of 2020 as a field sales representative, working directly with Alliance shareholders on national account efforts, sales trainings, CSC banner shop program elements. She will now expand her responsibilities as manager, serving as lead for the Alliance, working alongside Bob Resco of Federated Auto Parts, and Mike Peace of the Pronto Network, with national service retail accounts and partnerships, working as a trio in support of the Federated-Alliance joint venture and Automotive Parts Service Group (APSG) national account efforts.

“I’m excited to continue working directly with our Alliance shareholder members on their sales and business development efforts, particularly with National Accounts and our Certified Service Centers,” Schaus said.

She will report directly to Washbish.

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Patrick Verriet

Global filtration company Mann+Hummel announced that Patrick Verriet is its new Canadian business development manager.

Verriet takes over from Steve Ellis, who retired at the end of 2023.

Verriet first joined the company in 2016 as district sales manager.

“Over the past seven years with us, Patrick has proved his ability to drive growth, deliver strong customer service and help shape strategic initiatives,” said Mike Harvey, director of sales – traditional channels at Mann+Hummel. “We are very excited for Patrick’s future with us, and for the meaningful relationships he will continue to build and pursue within the automotive aftermarket.”

Verriet’s father worked for WIX Filters for 34 years. Since following in his father’s industry footsteps, Verriet has earned an automotive aftermarket professional designation and is a graduate of the Leadership 2.0 program, both through Northwood University.

He’s also a board member with the Automotive Materials Stewardship of Ontario and is the current chair of AIA Canada’s Young Professionals in the Auto care sector committee. He is also a current member of the Canadian Professional Sales Association.

Ellis, meanwhile, departed after almost a decade of leading the Canadian sales team. Harvey recognized his “dedication, compassion and respect” in the announcement.

“On behalf of our Mann+Hummel team, we thank Steve for his contributions and wish him only the best in his adventures ahead,” he said.

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Rob Keam is taking over the role of sales manager at APD.

The move was official as of January 2. He was most recently Tenneco’s senior sales manager for Western Canada.

The announcement from APD noted Keam’s 25-plus years of automotive sales expertise. He has had a distinguished career in territory, strategic and regional sales management roles in the automotive and commercial vehicles sector.

In the role, Keam will be in charge of overseeing the company’s territory managers with a focus on fostering relationships, enhancing efficiencies and propelling overall business growth

“We are mutually confident and enthusiastic about the prospect of Rob making a significant impact, further elevating APD’s standing in the competitive marketplace as we continue our growth trajectory,” the announcement said.

Keam will report directly to APD president and CEO Zara Wishloff and also work with the entire executive team.

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Ann Wilson speaks at the 2023 MEMA Vision Conference in Chicago

One of the leading voices on the political stage for the automotive aftermarket is retiring.

Ann Wilson, industry veteran and member of the Automotive Hall of Fame, is hanging it up at the end of the year, MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association announced.

She will transition to the role of being the executive vice president of MEMA government affairs as Ana Meuwissen joins the group as of March 11 to take over Wilson’s role of senior vice president of MEMA government affairs.

“For more than 20 years, Ann Wilson has been a guiding light, expertly navigating the legislative and regulatory landscapes,” said Bill Long, CEO of MEMA, which represents both original equipment and automotive aftermarket suppliers. “Her deep understanding of the needs of the vehicle supplier community and her exceptional leadership have left an indelible mark on MEMA and the entire supplier industry. We are deeply grateful to Ann for her service.”

Wilson has been a leading voice in Washington, D.C., especially as the right to repair debate has heated up in recent years. She has spoken at countless industry events, such as MEMA’s Vision Conference and AAPEX, on the topic.

Meanwhile, Meuwissen will work closely with Wilson during the transition. Meuwissen’s experience includes serving as director of government relations with MEMA from 1988-2005. Since 2012, she has led government affairs for Bosch in the U.S. She is also a former chair of MEMA’s government affairs committee and is the current chair of the government affairs advisory committee of MEMA’s board of directors.

“Ana Meuwissen’s return to MEMA is a significant gain for our organization,” Long said. “Her profound understanding of industry policies, her proactive approach, and her proven leadership skills make her the ideal successor to carry forward Ann’s legacy.”

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Photo via LinkedIn

The Canadian automotive aftermarket lost a big name last week. Doug Williams, founder of National Sales Inc., died on Jan. 2.

According to posts from his son Sean and daughter Katie, he died surrounded by family at Greater Niagara General Hospital in Niagara Falls, Ont.

“I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with and alongside my dad for the last 20+ years,” said Sean, who now leads the company his father started. “He was a family man first and a respected leader in the automotive aftermarket industry.”

Katie is a business development specialist at Carquest. “He leaves behind a lasting legacy of family values, and innovation in the automotive sector, where he served as a prominent and dynamic figure for over 50 years,” her posting said. “His unwavering commitment and love for his family can be seen through all of his children and grandchildren who he adored.”

Doug leaves behind his wife, Marlene, children Steve Mckirdy, Barbara Ann Mckirdy and Myke Mckirdy, grandchildren Isobel, Gavin, Gabriel, Isabella and Jaxton. He also had a brother, Joe and sister, Hazel.

“Doug will be remembered as a loving husband, father, Poppa, leader, and friend,” Sean wrote.

“In this time of grief, we remember Doug not only as a leader but as a loving husband, father, Poppa, and friend,” Katie said. “His impact on both the automotive industry and the lives he touched will be cherished and remembered with profound gratitude.”

“Thank you to all who have reached out to the family, over recent days,” Sean added, “with much appreciated support, great stories and Dougisms like ‘Nothing happens until something is sold’ that he has told them over the years.”

A visitation was held on Jan. 7 and a funeral was scheduled for Jan. 8 at Pleasantview Funeral Home in nearby Thorold.

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The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance has a new president.

Its board of directors announced JC Washbish to the role. The move was effective January 1. He will lead the Alliance’s executive staff and shareholder membership.

Washbish joined the Alliance in 2016 as sales, marketing and brand manager. In 2017, he was promoted to director of marketing. In 2019, he moved into the role of vice president of sales and marketing.

As president, Washbish will work directly with the board on organizational directives, business development, and industry relations. All departments and their executive leadership will report to Washbish, who will steer the company’s initiatives and goals.

Eli N. Futerman, the company’s board chairman and co-owner of Hahn Automotive Warehouse, welcomed Washbish to the role.

“JC brings youth, enthusiasm and vision to our shareholders as our new leader,” he said.

Corey Bartlett, treasurer of the Alliance’s board of directors and CEO of Automotive Parts Headquarters, highlighted the board’s excitement to promote Washbish and how it fits with the company’s strategy.

“The Alliance board of directors has always been very strategic about the long-term future of the Alliance and the continued success of its shareholders,” he said in the announcement. “This strategic focus on the future of the Alliance led us to JC eight years ago.”

Before joining the Alliance, Washbish was an account executive with Niterra North America (formerly NGK Spark Plugs) where he was responsible for major retail accounts.

Washbish holds a Juris Doctor from Ava Maria School of Law in Naples, Florida, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. He has also received his AAP designation from the University of the Aftermarket and is a graduate of its Leadership 2.0 program.

“The Alliance while continue to be a driving force in the independent aftermarket,” said Washbish. “Our members are progressive, forward-thinking and eager to expand the Alliance’s influence throughout North America. We have the best team and work with the best channel partners in the industry. We are looking forward to continual growth.”

He will report directly to CEO John R. Washbish and the Alliance board of directors.

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From everyone at Auto Service World, we want to wish you and your family a happy holidays!

Thank you for turning to us, CARS magazine, Jobber News and EV World to deliver you with the latest in automotive aftermarket news, events and trends taking place.

We’ll be taking the next week off, so there won’t be any news publishing unless something major happens. If you subscribe to our newsletter, stay tuned for the top reads of the year all week

We’ll be back to normal on Jan. 2. Don’t forget, you can always reach out to us with any news tips or thoughts about what’s going on in the industry or within the pages (digital and physical) of our publications.

Stay safe and enjoy time with your loved ones.

Enjoy the holidays!

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As cannabis consumption gains popularity, the introduction of innovative and discreet weed pens has revolutionized the way people enjoy marijuana. These devices are ultra-portable and offer a convenient and user-friendly experience. However, it is vital to note that safe usage should be a top priority, especially when driving. While it may be tempting to grab your weed pen and hit the road, exercising caution is crucial. In this article, we’ll delve into seven safety measures you can adopt to enhance your on-the-road experience with a weed pen, making it both secure and enjoyable. Learn more about products like Weed carts carts by TRĒ House. Following these tips can maximize your experience without compromising safety or breaking any laws. Let’s dive in!

Freepik

●       Choose an appropriate location:

Selecting the right location for vaping with a weed pen in your car is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. As a responsible cannabis user, it is crucial to choose a location that is legal, low-traffic, and distraction-free. Driving through busy roads or areas with heavy pedestrian traffic demands your attention. It is best to pick a spot where you can focus on the road and vaping without any potential distractions. A suitable environment sets the foundation for a responsible and risk-free experience. So take your time, find a location that suits you best, and enjoy your cannabis safely.

●       Stay mindful of the law:

As cannabis laws are changing rapidly across the country, it is important to stay up-to-date on the legal framework in your area. Especially when it comes to consuming cannabis in vehicles, the regulations can vary significantly from state to state. To enjoy your cannabis responsibly and steer clear of legal complications, it’s essential to comprehend and adhere to local laws. Being informed and mindful of the law keeps you safe and protected and contributes to a more extensive dialogue around marijuana legalization. With the correct information, you can avoid any unwanted consequences and continue to enjoy your cannabis safely and legally.

●       Ensure proper ventilation:

When it comes to consuming cannabis in a confined space, such as a car, ensuring proper ventilation is essential. Not only does it disperse any leftover vapor, but it also reduces the chances of discomfort or disorientation arising from poor air quality. To prioritize your well-being during your cannabis session, keep the windows partially open to allow for adequate airflow. By doing so, you can enjoy your cannabis experience to the fullest while ensuring that safety remains a top priority. Ultimately, a little fresh air can go a long way to ensure your experience is comfortable and enjoyable.

●       Stay odour-conscious:

As a cannabis consumer, staying odor-conscious can make all the difference in keeping your experience private and discreet. The aroma of cannabis can linger and potentially attract unwanted attention, so it’s essential to take steps to minimize it. One effective way to do this is to use discreet containers to store your cannabis products. This can help contain the scent and prevent it from spreading too far. Another option is to use air fresheners or odor-neutralizing sprays to keep the space smelling fresh and neutral. Being odor-conscious is not only considerate of others, but it can also contribute to a more enjoyable and stress-free experience.

●       Limit distractions:

As a responsible driver, you must prioritize safety while on the road. Distractions can profoundly impact your ability to drive safely. And when it comes to using a weed pen while driving, distractions can multiply quickly. Before you hit the road, ensure you limit the use of the pen, no matter how tempting it might seem. Remember, driving demands your full attention, so try to focus solely on it during your entire journey and avoid multitasking at all costs. By being mindful of your distractions, you’re taking care of yourself and contributing to overall road safety. So, let’s all become responsible drivers and make our roads safe for everyone.

Freepik

●       Secure your weed pen:

Prioritize safety when managing weed pens. Whether it’s preventing accidental spills or reducing unnecessary clutter, securing your device when not in use significantly minimizes the risk of potential accidents. Fortunately, investing in designated holders or compartments within your car can make all the difference. Not only will your cannabis products be safe and easily accessible, but you’ll also enjoy a more organized and stress-free driving experience. So take the necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of your weed pen, and enjoy all the benefits of a clutter-free environment.

