The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has announced that it welcomes the release of the new Australian standard for electric vehicle (EV) service and repair, according to an official announcement dated 2 February. The standard, ‘AS 5732 Electric Vehicle Operations – Maintenance and Repair’ contains new safety framework for independent service and repair workshops and it includes workshop layout, specialized tools, and protection equipment for technicians to safely and ef...

LKQ Europe, a Switzerland-based distributor of automotive aftermarket parts for cars, commercial vans, and industrial vehicles in Europe and a subsidiary of LKQ Corporation, has announced that it has expanded its presence in the European salvage business with the acquisition of Rhenoy Group, a Dutch supplier of remanufactured engines and recycled OEM car parts, according to a press release dated 2 February by Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF). The Rhenoy Group operates...

US-based paints, coatings, and specialty materials manufacturer PPG has announced that its SEM Products business has launched a ‘VCS Versatile Cup System’ for the automotive refinish market, according to a press release dated 2 February. The VCS hybrid system, which includes multifunctional cups, liners, and lids, combines the benefits of vented hard cups and sealed liner systems, helps increase body shop productivity. The VCS system is said to reduce the amount of cleaning solvent needed...

Sweden-based SKF, a supplier of rolling bearings, seals, mechatronics and lubrication systems, announced that it is strengthening its value chain in North America with investments of SEK700 million (around USD67 million) towards locating engineering and manufacturing capabilities in a new, greenfield facility in Monterrey, Mexico, according to a press release dated 2 February. The factory will produce products for “the fast-growing and strategically important” electric vehicle drivetrain ...

German oil and additive specialist, LIQUI MOLY, has announced the expansion of its distribution in the UK with its range now also available at Motor Parts Direct, a UK based independent retailer of car parts and accessories, according to a press release dated 31 January by Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) “This makes getting hold of motor oils and additives made in Germany easier, not only for workshops, but also for car drivers,” said Debbie Barnes, managing director ...

Roadsafe, an Australian manufacturer of steering and suspension components, has announced the launch of aftermarket shock absorbers under the Roadsafe STR and the Roadsafe 4WD product ranges, according to a press release dated 1 February. Roadsafe STR covers replacement shock absorbers for passenger vehicles and daily drives, while Roadsafe 4WD covers shock absorbers for performance-oriented and four-wheel drive vehicles, the release added. The company said the shock absorbers are tested loca...

Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli announced via press release on 27 January that it has entirely revamped TyreClub+, its B2B tire sales platform that was first launched 10 years ago, to offer tire dealers a better digital experience. The site is said to include plenty of new functionality such as real-time monitoring of deliveries, more straightforward order management, access to data and statistics, and all the latest news Pirelli, the release added. The company said its latest version ...

US tire manufacturer, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, announced in a press release dated 27 January that it is implementing cost savings actions in response to a challenging industry environment and cost pressure driven by inflation. It said planned rationalization and workforce reorganization would result in an approximately 5% reduction in salaried staff globally, or about 500 positions. The company said its global replacement tire industry demand remained weak in the fourth quarter...

Sumitomo Rubber Industries-owned Japanese tire manufacturer Falken Tyre has announced the launch of the latest flagship tires, which, the company claims, has garnered popularity in Europe and North America. In a press release dated 16 January, the company announced the launch of AZENIS FK520L tires for premium vehicles and AZENIS FK520 tires made for all-around performance on wet road surfaces. The tires are available in 68 sizes at launch and will first go on sale in Japan on 1 March before ...

Australian automotive aftermarket parts distributor CoolDrive Auto Parts has announced that it has acquired Turbo Master Australia, in an effort to boost its engine management offering, according to a press release dated 31 January. Turbo Master Australia offers products for passenger cars, trucks and machinery with the core of its range focused on direct replacement aftermarket turbochargers that consist of upgraded components such as billet compressor wheels and other internal parts. It als...

Mevotech, a Canada-based engineering, designer, and manufacturer of driveline, steering, and suspension aftermarket parts, has announced the expansion of its range with the introduction of over 2,300 new “Original Grade” branded parts, according to a press release dated 24 January. The company said its “Original Grade” branded parts are built to meet and exceed OE design specifications for fit, form, and function, which renews fatigued chassis and keeps aftermarket vehicles on th...

Driven Brand Holdings, a US-based automotive service company, has announced the opening of its 10th Take 5 oil change and car wash in Concord, North Carolina, according to a press release dated 31 January. The company said bringing the oil change and car wash together in one location simplifies the car care experience for customers and drives operational synergies by developing a quick lube and car wash concurrently, further enhancing the unit-level economics. The company has a pipeline of ov...

ZF Aftermarket, the aftermarket arm of German automotive supplier ZF Friedrichshafen, has announced that it has significantly expanded its training offering with new, free online training courses that include a guide to installing air springs and CDC shock absorbers alongside training courses on transmission technology, according to a press release dated 31 January. The company believes the courses on high-voltage technology, driver assistance, and safety systems are becoming increasingly imp...

German lighting major OSRAM has announced that Alexander Everke will step down as CEO after seven successful years at the helm of the company and he will be succeeded by Aldo Kamper, who also takes over as chairman of the management board, according to a press release dated 30 January. Kamper has been CEO of Leoni AG, a global player in energy and data management solutions for the automotive industry, since 2018. Prior to that, Kamper spent over 15 years in different management positions with...

Horizon Global, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of branded towing and trailering equipment, announced it will be acquired by First Brands Group, a global automotive parts manufacturer for the automotive aftermarket, according to a press release dated 3 January. The terms of the transaction include an all-cash tender offer, which upon successful closing will entitle each stockholder of Horizon Global’s common stock to receive cash consideration of USD1.75 per share, the release ...

