Webasto Charging Systems, a subsidiary of Webasto Group, announced the launch of two new wallboxes to its electric vehicle (EV) charging product family at the EV Charging Infrastructure USA Conference in Anaheim, Calif., and at the EV Charging Summit and Expo in Las Vegas, according to a press release dated March 30. The new products are the TurboConnect charger, which features integration into the Webasto ChargeConnect Cloud, and the next generation TurboDX 2.0 Plug-In charger. The...

Relais Group PLC, a spare parts distributor and provider of repair and maintenance in the Nordic vehicle aftermarket, announced that it has signed an agreement regarding the acquisition of the Finnish company Adita Oy, according to a press release dated March 29. The sellers are Adita's founder and main shareholder, and the company's sales director. According to the release, Adita is a highly regarded local distributor of spare parts and equipment for cars and marine use in the Helsinki ...

Swedish battery management company CTEK announced that it has strengthened its collaboration with Swedish independent charging operator Eways, to support the independent charging operator's recently announced four-year contract to deliver charging stations to 10,000 parking spaces for Stockholm Parkering, according to a press release dated March 30. CTEK’s deal with Eways will support city-owned parking company Stockholm Parkering’s rapid expansion plan to meet growing demand fo...

UK-based manufacturer of aftermarket emissions products, BM Catalysts, has shared some insight into the importance of using new fittings when replacing an emissions control product, in an effort to position its range of fitting kits to technicians, according to a press release dated March 20. Mark Blinston, commercial director at BM Catalysts, said, “Fitting kits are a small but important factor to take into consideration when buying or fitting a replacement emissions control product. BM Ca...

Cazoo Group Ltd., a UK-based online car retailer, has provided an update on its business performance since the start of the year 2023 and its progress with the business restructuring announced in January, according to a press release dated March 7. The company’s January and February retail sales volumes and revenues were in line with expectations as it focused on unit economics. It said it continues to improve its retail GPU or Gross Profit per Unit which is tracking at aroun...

North America’s The Shyft Group, a company involved in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly and upfit for the commercial, retail and service specialty-vehicle industry, announced that Pamela Kermisch, chief customer growth officer at Polaris, has been appointed to the company’s board of directors, effective March 20, according to a press release dated March 21. Since January 2018, Kermisch has served as the chief customer growth officer at Polaris Inc., the global powersports co...

North America / United States

BorgWarner-owned Delphi Technologies Aftermarket announced that it has expanded its braking portfolio with bi-metallic, high-carbon alloy discs that see over 15% weight reduction compared to a single, fully cast-iron disc, optimizing fuel consumption, according to a press release dated March 22. This two-part construction of the new brake disc also reduces vibration and noise for an all-round satisfying on-vehicle experience, the company said. The parts feature a new coating called Magni...

South Korean tire manufacturer Hankook Tire & Technology announced that its affiliated tire distribution brand, JAX Tyres & Auto, has been awarded "Customer Experience of the Year" at The Australian Retailer Awards 2023, according to a press release dated March 21. This event selects and awards excellent brands that have provided the best customer experience throughout the year in Australia and New Zealand. JAX was recognized for its customer-centric service innovation based...

The European Commission drafted a plan allowing sales of new cars with internal combustion engines that run only on climate-neutral e-fuels, in an attempt to resolve a spat with Germany over the European Union's phasing out of combustion-engine cars from 2035, according to a Reuters report dated March 21. The draft proposal, seen by Reuters on March 21, suggested creating a new type of vehicle category in the EU for cars that can only run on carbon-neutral fuels. Such vehi...

North America / United States

MEKO (previously Mekonomen Group), an automotive spare-parts distributor based in Sweden, announced that its company management has presented adjusted financial targets, and explained in more detail how it plans to strengthen its position as a market leader in the independent vehicle aftermarket in northern Europe, according to a press release dated March 21. The updated financial targets indicate that a net sales corresponding to approximately 19 billion Swedish kronor (around US$1...

German supplier of automotive components, tires and aftermarket replacement parts, Continental, has announced that all new passenger tire lines from the Continental brand that are launched on the market in Europe now bear a new marking on their sidewall: the electric vehicle (EV)-Compatible logo, according to a press release dated March 21. Every single tire in Continental’s current product range already meets the exacting requirements of electric cars and they reduce the fuel consum...