●       Be responsible with dosage:

As the popularity of cannabis grows, so does the need for responsible consumption. One crucial aspect of responsible cannabis use is understanding your tolerance levels and consuming the appropriate dosage. Overconsumption can lead to unpleasant experiences, including discomfort and impaired judgment, which can be especially dangerous when operating a vehicle. It’s essential to be aware of your limits and avoid excessive intake, particularly if you plan on driving afterward. By consuming cannabis responsibly, you can contribute to a safer and more enjoyable experience. Remember to always start with a low dose and build from there, and always choose a trusted source for your cannabis products.

Conclusion:

As cannabis enthusiasts embrace the convenience of weed pens, it becomes increasingly important to balance enjoyment with responsibility, mainly when using these devices in a car. By adhering to these seven precautions, users can ensure a safer and more responsible cannabis consumption experience. Whether enjoying cannabis for medicinal or recreational purposes, prioritizing safety contributes to a positive cannabis culture that respects both individual well-being and the well-being of the community at large.

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Jeoffrey Boutet

Wakefield Canada announced Jeoffrey Boutet as its new regional sales manager for Eastern Canada.

In the role, Boutet will oversee the company’s sales team in Quebec and Atlantic provinces. With more than 10 years of strong sales performance in his roles in customer care, territory sales and business development, he will bring energy and passion as a sales leader.

He will be tasked with fostering strong relationships with his team members and customers.

Boutet will be working out of the Wakefield Canada office in Laval, Quebec.

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CARS magazine is proud to announce the Shop of the Year 2023 winner: Art Turney’s Garage.

Located in Peterborough, Ontario, Art Turney’s Garage was chosen for its dedication to fostering a successful shop by encouraging training, allowing for a flexible work schedule, longevity in the community and maintaining loyalty among its patrons. Notably, even though the Turney family no longer owns the business, they continue to visit the shop for their auto care needs.

The award is sponsored by Milwaukee Tool. The winning shop received a prize pack for the recognition.

In charge of the shop is Mike Howard. He works with his technicians on what they need to be successful and customers to ensure they understand the work being done on their vehicles. The business services both heavy-duty fleets and light vehicles.

But he is not a technician. So he relies on his quality foreman to fill him on the technical aspects. He returns the favour by offering his business insights.

 

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The business, which dates back to around 1930, is owned by McWilliams Moving & Storage, one of the garage’s first customers under its namesake owner when a new location was opened in the 1980s.

Like most shops, Howard is concerned about the lack of available and quality talent. Increasing wages — long overdue — is one of the strategies top of mind.

“And in order to attract and retain staff, we’ve had to increase wages, which is due. I generally think the whole business, the whole trade is underpaid. And we’ve increased wages, trying to remain competitive with our competition. And, in turn, therefore, we had raised door rates and the price parts have gone up, and everything’s gone up. And it’s all part of keeping the lights on and trying to make a profit,” Howard said.

He’s also developed an environment where staff can work four-day workweeks and choose their hours while in the shop. They can start early in the day or later, so long as they’re in the shop during core hours. It’s not unusual to find someone working in the bays as early as 6 a.m. and continuing well past the 5 p.m. closing time.

That’s just a snippet of Art Turney’s Garage’s story. The full feature will be in the December issue of CARS magazine — keep an eye on your mailbox for your copy — and will also be posted to Auto Service World in the coming weeks.

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The University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF) has awarded hundreds of scholarships to students for the upcoming school year.

In all, 378 scholarships totalling $640,250 were given out. A complete list of scholarship recipients can be found at AutomotiveScholarships.com/scholarship-alumni.

Scholarships were awarded to those attending a two-year or four-year college or university or an accredited automotive vocational program. While most students are studying to become mechanical, collision or heavy-duty repair professionals, others are pursuing degrees in such fields as business, engineering and IT/cybersecurity that will lead to a career in the automotive aftermarket. Furthermore, many named scholarships were awarded on behalf of a variety of individuals and organizations.

To be considered, scholarship candidates applied at the foundation’s AutomotiveScholarships.com or HeavyDutyScholarships.com websites. Once the teams of volunteer scholarship reviewers evaluated completed applications, recipients and their corresponding schools were notified of the awards.

“It’s wonderful to see so many students looking to the aftermarket as a career path and applying for scholarships to help get them there,” said Mike Buzzard, chairman of the UAF scholarship committee. “Awarding so many scholarships would not be possible without the generosity of those who donate their time and resources to UAF. Their support helps ensure that the aftermarket remains vibrant and strong through education.”

To learn more about the University of the Aftermarket Foundation or make a donation, visit UofA-Foundation.org. To apply for a scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year, visit AutomotiveScholarships.com or HeavyDutyScholarships.com.

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Peter van der Galiën

With the retirement of Jürgen Buchert at the end of this year, TecAlliance announced Peter van der Galiën will take over as chief executive officer.

Buchert will retire after 22 years. An announcement noted van der Galiën has many years of experience in the areas of strategy, sales and marketing as well as digitalization and brings many years of international management experience.

His experience includes 17 years at Motorola, which included the roles of its Netherlands operations and was part of the European executive management team and director of sales for Motorola ECC Europe. In 2009, he joined the Haynes Group as global director of sales and marketing for HaynesPro, its professional automotive data division, and was appointed as managing director of the HaynesPro Group and executive director on the supervisory board of Haynes Publishing in 2015. He was a founding member of the ADPA (European Automotive Data Publishers Association) and acted as vice president for more than six years.

“I am very excited to succeed Jürgen Buchert as CEO of TecAlliance, who has successfully led TecAlliance to become the global market leader in data for the automotive aftermarket. I am looking forward to building on the achievements of the TecAlliance team and to further develop TecAlliance’s business as a Global player in the field of automotive data and digital business processes. Jürgen and I will work closely together from October onwards to assure a thorough handover and I will be aligning our business plans with Neil Fryer and the Shareholders’ Committee,” van der Galiën said.

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Several new faces a joining the board of directors at the Automotive Communications Council as changes were announced for the 2023-2024 year.

At the top will be some familiar faces. Shawn Collins, founder of the Extend Group, will serve as incoming president, while John McGrane, marketing communications manager at Acme Manufacturing, will move to the immediate past president role. Peter Bulmer, managing director at Turnkey Media — owner of Auto Service World, CARS and Jobber News, will act as treasurer. Leyla Saad, North America marketing coordinator at Sensata Technologies, will continue to serve as board member.

Joining them is Patrick Cronin, automotive aftermarket marketing manager for NTN Bearing Corporation, who will serve as vice president.

Alyssa McGhee from Mahle Aftermarket, Sheila Sarkozi from RepairPal and Taran Sodhi from Conceptual Minds are marking their first terms on the board.

The post Here’s the ACC board for 2023-2024 appeared first on Auto Service World.

Michael Small

Denso Products and Services Americas has added new names and familiar faces to its management team.

Michael Small has been promoted to senior manager of national accounts sales and marketing. He has been with Denso for 11 years, most recently as manager of national accounts.

Kelly Dickens has been promoted to manager of national accounts. She has been with the company for 6 years, most recently as senior account manager.

Lisa Jinn has been promoted to manager of category management. She has been with Denso for 16 years, most recently as program manager of category management.

Otto Jun has been promoted to Manager of Heavy Duty OEM/OES. Jun has been with Denso for 22 years, most recently as senior account manager.

Andrew Shlatz has been promoted to manager of heavy duty aftermarket sales. He has been with the company for 7 years, most recently as National Sales Manager.

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Tire distributor Groupe Touchette announced it has acquired Fastco Canada, which designs, manufactures and distributes alloy wheels.

In an announcement, Groupe Touchette said the deal will allow it to expand its customer service offering and give Fastco greater access to new markets.

The acquisition, the company said, is in line with its growth plan and it has joined forces with an innovative company at the forefront of technology and driven by values of excellence. The two companies will remain independent.

“Our collaboration opens new avenues for both companies and allows us to expand our product offering as part of our strategic plan,” said Nicolas Touchette, co-owner and chief executive officer of Groupe Touchette. “Groupe Touchette and Fastco Canada have cultivated common values of excellence that motivate our respective employees. While remaining independent, both companies will continue to operate with common objectives to provide our customers with the best experience in the tire and wheel categories.”

Fastco’s Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, and Airdrie, Alberta, locations will continue as usual. The agreement allows Fastco to maintain its brands and management team.

The post Groupe Touchette acquires wheel maker appeared first on Auto Service World.

Thomas Litzinger

Thomas Litzinger has been named industry chair of aftermarket education at Northwood University.

He will provide strategic leadership for the full range of aftermarket education, from professional development and training to bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

“Dr. Thomas Litzinger has already made an impressive impact as executive director of the University of the Aftermarket and in the classroom,” said Kristin Stehouwer, academic vice president and provost of Northwood University. “With Thomas now leading our academic aftermarket program, Northwood looks forward to further gains in serving the emerging talent needs of this important sector of our economy.”

The announcement highlighted Litzinger as an accomplished high-performing executive with more than 30 years of aftermarket industry experience.

“The global aftermarket trends and associated challenges are rapidly evolving,” Litzinger said. “Challenges with electrification, right to repair, cybersecurity, and sustainability, to name a few, are at the forefront of aftermarket organizations. In this combined role leading the University of the Aftermarket and the aftermarket academic program, I look forward to helping these organizations proactively respond to new trends.

“On campus, the focus will be developing free-enterprise leaders in the aftermarket industry who drive global economic and social progress through immersive learning to advance economic freedom for everyone, everywhere.”

The post New aftermarket chair at Northwood appeared first on Auto Service World.

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*Editor’s note: This story has been updated with reaction from the Tire Industry Association

An apparent agreement between three groups representing auto repairers, collision shops and automakers in the U.S. on automotive right to repair is being met with pushback from two of the biggest automotive aftermarket organizations in the country.

The Auto Care Association, which includes representation of the distribution, auto repair, tool and equipment and other sectors, bluntly called the “so-called” pact “a thinly veiled attempt to confuse lawmakers and drivers” in the headline of its press release.

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, which represents the supplier end of the aftermarket, said in a separate statement that the deal “falls short.”

The agreement between Automotive Service Association (ASA), the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRA) and Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI) includes promises to guarantee automotive repair choice for consumers across all vehicle technologies while affirming the 2014 national agreement on right to repair.

The trio said the new deal includes access to diagnostic and repair information, education and training and a level playing field for future advancements.

Auto Care Association was critical of the details, noting that as an original signatory to the 2014 Memorandum of Understanding, it was not consulted about this arrangement and “was not a party to and does not support the agreement.” It further pointed out that neither ASA nor SCRS did not sign or support the 2014 MOU.

These groups “represent a small fraction of the independent repair market and do not speak for the automotive aftermarket,” the association noted. “Auto Care Association, on the other hand, is a national trade association representing over 536,000 companies and affiliates that manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, services, tools, equipment, materials, and supplies.”

It highlighted “numerous flaws” such as the fact that the agreement is not binding and doesn’t cover all automakers and doesn’t require new OEMs to join. Concerns are also raised around failures to address safety and security concerns of wirelessly transmitted vehicle data.

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers noted that it was a positive sign that stakeholders could and should come together to work on a solution.

“However, the agreement falls short of all the protections necessary to ensure consumer choice now and into the future for all parties, not only signatories of the pact,” its statement said. “As a transportation industry, we believe that we have one opportunity to pass federal legislation and that legislation must include the ability to prioritize and protect consumers’ access to both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicle repair and maintenance through all iterations of vehicle technology on the road today and to come.

