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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Automotive diagnostic tool developer Autel has teamed up with AI software company Revv to introduce an advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) solution tailored to mechanical repair shops.

This collaboration will see Revv’s ADAS identification platform integrate with Autel’s MaxiSYS IA900 calibration tool, equipping shops with the technology and insights necessary to manage and calibrate ADAS components for today’s vehicles.

The partnership comes as demand for ADAS calibrations in mechanical repairs is rising, driven by the increase in safety and convenience systems in modern vehicles.

 “ADAS identification and calibrations are essential to the mechanical repair and service space to ensure the safe repair of customer vehicles,” said Autel CEO Chloe Hung. “We reviewed several ADAS research platforms, and Revv’s powerful systems identification software and AI-driven workflow perfectly fit our vision for a robust mechanical ADAS solution.

Key benefits of the Autel-Revv partnership include new revenue opportunities, enhanced accuracy and efficiency, improved safety standards and future-proofing for advancing technologies

 “Our collaboration enhances the ability of automotive repair shops to accurately and efficiently identify and perform ADAS calibrations, ultimately ensuring safer vehicles on the road,” said Revv CEO Adi Bathla.

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Tirecraft Ontario announced a new expansion into the Southern Ontario off-the-road tire market.

Chris Potier and Jason Vollick have joined Tirecraft Ontario. Potier is an OTR service technician with more than 20 years of experience. Jason Vollick has more than 10 years of experience as an OTR sales and service technician.

“We are excited that Jason and Chris not only bring a wealth of experience and respect, but also their alignment with our core values,” said Christine McClay, Tirecraft president, added.

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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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When debating if you should sell the assets of your business compared to bringing a new buyer to buy shares in the existing company, there’s one clear answer for accountant business advisor Hunt Demarest: Do an asset sale.

“For every 500 asset sales we see, we see one stock sale. Really, we never ever, ever see stock sales,” he said at this year’s Midwest Auto Care Alliance’s Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo in Kansas City.

In a stock sale, the buyer acquires the selling company’s stocks, thereby taking over ownership of the company, including all its assets and liabilities. This means the buyer assumes all obligations, including debts and legal risks associated with the company.

On the other hand, in an asset sale, the buyer purchases individual assets and liabilities of the company, such as equipment, inventory and property, without buying the company’s stock or assuming its legal entity. This allows the buyer to select specific assets and liabilities they wish to acquire, potentially avoiding unwanted obligations.

So the buyer of an auto repair shop will purchase the shop’s equipment, inventory and goodwill and set up their own legal entity. They don’t get the shop’s cash, debt or liabilities.

“Even though from a customer standpoint it’s going look like the same exact business, there is a clear line: This is my corporation; this was his corporation,” Demarest said during the session Transitioning Your Business.

There are two big reasons: Taxation and liability. The taxation end has to do with write-offs and is different than buying stocks of, say, Apple. Most people are buying an auto shop and holding it for many years, even many decades. So any taxation benefits won’t be seen until further down the road. Whereas, if you have Apple stock, you can sell at any time in case of financial need or desire and recoup those benefits.

As far as liability of concerned, if you take over the existing legal entity, you are liable for anything that company has done in the past. Say the taxman comes calling — you as the owner of that entity are responsible, not the previous owner who is no longer involved in the business.

Or if the shop made a mistake on a customer’s vehicle and sues the shop, you as the new owner would be responsible. Demarest noted that comebacks and warranties aren’t technically your responsibility if you’ve set up a separate company, even if you keep the business’ name.

“But it’s going to be probably a bad introduction to the community,” he advised if you turn away such claims.

“You get into those weird areas where it’s like, legally, I don’t have to cover this. But hey … pro bono replacing this water pump is probably better than my first introduction in that community is, ‘Hey, this guy came in and doesn’t stand behind his work.”

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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PGW Auto Glass has announced it has acquired PH Vitres d’Autos and its affiliates from Driven Brands, marking an in the Canadian market.

PH Vitres d’Autos is a provider of wholesale auto glass distribution, retail installation, calibration and related services in eastern Canada, based in Sainte-Perpetue, Quebec. The company has more than 300 associates across 22 locations in Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

“PH Vitres has a long history of operational excellence and outstanding customer service, and this acquisition enhances every element of our business,” said Todd Fencak, CEO of PGW Auto Glass.

He added that the company will be part of its overall footprint and will collaborate to provide customers with the best tools to manage their businesses  

 “It is my pleasure to welcome the PH Vitres team to join us on our mission to be North America’s No. 1 supplier of solutions to the auto glass industry,” Fencak said.

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If you want to take your auto repair business and life to the next level and if you’re eager to learn how to make significant changes, rest assured that it can be done. But I’m not going to tell you the path to getting there is easy.

In the May/June issue, we explored the concept of expansion to reduce stress and boost profitability in your business. This idea might resonate differently with various readers. Some of you might be completely satisfied with your current situation and that’s wonderful. I’m genuinely happy for you.

Others will feel that I don’t understand their struggles. They will feel the sentiments in the article are great but they simply don’t have time for this — life is just a constant struggle that you must put up with and nothing can be done. For you, I hope you take something out of this piece.

But for those I mentioned off the top, I understand the frustration of feeling like your efforts aren’t yielding the desired rewards or profits. This can be soul-crushing and quickly lead to a negative spiral, impacting multiple areas of your life.

It’s a tough reality. But the good news is that it’s not permanent. You can choose to change your situation, either on your own or with the help of coaching.

Here are the crucial questions to ask yourself:

1. What kind of business do I want to own? Will it be a community-serving business catering to all makes and models, or will you specialize in a specific type of vehicle?
2. What kind of services will we offer? Will you provide air conditioning, alignments or other specialized services?

Once you have clear answers to these questions, you’ve taken a significant step toward defining your future.

To build a scalable and repeatable business that grows, you’ll need to put in hard work in the short term. This might mean working evenings and weekends, working to reshape how you operate, rather than finishing jobs in the bay. This effort is about implementing measures to reduce unpaid work, increase productivity and build a sustainable business for the future. It’s about creating a legacy that will hold value when you retire.

There will be aspects of your business that you’re doing right, but there will also be gaps that need attention. Some areas might need immediate improvement, while others might be causing significant longer-term issues.

This is where the role of a coach becomes invaluable. A coach helps you see your business from a macro perspective, identifying what’s missing and providing tools and systems to get you moving forward. Remember, business change isn’t just about planning; it’s about taking action. It’s not about knowing what needs to be done, it’s doing it that is the hard part. That’s why sometimes we need a bit of a kick from an external source.

To illustrate, let’s go through several questions to ask yourself to assess where proactive changes can make a significant difference in your shop. One of the first steps to boosting productivity is evaluating your current processes.

It’s not about knowing what needs to be done, it’s doing it that is the hard part. That’s why sometimes we need a bit of a kick from an external source.

Improving Efficiency

• Are there tasks that can be automated or streamlined?
• What does your re-booking process and scheduling system look like?
• How are you preparing for the arrival of vehicles into your shop?

Enhancing Customer Experience

• Are you consistently receiving feedback from your customers with the sole intention of making your business better?
• Are you chasing a Google score but doing nothing to implement change inside your operation?

Expanding Services

• Are you offering additional services to add value and increase your revenue streams?
• Are you currently focusing only on mechanical repairs without considering adding services like detailing or sublets?

Training And Development

• Are you equally investing in both hard and soft skills for the team?
• Are you investing in strategic learning for yourself?
• Are you more ‘employee’ than ‘leader’ in your business?

Marketing and outreach

• What marketing are you carrying out?
• Does your daily process lead you toward or away from captive marketing with your existing customers?
• Are you involved in the local community?
• Are you ensuring that your marketing messages highlight what sets you apart from the competition?

Adapting to change

• The business landscape is continually evolving. How are you staying up to date with trends in the industry?
• How are you planning for upcoming new technology?
• What is your investment plan for the next three years?