The UK and Ireland arm of Alliance Automotive Group (AAG), a European automotive aftermarket distributor, announced that it has partnered with global warehouse robotics provider Exotec, according to a press release dated March 20. As per the announcement, Exotec has won a significant contract with AAG as part of its UK expansion efforts, following a contract win with AAG France, which was announced in June 2022. AAG’s National Distribution Centre is expected to feature “Exotec’s co...

The solar tech company Sono Group N.V. announced the signing of a purchase order with a second passenger car manufacturer, one of the 10 largest in the world. The order comprised the delivery of solar body panels for one vehicle. Together with Sono Motors, the OEM would be able to explore solar integration into their cars, according to a company press release dated 8 March. The company announced the first order from a passenger car manufacturer in December 2022. Car manufacturers an...

Europe / France

Cazoo Group Ltd., a UK-based online car retailer, announced that it has agreed to sell its German subscription business, Cluno GmbH, to ViveLaCar GmbH and The Platform Group GmbH & Co. KG, according to a press release dated February 17. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, and the total portfolio included several thousand cars in the German market. Significance: The disposal concluded Cazoo’s withdrawal from the German market as part of its strategy to...

The UK and Ireland arm of Alliance Automotive Group (AAG), a European automotive aftermarket distributor, announced that it has recently completed the acquisition of Direct Auto Parts Ltd. (DAP) and Car Parts Warehouse Ltd. (CPW), according to a press release dated March 6. DAP is a single branch business based in Barking in East London, England, with sales of £2.6 million and 13 employees. It is an existing member of the Parts Distribution Partnership (PDP) aftermarket buying...

North America’s The Shyft Group, a company involved in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly and upfit for the commercial, retail and service specialty-vehicle industry, announced a new service body operation in Lebanon, Tennessee, just east of Nashville, according to a press release dated March 14. The new, purpose-built 70,000-square-foot facility will serve as a sales branch as well as operations for upfit, mounting, fabrication, undercoat and paint services to Shyft’s se...

Yokohama Corporation of North America (YCNA), a subsidiary of Japan-based The Yokohama Rubber Co. has announced in a press release dated March 24 that on March 23, the 100 millionth Yokohama tire, a GEOLANDAR A/T G015, rolled off the line at the Salem, Virginia plant. Yokohama began manufacturing tires in the US in 1989, when it acquired Mohawk Rubber Company’s plant in Salem. It has since been renamed to Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Virginia (YTMV) and has been renovated and expan...

Blink Charging announced the availability of its redesigned Blink mobile charger in a press release dated 15 March. The freestanding charger is built to provide emergency charging for stranded electric vehicles (EVs). The mobile charger is rated at 32A, and charges an EV with up to 0.5–1 mile of range per minute. “We are excited to introduce our all-new, innovative portable EV charger that is available now. This product creates confidence for EV drivers and fleet operators ...

Europe / United Kingdom

The UK and Ireland arm of Alliance Automotive Group (AAG), a European automotive aftermarket distributor, announced that it will be the headline sponsor at Automechanika Birmingham 2023, taking place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Birmingham, UK, in June 6–8, 2023, according to a press release dated March 20. The event is the UK’s leading exhibition for the automotive aftermarket and supply chain sector. It is expected to attract over 500 exhibitors from 23 ...

Japan-based DENSO Corporation announced that it will continue to develop its remanufacturing program, both in terms of range and customer base. Part of its remanufacturing program strategy is to reuse its existing components that have reached the end of their normal service life and rebuild them into premium quality units to be reintroduced into the supply chain, according to a press release dated February 27. The company said environmental sustainability is one of its mai...

Cazoo Group Ltd., a UK-based online car retailer, announced that it has sold its third party data platform, Cazana, for an undisclosed sum, according to a press release dated February 22. The disposal aligns with Cazoo’s strategy to focus on its core business as the leading online car buying and selling platform in the UK, as opposed to providing data services to third parties, the company said. Significance: “The agreement includes the sale of the Cazana brand, platform and comme...

MEKO (previously Mekonomen Group), an automotive spare-parts distributor based in Sweden, announced that it was intensifying its work to reduce the company's climate footprint, according to a press release dated March 21. As one of the first companies in the independent automotive aftermarket in northern Europe, MEKO has joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), an international framework for companies that adopt science-based climate targets to limit global warming, the rele...