Legislation for right to repair requires a number of key essentials such as coverage for all vehicles in operation (from light- to heavy-duty), an enforcement mechanism, addressing the risk of repair monopolies and more.

It further noted that, like Auto Care Association, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers can’t be excluded from the discussion.

“The agreement does advance the conversation around right to repair and consumer choice, but if automakers and repair shops are prioritized over consumers, fair competition and a free market would not be realized. As a key stakeholder in protecting consumers’ rights and an essential part of the value chain, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers must be a part of the conversation,” the group said.

Tire Industry Association responds

The pact also doesn’t have the endorsement of the Tire Industry Association (TIA). The group says this agreement “doesn’t go far enough” to address concerns or protect consumers.

“While TIA acknowledges the positive intent and certain aspects of the agreement, the current pact falls short in adequately addressing the concerns of consumers and protecting their rights along with those of the independent automotive repair market,” said Roy Littlefield IV, the group’s vice president of government affairs.

It echoed concerns from Auto Care and MEMA about enforceability and powers of the law when it comes to ensuring compliance. TIA believes this will leave consumers vulnerable to inadequate protection and potential exploitation. It further pointed out a lack of guidelines around telematics as

“TIA firmly believes that any meaningful right-to-repair initiative must possess robust enforcement mechanisms to safeguard consumer rights effectively,” Littlefield said in a statement.

It further called out the agreement as a distraction and one that undermines efforts in U.S. Congress to pass a more robust bill, potentially holding back progress.

The pact “creates confusion and potential harm, ultimately falling short of meeting the pressing needs of consumers,” Littlefield said.

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Mohawk College handed out Alumni of Distinction Awards recently and a Hamilton-area shop owner was recognized.

Scott Eccles, owner of Eccles Auto Service in Dundas, Ontario, was one of 10 recipients of the award. It recognizes “outstanding Mohawk graduates for their career achievements and contributions to the community. All of the nominees are individuals who set the standard of excellence for which Mohawk College is recognized and they are a source of inspiration for future generations.”

Eccles took over the auto repair business from his father Bruce. The younger Eccles received a diploma in business before completing his apprenticeship at Mohawk in Hamilton and became a Red Seal licenced technician.

Mohawk noted that Scott is a community supporter, including serving as a board member on the Downtown Dundas BIA, sponsoring local sports teams, volunteering with an animal fostering program and supporting local businesses through a gift card program during the pandemic.

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If you have customers who bought or leased a new vehicle between the late 1990s and the middle of the last decade, they could claim compensation through a series of class action lawsuits that will see pay outs following an alleged automotive parts price-fixing scheme.

Court approval was given for $78 million from 23 class actions, said a joint statement from a number of law firms across the country.

The class actions are part of 45 brought forward in Canada alleging unlawful conspiracies to fix auto parts prices for installation in new vehicles. Twelve automakers, plus subsidiaries, were named but the settled defendants did not admit to any wrongdoing or liability. The automakers are not alleged to have done any wrongdoing — the class actions were brought against parts manufacturers that allegedly price-fixed products.

The announcement from Siskinds in London and Toronto, Camp Fiorante Matthews Mogerman (CFM) in Vancouver and Siskinds Desmeules in Quebec City noted criminal investigations around the world, adding that the auto parts cases are the largest antitrust investigations in history when looking at the number of affected parts, implicated parties and imposed fines.

“Price-fixing conspiracies are prohibited by the Competition Act. They are harmful to the Canadian marketplace, causing businesses and consumers to pay too much for goods and services,” said David Jones, a partner at CFM in Vancouver.  “The settlements seek to redress that harm.”

Courts in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec approved the settlements and fund distribution protocols.

Those who bought or leased new vehicles from the following manufacturers between July 1, 1998, and September 30, 2016, are eligible to receive compensation:

• Aston Martin
• BMW/ Mini Cooper
• Chrysler/ Dodge/ Fiat/ Jeep/ Ram
• Ford/ Lincoln/ Mercury
• General Motors (Buick/ Cadillac/ Chevrolet/ Daewoo/ GMC/ Hummer/ Isuzu/ Oldsmobile/ Pontiac/ Saab/ Saturn)
• Honda/ Acura
• Jaguar/ Land Rover
• Mazda
• Nissan/ Infiniti
• Subaru
• Toyota/ Lexus
• Volkswagen/ Audi/ Porsche, and Volvo

“The auto parts class actions are a large undertaking and we are proud to have recovered a significant amount of money for Canadian consumers and businesses,” said Karim Diallo, counsel at Siskinds Desmeules

Applications for settlement benefits can be filed online at www.autopartsettlement.ca  on or before October 30, 2023.

“We encourage Canadian businesses and consumers who purchased the affected vehicles to apply for settlement benefits,” said Linda Visser, Siskinds partner in London. “We designed a claims process that is straightforward and easy to use – particularly for consumers.”

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Tire Pressure Monitoring System manufacturers want to remind automotive service professionals to keep their tools up to date.

Along with the Tire Industry Association, ATEQ, Bartec, Continental and Schrader have launched a public service campaign called “Update Your TPMS Tools!”

The group reported that 35 per cent of techs haven’t updated their TPMS tool software in the last year.

“TPMS tool manufacturers are routinely releasing software updates throughout the year,” said Shawn Pease, director of automotive tire service at the Tire Industry Association notes. “Many factors can initiate a software change, such as new sensor technologies, vehicle model introductions, or vehicle recalls. Keeping the TPMS tool software up to date helps ensure faster, more successful TPMS service with fewer comebacks.”

In an announcement, the coalition highlighted the need for techs to have the latest generation of software when working with the newest generation of TPMS Sensors. Otherwise, they can’t complete TPMS service successfully.

“In addition to alerting shops and technicians about the need to register their tool and keep its software updated, the campaign is stressing the need to always perform a sensor relearn when rotating tires or performing TPMS service,” the announcement added. “Failing to perform the relearn is one of the most common reasons for TPMS service comebacks. Up to 20 per cent of technicians surveyed don’t regularly perform the relearn when doing tire service.”

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Tom Amero speaks at the 2023 MWACA Vision event in Kansas City

Tom Amero has been appointed as director of operations at Elite Worldwide.

Elite provides training, coaching and consulting services for auto repair shop owners and managers. The company’s announcement said that “Amero’s extensive experience and strong leadership qualities make him an ideal fit for this critical role.”

It highlighted his background in people management and has regularly demonstrated a commitment to ethics and integrity throughout his career.

In his new role, Amero will oversee and optimize various departments within the training company. He will collaborate closely with the executive team to develop and execute operational strategies aligned with the company’s long-term vision. His leadership style has been noted as one that emphasizes teamwork, transparency, and a results-oriented approach, fostering a culture of integrity throughout the organization.

“We are thrilled to have Tom Amero in the role of director of operations,” said Darrin Barney, Elite’s president. “His extensive experience and unwavering commitment to integrity make him an outstanding addition to our organization. Tom’s leadership skills and ability to drive operational excellence will further enhance our ability to provide top-notch services to our clients.”

As for responsibilities, Amero will implement streamlined processes, improve operational efficiency and ensure consistent delivery of high-quality services. He will also be tasked with identifying opportunities for innovation and leverage data-driven insights to achieve operational goals. Amero will also work closely with department managers to foster cross-functional collaboration and maintain strong relationships with clients and partners.

“I am passionate about maintaining a culture of integrity and utilizing strategic, operational strategies to drive success,” Amero said. “I look forward to working alongside the talented team at Elite Worldwide to achieve our shared goals and further elevate the company’s reputation.”

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Engine Rebuilders Inc. (ERI) is welcoming Bill Hay as its new president.

He will move into the position on July 4, ERI chairman Rick Miller said in an announcement, which further highlighted Hay’s experience in leadership roles and with various national parts supply and distribution companies within the industry.

“We wish Bill a warm welcome and are certain he will be a tremendous asset to the members, staff and suppliers of our prestigious group,” the announcement said.

Hay was most recently with Bestbuy Distributors, serving as president since 2019. There, he was responsible for Bestbuy’s overall operations. Previous to Bestbuy, he spent time with Uni-Selet, where he held several senior roles, including regional vice president for Central and Atlantic Canada.

Hay may be best known for his 30-plus years with Dayco Canada Corporation, where he held a variety of leadership roles including regional sales manager, manager for national accounts, national sales manager and vice president of sales and marketing.

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The Mobile Air Climate Systems Association (MACS) is adding several new seats to its board to signal its dedication to training.

Four education board member seats will be added to the MACS board of directors, the group recently announced. Two seats will be added in 2024 and two more in 2025. These seats will have a two-year term and are exclusively open to qualified MACS educational members.

The association’s bylaws were amended to accommodate the change.

“MACS recognizes the critical role that educators play in furthering its mission,” said Peter Coll, president and chief operating officer of MACS. By adding education member seats to the board of directors, the association aims to create a platform where the insights and perspectives of educators can be actively incorporated into the association’s strategic decisions and initiatives.”

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Having expanded into Alberta, Lordco Auto Parts is looking to deepen its commitment in the province with a new partnership with the Edmonton Elks.

The three-year partnership with the Canadian Football League team signals Lordco’s expansion into Canadian sports, the B.C.-based automotive parts distributor said in an announcement.

“Since our expansion into Alberta in 2019 we’ve worked hard to earn the trust of our customers and are committed to being a contributor to the community,” said Sarah Durant, Lordco’s vice president of Marketing. “With two stores in the city already, partnering with the Edmonton Elks was just another step in furthering this commitment and supporting a team that brings so much to its fan base, on and off the field.”

She added that the company will be adding two more stores in the province this year.

The announcement further outlined that the partnership with the Elks “reflects shared values of excellence, passion, and commitment to the local communities they serve. As a proudly Canadian company with deep roots in Western Canada, Lordco recognizes the power of sports to inspire youth and unite people of all backgrounds.”

Victor Cui, president and CEO of the Edmonton Elks welcomed the partnership.

“As a community-owned team, our values align with Lordco’s commitment to giving back, and we can’t wait to help showcase and grow Lordco’s brand as they strengthen their presence in the Alberta market,” he said.

The Elks played their first game of their 73rd season last week, a 17-13 loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, as the CFL season kicked off.

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A 1,400-km corridor for electric vehicle charging stations is set to be built from Michigan and stretch into Quebec.

The joint binational alternative fuel corridor agreement was announced by federal Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. It will see EV charging stations every 80 kilometres along highways from Kalamazoo, Michigan to Quebec City.

Each station along the corridor — covering the I-94 through the Detroit-Windsor border tunnel, Highway 401 across southern Ontario, Highway 20 through Montreal and Highway 40 through to Quebec City — will be required to have at least one direct current (DC) fast charger along with combined charging system (CCS) ports.

There will be 61 stations between Detroit and Toronto and 154 between Toronto and Quebec City.

This new plan will expand travel capabilities for EV owners as well as reduce concerns around range anxiety.

“This first cross-border alternative fuel corridor will help drivers to travel across the border and charge or refuel worry-free,” Alghabra said in an announcement. “It contributes to bringing us another step closer to making our air cleaner while helping people save money on traditional fuels.”

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A new right to repair bill tabled in Quebec would make it the first province and one of a few jurisdictions in North America that protects the consumer’s right to choose where to have their vehicle repaired.

If passed, Bill 29, An Act to protect consumers from planned obsolescence and to promote the durability, repairability and maintenance of goods, would give Quebec vehicle owners protections by being able to choose the vehicle repair facility of their choice. It would also force manufacturers to repair certain goods at “a reasonable price” to avoid having the consumer discard them entirely.

The bill would also mandate consumers who purchase a vehicle be entitled to an inspection free of charge before the end of the lease.