Opening new locations

• Are you looking to expand into new locations?
• Can your existing location run without you for a week or two with no intervention? If the answer is no, then you should seek advice on your gaps.

Expanding your business involves a combination of strategic planning and proactive actions. You can create a thriving, profitable business by addressing the areas that need improvement and capitalizing on your strengths.

Whether you choose to do this on your own or seek the guidance of a coach, the key is to start making changes today. The journey might be challenging, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

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

This article originally appeared in the August issue of CARS magazine

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Opening another shop has been something that I have been thinking about very seriously over the past year and I’ve recently decided to take the plunge.

Truthfully, as a technician, I had never thought that I would ever have my own shop, let alone multiple shops. But over the years, I have grown as a person, as a team leader and as a member of our automotive community. This growth has inspired me to do everything in my power to improve our industry and the careers of the people in it — what better way to do that than multiply?

That being said, multiplying is a daunting task with many variables to think about: Can my city provide enough revenue for another shop? Where will it be located? Would I want to open one in a different city? Will I buy one that is already running or start from scratch? How many staff will I need? Where will I find the staff members?

These are just a few of the questions swirling around in my head, with many more popping up every day. The first question I need to answer is: Am I ready? To answer that question, I need to take a look at my numbers to determine if my current shop is profitable, running efficiently and producing close to capacity, without requiring me to work in the shop on a day-to-day basis.

My numbers indicate that my shop is profitable — it can pay all of its expenses (including a salary for me), while still having a very healthy net profit. To achieve this profit, I have hired coaches to educate me and my staff on how to market to the right clients, price my labour and parts for profitability and strategies to implement systems and processes that streamline our day.

The most important thing that I have learned is that someone must be managing the business. That may not be you — you may want to stay in the bays as a tech — but that means you need to hire a manager.

The most important thing that I have learned is that someone must be managing the business. That may not be you — you may want to stay in the bays as a tech — but that means you need to hire a manager. This manager should understand the business side of operations, be able to lead your team and have the confidence to manage you. Yes, this means giving up control, which I have found challenging at times, but it allows me to focus my energy on what I do best.

My shop is run very efficiently. We are constantly discussing ways to save time without sacrificing the quality of our services or the client’s experience at our shop. In my opinion, a second shop should only be considered when the first shop is no longer capable of increasing productivity; each tech is billing all of their available hours in a day and your building will not support another tech.

To improve productivity, take a look around your building and watch your staff doing their work (both techs and advisors), so you can determine where they are losing time. Is there a process at the counter that could be automated? Do you need to purchase a tool that makes a common repair happen quicker? Is your specialty tool cabinet organized, labelled and in a centralized location? Is your inventory organized? How do you organize incoming parts and outgoing returns?

When you are doing this, take into consideration that your staff do these jobs every day and they probably know what changes will improve their efficiency, so ask them what should be done, they’ll appreciate the fact that you value their opinion.

A profitable and productive first location is necessary to open a second location. But just as important is the ability for the first location to operate without you. In part two, I’ll discuss the steps I’ve taken to remove myself from day-to-day operations.

Erin Vaughan is the owner of Kinetic Auto Service in Regina.

This article originally appeared in the August issue of CARS magazine

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Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company announced it’s committing $575 million to modernize and expand its plant in Napanee, Ontario, a move expected to boost EV tire production.

In a joint announcement with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Goodyear revealed plans to upgrade its facility, focusing on energy-efficient manufacturing processes and increased output, particularly for electric vehicle and all-terrain tires. The expansion is projected to generate 200 new manufacturing jobs by 2027 while securing more than 1,000 existing positions at the plant.

A key aspect of the project is Goodyear’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions at the Napanee plant by 2040, aligning with Canada’s national targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The federal government will support the project with up to $44.3 million in funding from the Strategic Innovation Fund, while the Ontario government will contribute $20 million through Invest Ontario. These funds will assist in the implementation of new technologies and training programs.

This investment is part of a broader trend in Ontario’s growing electric vehicle sector, the announcement said. The modernization of Goodyear’s plant is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy and the province’s role in the global EV market.

Trudeau described the project as a positive development for Canada’s manufacturing sector, particularly in the automotive industry.

“Goodyear’s modernization of its Napanee plant will create manufacturing jobs and support the growth of our EV industry,” he said.

Ford highlighted the broader economic benefits for Ontario, noting that the province’s transportation infrastructure and skilled workforce continue to attract major investments in the EV sector.

“Goodyear Canada’s investment builds on the billions already invested in Ontario’s EV supply chain,” Ford said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Image credit: Depositphotos.com

Recochem has acquired the auto care business of KIK Consumer Products, which includes the Prestone brand.

KIK is a manufacturer of pool, household and auto care consumer products. Holt is one of its U.K. brands. The company developed, manufactured and marketed antifreeze/coolant and other essential automotive fluids and car appearance products in North America and other international markets.

Recochem is based in Montreal, founded in 1951. The deal and allows the company to create “a global automotive solutions group with significant economies of scale and opportunities to bring new automotive solutions and products to customers across all its key markets,” the announcement said.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. In November 2023, Recochem was acquired by private equity firm CapVest Partners.

KIK said the timing was right to make the sale as it decided to invest further in its household and pool care businesses.

“Recochem, Prestone and Holts are highly complementary businesses, and the combined platform will offer customers a wide range of products across multiple categories that are experiencing consistent long-term growth,” said Shawn Davies, Recochem’s CEO. “Today’s transaction will provide the enlarged business and individual business units with significant opportunities to expand, develop and broaden our relationships with our key partners.”

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Image credit: Depositphotos.com

Months after expanding its British Columbia footprint, Uni-Select announced it’s growing even more.

The company has acquired Alder Auto Parts, a long-time Uni-Select member. The business has been around since 1978 and currently serves Port Kells and Cloverdale, just outside of Surrey, and Aldergrove, near Langley, with 34 staff members.

“Joining Uni-Select starts a new and important chapter for us,” said John Feddersen, president of Alder Auto Parts. “We are proud to unite with a company that respects our heritage and shares our values. This partnership will amplify our strengths and continue the legacy we have built in this community.”

The total number of corporate stores in the province is now 21 for Uni-Select.

“We are excited to welcome a well-established family-owned business with strong regional roots and a shared commitment to our core values and quality service,” said Emilie Gaudet, Uni-Select’s president and chief operating officer. “This acquisition is a testament to our robust growth strategy and our dedication to maintaining the legacy of businesses we proudly incorporate into our family.”

Sponsorship

Uni-Select also announced last week that its flagship brand Bumper to Bumper will be a major sponsor with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League.

The Bumper to Bumper logo will be prominently featured on the right-chest jersey patch of all four of the team’s jerseys.

“We are extremely excited to partner with the Roughriders and have our brand woven into the fabric of Saskatchewan’s team,” Gaudet said. “We know how well-respected the team is across the Canadian Football League. And we are thrilled to become a part of Rider Nation!”

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Image credit: Depositphotos.com

Global professional services firm GHD has been granted patents in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom for hydrogen fuel cell fuelling technology.

The newly patented technology is for combined hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles fuelling and battery electric vehicle fast-charging. It also includes fuel cell backup power forecourt — a dedicated area where fuel cells are used to provide backup power when needed.

The system combines hydrogen dispensers for fueling FCEVs and a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEM FC) stack to provide energy for fast-charging BEV stations and backup power applications.

“The global push to address future energy security amid climate change challenges positions hydrogen as a significant clean energy commodity. GHD’s patent aligns with the promise of green, carbon-free hydrogen produced through renewable energy sources and showcases the potential of fuel cells, particularly PEM fuel cells, in various energy markets,” said Jim Volk, patent co-author and GHD’s North America future fuels lead.

The group noted that hydrogen fueling infrastructure remains expensive as the need for expanded infrastructure grows.

“Providing this innovative approach to real-world applications has resonated with several clients that we have offered the use of the patent to, and we expect to see project rollouts coming to market. Our approach not only caters to and promotes multiple markets but also presents opportunities for product line development and portfolio station services,” said Fred Taylor, patent co-author and hydrogen lead for the Americas

Editor’s note: This piece has been corrected from an earlier version that contained incorrect information and quotes.