Europe / United Kingdom

MEKO (previously Mekonomen Group), an automotive spare-parts distributor based in Sweden, announced that it has appointed Helena Sauramo as the new managing director for its recently acquired Finnish subsidiary Koivunen with effect from May 15, according to a press release dated March 10. Sauramo comes from the Finnish car retailer Delta Motor Group and in her new role, she will focus on further strengthening growth and profitability in Finland, the release added. MEKO acquired Koiv...

US-based independent manufacturer and distributor of automotive replacement parts, Standard Motor Products (SMP), announced that it has introduced 100 new part numbers, according to a press release dated March 22. The latest product release includes new coverage for 56 product categories and 29 part numbers for model year (MY) 2022 and 2023 vehicles. As part of its continued expansion of collision repair and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) programs, the company has introduc...

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) announced that a national modifications summit has been created to protect the future of aftermarket manufacturers, according to a press release dated March 22. Called National Light Vehicle Modifications Summit, the inaugural event is taking place at Autocare, Australia’s largest automotive training convention, on June 9 in Brisbane and the event is touted as an initiative for the aftermarket to collaborate and influence national v...

German automotive and industrial component supplier Schaeffler AG announced that as part of its regular action against counterfeit products, the company has now had around 30,000 counterfeits with a total weight of 10 metric tons destroyed in Schweinfurt, Germany, according to a press release dated March 22. The action took place at the premises of Riwald Recycling Franken GmbH in Schweinfurt-Sennfeld, Germany, and the scrap will now be compressed and subsequently melted down in a steelw...

Audi will issue over-the-air (OTA) software updates across its Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron lineup, it said in a press release dated March 14. Audi is updating all vehicles from the start of series production, up to and including model year (MY) 2022 vehicles with software version 3.2. The new software comes now as standard in series production for MY 2023 vehicles. The software update offers added value while charging. The “preferred charging time” function helps customers char...

TEMOT International, a Germany-based automotive spare parts network, announced that Merlin Diesel Ltd., a global supplier of spare parts and test equipment for diesel injection systems headquartered in Lancashire, UK, has joined the International Trading Group, effective January 2023, according to a press release dated March 14. Merlin Diesel is an authorized distributor and service partner for renowned brands. The company supplies customers in more than 100 countries with products for automo...

Continental Aftermarket US, a supplier of original equipment-engineered aftermarket replacement parts and advanced diagnostics, announced that it now offers a new line of VDO Cockpit International GEN II gauges with 26 gauges covering eight different functions, according to a press release dated February 23. Designed for both on-and-off-highway vehicles as well as stationary equipment, the new line includes 3.375- inch (85mm) speedometers and tachometers as well as 2.0625-inch (52mm...

Alliance Automotive Group Benelux (AAGB) has announced the acquisition of Allcos BV, a company specializing in the sale of cleaning products for the car industry, according to a press release dated March 20. Allcos BV supplies and imports professional maintenance and cleaning products for the Dutch automotive market under the brands Kenotek, ZviZZer and Concept Chemicals. Significance: Allcos is the total supplier for car washes, rollovers, chain car washes, truck wash compa...

ZF Aftermarket, the aftermarket arm of German automotive supplier ZF Friedrichshafen, announced that it was expanding its product and service offerings in Mexico, according to a press release dated March 21. As part of the move, the company will distribute ZF, Lemförder, Sachs, TRW and WABCO commercial vehicle (CV) aftermarket products from an expanded facility in Guadalajara, Mexico, to CV distributors and original equipment suppliers in the country beginning April 1. Key produ...

Other Asia / Malaysia

BORG Automotive, a Denmark-based automotive parts remanufacturer, announced that it is carrying out life cycle assessments for all its product groups in an effort to make its sustainable solutions for the automotive industry visible, according to a press release dated February 21. As part of the assessments, the company will be documenting and verifying the difference between using remanufactured parts over new ones. The company is showcasing the environmental benefits of using its reman...

Japan-based DENSO Corporation announced the launch of PowerEdge by DENSO, an automotive brand “created to fulfill demand for value products in the aftermarket” across Europe, according to a press release dated March 7. DENSO said the brand is already available in the US, where it is popular for its appeal to customers with older vehicles looking for a more economical choice for parts replacement. PowerEdge’s European launch will span two product categories: wipe...