It goes further on the consumer goods side. Quebec would have regulatory powers “to determine technical or manufacturing standards for goods, including standards for interoperability between goods and chargers.” It would mandate that all mobile phones have a universal charger.

Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette introduced the bill.

“The bill fills a significant gap that has emerged in the industry in recent years with the arrival on our roads of a new generation of intelligent and electric vehicles,” said a statement from AIA Canada in response to the tabling of the bill.

It further noted that vehicle manufacturers are taking “advantage of the lack of a legislative framework adapted to the new reality of smart and electric vehicles to drastically restrict access to data produced by telemetry and telematics systems when driving these vehicles.”

The group went on to say that the current situation is “untenable” as most vehicles sold today are equipped with advanced systems.

AIA Canada said it will work with parliamentarians and suggest improvements where needed in the bill. It will look for and close potential loopholes. It also noted that the passage of the bill would make Quebec a leader in Canada as the first province to enshrine such consumer protections.

“With Bill 29, Québec will be a winner on all fronts: in addition to effectively fighting against planned obsolescence and encouraging the repair of automotive property, it will ensure a plurality of services and freedom of choice for Québec consumers as well as the promotion of healthy competition and competitive prices in the auto repair market,” said AIA Canada president J.F. Champagne.

It was in February last year when Brian Masse, an NDP member of Parliament representing Windsor West in Ontario, introduced right to repair legislation as a private member’s bill. It would ensure OEM-approved tools and parts are available to the automotive aftermarket. This would allow consumers the freedom to choose where their vehicles are repaired as all shops would have access to what they need to repair vehicles.

Ann Wilson, senior vice president of government affairs at the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), has spoken at length on multiple ocassions recently about this being the best opportunity for the aftermarket — particularly in the U.S. — to get right to repair legislation passed.

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Autodrome Granby won a US$50,000 grand prize from Advance Auto Parts.

The race track in Granby, Quebec, was named the winner of this year’s Advance My Track Challenge

It won this year’s challenge by securing the most votes among five NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series (NAAPWS) tracks participating in the final round of voting. Advance is the official auto parts retailer of NASCAR.

Officially measuring as a half-mile dirt track that opened in 1964, Autodrome Granby hosts about 20 races each year from the NAAPWS and other racing series. The track will be able to use its winnings for facility enhancements and local community-based efforts.

“Congratulations to Autodrome Granby as winner of this year’s Advance My Track Challenge,” said Jason McDonell, Advance’s executive vice president of merchandising, marketing and eCommerce. “It’s great seeing how fans supported Autodrome Granby throughout the program, as this is a market we’re proud to serve through our Carquest Canada stores. For nearly 60 years, Canada’s best short track racers have raced in this community, and we are pleased that their winnings will help continue this tradition of excellence as a location for premier short track racing in Quebec.”

A celebration night for race fans during an upcoming race weekend in 2023.

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KYB Americas announced Guna Sathyamurthy has been promoted to product manager for the U.S. and Canada.

Sathyamurthy has been with KYB since coming out of college with a degree in economics from Butler University and mechanical engineering from Indiana University/Purdue University Indianapolis.

He focused on the expansion of the Strut-Plus and Truck-Plus categories in his previous role as assistant product manager. The company’s announcement said he will continue to guide those product lines in addition to all other KYB product offerings.

“I’ve enjoyed being a part of the growing KYB team. I’m very excited for the opportunity to be a member of the strong group that is poised to lead KYB into the future,” Sathyamurthy said. “We plan to significantly expand our product line offerings and drastically increase our market coverage.”

He will report to Andy Castleman, director of product and marketing.

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Perhaps the greatest point guard in the history of professional basketball will be at AAPEX this fall delivering the keynote.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson will be in Las Vegas on October 31 this year to speak to attendees about “The Magic of Winning” and the real-life story of his remarkable rise, his philosophy for success and an empowering message on how to create the best possible future, said an announcement from show organizers.

Johnson is a five-time NBA champion with three Most Valuable Player Award wins. He was also a member of the original Dream Team that represented the U.S. in basketball at the Olympics in Barcelona in 1992 With his unique skills, he’s credited with revolutionizing the way the game is played thanks to his playmaking abilities, bringing the term “triple-double” into common lexicon. He was a point guard even though he was much taller than those who traditionally played the position. His talent allowed him to play every position on the floor.

But his career on the court came to a halt in 1991 when he announced he tested positive for HIV, forcing his retirement from basketball. He also changed how people viewed the disease.

Johnson grew up in an automotive family in East Lansing, Michigan. His father worked in a General Motors plant.

Johnson has pursued several successful business ventures. Today, he is a renowned entrepreneur, owning multiple businesses in sectors such as entertainment, sports, and real estate. He has also been involved in philanthropy and has made significant contributions to various charitable causes.

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After raising $24,000 last year through corporate and personal donations, the AIA High Fives for Kids Foundation’s Chairman’s Challenge is back.

In all, $26,500 of funding was raised for children and youth charities across the country. Last year’s recipients included the YWCA – Edmonton, The Children’s Breakfast Clubs (Ontario), the Child and Family Services of Western Manitoba, the YWCA of Calgary, the Kerr Street Community Services (Oakville, Ontario) and the Junior Achievement of Northern Alberta.

Another $15,000 was contributed to students attending Canadian post-secondary institutions through the educational scholarship program.

“I hope that the success of our charitable and scholarship programs will inspire you to contribute to this year’s Chairman’s Challenge,” said a letter to AIA Canada members from foundation chairman Ray Proulx. “When planning your charitable giving for 2023, please help the AIA High Fives for Kids Foundation continue to make a difference in the lives of children and youths.”

Donations can be made here: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/34651?v2=true

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Shannon Spano, left, accepts a plaque officially marking her time as chair of AIA Canada from past chair Jason Yurchak

It’s official: The head of AIA Canada’s board of directors executive committee will be known as ‘chair’ with Shannon Spano taking the helm.

The title change will remain in place — new buttons identifying the position denote ‘chair’ instead of ‘chairman’ as in years past have been made.

With Spano, vice president of Sales at Wakefield Canada, sliding into the role of chair, Jason Yurchak, senior vice president at Worldpac Canada, was elected to the role of immediate past chair during AIA Canada’s Annual General Meeting on May 3.

Joining them on the board are Ryan Bruno, president of CSN Collision Centres, as first vice chair and Tony Kuczynski, president and CEO of Mister Transmission as second vice chair.

Four new members of the board were elected to the board. Jasna Smiljcic, senior director and country leader at Gates, Jason G. Herle, CEO of Fountain Tire, Michael O’Callaghan, COO and vice president of operations at Craftsman Collision and Micheline Davies, senior vice president of automotive at Canadian Tire are the newly-elected members and will serve on the board until the 2026 AGM.

According to the announcement from AIA Canada, Smiljcic has more than 20 years of experience in the auto care industry. She joined Gates in 2019 as the Canadian industrial replacement sales director. Since then, she was promoted to Canadian country sales director and her current role of senior director and country leader.

Herle has been with Fountain Tire since 1994 and held a number of positions in Western Canada before being promoted to chief executive officer in 2022. He is currently a board member of Fountain Tire Ltd. and GlassMasters Autoglass and is the past Chair of the Finance Committee for the Western Canadian Tire Dealers Association. He has also been a contributor to the CARS 2023 Executive Outlook. You can read his most recent industry observations here.

At Craftsman, O’Callaghan oversees operations and human resources, with a focus on financial and operational sustainability. He has 35 years of automotive industry experience, both on the shop floor and in the head office. He’s an auto care sector promoter and regularly sits on committees representing the industry.

Davies leads Canadian Tire’s automotive portfolio, which includes Canadian Tire businesses, as well as the Petroleum and PartSource banners. She spearheaded the company’s Women’s Leadership Network, and was a winner of WXN’s Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2020.

AIA Canada thanked former directors Bob Jaworski and Graham Jeffery for their commitment and service to the board.

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Uni-Select recently announced that its shareholders gave the thumbs up to the sale of the company to LKQ Corporation.

A special meeting of shareholders saw the resolution approved by nearly 99 per cent of votes cast by shareholders present virtually or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting.

The deal was announced at the end of February and will see Chicago-based LKQ will buy all of Boucherville, Quebec-based Uni-Select’s issued and outstanding shares for $48 per share in cash, valuing the transaction at about CAN$2.8 billion.

The agreement also includes Uni-Select’s U.K. auto parts distribution business GSF Car Parts with more than 175 company-operated stores. LKQ has noted it will look to part with the business following its acquisition.

The arrangement is expected to close in the second half of this year. It remains subject to certain closing conditions, including the issuance of a final order by the Superior Court of Québec and receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, consisting of approval under the Canadian Competition Act and the Investment Canada Act, approval under the U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and clearance by the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority.

First quarter results

Uni-Select reported nearly 10 per cent growth in its consolidated sales in the first quarter of 2023 when compared to the same time last year. If it weren’t for unfavourable fluctuation from the Canadian dollar and British pound, the company said it would have seen growth of 15 per cent.

Within the Canadian Automotive Group, sales were up 19 per cent when excluding unfavourable fluctuations of the Canadian dollar compared to the first quarter of 2022. Growth, Uni-Select noted, was driven by acquisitions over the last year, representing 9.5 per cent with organic growth of 8.4 per cent, plus a favourable variance in the number of billing days.

Organic growth was driven by price increases, it noted.

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The highest award from the Automotive Industries Association of Canada has been given to Brad Shaddick.

The Director of Sales in Canada for Tenneco/DRiV was named the 2023 Distinguished Service Award winner during AIA Canada’s National Conference on April 26.

Shaddick began his career with Fram Canada Ltd in 1981. He served as territory manager for southern Ontario at Specialty Sales and Marketing. Shaddick then joined Cooper Automotive, which, through a series of mergers, was acquired by Tenneco.

He is also currently chair of Shad’s R&R, the annual industry golf charity tournament founded by his father in 1973. To date, the event has raised over $5.3 million dollars for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

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From left, YPA chair Patrick Verriet presents Brad Cochrane with the Young Leader Award

AIA Canada presented the 2023 Young Leader of the Year Award to Brad Cochrane.

The director of sales operations and business analytics at NAPA Auto Parts was presented the award by the Young Professionals in the Aftermarket Committee, which annually recognizes an outstanding young aftermarket professional in recognition of their leadership, innovation and dedication to the industry.

He began his career 17 years ago with Gates Canada before moving to NAPA Auto Parts in 2011 where he has worked in many different positions.

Cochrane has been a member of the Young Professionals in the Aftermarket Committee since 2013, serving as chair from 2018 to 2020. He also remains an active volunteer with AIA Canada.

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Alltech Automotive has moved to a new 100,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility.

The new headquarters and distribution centre in Mundelein, Illinois has fully racked six stories of warehouse capacity with more than 6,200 bays. It can hold 12,400 pallets and over 310 40-foot containers.

The aftermarket parts manufacturer was formerly located in nearby Libertyville.

“To allow for current and future growth, we’ve added another 40,000 square feet of warehouse and shipping capacity,” said Nancy Liu, president and CEO at Alltech. “Our expansion has been greatly supported by our automotive retailers and distributors, who have been key to our success since 2006.”

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Clockwise from top left: Jay Buckley, Jerry Reeves Sheila Mann and Jon Crawford

Dayco announced it has promoted four aftermarket team members: Jay Buckley, Jerry Reeves, Jon Crawford and Sheila Mann.

Jay Buckley will take on the role of director of marketing, catalogue and technical product support. He was most recently director of product management. Buckley will also work with the catalogue department to create new benchmarks for automotive, heavy-duty and e-commerce customers as well as oversee the technical product team, expanding the company’s library of technical and training information, videos and services.