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Image credit: Depositphotos.com

The E.R.I. Group announced that it has added a new I.P.W. distribution centre in Winnipeg.

The facility is located at 845 Lagimodiere Blvd., Unit 8, in Winnipeg. It officially opened May 13.

The company also announced that Jeff Georgeson will take over as branch manager of the new location. He’s an industry veteran who is known in Western Canadian circles. He was previously with United Sales in Winnipeg.

The group now has five warehouses for members:

• P.W. Delta – 105-7950 Huston Road, Delta, British Columbia V4G 1C2
• P.W. Edmonton – #100, 17835-106A Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5S 1V8
• P.W. Stouffville – 61 Ringwood Drive, Unit 4, Stouffville, Ontario L4A 8C1
• P.W. Moncton – 300 Baig Boulevard, Suite C-4, Moncton New Brunswick, E1E 1C8
• P.W. Winnipeg – 845 Lagimodiere Blvd, Unit 8, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2J 3M2

The company noted that it stocks more than 50 name-brand product lines at all five locations.

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Oakville, Ontario is the new home for a satellite warehouse from Vast-Auto Distribution.

In an announcement about the expansion last week, the company said the added facility — west of Toronto and the fifth in Ontario — is part of its “unwavering commitment to customer service through availability and accessibility to quality automotive parts.

The move is part of the company’s growth strategy, its announcement added. When O’Reilly Automotive announced it had bought Vast-Auto, expansion was pointed out as a key motivator.

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

The move also fits in the company’s mission of supporting its customers across Eastern Canada, the announcement noted.

“We are extremely excited about this new facility that will offer a wide assortment of products,” Cifelli said in the announcement about the new Oakville warehouse. “This expansion not only emphasizes our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our customers but also reflects our ongoing commitment to driving excellent customer service. The addition of the Oakville location is poised to play an important role in our continued success and growth trajectory.”

Vast-Auto has two distribution centres and six satellite warehouses, which serve 23 company-owned stores and a network of independent jobbers.

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Another Canadian automotive aftermarket distributor has been sold to an American company.

O’Reilly Automotive, based in Springfield, Missouri, announced yesterday that it had acquired Montreal’s Groupe Del Vasto, which operates as Vast-Auto Distribution.

O’Reilly agreed to a stock purchase agreement with shareholders and will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Groupe Del Vasto and its affiliated entities.

The stock purchase is expected to be completed in January 2024, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. It will be O’Reilly’s first foray into Canada.

Beckham, O’Reilly co-president confirmed that the current management team — led by president and CEO Mauro Cifelli — will remain in place

“We are excited to announce our purchase agreement with Vast-Auto, a highly respected, family-owned and operated auto parts supplier in Canada,” said Greg Johnson, O’Reilly’s chief executive officer. “From their beginning more than 35 years ago, Vast-Auto has built a very successful business by focusing on the same fundamental culture values of hard work and excellent customer service that have also been key to O’Reilly’s success. This strategic acquisition represents another important milestone in O’Reilly’s rich history, as we extend our footprint into Canada and continue our long track record of profitable growth throughout North America.”

Vast-Auto has a pair of distribution centers and six satellite warehouses as part of its network of 23 company-owned stores and hundreds of strategic independent partners. It provides widespread service that extends to thousands of other independent jobber and professional customers across Eastern Canada.

“This is a significant milestone and fantastic opportunity for Vast-Auto and will be a catalyst to accelerate our expansion throughout Canada,” Cifelli said. “Our company has always been committed to a strong culture, hard work, and exceptional customer service and these values align perfectly with O’Reilly’s culture. We recognize the unique contributions that each company brings to the table and are excited to become a part of the O’Reilly family.”

Founder and chairman John Del Vasto began his career as a technician and owned a service station and an auto parts store. “Our number one priority was finding the right long-term partner to safeguard the legacy of Vast-Auto,” he said. “O’Reilly has a very similar heritage to our company, and we know that our entire team will thrive under the ownership of O’Reilly far into the future we build together.”

Del Vasto and his wife Lucy recently became lifetime trustees of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.

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Lordco Auto Parts has opened its sixth store in Alberta. The newest one opened its doors last week in Red Deer.

Two are located in each of Edmonton and Calgary with a fifth one in Airdrie, just north of Calgary.

“The successive expansions highlight Lordco’s unwavering dedication to delivering top-tier automotive parts and accessories, extending its commitment beyond British Columbia to serve the thriving automotive community in Alberta,” Lordco said in an announcement.

The new location is located at 6833 66 Street, and will offers automotive products ranging from OEM and aftermarket parts to accessories, tools, and maintenance supplies. It serves both the professional technician and DIY enthusiast in the area.

“We are very excited to be opening a new store in Red Deer, Alberta. We have received a warm welcome and look forward to introducing ourselves to the local community,” said Shaun Wheater, Alberta regional manager for Lordco.

“We continue to expand our diverse offerings to provide our customers with a one-stop shop. With the support of our network of Alberta locations, our goal is to provide the right part, at the right price, as quickly as possible.”

This new location features a truck centre and 2,050 sq-ft. of floor space.

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Vast-Auto Distribution has announced a new program in response to the increasing number of electric vehicles on Canadian roads.

It has launched the Electric Verified by EV Vast Recognition Program to help certify repairs and services to electric and hybrid vehicles. The initiative is a key component of Groupe Del Vasto’s global strategy, which includes its brands Auto Value, M 360 Mechanic, OCTO Auto Service Plus, Auto Mecano, and Monsieur Transmission.

Aiming to establish itself and its associated network as front-runners in the burgeoning electric and hybrid vehicle segment, Vast-Auto Distribution is building its strategy on four foundational pillars. These include establishing a purchase and installation service for charging stations, creating a network of ‘Electric Verified’ repair shops, offering specialized training through Vast-Auto Academy and EV Skills and distributing specialized parts for electric and hybrid vehicles.

The partnership with the EV Skills training program ensures that the network’s parts stores and repair shops will maintain a high quality of service, said Mauro Cifelli, president and CEO of Groupe Del Vasto.

“With this Recognition Program, we want to send a clear message to our customers: We are investing in the development of our skills so the aftermarket can repair and maintain their vehicles, regardless of the engine type,” he said in a statement.

Additionally, collaborations with various suppliers will support repair shops joining the program by providing essential resources such as charging stations, safety equipment, and specialized maintenance and repair tools for electric and hybrid vehicles.

More details can be found here.

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Four Greater Toronto Area automotive repair and tire shops plus one in Guelph have been acquired by The Mufflerman.

The five locations are under the EuroMechanic banner, specializing in repair, service and tires for European vehicles. They are co-branded with individual names: Bloor West Auto in Mississauga, McDermott Motors in Toronto, McNally Auto in North York, Redline Automotive in Scarborough and Brock Road Garage in Guelph.

The deal closed on November 3 and was announced Nov. 14. The EuroMechanic brand, previously owned by private-equity firm Carflex Capital, will operate as a separate division of The Mufflerman.

EuroMechanic’s business model was attractive to The Mufflerman thanks to its operations and similarity in the way the company engages with employees and serves customers, said Costa Haitas, The Mufflerman president.

“The combination of EuroMechanic’s scale and niche expertise combined with our supplier and vendor relationships, will provide customers with even greater savings, options and service,” he added in a statement. “We are excited about adding these amazing locations to our network, some of which have been around for 40 years.”

The Mufflerman network now consists of 28 locations with 18 of them corporate-owned, through three brands: The Mufflerman, EuroMechanic and Fleet Specialties. There are also 10 franchised locations under the Superior Tire & Auto brand.

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VL Communications announced that its AB Magique software for mechanical and tire workshops is now available with the DT-TIRE distributor of the Touchette Group.