Australian automotive distribution company, Bapcor, announced that it has launched Revival Auto Parts, a brake-restoration specialist business, according to a press release dated March 7. Operating for decades under the Australian Automotive Distribution (AAD) remanufacturing division, Revival Auto Parts now has its own dedicated workshop located in Derrimut in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, run by a dedicated workshop team. According to the release, Revival Auto Par...

BORG Automotive, a Denmark-based automotive parts remanufacturer, announced that it was among the hosts of this year’s Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA) Europe Symposium, according to a press release dated March 20. As part of the mid-March networking event for the remanufacturing industry in Pamplona, Spain, participants visited BORG Automotive’s Spanish production facility. The European organization of APRA is an important representation of European...

Blink Charging secured an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to sell up to 41,500 electric vehicle (EV) charging units to support EV charging infrastructure for the USPS as part of its vehicle-electrification strategy, it said in a press release dated 16 March. Blink will provide its Series 7 dual-port charger that features up to 80A of power at each port. These fast Level-2 AC chargers allow two vehicles to charge simultane...

US-based Blue Point Capital Partners and its portfolio company, Transtar Holding Company, announced the acquisition of C&M Auto Parts, a family-owned wholesale supplier of truck and automotive parts with a focus on undercar and underhood products, according to a press release dated March 16. Based in Trenton, New Jersey, US, C&M services independent, regional and national repair shops, dealerships, government agencies and fleets throughout central New Jersey. C&M founder Glen...

US-based automotive components OEM, and aftermarket ride control and emission-products manufacturer, Tenneco, announced that Davide Girelli has joined the company as executive vice president and president of the Powertrain business group, replacing Rainer Jueckstock who is retiring at the end of March, according to a press release dated March 3.   Girelli joins Tenneco after spending the past 12 years with BorgWarner, and will be based in Italy, reporting directly to CEO Jim Vo...

Milton Industries, a US-based manufacturer of precision-engineered pneumatic and hydraulic accessories, announced that it has acquired Steck Manufacturing Company, a developer and manufacturer of specialty tools for the automotive aftermarket, according to a press release dated March 16. Steck is a provider of specialty tools to automotive repair, body shop, heavy-duty truck, lockout and towing markets globally. This is Milton’s fifth vehicle aftermarket-related acquisition. Among the ...

German chemical company BASF announced that BASF Shanghai Coatings (BSC) has opened its new technical center building at the BSC Minhang, Shanghai, site with an aim to better serve automotive OEM customers in China with its technology, products and services, according to a press release dated March 8. Equipped with advanced laboratory facilities and a team of highly qualified and experienced staff, the new technical center building will provide customers with total solutions covering whole pr...

Auto parts supplier Aptiv PLC announced that it has been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, according to a press release dated March 13. This is the 11th consecutive year that Aptiv has been recognized. Significance: "By living Aptiv's values each and every day, we are ensuring Aptiv's continued success. At Aptiv, we believe how we conduct business is as important as...

North America / United States

Lithia & Driveway, an automotive retailer in North America that also provides a suite of financing, leasing, repair, and maintenance options, announced the company's expansion into the United Kingdom with the acquisition of Jardine Motors Group, according to a press release dated 16 March. The group is one of the most successful automotive retailers in the UK, operating more than 50 premium luxury-retail locations and is expected to generate over USD2 billion in annualized revenues, the...

Lumileds, a global supplier of OEM and aftermarket automotive lighting and accessories, announced the launch of its NARVA Range Performance LED signaling bulbs that offer superior performance at a pocket-friendly price, according to a press release dated 8 March. The company said the NARVA Range Performance LED signaling bulbs allow swift driver recognition and reaction thanks to the “LEDs’ instant-on behavior and the vibrant light that can be seen regardless of weather.” S...

US-based manufacturer and distributor of automotive aftermarket parts, Motorcar Parts of America, has announced that it has added more than 100 new late-model-vehicle part number applications to its catalog in the last four months, providing coverage for more than 40 million vehicles, according to a press release dated 15 March. The new part numbers are available to the professional-installer market through the company’s “Quality-Built” and “Quality-Built Black Series” brands, the r...

German automotive supplier ZF Friedrichshafen announced that it has started the production of cubiX, the new ZF automotive software that controls all chassis systems and ensures harmonious acceleration and braking, precise steering, and balanced damping, according to a press release dated 8 March. In the beginning of 2023, the first production vehicles with the new ZF cubiX software have begun rolling on the roads with the Lotus Eletre electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) from the Geely...