Jerry Reeves was promoted to manager of product management, taking over Buckley’s former role. He will oversee product launches across all applications and industries and lead the entire product team. Reeves joined Dayco two years ago, helping the company launch more than a dozen new products in the last 18 months.

Jon Crawford is now senior product manager with a focus on special projects. He was previously product manager for the industrial division. He will lead the development and growth of industrial belts and automotive and HD water pumps, as well as handle special assignments crucial to the company.

Sheila Mann is taking on the role of financial controller for Canada, while also supporting the North American team. She has been with the company for almost three decades and will oversee budgeting and forecasting for the North American team and collaborate and consult with leadership on strategic financial decisions.

“We are grateful to have such a talented group of passionate and driven professionals at Dayco and want to recognize those who are helping push us to a new level within the industry,” said Tom Tecklenburg, VP of North America aftermarket for Dayco. “We have an amazing team of dedicated staff who are working together to help ensure stronger customer relationships and continued growth for the company.”

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Canadian convenience store operator Alimentation Couche-Tard is buying some European gas stations belonging to TotalEnergies in a multi-billion dollar deal.

Valued at €3.1 billion (CAN$4.5 billion), Couche-Tard said it plans to turn the stations into food and services hubs. The deal comes two years after Couche-Tard’s last attempt to expand its presence in the European market when it tried to acquire French grocer Carrefour, a deal that was thwarted by the French government that opposed the deal.

The deal will see the operator own all of TotalEnergies’ stations in Germany and the Netherlands while also taking a 60 per cent stake in stations in Belgium and Luxembourg.

The company operates the Couche-Tard and Circle K convenience store banners in the United States as well as convenience stores and road transportation fuel retailers in Canada, Scandinavia, the Baltics and Ireland.

The acquisition will be paid in cash, Couche-Tard said, and is expected to close by the end of the year. The deal affects 2,200 service stations in Western Europe.

“Service stations must expand from just selling fuel to become full-fledged service hubs,” TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne said in an announcement. “For this reason, TotalEnergies has decided to partner with Couche-Tard and tap into its recognized expertise in operating convenience stores in service stations.”

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From left: Oliver Blume, CEO Volkswagen Group; Thomas Schmall, Group Board Member Technology; Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

The Volkswagen Group and its battery company PowerCo have selected St. Thomas, Ontario, to establish Volkswagen’s first overseas gigafactory for cell manufacturing.

Volkswagen Group is one of the world’s largest automakers, with US$295.8 billion in revenue (C$406 billion) in 2022. It manages a portfolio of ten companies.

The plant is slated to be up and running in 2027.

“Our North American strategy is a key priority in our 10-point-plan that we’ve laid out last year,” said Oliver Blume, CEO Volkswagen Group.

“With the decisions for cell production in Canada and a Scout site in South Carolina we’re fast-forwarding the execution of our North American strategy.”

After VW’s Salzgitter, Germany, and Valencia, Spain, plants, this will be the third Group-owned plant worldwide and PowerCo’s first cell factory in North America. It will equip the Group brand’s BEVs in the region with battery cells ‒ and is part of a larger plan that Volkswagen and PowerCo agreed upon with the federal government in August last year.

That agreement focused on deepening cooperation on sustainable battery manufacturing, cathode active material production and critical mineral supply, among others, and on setting up a Canadian office for PowerCo, which has been recently established.

“Today’s announcement by Volkswagen is a true testament to our highly skilled workforce and Canada’s strong and growing battery ecosystem,” said François-Philippe Champagne, minister of innovation, science and industry.

“VW’s decision to establish its first overseas gigafactory in Canada speaks to our country’s competitiveness when it comes to attracting major investments. It is also a vote of confidence in Canada as the green supplier of choice to the world. With Volkswagen and PowerCo, our government looks forward to working together towards a cleaner, more sustainable and resilient economy.“

The VW Group brands plan to introduce more than 25 new BEV models through 2030.

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The global automotive right to repair movement calling for a legislated solution now has the backing of Canada.

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada joined other national bodies in the fight for right to repair legislation.

In an announcement released March 9, AIA Canada said it wants to see “fair and open competition and consumer choice” around vehicle repair and service. The U.S.-based Auto Care Association issued the same announcement backing the same movement.

The Global Vehicle Right to Repair Position Statement — which can be read here — outlines the movement’s core beliefs, along with objectives and intended outcomes it wants to see in a legislated right to repair solution.

“Importantly, the document outlines 10 best practice principles for developing a framework for right to repair legislation that any supporting country can use and adapt to their needs,” AIA Canada’s statement said.

It further noted that the automotive aftermarket performs 70 per cent of repairs after vehicles are no longer covered by warranty.

“Increasingly, automakers are making it more difficult for aftermarket repairers to access vital vehicle diagnostic and repair data — which leaves the customer with limited choices and increased costs to maintain their vehicles,” the statement said. “Without the convenience and choice of independent parts and repair, especially in urban, suburban and rural communities, consumers will have limited access to affordable vehicle service and repair. These restrictions can have catastrophic effects on local economies and the well-being and safety of millions that rely on vehicle transportation daily.”

The global aftermarket contributes US$1.8 trillion to the economy. The Canadian portion of that is CAN$37.8 billion, plus employing more than 480,000 individuals.

“AIA Canada remains committed to working with government to ensure the safety of Canadians through continued access to essential, reliable and affordable vehicle service and repair,” Alana Baker, AIA Canada’s senior director of government relations, said in a statement.

The U.S. auto care industry represents US$492 billion, making up 2 per cent of the country’s GDP.

“Auto Care Association and associations around the globe are aligned in preserving the owner’s choice for vehicle repair,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association. “This statement represents a herculean effort to protect our industry and the rights of individuals around the world. Vehicle owners deserve the right to maintain and repair their vehicle using the repair location of their choice.”

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Right Choice Auto Parts has joined Bestbuy Distributors as a full member shareholder.

Right Choice is owned by Joe and Bobbi White in Miramichi, New Brunswick. In the announcement, Bestbuy highlighted that the store recently moved into a bigger facility in response to growth and to be able to serve current and future customers to their full capabilities in the region.

“Joining Bestbuy was just the right thing to do,” the newest Bestbuy members said. “We are excited to be a part of the Bestbuy family, and we look forward to being an active member shareholder and to further growing our mutual businesses.”

Right Choice Auto Parts is located at 2512 King George Highway in Miramichi.

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The new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter

Canadian delivery fleets will have a new electric option starting in the second half of the year. Mercedes-Benz Vans is launching an all-new electric Sprinter cargo van with a 400-kilometre range.

The vehicle is a long-wheelbase (170 inches) cargo van with a high roof. It is equipped with the largest battery available, which has a usable capacity of 113 kilowatt hours. The load capacity is 14 cubic metres, with a payload of 1,190 kg, while the permissible gross vehicle weight is 4.25 tonnes.

The eSprinter is capable of charging with both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). The on-board charger, which converts the current in the vehicle when charging with alternating current has a maximum output of 9.6 kilowatts. The new eSprinter can be charged with up to 1154 kilowatts at fast-charging stations. Fast charging means charging from 10 to 80 percent of full capacity takes around 42 minutes for the 113 kWh battery.

The all-new design of the van is based on modular architecture. The front module, a uniformly designed front section, includes all high-voltage components and can be combined with all vehicle variants, regardless of wheelbase and battery size.

The module for the integrated high-voltage battery is located in the underbody to save space. The battery location between the axles, together with the robust battery housing, results in a low centre of gravity, which has a positive influence on handling and increases driving safety.

The third pillar of the modular design is the rear module with the electrically driven rear axle. Following the principle of the common parts strategy, this is used in all variants of the all-new eSprinter. The compact and powerful electric motor is also integrated into the rear module.

The van will be built first in Charleston, South Carolina, with additional plants coming online in Düsseldorf, Germany, and European-only production in Ludwigsfelde, Germany. Mercedes-Benz has invested around 350 million euros in the all-new eSprinter. Around 50 million euros will be invested in each of the three plants in Charleston, Düsseldorf and Ludwigsfelde to adapt production.

The post Mercedes-Benz brings electric Sprinter vans to Canada appeared first on Auto Service World.

Jeff Lee

Spectra Premium Mobility Solutions announced that Jeff Lee will lead the company’s Canadian sales aftermarket division as director of sales – Canada.

He has been with Spectra Premium since 2011. In that time, he has held various positions, including territory and regional sales manager for Ontario and regional sales manager for Ontario and Atlantic Canada.

‘’Jeff’s strong performance at Spectra combined with his prior experience in sales management, B2B sales, private labelling and marketing, make him the perfect choice to lead our Canadian sales team,” said Erich Schmidt, senior director of sales at Spectra Premium.”His expert knowledge of all aspects of our sales aftermarket operations and the automotive aftermarket will ensure ongoing outstanding service to our customer partners.”

The post Jeff Lee to lead Spectra’s Canadian aftermarket sales appeared first on Auto Service World.

Mark Nasra

JNPSoft OptiCat announced that Mark Nasra will be joining the company as its director of sales for North America.

He will draw on his more than 20 years of automotive experience to provide exceptional service and innovative tools to help customers sell more parts, JNP Soft Opticat said in an announcement.

“We are confident that Mark will use his expertise to continue to build our leadership position in serving the automotive aftermarket with all their data needs, said Nat Di Censo, chief operating officer at JNPSoft OptiCat.

Nasra himself was also excited to join the team. “I look forward to helping provide industry-leading solutions to our customers.”

The post New sales director for JNPSoft OptiCat appeared first on Auto Service World.

Long-time Canadian automotive aftermarket veteran Scott Cleroux has joined First Brands Group as its Canadian vice president of business development.

Cleroux was most recently Canadian sales manager with Spectra Premium — a company where he had spent 32 years.

He will lead First Brand Group’s Canadian team on business development, sales team leadership and ongoing customer relationships. He will report directly to Jason Best,senior vice president of sales for the independent aftermarket at First Brand. He will also work along side the company’s U.S. team from a program group perspective.

Cleroux joined the company effective Feb. 6 and is based just outside of Montreal.

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Image credit: Depositphotos.com

A new partnership between the Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business will give AARO members free membership to the CFIB.

Members will have access to CFIB offerings, such as business support, savings programs and independent business advocacy.

Specifically, members will get access to things like complimentary and unlimited access to CFIB’s bilingual business counsellors to assist the shop owner or staff with almost any business-related issue, such as human resources, compliance, regulation, employment standards, labour laws and more.

Business owners will also be able to attend CFIB webinars for free. CFIB also has savings programs such as payment processing, payroll processing, worldwide courier/shipping, banking discounts and others that can save members more than $5,000 per year.

Members with questions, please contact Patty Kettles, AARO’s manager of events and programs at 1-800-268-5400 ext. 3, 613-558-5821 or patty.kettles@aaro.ca.

Members are being asked to watch their inboxes for more details from CFIB. A welcome email from CFIB with your individual membership number is on the way with all necessary information to access membership services.

The post AARO, CFIB partner up appeared first on Auto Service World.

In Motion Brands announced a strategic partnership with CrashBay.com.

The company will deliver a state-of-the-art digital showroom for both tire and wheel e-commerce, along with a national service network of automotive service providers facilitating the procurement and installation of tire and wheel packages for CrashBay’s fleet clients.

In Motion Brands helps automotive aftermarket businesses improve performance. CrashBay offers a digital marketplace for vehicle and fleet owners to fine approved auto care services such as collision repair, detailing, vehicle service and more.