The software carries a new functionality for processing e-commerce transactions for tires and rims. Once identifiers have been obtained from their representative, all users of the software can now connect to the DT-TIRE transactional site and place their orders without leaving their customer’s estimate window.

This reduces the risk of errors in transcribing prices and numbers as everything is imported from the site in one click. This feature also reduces time spent waiting on the phone, meaning orders can be made in seconds, with precision and the best prices.

This software is available in both official languages, from coast to coast. This new feature can be found at no cost in version 2023.008 of the software.

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A trio of jobber stores are being added to the Vast-Auto network.

Vast-Auto Distribution announced that it entered into an agreement to acquire all assets of Pièces d’Autos Victo and Freins Démarreurs Plessis, as well as the shares of Pièces d’Autos Thetford.

Vast-Auto is a subsidiary Groupe Del Vasto and is a shareholder of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance.

The three are located in south-central Quebec, about midway between Montreal and Quebec City. Pièces d’Autos Victo is in Victoriaville, Freins Demarreurs Plessis is in Plessisville and Pièces d’Autos Thetford is in Thetford Mines.

The automotive parts wholesaler and retailer automotive parts wholesaler and retailer was founded in 2008 by Normand Roy.

His sons, Jordan and Raphaël, will continue to manage the operations as assistant managers at the Victoriaville and Plessisville stores, respectively. Nicolas Lévesque will continue as manager at the Thetford Mines location.

An announcement highlighted the company’s commitment to “serving professional service centers through a wide product assortment and an exceptionally qualified staff of parts specialists.”

Roy noted the common vision Vast-Auto has with him.

“We have always worked hard to ensure we achieve the highest level of customer satisfaction by offering a vast inventory of high-quality parts with a strong focus on service,” he said in the announcement. “Groupe Del Vasto has clearly established itself as a leading Canadian distributor within the automotive aftermarket and I know they are the best choice for the future of my business, loyal customers, and dedicated employees. I am confident that Groupe Del Vasto will continue to build on our success.”

The deal aligns with Groupe Del Vasto’s long-term growth plans as it expands its footprint in Eastern Canada, said Mauro Cifelli, the company’s president and CEO.

“We value Mr. Roy’s trust and are honoured by his decision to move forward with Groupe Del Vasto,” he said. “His continued involvement in managing the business will ensure a seamless transition and we are committed to maintaining the relationship established with his employees, and ensure customers continue to receive the best-in-class service that they have been accustomed to.”

Roy noted how proud he was of what has been built.

“Pride is the word that best expresses how I feel today,” he said. “We’ve all worked very hard, and today we have customers who really have confidence in us.”

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Tirecraft Atlantic Canada has launched a new emergency roadside service artificial intelligence platform, bringing next-generation AI technology to the tire industry across the region.

The launch is in partnership with Atrium Solutions, which provides AI solutions. The Commercial Tire ERS platform leverages Atrium’s AI capabilities to provide roadside assistance to commercial vehicle operators. The platform, Tirecraft’s announcement said, provides operators with the ability to have quicker response times, enhanced accuracy and improved customer experience during emergency situations.

The AI system will be able to analyze incoming service requests, identify the most appropriate service provider and dispatch them to the stranded commercial vehicles. The platform chooses the most optimal allocation of resources and reduces response times to minimize downtime for businesses and drivers.

“We are excited to launch the Commercial Tire ERS AI platform in collaboration with Tirecraft Atlantic Canada,” said Todd Richardson, CEO of Atrium Solutions Inc. “By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, we aim to transform the roadside tire assistance landscape, providing faster and more efficient services to commercial vehicle operators in Atlantic Canada. We look forward to a successful partnership with Tirecraft Atlantic Canada as we revolutionize the industry together.”

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A new artificial intelligence emergency roadside assistance platform has been released by Tirecraft Ontario.

The company announced it will enhance its fleet roadside assistance program and provide faster and more efficient service to fleet customers.

The commercial program, the company said, is a key piece of its offerings. It’s designed to enhance the customer experience by reducing wait times, increasing accuracy and improving the overall quality of service.

The announcement explained that the platform no longer requires the industry to rely on traditional call centres. The platform uses command processing and machine-learning algorithms to understand and respond to fleet events. It connects drivers to the nearest commercial tire dealer or technician, depending on the time of day.

The process, Tirecrafts said, takes 90 seconds on average

“We are excited to offer this cutting-edge technology to our fleet customers, and we believe it will help us deliver faster, more efficient service to those when they need it most,” said Christine McClay, President of Tirecraft Ontario.

The voice of the AI is currently legendary Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi.

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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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Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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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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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Crowds check out the Ideal Supply Show in Barrie, Ont., in 2018

Wyebridge Machine Limited, run by the MacLennan family in Midland, Ontario, has sold its NAPA franchise to Ideal Supply.

The deal closed on Nov. 4. Ideal Supply announced the acquisition on Nov. 18. Ideal is NAPA’s largest network of franchise stores in Canada, with more than 30 branches throughout southcentral and southwestern Ontario. Its head office is in Listowel.

Wyebridge opened its doors in 1962 with John and Mary MacLennan running operations. The shop stayed in the family with siblings Robert, Ronald, Barry and Anne overseeing the business.

In an announcement from Howie Pruden, Ideal’s vice president and general manager, he noted that “the siblings are quick to credit the success of the business to the great staff they have at the store now and have had over the years.”

He also said the company owes many thanks to its customers who have been loyal to Wyebridge. “Without your business, Wyebridge could not have operated over the years, and they express their pleasure at having been able to serve you,” Pruden said. “We wish them the very best as they transition to the next phase in their lives.”

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Image credit: Depositphotos.com

Money and reduced physical barriers are the combinations that will see continued merger and acquisition activity, according to a long-time automotive aftermarket leader.

The number of independent suppliers has dwindled in recent years with many brands now falling under one major company. But these days, it’ll be even easier to put deals together thanks to increased electronic communication, said John Washbish, president and chief executive officer of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance.

Virtual meetings are fairly normal these days, boosted by the necessity to do so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Company headquarters are less important than they used to be with many employers opting for hybrid and more remote working options for staff.

“So it’s much easier to put companies together than it was before,” he said during an episode of Curbside Chat, the video podcast series from the Automotive Industries Association of Canada.

The second reason is there’s a lot of money sitting on the sidelines. Companies and investors are itching to put it to use. They see the strong financial results of the automotive aftermarket and they want in.

“So you’re going to continue to see aftermarket consolidation happen, just because there’s a lot of money, and there’s a lot of old people, and the money ready to buy out the old people,” Washbish told Bob Jaworski, past chair of AIA Canada, who hosted the episode. “That’s going to happen.”

Even on the automaker side, Washbish predicted plenty of consolidation as electric vehicles take hold even if they’re many years away from making a dent in the overall car parc.

He still sees another decade or two where those in the internal combustion engine space will still be busy.

“But I see a lot of people saying. ‘I’m scared of that. I want to get out of that,’” Washbish said. “I can see you get rolled up by some of the big companies that are smart enough to know there’s got to be a lot of money to be made on ICE engines over the next 15-20 years on the OE side.”

But there’s also the other side of the equation that’s going after the EV business who are lining themselves up for the new opportunities.

“So the consolidation in the aftermarket is definitely going to continue on those manufacturing companies. On the OE side, look for the ICE engine consolidation, and then look for those people that are interested in going after the electric,” Washbish said.

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A rendering of the new KW Automotive headquarters

The first stages of construction and groundwork operations for KW automotive’s headquarters in Fichtenberg, Germany, is underway.

Excavation is underway with the structure ready to be built starting in September. The new building is set to open by the end of next year.

The suspension manufacturer plans to use the new production facility to manufacture more of its electromagnetic proportional valves for semi-active and active coilover suspensions and shock absorbers.

The family-owned company credited strong demand for its suspension kits as reason for the new and expanded headquarters. About 95 per cent of manufacturing is done in-house, according to KW.

Space will also be set aside for office use. The building will also include areas for production control and development as well as a training center for the suspension manufacturer’s national and internationally approved dealers.