Greater China / Mainland China

Europe / Sweden

Europe / Germany

Europe / Sweden

Denmark-based spare parts logistics provider Danx, part of the DANX Carousel group, announced a new joint venture with Polish logistics specialist, ILS, according to a press release dated 8 March. The strategic partnership is meant to create a strong distribution network in Poland, in response to growing demand for high quality, time critical, and in-night logistics solutions in Eastern Europe. DANX’s joint venture in Poland will support the DANX Carousel group in realizing i...

Autel, a provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions and diagnostic tools, equipment, and accessories in the automotive aftermarket, announced that it is stepping up its expansion into the Asian and Australian markets, with a full range of new EV-charging solutions for both residential and commercial use, according to a press release dated 13 March. The move is part of Autel's strategy to expand its presence in different regions. To expand its Asia Pacific presence, Autel has partner...

Advance Auto Parts, an automotive aftermarket parts distributor in North America, announced that Tom Greco has informed the company of his plan to retire as president and CEO of the company at the end of 2023, according to a press release dated 28 February. Following Greco’s retirement, he plans to serve in an advisory capacity through a transition period. In connection with Greco’s planned retirement and the company’s succession planning process, the Advance Auto Parts' board has forme...

Japanese carmaker Nissan Motor Co. has today announced senior management appointments and said that the move follows its efforts to strengthen its leadership team to support the accelerated progress of the long-term vision, Nissan Ambition 2030, according to a press release dated 8 March. As part of several senior management changes that will be effective in April 2023, Keiichi Sato, currently vice president of Global Aftersales Service Parts division, was appointed as corporate vice pre...

Webasto Charging Systems, a subsidiary of Webasto Group, announced a new add-on for its Webasto ChargeConnect software that allows easy integration of the charging-data backend into cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, according to a press release dated 8 March. This allows fleet operators to quickly and easily set up employee-user groups, and automatically show charging sessions in company parking lots on employees’ payroll accounts, the release added. The Webasto ChargeConnec...

North America / United States

North America / United States

Middle East/Africa / South Africa

North America / United States

North America / United States

North America / United States

North America / United States

North America / United States

Myers Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of a wide range of polymer and metal products, and distributor for the tire, wheel, and under-vehicle service industry, announced results for the the fourth quarter and full year ended 31 December 2022, via a press release dated 1 March.  The key highlights of the financial results were: Net sales were USD213 million, up 7% versus prior year period in the fourth quarter of 2022 and net sales stood at USD900 million, up 18% ...

UK-based drive-systems supplier, GKN Automotive, announced the opening of its new Dallas-Fort Worth, US, warehouse, according to a press release dated 7 March. The new facility will house its portfolio of products for its aftermarket customers, including axle assemblies for light-duty passenger vehicles, driveshafts, joint, and boot kits for all common makes and vehicle types. The new third-party logistics provider (3PL) facility, finished in December 2022, is located in Fort Worth,...

US-based vehicle-glass services and recalibration company, Safelite Group, announced the acquisition of Mark’s Mobile Glass operating throughout central Missouri, US, a press release dated 7 March read. Renee Cacchillo, president and CEO of Safelite Group, said, “We enjoy welcoming new team members to our business and leveraging their talents in providing the quality glass repair, replacement, and recalibration services our customers expect from Safelite. We’re confident that ...

The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) organization announced that American Honda Motor Company has enhanced its partnership with I-CAR, via a press release dated 9 March. I-CAR will support Honda/Acura with future delivery of 10 required online courses for collision-repair facilities in their network.  The release read that the transition to I-CAR’s learning management system will support technicians with streamlined training that are easily...

US-based auto parts distributor, Arch Auto Parts, announced the expansion of its main distribution center located at its Ideal Queens Industrial Building, at 184-10 and 184-60 Jamaica Avenue in Jamaica, Queens, New York, according to a press release dated 13 March. Ideal Queens, purchased by KABR and Monocle in February 2022, consists of more than 620,000 rentable square footage, which is located with access to Manhattan, Long Island City, Long Island, JFK International Airport, LaGuardi...