“The team at IMB has been able to facilitate immediate scale by aligning us with a marketplace of automotive service providers from coast to coast while also providing best-in-class software that aligns with our technology stack,” said John Harvey, CrashBay’s founder and CEO.

The strategic partnership has brought more than 100 automotive service locations into the CrashBay digital marketplace. “Expansion of this offering will continue across Canada and the USA in the coming months,” Harvey added.

The CrashBay team is an example of an ideal partnership for In Motion Brands, said James Channer, COO. “CrashBay is a perfect example of marrying the physical elements of the business to a strong digital strategy. Getting ‘phygital’ is a must,” he said.

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The Automotive Industries Association of Canada announced the appointment of Stuart “Stu” Klein to the newly created position of senior director of collision.

He will join the senior leadership team and help AIA Canada’s efforts involving the collision sector of the industry.

The appointment was officially announced at the Canadian Collision Industry Forum’s (CCIF) Toronto meeting on February 3

Klein has more than 45 years of collision industry experience, from the shop floor to the corporate office. He is a Red Seal technician. Most recently, he was a technical trainer, running Fix Network’s training facility in Milton, Ontario, when it opened in 2019.

“While my decision to leave the Fix Network training centre is bittersweet, overseeing AIA Canada’s collision programs opens the opportunity to have a positive effect on the industry at large,” he said in the announcement.

The position was created to continue efforts by AIA Canada to strengthen Canada’s collision industry.

“The creation of a new position builds on recent moves by AIA Canada to drive success for the collision sector — including enhanced support for the Canadian Collision Industry Forum and the creation of a Collision Repairers Council,” said Andrew Shepherd, AIA Canada’s senior director, industry programs and executive director, I-CAR Canada. “Stuart will be part of AIA Canada’s senior management team and will be engaging in all facets of the collision repair industry including manufacturer relations, I-CAR training and government advocacy.”

The post AIA Canada names new collision director appeared first on Auto Service World.

Craig Frohock has joined Dayco Aftermarket and Belts as its new chief executive officer.

He will report to the board of Dayco, which manufactures engine product and drive systems in automotive, heavy-duty and industrial markets.

Most recently, Frohock was group president and general manager of Tenneco’s OE ride control business. His other roles in his six years of senior leadership at Tenneco included group vice president and general manager of its integrated supply chain operations within the global aftermarket business and the same position with the company’s aftermarket chassis business.

“I am incredibly excited to join Dayco, a company with a rich history, a great brand and a strong market presence,” Frohock said in an announcement. “I’m truly humbled by the opportunity to lead such a capable team as the company enters its next chapter.”

Frohock moved into the new role effective Jan. 16.

The post Dayco names new aftermarket leader appeared first on Auto Service World.

NGK Spark Plugs Canada will be known as Niterra Canada Ltd. as of April 1.

The ignition and sensor specialist announced the name change late last year but had not picked the date for the new name to be official.

The change includes a new corporate logo and identity as part of its goal to unify the global brand in an effort to transform the company’s business portfolio. The global enterprise is also taking on a name change, becoming known as Niterra Co. on the same day.

The NGK and NTK brands, which the company called “trusted” in the industry, will continue to be used for its portfolio of spark plug and ceramic-related products.

The word ‘niterra’ is a combination of the Latin words ‘niteo’ — which means shine — and ‘terra’ — which means Earth. In its announcement, the company said it chose the new name and colours — the name is in green with a golden accent on the dot of the lowercase ‘i’ — to present a broader image of its modern identity.

Michael Schwab, NGK’s Canadian president, said the company has a rich history and the name change represents an exciting time.

“We are becoming an increasingly progressive corporation as we strive to meet our vision for the future,” he said in the announcement. “A future where we expand our core ceramic technologies, explore capabilities beyond our traditional areas, and challenge ourselves to develop solutions and services that use technologies to resolve social issues while contributing to a sustainable society.”

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The Automotive Industries Association of Canada launched a new tool that plots tens of thousands of shop locations across the country.

The Auto Care Landscape in Canada tool is an online interactive map that shows locations of more than 25,000 collision repair, mechanical repair and new car facilities in Canada.

The tool is exclusively for AIA Canada members, according to the association’s announcement. Access includes everything from an overview of the auto care sector on a provincial level to a street view look at a particular business’ store front.

For every entry, members can get contact details and information on whether the business is an independent shop or part of a national or regional banner.

According to AIA Canada, information can be customized, allowing uses to identifying expansion opportunities, plan distribution networks, measure saturation and more.

AIA Canada said the landscape project was designed in response to an information gap in understanding the auto care landscape in Canada, especially in the collision, mechanical and new car dealer sectors.

“In particular, data on the number of businesses operating in each of the sectors was sparse and unverified,” the announcement said. “Secondary sources such as Statistics Canada provide an overall number of businesses but do not indicate how many are independent or belong to a regional or national banner.”

It also noted issues around understanding market dynamics and how the sectors interact with each other.

“Through a series of three reports published in 2021-2022, the landscape series provided much-needed insight into some of the trends impacting the auto care industry,” the group said. “Building on the database assets created as part of the landscape series, the Auto Care Landscape in Canada interactive map allows users to explore the data in a visual format.”

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Peter Szarafinski

Peter Szarafinski, long-time head of international media relations at Liqui Moly died unexpectedly just ahead of Christmas.

Colleagues were stunned to learn of the news of the 47-year-old’s death before Christmas Eve.

“Unfathomable – the great loss of a valued and extremely popular colleague,” said managing director Günter Hiermaier.

Szarafinski started with the Germany-based additives manufacturer in 2010 when the position was created. While working at Liqui Moly, the trained journalist completed his doctorate with the historiographical book “Rüstung und politisches System” (Armaments and the political system).

“During the past 13 years, Dr. Peter Szarafinski had greatly developed and advanced the public relations work in our foreign markets,” Hiermaier said. “With his knowledge, dedication and high work ethic, he has played a decisive role in the positive impact of our company. His sudden death is also such a huge loss because he was such a likable and popular colleague.”

Szarafinski was also an avid sailor and paraglider. In 2016, he flew from the Allgäu to the North Cape and back with a partner from the Füssen flying club.

“Our thoughts go out to his family and his partner,” Hiermaier said.

The post Liqui Moly media head dies appeared first on Auto Service World.

Image credit: John Deere

An agreement has been struck between farmers and a major equipment manufacturer in what may signal a larger movement afoot in the right to repair debate.

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) announced it signed a memorandum of understanding with John Deere that will allow farmers south of the border to repair their own farm equipment or seek repairs from an independent reparier. The agreement was signed during the 2023 AFBF Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The two sides had been having right to repair discussions for many years.

Until now, farmers were only allowed to use parts and service facilities authorized by John Deere instead of cheaper independent repair options.

“A piece of equipment is a major investment. Farmers must have the freedom to choose where equipment is repaired, or to repair it themselves, to help control costs,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall in a statement. “The MOU commits John Deere to ensuring farmers and independent repair facilities have access to many of the tools and software needed to grow the food, fuel and fibre America’s families rely on.”

Notably, the agreement between the AFBF and John Deere appears to be voluntary. The North American automotive aftermarket has had voluntary agreements put in place with carmakers, though there have been challenges.

Leaders in the automotive aftermarket are calling for a legislated solution. Alana Baker, senior director of government relations with the Automotive Industries Association of Canada, reiterated that position when asked to comment about the John Deere agreement.

“Although this is a good start, enforcement remains a concern. AIA Canada’s position is that voluntary agreements like this do not work,” she told Auto Service World. “Any attempt to achieve the desired outcome for the right to repair must be based on legislative measures, with strong enforcement mechanisms in place to hold players accountable and liable for any violations.”

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) — whose membership includes automotive aftermarket suppliers — places access to vehicle repairs as a top aftermarket policy priority and echoed those feelings to Auto Service World, highlighting the need for enforcement.

“We are encouraged by the intent of the MOU, yet suppliers remain focused on an enforceable resolution that will protect a consumer’s ability to choose where, how, and with what parts to repair a vehicle,” said Catherine Boland, vice president of legislative affairs at MEMA. ” Suppliers support and encourage federal legislation that is nimble to allow for future vehicle technology advances, includes clear enforcement parameters, fairly protects IP, and ensures cybersecure access is the best solution.”

The Auto Care Association in the U.S. was more blunt about its concern over a voluntary agreement, noting that the farmer’s MOU appears based upon what the aftermarket developed with automakers — and has been a let down. While it supports the fact that the AFBF and John Deere came to a right to repair agreement in the ag sector, like its peers, it too prefers to see automotive manufacturers come to an enforceable agreement.

“Unfortunately, the existing automotive right to repair MOU, upon which the AFBF MOU is based, has not met the needs of the automotive aftermarket,” Lisa Foshee, senior vice president of  government affairs and general counsel at the Auto Care Association, told Auto Service World. “Some of its flaws include a lack of a binding enforcement mechanism, a right to exit the MOU without penalty, the fact that manufacturer participation is voluntary, and the fact that the MOU does not address direct access to vehicle telematics data.

“Absent a willingness to modify the existing MOU to address these deficiencies, the Auto Care Association will continue to push for state and federal legislation to protect consumers’ rights.”

The automotive aftermarket is engaged on a number of fronts on right to repair. Ann Wilson, senior vice president of government affairs at MEMA noted in the fall that the next year or two is the best chance the industry has of getting right to repair legislation in place.

As awareness around the topic of right to repair grows — from agriculture to smartphones — the aftermarket is working to ensure the same issues exist for consumers with the vehicles they own.

“And I think that’s important because what we see is a growing awareness of elected officials at the state level, at the federal level, that this is an important consumer issue,” Wilson said.

The AFBF also noted that John Deere is committed to engaging with farmers and dealers to resolve issues when they arise. The agreement formalizes farmers’ access to diagnostic and repair codes, as well as manuals (operator, parts, service) and product guides. It also ensures farmers will be able to purchase diagnostic tools directly from John Deere and receive assistance from the manufacturer when ordering parts and products.

The two sides will meet at least twice per year to evaluate progress.

“We look forward to working alongside the American Farm Bureau and our customers in the months and years ahead to ensure farmers continue to have the tools and resources to diagnose, maintain and repair their equipment,” said David Gilmore, John Deere’s senior vice president of ag and turf sales and marketing said.

The AFBF also noted it was already engaging in discussions with other manufacturers and hopes to use the agreement with John Deere as a template.

The post U.S. farmers sign R2R deal with John Deere appeared first on Auto Service World.

Len Mazzanti

Len Mazzanti is taking over as the chief executive officer at CRC Industries.

He succeeds Perry Cozzone, who served as CEO from 2018 until his retirement at the end of 2022.

An announcement from CRC highlighted Mazzanti’s 30 years of experience in developing and leading high-performing teams on a global scale. It also noted his track record in growing businesses both domestically and globally.

Mazzanti was most recently regional president of chemicals manufacturer Sartomer Americas, a global specialty business unit of Arkema. He also had roles encompassing operations, supply chain and commercial business leadership in the chemical industry with companies including AmeriGas, General Electric and Rohm and Haas.

“I’m excited to work with the team to share our compelling programs and new sustainable initiatives with our customers and distribution partners,” Manzzati said.

The announcement added that he will be focused on driving operational excellence and infrastructure capabilities to support CRC’s growth around core product lines, including their environmentally preferred products.

The post CRC appoints Len Mazzanti as CEO appeared first on Auto Service World.

Happy New Year to all of you!

Auto Service World, CARS, Jobber News and Turnkey Media hope you had a wonderful holiday season and wish you nothing but the best for the year ahead.

We thank you for helping us make 2022 a successful year. Thank you for choosing us to be your leading provider of news, views and all things automotive aftermarket — we hope to bring you more in 2023.