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Photo by Callahan Property Group

B.C.-based Lordco Auto Parts unveiled its new superstore, the first in the Okanagan.

The 30,000 sq. ft. superstore in Kelowna was celebrated with a grand opening for the public, complete with a barbecue, a walk-through of a Milwaukee Tool van and a prize draw for a music festival prize pack.

The store, located at 1540 Keehn Road, replaces two warehouses in Kelowna — both the 1656 Dilworth Drive and 125 Hwy 33 locations have closed. The bigger space allows Lordco to feature more products and product lines than the former locations, according to Lordco’s announcement. The store will carry a large selection of tools, camping gear and high-performance parts. The in-store dedicated truck centre has an expansive display of tonneau covers, roof racks, winches and other popular truck accessories for truck, SUV and Jeep enthusiasts.

“The new store is impressive. The size alone is an attention getter. Then there is the huge array of parts in the store–from camping gear and e-bikes to tools and everything in between,” said Raymond Sebastian, Lordco Auto Parts Keehn Road store co-manager and former Highway 33 store manager. “I think customers will really like the large inventory available at this location.”

The new superstore is designed to meet local demand for aftermarket parts and accessories. Lordco decided it needed more space for inventory, paving the way for the new location.

“I was amazed at the increase in space compared to our past location,” said Matthew Lodge, Lordco Auto Parts Keehn Road store co-manager and former Dilworth Drive store manager. “Our new store is big, bright, fully stocked, and fully staffed by 48 employees. The large inventory lets us assist people with the confidence that we have what they came in for, and the increased number of employees lets us provide our customers with timely and efficient service.”

The new location is also more central, just off Highway 97 near Highway 33.

“We can service Kelowna and East Kelowna from this one central location,” said Niki Irving, Lordco Auto Parts regional manager. “Plus, we have greater drive-by traffic exposure. But most important, our customers have easier access to our store, parking, and a range of in-store services, such as hydraulic hose repair, paint mixing and matching, and battery recycling with battery purchase. The overall customer experience is so much better.”

The Keehn Road location is open 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

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Uni-Select is acquiring a major aftermarket player in northern Ontario.

The Boucherville, Quebec-based company announced this week that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Maslack Supply Limited, plus its related real properties.

Maslack, the Jobber of the Year in 1994-95, has 13 locations across northern Ontario, a 70,000 sq. ft. distribution centre and more than 200 employees. Uni-Select’s announcement noted that Maslack reported $52 million dollars of revenue for its fiscal year that ended January 31, 2022.

The core management of Maslack will remain in place following the deal, Uni-Select said.

The deal comes almost a year after the passing of its founder, John Maslack. He founded Maslack Supply in 1959 with three employees and a 500 sq. ft. building.

“We are pleased that Uni-Select, a Canadian company built on the same entrepreneurial foundations as Maslack, is acquiring our family business and carrying on the legacy of our parents in offering excellent service to our customers throughout Ontario,” said Betty Jane Marks and Judy Roy, John’s daughters, in the announcement. “Uni-Select emerged as the obvious buyer because of our shared customer-first approach and appreciation for employees, which are the front line of our business.”

The deal represents the biggest significant acquisition for Uni-Select since the company began its turnaround in the second quarter of 2021, observed Brian McManus, executive chair and chief executive officer, Uni-Select Inc.

“The transaction represents a meaningful growth avenue for the Canadian Automotive Group and is evidence of our ability to leverage our solid and improving balance sheet to make sizeable investments to grow our business,” he said.

“We are honoured to carry on the legacy of the Maslack family and happy to expand our footprint in Ontario — Canada’s largest market for automotive aftermarket products,” Emilie Gaudet, president and chief operating officer of the Canadian Automotive Group, added in the announcement. “We look forward to welcoming Maslack’s employees to leverage our combined strengths and maintain our high standards and quality of operations.”

The announcement also came days after Pièces d’auto Lacroix joined UAP to become a NAPA associate, switching over from Uni-Select’s Bumper to Bumper banner.

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The opening of the Pitt Meadows PartSource marks the first wholesale auto parts store in British Columbia.

The company marked the grand opening on June 15 at its location at 19055 Airport Way in Pitt Meadows, B.C., less than 40 km outside of Vancouver, near Maple Ridge.

It’s the first auto parts store opened by PartSource in the province. Between 40-60 people will work out of the location once it’s fully operational. The location is a 40,000-square-foot hub store that will be open 7 days a week, carrying more than 30,000 automotive parts and accessories for wholesale customers.

Staff gathered with the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Chamber of Commerce and commercial customers for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Sean Stokes, vice president of Auto Parts at PartSource, and Gary Bizzo, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce did the honours of officially opening the store.

PartSource noted the opening of its store provides an alternative source of automotive parts for service providers in the market, giving different options for residents in Pitt Meadows in their vehicle repair needs.

“We are excited to expand our automotive aftermarket parts business to commercial customers across the province of British Columbia. We pride ourselves in having a large delivery fleet, carrying quality branded products like Pro-Series, Monroe, and Fram, while offering unique, value-add marketing programs for our commercial customers,” Stokes said.

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Mister Transmission celebrated the grand opening of a new building for its Halifax location.

Held on June 11, the company opened the door to a brand new store at 1109 St. Margarets Bay Road in Beechville. The previous location was at the corner of Robie and Almon streets for 50 years. That building has since been torn down.

It was built from the ground up, leaving the Mister Transmission team excited to be in the new facility. Brad Crowell is the franchisee for the location.

The company organized a day full of celebrations and fun to mark the occasion. More than 100 friends, supporters and suppliers came out to show off their classic cars, check out the giveaways, enjoy a charity lunch and listen to music provided by Bobby Mac from Q104 FM. Mister Transmission extended a thank you to Dan from King-O-Matic Industries, NAPA Auto Parts and Klondike Lubricants.

Mister Transmission Halifax raised $2,000 for “The Sunflower” project by Adsum for Women and Children. “The Sunflower” housing will open in Lakeside in June with 25 apartments to house up to 60 people in a new community. Adsum House opened in 1983 for women who had no place to live.

Please see photos from the day below…

Mister Transmission Halifax Grand Opening

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Backed by new investment funding, the parent company of Point S is now looking at a nationwide expansion of the banner.

Unimax — a Canadian tire wholesaler, distributor and franchisor of well-known banners, such as Point S Canada — has secured “significant funding” from National Bank of Canada, according to an announcement. National Bank has acquired a 30 per cent stake in Unimax, which, in turn, allowed Unimax to acquire all of the shares of Distribution Stox Inc., a last-mile distribution company and a key distributor for Unimax.

The announcement noted a strong balance sheet for Unimax, allowing it to move forward with an accelerated growth plan — and noted doing so through acquisitions in the Canadian market.

“Thanks to the commitment of its 450 employees, independent retailers and some 60 shareholders, Unimax has achieved sustained business growth year after year,” said Jean Novak, president and CEO of Unimax.

Novak has been leading the company since taking over from Bruno Leclair in March, who is transitioning to retirement on May 31.

“The support of a partner like National Bank Private Investment will enable us to capitalize on growth opportunities throughout Canada,” Novak added.

Unimax has over 22 warehouses with a total capacity of close to two million tires.

“The National Bank group is proud to support Unimax and its growth plan. It’s a company that is thriving and contributes to the economic growth of our many regions,” said Luc Ménard, executive vice-president, managing director and head of private investments at National Bank. “There’s no denying that Unimax is a business success story with many chapters still to be written. This is thanks in large part to the energy of its employees, shareholders, and partners who are all strongly committed to Unimax and its promise to deliver quality that meets the highest customer-experience standards.”

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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3M announced the acquisition of the technology assets of LeanTec, a provider of digital inventory management solutions for the automotive aftermarket in the United States and Canada.

In an announcement, 3M noted the deal shows the company’s commitment to its “connected bodyshop” digital platform. It integrates data capture and analysis with material product platforms to keep pace with emerging needs and trends.