North America / United States

Europe / Germany

German automotive and industrial component supplier Schaeffler AG announced that its automotive aftermarket division’s revenue rose to more than EUR2.038 billion (around USD2.19 billion) in 2022, up from EUR1.848 billion (around USD1.98 billion) in 2021, according to a press release dated 7 March. At constant currency, the revenue growth stood at 7%. The rise was mainly driven by favorable price realization and a significant part of the considerable increase in procurement costs was pa...

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) announced that it has joined other global association leaders to support the critical global right-to-repair movement by signing the new right-to-repair position statement, according to a press release dated 9 March.  The statement enumerates the core beliefs of the movement, and the objectives and intended outcomes of right-to-repair legislation. It sets forth 10 best-practice principles to develop a framework ...

Stoneridge, a US-based manufacturer of electrical and electronic components, modules, and systems for the automotive, commercial vehicle, and off-highway industries, announced that Sheila Rutt has been elected to its board of directors, according to a press release dated 8 March. Under its automotive division, Stoneridge designs and manufacturers devices that control, actuate, and connect key vehicle systems, including emissions, powertrain, driveline, exhaust, seating, lighting, securit...

South Korean tire manufacturer NEXEN TIRE announced that Next Century Ventures (NCV), its corporate venture capital arm, has invested in Automotus, a player in the curbside-management technology industry, to meet NCV's goals to revolutionize the mobility industry, according to a press release dated 9 March. Automotus, founded in the US in 2017, collaborates with government, institutions, and mobility innovators across the country to test and evaluate curbside-management techniques to min...

The Indian government has urged the automotive components sector to invest more on research and development (R&D), in a press release dated 6 March. Union minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, has asked the automotive components industry to reflect on the level of investments, time, and effort that they have been putting in to develop new technology, new designs, and new products. “It would also help us provide solutions to other countries instead of being dependent on t...

German automotive supplier HELLA, which operates under the umbrella brand FORVIA, announced that it is expanding its Black Magic product range with a total of 32 new lightbars, according to a press release dated 9 March. In addition to the first-generation lightbars already available for off-road applications, HELLA said it has now expanded the series with 18 additional lightbars for off-road applications and 14 lightbars for use as auxiliary headlamps in road traffic. Depending on the v...

Garrett Motion, a Switzerland-based autoparts maker and provider of turbocharging, electric boosting, and automotive software solutions, has announced its financial results for the quarter and year ending on 31 December 2022, according to a press release dated 14 February. The company’s net sales for the fourth quarter of 2022 were USD898 million, up 4% compared with USD862 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. The increase in net sales was driven by successful recoveries on inflation...

Sumitomo Rubber Industries-owned Japanese tire manufacturer Falken Tyre announced the launch of FALKEN ‘e.ZIEX’ as a new line of replacement tires for electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe, where the company observed that the market for EVs has been growing at a rapid pace, according to a press release dated 10 March. The company said the tire features “the highest level of fuel (energy) efficiency of any tire” it has offered to date. The 'e.ZIEX’ is the brand’s second line of re...

US-based automotive service equipment provider Hunter Engineering has announced that it has provided several equipment-specific return on investment (ROI) calculators on its website, as it prides itself “on the substantial return on investment its equipment delivers,” according to a press release dated 8 March. The collection of calculators is available under its new ROI Hub section on the website. “One of the first questions that comes up when deciding to invest in Hunter equipmen...

Power-management firm Eaton announced the expansion of its aftermarket mobile power portfolio to include a new electrified power takeoff (ePTO), an FR2 twin-flow piston pump, and an 8-bolt adapter for Detroit DT12 transmissions, according to a press release dated 7 March. The new aftermarket solutions will be showcased at the Work Truck Show from 8–10 March in Indianapolis. Significance: Eaton said the company worked together with auxiliary hydraulic equipment provider Bezares to develop th...

Auto Care Association, a US-based industry body representing independent manufacturers, distributors, and repair shops, announced in a press release dated 9 March that it has joined other global association leaders to support the critical global right-to-repair movement by signing the new right-to-repair position statement. According to the release, the statement enumerated the core beliefs of the movement and the objectives and intended outcomes of right-to-repair legislation. The docum...