We’ll be back with news on Jan. 3.

The post Happy New Year! appeared first on Auto Service World.

From all of us here at Auto Service World, CARS, Jobber News and Turnkey Media, we wish you the best for the holiday season.

We won’t be publishing news between now and the end of the year. But you’ll still receive our newsletters. Next week, we’ll give your our top reads of the year — the stories you found most interesting over the last 12 months.

We’ll be back to normal on Jan. 2. Don’t forget, you can always reach out to us with any news tips or thoughts about what’s going on in the industry or within the pages (digital and physical) of our publications.

Stay safe and enjoy time with your loved ones.

Enjoy the holidays!

The post Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays appeared first on Auto Service World.

The last issue of the year for 2022 of Jobber News has arrived.

It should have already reached your mailbox, where you can read all about the Jobber of the Year, Fortin’s Supply. If not, be sure to check out the digital edition.

 

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In this issue, you’ll find out usual sections, such as letters from industry professionals, the latest news from around the industry, By the Numbers and more.

We hope you enjoy this issue and wish you the best for the holiday season.

If you ever want to comment on a story or submit a topic of your own, reach out to us at any time.

The post Jobber News: Read the Nov/Dec 2022 issue now! appeared first on Auto Service World.

Prices of Michelin tires will go up for the third time in less than a year.

The company announced the latest round of increases will take effect Jan. 1, 2023, in Canada and the U.S.

Select passenger and light truck, on-road and mining commercial products and service offers will see spikes of up to 9 per cent.

It didn’t specify which lines would see specific increases, other than to say, “Price changes may vary across specific products, channels and countries within each brand portfolio.”

Michelin increased prices back in June by between 5 and 12 per cent for passenger and light truck replacement tires and service offers. It further increased motorcycle tire prices by 9 per cent. It again didn’t specify a reason.

But during its price increase announcement for April last year, the company cited “market dynamics” for its 5 per cent change. It also increased motorcycle prices by 9 per cent at that time.

The post More price increases from Michelin appeared first on Auto Service World.

After being brought on a year ago as president and chief operating officer, Spectra Premium Mobility Solutions has promoted Josh Gordon as president and chief executive officer.

The move is effective immediately. Spectra’s previous CEO Denis Chabot is retiring. He will remain closely involved with the company as a board member and senior advisor.

“We are excited about all the positive momentum at Spectra Premium, which continues with the appointment of Josh as the new CEO,” said Spectra board chairman Ilya Koffman. “Josh is a proven leader in the industry, and we are confident that he will drive Spectra’s future success.”

Gordon previously held leadership roles at Fram Group and Old World Industries and has an extensive background in consumer products.

“Josh is the perfect person to lead Spectra forward,” Chabot said. “He has the right combination of experience, leadership, and temperament to realize Spectra’s full potential. I am excited to continue my engagement with this great team and this great business.”

Spectra also announced new talent has been recently added to its aftermarket and OE teams: Erich Schmidt, senior director of Aftermarket Sales, Simon Weallans, senior director of OE Sales, Jessica Hyde as marketing director and Scott Nash, category and product management director.

The post New CEO for Spectra appeared first on Auto Service World.

Élisabeth Lambert has been named chair of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada’s Quebec Division Committee.

She’s the first woman to hold the seat in the group’s history. Lambert spent the last two years serving as the committee’s vice president and has been an active member since 2019.

Lambert is the vice president and general manager of Pièces d’Auto Joliette. Apart from representing the parts store sector on the committee, she is also involved in several subcommittees, including the “I am AIA” committee as well as the succession group.

She was also involved with the implementation of the “internship fair” project at the Centre de formation professionnelle de l’Argile in Joliette with students doing their vocational studies diploma in automotive mechanics.

“Her experience and drive will help advance important issues for the automotive maintenance industry,” said the AIA Canada announcement.

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Jeff Hansen, NIssens

Thermal, efficiency and emissions system components manufacturer Nissens announced Jeff Hansen as the new president of Nissens North America.

The move was effective Oct. 1. Hansen was most recently the company’s sales director.

He takes over from Peter Henry, who will continue work with Nissens North America on a part time basis as an executive consultant to help streamline a smooth and successful management transition.

“I am delighted to be able to place the leadership of this fast-growing organization in the hands of someone with Jeff’s expertise and experience,” Henry said in an announcement. “Jeff is a results-focused leader with a strong background in strategic business development, plan execution, and business strategy.”

Before joining Nissens, Hansen spent several years at Valeo as director of aftermarket sales for North America.

“I am honored to be selected to lead the North America division for Nissens,” Hansen said in the announcement. “Our team is passionate about continuing to distinguish Nissens as an essential provider of key climate, engine cooling, and efficiency and emissions system parts to our valued channel partners. I look forward to working with our product marketing, engineering, and manufacturing teams to provide our customers with the highest-quality products and best-in-class service that they’ve come to expect from Nissens.”

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The parent of CARS, Jobber News and Auto Service World is set to launch a new magazine for automotive service providers focused on electric vehicles.

Turnkey Media will publish EV World, to guide ASPs as they hone their skills for an electrified future.

The quarterly magazine will provide readers with technical articles and how-to guides to get familiar with electrics. ASPs will also be able to keep on top of the latest news, whether it’s from the government, automakers, parts manufacturers or other corners of the automotive industry.

“We’re moving towards an electrified world,” said Peter Bulmer, publisher of Turnkey’s automotive publications. “Everyone from manufacturers to technicians will be affected by this change. We want to provide a space for the industry to learn together and prepare for what’s ahead.”

The publication will track consumer habits and keep ASPs in the know on what to expect from their customers as they hit the road in an EV. And, of course, the latest products and innovations will be delivered directly to professionals.

“These days, there isn’t a conference that doesn’t have a section dedicated to electrification. Some events are dedicated entirely to the technology,” Bulmer added. “It’s a sign of the times. ASPs need to stay on top of developments, and this is one way they can.”

The magazine will be supported by an online portal that will launch along with the print edition.

To subscribe, click here.

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Clore Automotive has announced that Eric Batdorf will join the company as vice president and chief financial officer.

He will take over from Mike Canipe, who will retire as executive vice president and CFO at the end of this year.

Batdorf has more than 20 years of extensive international financial, operational and information technology experience. He was most recently CFO of Brunson Instrument Company. He has also served as CFO and chief operating officer for Harlan Global Manufacturing. He is a licensed CPA in Missouri. Batdorf will oversee Clore’s finance, accounting, IT and supply chain teams.

“We are excited to have Eric join Clore Automotive. He complements our strong performance-oriented and customer-focused culture. We believe his impressive history of execution and his results-driven mindset make him the ideal choice to succeed Mike Canipe and build on our track record of consistent, long-term growth,” said Jim Chasm, Clore’s CEO.

The post New VP, CFO at Clore appeared first on Auto Service World.

David Williams

David Williams has been appointed CEO of OptiCat/JNPSoft in the United States and Canada.

He will succeed Charley Johnson — who was recently awarded the Triangle Award from the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association, the group’s highest honour. After 10 years as CEO, Johnson will transition to a role supporting Williams as he enters into his new position until the end of the year. He will then move into a consulting role for TecAlliance — which oversees the OptiCat/JNPSoft brands in Canada and the U.S. — in January 2023.

Williams joins the company from Denso, where he held a number of roles during his 10 years there. Most recently, he was director of the automotive original equipment service parts division. Williams oversaw the sales, distribution, development and production of traditional service parts, diagnostic equipment and emerging connected solutions sold to North American carmakers.

“It was immediately clear that David Williams was the right fit,” said David Winter, executive vice president of sales at TecAlliance. “Under his leadership, we look forward to a vibrant and flourishing future of our USA/Canada business and the many customer organizations we serve each year.”

He also expressed his gratitude to Johnson for his time with OptiCat/JNPSoft.

“It has been my great privilege to work with our customers, our OptiCat/JNPSoft supervisory board, the TecAlliance team and, especially the OptiCat/JNPSoft team to bring our business to a position of significance to our industry,” Johnson said in the announcement. “I thank them all for their support. I also look forward to supporting David Williams, who is an outstanding leader and an outstanding person, as he assumes his new role.”

The post New OptiCat CEO named appeared first on Auto Service World.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

George Brown College has launched an Electric Vehicle Technician Certificate Program.

It’s a self-paced distance education program — students can learn at their own pace from anywhere. It’s designed for automotive technicians interested in upping technical knowledge to diagnose, service and repair high voltage EVs. The Toronto school said it’s also open to other trades professionals, like electricians, to learn to install, design and maintain residential or commercial charging stations.

“Right now, the demand for electric vehicles is growing at unprecedented levels, but the infrastructure to support that growth with technicians that can service EVs or maintain charging stations isn’t there yet,” said Colin Simpson, the school’s centre for continuous learning dean. “The Electric Vehicle Technician Certificate Program will prove valuable in preparing the technicians needed to propel the EV industry forward.”

George Brown also offers an EV training program for automotive technicians who want to learn about servicing and repairing electric vehicles and electricians interested in installing and maintaining charging stations in commercial or residential areas — and any other tradespeople or professionals who want to learn more about EVs.

The school cited the International Engergy Agency (IEA), which said 1.3 million EVs were on roads in 2015, which jumped to 10 million by 2020. By 2030, the IEA said it expects 145 million EVs sold.

With this growth and the demands for infrastructure and technicians, the school sees the need to provide education in the area. It highlighted its simulation software to allow students the opportunity to safely perform lab experiments and further their understanding of electrical circuits. This gives students the ability to learn in a real-world environment without the inherent risks involved in working on “live” equipment.

The post Toronto college launches EV program appeared first on Auto Service World.

From left, Bill Long, CEO, MEMA; Charley Johnson, CEO, OptiCat, LLC.; Marc Blackman, CEO, Gold Eagle, Co., and chairman of MEMA board of directors

Charley Johnson has been awarded the Triangle Award from the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA).

The CEO of OptiCat LLC received the association’s highest honor in the vehicle supplier industry.

“For more than 45 years, the Triangle Award has been given periodically to that person or persons, or organization, whom MEMA and our divisions choose to honor for selfless contribution to the vehicle supplier industry,” said MEMA president and CEO Bill Long.

He further highlighted Johnson’s decades of “exceptional leadership” and noted the dedication he has given to the supplier industry. These qualities represent the spirit of the Triangle Award.

“[Johnson] has never missed an opportunity to promote, protect and advance the automotive industry, the automotive aftermarket and pushback against government over-reach,” Long continued. “Perhaps his most lasting contribution is the work he has done working quietly behind the scenes, to find paths of collaboration and common ground, leading to a win-win for industry stakeholders and businesses.”

The Triangle Award is handed out after a selective process. It is not an annual award but one that is presented when candidates deserve to be recognized. Specifically, those who have worked tirelessly, behind the scenes, out of the spotlight and whose contributions have advanced the supplier industry, MEMA’s announcement said.

The post OptiCat CEO gets MEMA’s highest honour appeared first on Auto Service World.

Andreas Tetzloff has been appointed President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada.

The move is effective October 1. He will replace Eva Wiese, who became the first female head of the group on Feb. 1, 2021. She has been appointed managing director (CEO) of Mercedes-Benz Customer Solutions.

Tetzloff, 50, will assume overall responsibility for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Benz vans. The company has 250 employees and a nationwide network of 59 authorized dealerships.

His experience with Mercedes-Benz dates back to 1992. His roles have included commercial director responsible for HR and finance, sales director and, more recently, leading the company’s Russia division since March of this year.