“Businesses across industries are looking for innovative ways to harness the power of digital transformation – and body shop owners are no exception,” said Dave Gunderson, president of 3M automotive aftermarket division. “This acquisition adds new levels of data integration and insights that will allow body shops greater visibility of their business operations, operational efficiency, and a better customer experience.”

The company noted that the acquired technology complements 3M’s RepairStack Performance Solutions, a hardware and software system to ensure materials needed for safe and reliable repairs are available on hand, streamlines the blueprinting and billing process and gives real-time insight into business performance.

Through the deal, 3M said it will be able to deliver a more connected, digital bodyshop solution.

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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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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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A Canadian lubricant distributor has made its third acquisition in six months.

Catalys Lubricants announced the acquisition of Nemco Lubricants & Chemicals last week. Nemco is a Winnipeg-based manufacturer of lubricants and automotive fluids.

The move, Catalys said in an announcement, completes the company’s coast-to-coast distribution and manufacturing network. It also solidified its position in Western Canada by providing customers with robust distribution and manufacturing capabilities.

The acquisition brings Cataly up to production and packaging locations and 15 warehouses, along with resellers across Canada. With a complete supply chain set up in the Prairies, it now has a manufacturing plant for lubricants, antifreeze, windshield washer and auxiliary products to help the company fulfill current and future orders for customers across the country.

“The acquisition of Nemco enables Catalys to fulfill our vision of creating a national distribution network,” said Jean-François Crevier, president of Catalys. “With a presence in all ten provinces, we’re better equipped to exceed our customers’ needs and provide them with quality products, local expertise and superior customer service. Today’s announcement is the culmination of several acquisitions made by Catalys in the past decade to establish ourselves as a leader in lubricant distribution. This signals the start of an exciting new chapter, and we look forward to engaging our entire network to service the customers and the communities that welcome us.”

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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B.C.-based Advantage Parts Solutions recently announced its expansion into Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

This is the 45th U.S. market the company has moved into.

“The addition of Oklahoma City’s OEM parts ecosystem is rewarding as the North American team worked diligently to welcome this market to Advantage, an effort led by western regional director Terry Deason,” Advantage Parts Solutions president of North America Paul Gange said in an announcement. “Now, OEM parts suppliers and collision repairers in Oklahoma City will be able to offer greatly enhanced and unique value through our proven platform.”

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Months after a flurry of activity, BBB Industries announced it is expanding further into Europe with its latest deal.

The company acquired MAPCO Autotechnik in Germany. It’s the fifth company BBB has acquired since 2019. And the latest announcement comes just months after announcing a series of other deals.

This is BBB’s first foray into German. MAPCO specializes in the design and distribution of nondiscretionary spare parts and accessories across five product segments: steering/suspension parts, brakes, drive train/bearings, engine environment/filters, and electric/accessories.

It has nine regional centers across the country, serving a car parc of over 50 million vehicles. MAPCO, founded in 1977, also has offices in the U.K. and France to service the continent.

“MAPCO is a lauded brand throughout Europe with the reputation of offering quality-certified automotive replacement parts to its customers,” said Duncan Gillis, BBB’s CEO. “With this acquisition, we add approximately 30,000 part numbers into our existing product portfolio. The combination is unparalleled. We are tremendously excited to be in Germany working alongside MAPCO’s management team to bring remarkable value to our existing and new customer relationships with superior products and service.”

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The Mufflerman is expanding its presence in Ontario after making an acquisition.

The company has purchased Superior Tire & Auto. The move will nearly double the number of stores for The Mufflerman, taking it from 12 stores to 22.

Argyle Capital Partners, which acquired The Mufflerman last spring, made the announcement Jan. 4.

Superior Tire has 10 stores in the Greater Toronto Area, plus a location in Barrie. The Mufflerman’s 12 locations are spread out through southwestern Ontario.

Superior Tire was founded in 1942. Argyle’s announcement confirmed that all employees will remain with the business. The Superior Tire name will not be changed. Its franchisees and operators will continue to lead their locations as a distinct division of The Mufflerman. Stores under The Mufflerman banner are corporately owned rather than franchised.

“We are extremely excited about the combination of these two iconic auto repair and tire shops,” said Frank Bongiovanni, president of Superior Tire. “We know The Mufflerman and Superior Tire share a focus on the customer experience that is unparalleled in the industry and are looking forward to continued growth and success.”

Costa Haitas, The Mufflerman’s president, pointed out the rich history of Superior Tire.

“Superior Tire’s long and successful history as well as its prominent locations, provide a strategic advantage for the combined business to offer even greater quality, service and trust to all our customers,” he said in an announcement. “With the addition of Superior Tire, we will become one of the largest auto repair, tire and service groups in Ontario. I look forward to working with the entire Superior Tire team and continuing the steep tradition that both operations exemplify.”

The Mufflerman opened its doors in 1964 in Sarnia. It was owned by the Brouwer family until March 2021 when Argyle bought the company.

“Finding the right partners to take over our family business was of critical importance to us,” said John Brouwer Jr., then-president of the Mufflerman. Haitas worked alongside the family until taking over as president.

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Lordco Auto Parts has opened another store in Alberta.

The latest location is in Southwest Edmonton at 4122 Calgary Trail. That gives the Maple Ridge, B.C.-based aftermarket auto parts retailer and distributor four stores in the province.

The first opened a store in Alberta in Southeast Calgary in 2020. The company added the three latest locations in 2021.

A grand opening event for the Southwest location was held on December 4 to provide the public with an opportunity to meet store representatives, tour the in-store truck centre, and check out the lines of automotive parts and products in stock.

The company also announced the renewal of its sponsorship if the IIHF 2022 World Junior Championship. Unfortunately, the tournament was cut short and cancelled after a variety of COVID-19 outbreaks on teams and amongst officials.

IIHF president Luc Tardif, upon announcing the event’s cancellation for its usual timeframe, hinted that the tournament would be rescheduled for the summer months, sometime between June and August.

“We’re going to take the next month to think about it and maybe come with a good surprise,” Tardif said. “We’re not going to give up. The young players deserve this important competition.”

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Navistar announced that its all-makes and models aftermarket truck and bus parts brand Fleetrite truck parts has opened in five new locations, including one in Ontario.

The locations are being opened through the International and IC Bus dealer network.

The Ontario location, Fleetrite Truck Parts by Winslow-Gerolamy Motors, is in Peterborough. The other locations are in Florida, California and two in Oregon.

That brings Fleetrite’s total retail locations throughout the United States and Canada to 16.

Navistar plans to open 20 Fleetrite retail locations and standalone stores by the end of 2021. Its goal is to have 50 locations by 2025.

“Fleetrite has been a well-recognized brand for over 50 years and continues to see strong demand,” said Chintan Sopariwala, group vice president of parts. “The continual growth of our Fleetrite branches showcases the strength in our dealer and service networks.”

Fleetrite stores feature over 100 product lines and more than 15,000 parts.

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Canadian Auto Parts Suppliers (CAPS) is being acquired by Vast-Auto Distribution.

CAPS has served the Ottawa community as an auto parts wholesaler and retailer for the last 22 years. It was founded by Charles “Chuck” Berthiaume.

The deal is expected to close on Nov. 30. CAPS has 60 employees.

CAPS hosting its Auto Parts and Tire Expo in 2017

“I am delighted to have chosen to sell my business to Vast-Auto Distribution, which has clearly established itself as a leading Canadian distributor within the automotive aftermarket,” Berthiaume in an announcement from Vast-Auto. “With a view to the sustainability of the business, and after working in the automotive sector for most of my career, the decision to sell was not easy to take, but today, I know that this choice is the best for the future of CAPS and our loyal customers and employees.”

As for Vast-Auto, the move, announced Nov. 19, is a another move in the company’s plans for long-term growth in eastern Canada.

“We are confident that our culture and our commitment to taking care of our customers and employees, will fit hand in glove with Canadian Auto Parts Suppliers long-time way of doing business,” said Mauro Cifelli, president and CEO of Groupe Del Vasto, the parent company of Vast-Auto.