CarParts.com, a US-based e-commerce provider of automotive parts and accessories, has reported its results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ending on 31 December 2022, according to a press release dated 7 March. Net sales in fiscal year 2022 were USD661.6 million, up 14% from USD582.4 million in fiscal year 2021.  Net loss during the year stood at USD1 million, compared to a net loss of USD10.3 million in fiscal year 2021, the release added. For the fourth quarter of 2022, ...

US-based independent manufacturer and distributor of automotive replacement parts, Standard Motor Products (SMP), has announced its new operating segment, "Engineered Solutions," along with the intent to rename its Engine Management segment to "Vehicle Control", according to a press release dated 22 February. These segment changes, beginning in 2023, will better align the company's operating categories with its strategic focus, the release added. The new Engineered Solutions segment will focu...

Mainland-Chinese electric vehicle (EV) startup NIO is planning to set up 1,000 more battery swapping stations in mainland China in 2023, CnEVPost reported on 21 February. Nearly 600 of these battery swapping stations will be located within the urban areas, and the remaining 400 stations will be located in highway service areas or near highway entrances and exits. "We have set a new goal of adding 1,000 battery swap stations in 2023, for a cumulative total of more than 2,300 stations by the en...

This report provides critical insights into the dynamics of the vehicles-in-operation in selected countries in Europe, along with key trends that are defining the aftermarket in the region, including profiling of select start-ups within the domain.

US-based independent manufacturer and distributor of automotive replacement parts, Standard Motor Products (SMP), announced that it has expanded its line of parts for hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs), according to a press release dated 8 March. The company believes approximately 7 million hybrid vehicles are currently on the road. Many of them are more than 10 years old, and hybrids feature more components when compared to gas and diesel vehicles. SMP said hybrid repair oppor...

Cirba Solutions, a cross-chemistry battery management and materials processor for end-of-life (EOL) batteries, announced that it had appointed Troy Thennis as its senior vice president of Growth projects and technology, according to a press release dated 21 February.  Thennis has over 30 years of expertise in the chemical industry with a focus on lithium processing, and will lead the organization’s build-out of its expanding processing footprint including technology developme...

US-based independent manufacturer and distributor of automotive replacement parts, Standard Motor Products (SMP), has announced that it has introduced 276 new part numbers since the start of the year, according to a press release dated 27 February. It said the product release includes new coverage for 77 product categories, and 43 part numbers for 2022 and 2023 model year vehicles. SMP said that it continues to focus on the hybrid and electric vehicle market through its Standard and Four...

North America / United States

Japanese trading company Marubeni Corporation has announced that it successfully completed a USD50 million investment into Cirba Solutions, a cross-chemistry battery management and materials processor for end-of-life (EOL) batteries, according to a press release dated 9 February. Cirba Solutions is a pioneer in the North American battery recycling industry and has built a profitable business by processing EOL lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries and cross-chemistry batteries for over...

AUTOBACS SEVEN, a Tokyo-based car parts and accessories retailer, along with its affiliate, Bucks E-Mobility, announced that it has started taking applications for test drives as well as vehicle purchase reservations for the BYD Atto 3 electric sport utility vehicle (e-SUV), according to a press release dated 21 February. The test drive application as well as vehicle booking can be done at two of AUTOBACS SEVEN’s retail locations in Utsunomiya, Japan, called AUTOBAC...

bp has announced plans to invest USD1 billion by 2030 into electric vehicle (EV) charge points across the US, according to a company press release dated 15 February. Hertz and bp are also set to bring fast charging infrastructure to Hertz locations in cities including Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Miami, New York City, Orlando, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. “We are excited to be working with bp to build out charging at Hertz locations across the country, a...

Blue Point Capital Partners and its portfolio company, Transtar Holding Company, announced the acquisition of Pro Form Products, a manufacturer of refinishing and repair products for automotive, aviation, industrial, and marine applications, according to a press release dated 23 February. Based in Ontario, Canada, Pro Form will operate as a subsidiary of Transtar Autobody Technologies, a full-service provider of automotive repair, finish, and industrial coating products. Pro Form’s products...

Michigan-based global supplier of powertrain technologies, BorgWarner, announced that its President and CEO Frédéric Lissalde was chosen as the winner of this year’s Nessim Habif award in honor of his international professional accomplishments in the automotive industry, according to a press release dated 7 March.  He will join the likes of Robert Oppenheimer, an American theoretical physicist, and Jean-François Dehecq, former Chairman and CEO of Sanofi Synthelabo, who are amon...