“We are thrilled to welcome Andreas to Canada to build on the strong foundation in place,” said Dimitris Psillakis, head of marketing and sales at Mercedes-Benz Cars North America and CEO of MBUSA. “His vast retail and sales experience will serve Mercedes-Benz Canada’s customers and dealer network well as we continue to focus on leading in electric, while pairing our highly desirable luxury products with a seamless customer journey.”

The post New leader coming for Mercedes-Benz Canada appeared first on Auto Service World.

Richard Odom has been promoted to vice president of sales and marketing at Alltech Automotive.

Richard Odom

“Richard has been instrumental in the expansion of our customer base, including the introduction of our QualityPro line of products,” said Nancy Liu, president and CEO at Alltech, a manufacturer of aftermarket auto parts.

Odom began his aftermarket career in a NAPA store in 1981. He has held numerous sales and marketing positions with Federal-Mogul, Dana, MAHLE Aftermarket and ZF. In his most recent position, he served as director of sales for the traditional and retail markets since joining Alltech in January of 2021.

He will continue to work out of Alltech’s aftermarket sales office in Prattville, Alabama.

“I am very excited about what we are building at Alltech,” said Odom. “We have world-class products and a world-class team. We have recently gained approval for our complete family of QualityPro products at both The Group and APA. In my new position, I look forward to continued growth with our current and new partners.”

The post Alltech names new VP appeared first on Auto Service World.

Kumar Saha will add the U.S. market to his duties with Eucon Americas.

The Canadian managing director was named as the company’s U.S. vice president. He will maintain his Canadian role with Eucon, which specializes in market information and data-based systems for the automotive aftermarket. Toronto-based Saha will direct business development activities, data operations, and product development in the U.S. and Canadian markets.

“I am excited to have Kumar lead the next wave of product and customer growth for Eucon Americas,” said David Shanahan, company president. “Eucon has rapidly expanded in the region in the last two years with a slate of new data solutions for OEMs, suppliers, and retailers. With his extensive automotive industry experience, relationships, and knowledge, Kumar will work closely with clients and the Eucon team to shape the future of our products.”

Saha is also a columnist for Jobber News. He joined the company in 2020.

“It has been great to see how Eucon’s Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) solutions enable our customers to maximize their opportunities, particularly in a dynamic and challenging economic environment,” Saha said. “I look forward to bringing more technology-driven products to the market and helping our customers thrive.”

Prior to joining Eucon, Saha was a research director with Frost & Sullivan, a global consultancy firm. He has been working in the automotive aftermarket for more than 12 years.

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The great-grandson of the founder of what is today the Colonial Group has joined the company.

Stephen Squires has been hired as special projects manager. A chartered professional accountant, he’s the fourth generation to work and provide management and leadership to the company. Squires is the great-grandson of Gordon Elton, who founded Colonial Garage & Distributors Limited in 1926.

Squires is a graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland and holds a Bachelor of Arts – French and a Bachelor of Commerce – Cooperative.

According to the announcement, he will be working on system review and documentation, policy program review and assessment. Furthermore, he will work on new projects planned for the company as it looks to expand its footprint and store count in Atlantic Canada. Squires will work out of the St. John’s head office, reporting to the senior management team.

The Colonial Group is a family-owned and operated business, the largest privately-owned aftermarket auto parts supplier in Atlantic Canada. The company has 20 locations across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Colonial’s ownership is held by family members Susan Elton Squires, Gillian Elton, and Douglas Squires.

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Five Canadian locations are part of an expansion from Navistar’s all-makes and models aftermarket truck and bus parts brand, Fleetrite.

It is expanding its retail footprint to 31 locations through partnerships with Navistar’s International truck and IC Bus dealer networks. The latest announcement adds 13 locations.

The Canadian locations are at Dawson International Truck Centres in Kamloops and Vernon, British Columbia, International Rive Nord in Dorval and Laval, Quebec and Summit Truck Group in Taber, Alberta.

Navistar’s announcement noted that the company has now exceeded its goal of 20 store openings in 2021. It is on track to have 50 Fleetrite locations by 2025.

“Being front and center for our customers with over 100 product lines that cover around 90 per cent of all vehicles on the road is vital to aiding in sufficient uptime,” said Chintan Sopariwala, group vice president of parts.

Fleetrite, it added, has 16 new product launches planned for 2022, including an expanded selection of radiators, grilles and bumpers.

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BBB Industries has acquired Budweg Caliper A/S, a supplier of remanufactured brake calipers.

The deal includes all of the Budweg business. It gives BBB its first sustainable manufacturing facility in Europe.

The acquisition is the sixth for the company in Europe since 2019.

For more than 40 years, Budweg has supplied remanufactured brake calipers for the European automotive aftermarket. Based in Odense, Denmark, its products cover more than 98% of the European car parc. It serves Central and Eastern Europe, France, Scandinavia, Spain, Austria and Switzerland.

“This acquisition is a key advancement in our continued efforts to expand in Europe and broaden our remanufacturing footprint,” said Duncan Gillis, BBB’s chief executive officer. “Budweg’s sustainable manufacturing operations are a strong complement to our existing operations, and we look forward to welcoming their dedicated and skilled workforce to the BBB team.”

“We are excited to join BBB’s global enterprise,” said Christer Mysling, CEO of Budweg. “To join a leading company like BBB affirms our past achievements. With BBB’s leadership, we are well-positioned to bring added value and new opportunities to our existing and new customer relationships.”

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BCA Bearings is launching 2022 Summer Nights promotion.

Its parent company, NTN, made the announcement. During the promotion, BCA’s warehouse distributor customers can earn BCA-branded, premium merchandise with orders of BCA wheel hub assemblies, bearings and seals.

The promotion runs from April 1-June 15, 2022.

Customers can earn tiered packages of BCA branded merchandise with qualifying orders through the promotion. They can then use these items for their own localized promotions.

“The Summer Nights theme is a nod to our hard working customers enjoying a summer night after a full day of work,” said Georgianne Dickey, director of marketing at NTN. “From our distributors, to the folks that take the product out of the box to install it, we want to help light up their summer nights. We are looking forward to summer, and another great promotion.”

The “Summer Nights” premium items were selected to compliment the summer night activities —such as light-up ball, LED flying disc, a light-up yard glass, a mini video projector, a flame lantern with a Bluetooth speaker and more.

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OptiCat and JNPSoft announced the launch of a new unified branding strategy in concert with the broader TecAlliance Group.

Each company will retain their unique offerings and positioning. But they will also unify their go-to-market approach, said their announcement.

Both brands focus on supplier and data receiver needs in North America that use the Auto Care Association ACES and PIES standards.

“This brand update provides us with an important and recognizable tool to market our innovative products effectively,” the announcement said.

The OptiCat and JNPSoft announcement highlighted three pillars on which the brand update is based: Customer orientation, identity and a contemporary look and feel

“We are very pleased to bring these two great brands to market at a time when the digitalization needs of the market are expanding rapidly,” said Charley Johnson, CEO of OptiCat and JNPSoft. “Our new branding will help us to get our cohesive message to the market.”

“Unifying these two strong brands under a similar look and feel reflects the close cooperation and collaboration we enjoy with each other and with our customers,” said Nat Di Censo, chief operating officer of the customer programs group of OptiCat and JNPSoft.  “We will continually strive to make the OptiCat and JNPSoft team the best choice as service provider for the aftermarket industry. Our new logo mirrors our ability to provide the best data solutions to our customers.”

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There’s plenty of money on the sidelines and everyone from banks to private equity firms don’t want to sit on it. So some of that money could be used to fund acquisitions, suggested an expert.

Furthermore, interest rates are low — for now, anyway. This presents an opportunity for businesses to get their balances sheets straightened out and make a splash if one comes available, said Sig Huber, senior managing director at Riveron, a business advisory firm.

“The banks don’t want to be sitting on piles of cash, but they are right now. They want to deploy the cash into the right situations,” he said. “There’s still a lot of money available, and potentially an interesting play to go and get your refinancing now, even if your loans aren’t due, because we know the rates are going to be going up in the future. So we have several clients that have been very successful in getting new loans in place now, even though their expiration dates weren’t for 12 months out or even 18 months out.”

For private equity firms, they are very much interested in the automotive sector, especially as electrification and advanced driver-assistance systems gain in prominence. But they’re not deploying their cash just yet.

As a recent example, Tenneco entered into a deal to be acquired by an investment management firm. It is valued at more than US$7 billion.

“However, that money is on the sidelines for two reasons,” Huber explained. “Number 1, they’re waiting for enterprise values to drop as distress increases. And Number 2, they’re waiting for the supply chain issues to work themselves out because there’s still uncertainty as to how long the supply chain issues are going to be lingering through the industry.”

Of course, the best time to put money to work is strategically in moments of distress on the side of the other company. And some are in that position now.

“So we think there’s going to be an increase in M&A activity,” Huber predicted. “And something to consider for some of you in this room that are doing well financially: Are there any strategic companies out there that you may want to look at, say this coming year, as potential acquisition targets?”

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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Sheridan College and Rogers Communications will partner for the next two years on 5G autonomous vehicle research and development.

The program will run through the GTA-area school’s Centre for Mobile Innovation (CMI). Rogers and Sheridan study the potential of integrating navigation, diagnostics and infotainment systems into autonomous vehicles over new 5G wireless technologies and networks. The partnership will also include research into the areas of intelligent transport systems in a multi-user environment.

Researchers and students will use machine learning techniques combined with traffic modelling and simulations to generate insights into how Rogers can deliver services to drivers and prepare a roadmap for autonomous vehicles operating on its 5G networks, the joint announcement said.

Research will focus on in-car non-driving systems in autonomous vehicles like navigation, diagnostics and infotainment. It will also explore connectivity with Intelligent transport systems using cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X).

The announcement noted that 5G research will focus on autonomous public transportation systems, driverless taxis, autonomous delivery systems and assisted driving for seniors and people with disabilities.

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Plews & Edelmann completed its purchase of Blissfield Manufacturing, a third-generation Tier 1 manufacturer of refrigeration products and condensers.

Plews, which manufacturers power steering components, hoses, automotive fittings and turbo oil lines, also acquired Blissfield’s technology, designs and manufacturing equipment.

The acquisition will give Plews the ability to supply all forms of power steering coolers to the aftermarket and OE service parts distributors, according to CEO Dan Billie

“I am happy that Blissfield Manufacturing’s chairman, Pat Farver, chose Plews & Edelmann as the caretaker of his family business. This acquisition complements our vision and is a perfect fit for the company as we continue to focus on providing the aftermarket with a total solution to its power steering needs,” he added in the announcement.

A new power steering cooler program is now part of the Edelmann Elite power steering portfolio following the deal.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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Schaeffler has announced plans to relocate and expand its automotive aftermarket operations.

It recently began groundbreaking for a new 250,000 square-foot facility in Strongsville, Ohio, about five miles from its current building in Valley City. The company expects its new facility to be operational in the third quarter.

The new space will provide almost 110,000 square feet of additional space. The warehouse distribution center will feature a redesigned layout to improve material flow from inbound to outbound to increase efficiency. This will better support increasing customer requirements such as express ordering and the ability to process small and large orders more efficiently, the company’s announcement said.

Schaeffler said a smooth and seamless transition to the new facility is expected for employees and customers. The new address will be made public closer to the move-in date.

“Our new Strongsville facility represents the growth of our North American automotive aftermarket operation,” said Jerry Conroy, vice president of automotive aftermarket USA and Canada at Schaeffler. “The new facility consolidates aftermarket activities under one roof and managed inhouse to better address our customers’ increasing orders and expanding requirements. Additionally, being close to Cleveland will help with future recruiting as we anticipate growing our local team in the future.”

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