Cifelli also confirmed that long time aftermarket pro Ghazi Mankal will continue in his role as general manager and business associate. He has been with CAPS since the company’s early days.

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After a few years of undertaking a transformation punctuated by the COVID-19 pandemic, PartSource is looking to enhance its footing in the Canadian automotive aftermarket space.

A division of Canadian Tire, one of Canada’s largest companies, has moved much of its focus away from retail customers and is making greater inroads to the commercial side of the industry.

“Our focus has been shifting to better service the commercial business over the last couple of years,” explained Sean Stokes, vice president of parts and general manager of PartSource.

Most PartSource locations were set up under a 50-50 model where half the store served retail customers and half was a warehouse of parts. Now, the vast majority — about 85 per cent, according to Stokes — of a store is dedicated to parts, with the remaining for retail.

Why shift? The market has been under disruption for many years now. There are fewer do-it-yourselfers as it’s become harder and harder to service your own vehicle.

And the company found trying to satisfy both sides of the market wasn’t working out too well. When the company looked at commercial, they saw growth opportunities. So rather than cater to both, it chose to focus on one side and do that well.

“But in order to capture some of that growth, we really need to change how we go to market,” Stokes said. “So we need to improve the amount of inventory we have in our stores. We need to expand the number of hubs we have across the country. We need to continue to look at, unique value proposition for our commercial customers.”

For example, PartSource launched a new commercial app in the middle of a pandemic. It can scan a VIN and order products directly from the company that relate to that vehicle.

“We launched that during the pandemic because we thought that, now more than ever, it was important for us to make it easier for commercial customers with everything they’ve been facing,” Stoked explained.

PartSource stores used to be franchised but all 82 stores are now corporately owned. The company operates across Canada except in B.C. and New Brunswick. The company celebrated 25 years of business in 2021. But brand recognition is still a bit of a challenge.

“Awareness continues to be something that we’re focusing on, even within existing markets,” Stokes said. “Some commercial or retail customers don’t know that PartSource exists.”

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BBB Industries announced recently that it has acquired a number of new companies and expanded its business.

On Nov. 9, BBB announced the acquisitions of certain assets from Undercar Express LLC (UCX) and Undercar Express Export Company (UCX Express). The two companies are commonly known together as UCX.

The company has been sustainably manufacturing calipers for almost 25 years. It is based in Cleveland.

“We are pleased to announce the acquisition of UCX as we continue to provide high-quality products to our broad customer base,” said BBB’s CEO, Duncan Gillis. “I am excited to bring added value to our existing and new customer relationships.”

A few days later on Nov. 12, BBB announced the acquisition of Turbo Power Systems, Inc. (TPS) and Elite Auto Lights, Inc.

Based in Houston, TPS has been manufacturing and refurbishing industrial turbochargers for more than 30 years.

Elite Auto, headquartered in Flat Rock, North Carolina, is a regional sustainable manufacturer of automotive headlights and electronics.

“The acquisition of these two companies continues our efforts to bring new products into our portfolio,” Gillis said. “Elite Auto gives us access to complex electronics part repair and sales of pre-autonomous technologies already installed in vehicles today, and TPS is a key advancement in our ongoing efforts to expand our industrial product offerings.”

On Nov. 18, the company announced it would create a new division called TerrePower to help in the broader adoption of battery electric vehicles. The new division will be dedicated to solar and electric upcycling — taking a used part and sustainably manufacturing it for a second life, which avoids recycling and disposal. TerrePower division will serve the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors at first, working to extend the useful life of critical components while improving their performance.

“We see an opportunity to be a central part of the renewable revolution by extending the useful life of battery electric vehicles and solar panels. We believe sustainable manufacturing will solve the environmental and demand challenges associated with the shift to electric vehicles,” Gillis said. “TerrePower is a dedicated division within BBB with the capability to make a significant impact in our industry as well as others.”

Two companies have been acquired to support the new division. BBB acquired the full assets of Ontility, a Houston-based company with offices in Asia and Europe that specializes in the selection, sourcing and sale of a full array of solar products. It has also acquired the equity interest of Amiganet, which is also known as Renovables del Sur. The deal includes all of its operations and subsidiaries in Europe, Mexico and United States. Renovables specializes in the remanufacturing and sale of equipment related to electrical energy — mainly solar products and batteries — for use in electric vehicles and stationary storage solutions.

Finally, BBB also announced Tim Roth has been appointed to the newly created position of chief sustainability officer. He was previously the company’s executive vice president of strategy and business development.

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ERI Group’s new IPW distribution centre in Moncton.

The ERI Group announced that it has expanded. It has opened up a new Independent Parts Warehousing Inc. distribution centre in New Brunswick.

The location of their newest IPW distribution centre is at 300 Baig Boulevard., Suite C-4, in Moncton. The facility opened its doors on Nov. 1.

The group also announced it was welcoming industry veteran, Marshall Jardine as the location’s branch manager.

That name may be familiar with many on the East Coast as Jardine held similar positions with Clevite Engine Parts and Ertel Manufacturing Corp. of Canada.

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The Parts Alliance has rebranded to GSF Car Parts, Uni-Select announced this week.

The business unit operates in the United Kingdom and Ireland and all 170 stores will be brought under the single company name. The business has traded locally under historic brands acquired through The Parts Alliance.

Mark Eburne, GSF Car Parts President and chief operating officer, noted in the announcement that the name change brings a new journey for the company.

“Operating nationally as one brand for the first time enables us to streamline more of our processes and to implement improvements across the business more quickly and efficiently,” he said. “This rebrand precedes an exciting period of investment in stock, staff, innovative technology and a larger U.K. footprint.”

The Parts Alliance is reverting back to its role as a trading group. It will allow GSF Car Parts, Dingbro and Qualvecomm to service customers and utilize the strength of the three members, Uni-Select’s announcement said.

“GSF Car Parts already has an established national presence with both the independent motor trade and the general public, so we have an excellent springboard on which to launch this unified brand,” Eburne said.

“We see a huge period of growth ahead for the automotive aftermarket. The ageing U.K. car parc and its long-term shift towards electric vehicles both provide exciting opportunities for the industry to expand, diversify and upskill. GSF Car Parts will be there to support customers across the U.K., online and in person, to help them share in this success.”

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Automotive Parts Distributors has acquired Action Automotive.

Action is based in Red Deer, Alberta and has been locally owned and operated since 1979.

“This acquisition helps us with the Alberta corridor,” said Derek Drews, APD’s chief operating officer. “There are a lot of synergies with distribution that will help our ‘Right part fast!‘ promise in our Alberta locations.”

Gerald Lemke started with the company while still under the Loveseth banner in 1968. He assumed ownership in 1999 and grew the company with the help of his son Gordon. APD’s announcement noted the company’s strong reputation in central Alberta. Action has a customer-first focus and has built a loyal customer base of valued clients in the Red Deer and surrounding area.

“We are very comfortable with the quality of staff at Action Automotive,” Zara Wishloff, APD president. “I got to know Gordon Lemke over the years at many industry conventions. We are pleased that he is staying on with all of his staff. Clients should not experience any changes. In fact, we will be adding a few new lines, training offerings and programs that APD has been known for, so the Red Deer market will benefit.”

Indeed, APD confirmed long-time counter staff members John Derksen along with Kevin Curtis — who has been with the company since 1978 — will continue to serve the community.

APD now has five branches: Red Deer, Calgary, Edmonton, Lloydminster and Saskatoon.

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A new service from Fountain Tire will bring tire sales and installation to a customer’s doorstep.

Called TireMobile, the service is being launched only in Lower Mainland, British Columbia for now. It allows the company to meet consumers’ desire for convenience and take advantage of significant growth in e-commerce since the pandemic began, Fountain Tire said in an announcement.

The system allows for on-site installation, seasonal tire changeovers and tire storage services at the customer’s home, workplace or other location convenient to them. Light-duty fleet customers can also take advantage of the service as one or more mobile service vans can perform services at the fleet yard.

In this new era of consumer demand and online transactions, it made sense for the company to adapt to the changing landscape, said Nason Higinbotham, director of Fountain Tire’s southern B.C. stores.

“Our customers were looking for the convenience of online shopping and at-home service, without sacrificing the high-quality products and professional installation they’ve come to trust with Fountain Tire,” he said in a statement. “TireMobile was launched in direct response to those needs.”

The program is launching only in the Lower Mainland because of population density, demographic fit and a pre-existing network of 15 brick-and-mortar Fountain Tire stores in the region.

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There’s now a second Lordco Auto Parts location in Alberta’s biggest city.

The automotive aftermarket parts distributor continued its Alberta expansion with a second Calgary location. That’s now three stores in the Wildrose province since — the new one in Calgary’s northeast, one in the southeast part of the city and a third in Edmonton, which is a superstore.

The new store will be stocked similar to the southeast location with automotive essentials like oils, filters, car care supplies, and tools from Milwaukee, GearWrench, and JET Tools. It will also offer paint mixing and matching service. The store also carries a wide range of body shop equipment and products.

“Lordco Auto Parts is committed to serving the automotive community in Alberta,” James Ward, general manager at Lordco Auto Parts said in a statement. “Our newest store provides customers in Calgary with another convenient location to shop for aftermarket auto parts, truck accessories, RV and boating supplies, and camping essentials, all with the help and expertise of our dedicated staff.”

The new store also has a dedicated truck centre, which caters to all types of customers, from daily commuters to off-roaders, he added.

“The truck centre is a one-stop-shop where vehicle owners can browse and compare the latest and best running boards, cargo carriers, trailer hitches, fender flares, and even rooftop tents,” he said. “If store visitors need more information or have a question, they can get on the spot help from our knowledgeable store representatives.”

The store is located at 3120 27 Street NE in Calgary. A store rep can be reached at 825-414-4781 between 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Lordco also noted that it is intending to open a second location in Edmonton this fall to complement the Edmonton superstore.

The company has been increasing its presence in Alberta since it first entered the province in December 2019. It had spent the previous 45 years as a B.C.-only company, growing to be the largest distributor and retailer of aftermarket automotive parts and accessories in the province.

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Meyer Distributing Canada, Inc,. has opened a second location in London, Ont.

The company’s other location is in Milton, Ont.

“We look forward to another year of servicing our ever-expanding customer base in Canada,” said John Thompson, general manager of Meyer Canada. “We’re adding deliveries to increase frequency, expanding our service range, and we also now have a French speaking sales queue in our Milton sales room. We thank all of the customers who have helped us make this venture not only possible, but successful.”

“Competition-it’s what makes us strive to be better every day,” said Jeff Braun, CEO of Meyer. “And that’s our goal for the Canada customer base-to give them options and keep the market honest with a capable alternative source. Hopefully, we will see the pandemic in the rear-view mirror soon and resume our expansion plans in Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta in 2021.”

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Fourteen months after opening its first superstore in Southern Alberta, Canadian-owned-and-operated Lordco Auto Parts has now opened its first store in Edmonton, Alberta.

The new bright and spacious Edmonton store encompasses 34,000 square feet of combined retail and warehouse space stocked with aftermarket auto parts and accessories for domestic makes and models, imports, and hi-performance.

“We are excited to have a new store in Edmonton,” said James Ward, general manager at Lordco Auto Parts. “Our new location allows us to conveniently provide customers in Edmonton and surrounding areas with the auto parts and accessories they need for a project, repair, or custom build.”

Much more than an auto parts store, the new mega retail space offers something for the automotive enthusiast, weekday commuter, and weekend warrior. Automotive technicians and do-it-yourselfers who visit the store will find a large selection of power tools and hand tools from well-known brands such as Milwaukee Tool, GEARWRENCH®, Performance Tool®, and JET Tools. They will also find a wide variety of car care products, including lighting, filters, oils, lubricants, and cleaners.

Like its sister store in Calgary, the new Edmonton location features a dedicated truck centre. The truck centre caters to anyone wanting to customize their vehicle with running boards, bumpers, grille guards, or bed accessories.  For those who want to improve performance, the truck centre offers shock and strut upgrades, cold air intake systems, and more.

For those planning their next getaway, the new location offers a wide variety of RV products and outdoor gear from KUMA. Kuma, another Canadian-owned company, is best known for its line of comfortable heated camping chairs and portable pet beds.

“Whether our customers are looking for something for their car, truck, RV, boat, or next outdoor adventure, they can most likely find it at our new Edmonton store,” said Ward. “We look forward to being a part of Edmonton’s automotive community and growing our presence in Alberta.”

The Lordco Auto Parts location in Edmonton is open seven days a week from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays, 8 AM to 6 PM on Saturday, and 9 AM to 5 PM on Sunday. Visit the store at 13336 Saint Albert Trail NW, call 780-454-2759 to speak to a store representative, or get directions to Lordco Auto Parts in Edmonton.

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From left: Scott Lowe, Body Shop Manager, Richmond location; Megan Lowe, Office Manager, Richmond location; Emily Lowe, HR & Certification Manager, OpenRoad Richmond Auto Body; Bob Lowe, Founder, Richmond Auto Body; Randy Lowe, President, OpenRoad Richmond Auto Body.

OpenRoad Richmond Auto Body is expanding to six locations with the acquisition of two new collision centres in South Surrey-White Rock.

The repair shops ,formerly known as Don Beck Collision and Modern Bradley, are now owned and operated by the OpenRoad Auto Group and Richmond Auto Body partnership. Their new names, respectively, are OpenRoad Richmond Auto Body – White Rock and OpenRoad Richmond Auto Body – White Rock Express.

“We’re honoured to continue the legacy of what the former owners built in the community for the past few decades. We look forward to taking these businesses to the next level with our premium collision repair service now available in the very community in which we live in South Surrey–White Rock,” said Randy Lowe, president of OpenRoad Richmond Auto Body.

60 years of business

With 60 years of experience, OpenRoad Richmond Auto Body has locations in Richmond, Langley, North Vancouver, Coquitlam and now two in South Surrey–White Rock. The family-owned and operated company offers manufacturer-certified collision repair services for a wide range of automotive brands including:

• Tesla
• Audi
• Volkswagen
• Porsche
• BMW
• MINI
• Lexus
• Toyota
• Honda
• Lamborghini
• Acura
• Honda
• Jaguar
• Land Rover
• Kia
• Nissan
• Dodge
• Chrysler

OpenRoad Richmond Auto Body plans to upgrade both South Surrey-White Rock collision locations with new signage, new high-tech service equipment, plus innovative new tooling in order to comply with new certification standards for the automotive brands that the company services.

OpenRoad Richmond Auto Body – White Rock is located at 2450 King George Boulevard while OpenRoad Richmond Auto Body – White Rock Express is located adjacent at 2500 King George Boulevard.

For more information, visit openroadrichmondautobody.com.

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Fountain Tire opened the doors of a new distribution centre this month in the Acheson Industrial Area west of Edmonton, Alta.

The company says the facility adds significant storage, work space and staging capacity to its operations in Western Canada, positioning the company for continued growth. New barcoding technology and streamlined inventory management round out enhancements to the company’s operations at the centre.

“At Fountain Tire, we say, ‘We’re on this road together,’ which means being attuned to all of our partners’ needs,” says Pat Witiw, vice president of information systems and supply chain at Fountain Tire. “In this case, we can increase efficiency of transportation for all involved since many of our transportation partners are located in or close to Acheson.”

“In addition, the facility provides our warehouse associates an exceptional space in which to work,” Witiw said.

The Northern Alberta distribution centre is one of five operated by Fountain Tire across Western Canada. It serves areas of Alberta, B.C., Northwest Territories and as far east as Thunder Bay, Ont.

Fountain Tire was established in 1956, and now has 160 locations spanning Central and Western Canada from Vaughan, north of Toronto, to Victoria, B.C.

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