According to a report by The Economic Times, India’s Road Transport and Highways minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the government plans to scrap more than 900,000 vehicles older than 15 years that are owned by the central and state governments. This decision is aligned with the government's effort to decarbonize the road transport sector. Speaking at a session on future of mobility, organized by a trade body Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (F...

BORG Automotive, a Denmark-based automotive parts remanufacturer, has announced the launch of a customer portal that enables registered aftermarket customers to find up-to-date information on their orders, invoices, credits, pickup requests according to a press release dated 20 January. The company observed that as in many other industries, customers in the automotive aftermarket are also increasingly asking for online services from their suppliers. The launch of the customer portal, which fe...

Wilmar, a US-based supplier, distributor, and category manager of tools and equipment to the automotive aftermarket and other industries, announced that it has appointed Ken Hartman as CEO, according to a press release dated 19 January. The company said that Hartman brings over two decades of leadership experience in the tool and equipment industry and a track record of business expansion through the development and execution of innovative growth strategies. Prior to joining Wilmar, Hartman s...

CapGrid, an India-based B2B cloud manufacturing startup for precision parts and components, announced that it has raised USD7 million in its latest funding round, led by Nexus Venture Partners, according to a press release dated 30 January. The round also saw participation from existing investors Axilor and Anicut Capital, the release added. CapGrid is building a digital supply network with an advance technology infrastructure, partnering with hundreds of tier-2 manufacturers to get prec...

Nexus Automotive International, a Geneva-based alliance of independent car parts distributors, has announced that it will lend support to IAMAGA, a regional entity dedicated to the African automotive aftermarket, in an effort to enhance its focus on Africa, according to a press release dated 26 January. IAMAGA, which includes 34 Africa based members and their affiliates, will provide services such as transactional activities for optimized access and pricing, strategic partnerships with OEMS, ...

German automotive distributor HESS Automotive has announced that it has filed an application for the opening of insolvency proceedings with the Cologne District Court, according to a press release dated 24 February 2022. The court has approved the proceedings and appointed a provisional insolvency administrator. The company said the move is intended to continue the company's restructuring program and enable the entry of an investor. Headquartered in Cologne, Germany, the company employs aroun...

German oil and additive specialist, LIQUI MOLY, announced the appointment of Vincent Prinzing as the managing director of LIQUI MOLY Australia, according to a press release dated 16 December 2022. Prinzing has been with LIQUI MOLY for 10 years and was most recently responsible for business in Australia, New Zealand, and many Asian countries, the release added. The 37-year-old will soon move from Germany to Sydney for this position. "I'm very much looking forward to the challenge of advancing ...

Electric vehicle (EV) charging solution provider Statiq plans to install about 20,000 EV chargers across India in FY 2023 to accelerate the adoption of EVs in the subcontinent, according to a news report published by The Economic Times on 14 January 2023. Gurgaon-based Statiq EV charging showcased a wide range of high-tech EV charging solutions at the Auto Expo 2023 in Greater Noida, Delhi NCR. The company claims to have already installed over 7,000 public, semi-public and captive EV chargers...

Dayco, a US-based engine products and drive systems supplier for the automotive and aftermarket industries, has announced the appointment of Craig Frohock as CEO of Aftermarket and Belts, according to a press release 25 January. Craig will be responsible for the business unit’s global operational performance and strategic direction. For the past six years Craig has held several senior leadership roles with Tenneco. Most recently he was the Group Vice President and General Man...

Driven Brand Holdings, a US-based automotive service company, has announced the appointment of Danny Rivera to the newly created role of chief operating officer effective 20 February 2023, a press release dated 26 January read.  The company also appointed Mo Khalid, who will succeed Rivera in the role of Executive Vice President and Group President, Maintenance, leading both Take 5 Quick Lube and Meineke brands.  Rivera has more than 20 years of experience in the c...

UK-based provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging station, Pod Point, partners with fleet management business, Pendragon Vehicle Management (PVM), according to a press release dated 23 November.  Pendragon Vehicle Management is a division of Pendragon PLC, one of the leading automotive retailers. PVM offers fleet funding, fleet management, and rental options, and has a fleet size of almost 13,000 vehicles.  Through this agreement Pod Point will become PVM’s preferre...

VSE Corporation, a US-based provider of aftermarket distribution and maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for land, sea, and air transportation assets for commercial and government markets, announced the opening of its new distribution and e-commerce fulfillment center of excellence in the greater Memphis, Tennessee area, according to a press release dated 24 January. The new, state-of-the-art 450,000-square-foot distribution center more than doubles the existing warehouse footprin...

MOTOR Information Systems, a US-based supplier of automotive data, launches a new, cost-effective service information solution that provides dynamic, up-to-date vehicle service and repair data to customers, a press release dated 25 January read. The information solution, MOTOR TruTech, is a solution for all service information for performing efficient repairs, providing vehicle service and repair data that is up-to-date and available within days of being published by the OEMs (including ...

Volkswagen Passenger Cars India has announced that it has inaugurated a new sales and service touchpoint in the city of Bhubaneshwar, according to a press release dated 20 January. The company will have a six-car display area in the showroom, which will host vehicles such as its sport utility vehicle (SUV) Taigun, the Virtus sedan and the Tiguan SUV. The 2S facility is said to provide a range of aftersales service through its “expansive 19-bay workshop that is operated by skilled ...

Lookers, a UK-based automotive retail and aftersales service company, announced that its aftersales revenues grew 7.5% year-on-year in the fourth quarter ending December 2022, according to a press release dated 11 January. The company said the UK new retail car market grew by 1.0% in fourth quarter (third quarter 2022: -1.5%) and stated that it outperformed the market by approximately 3.1%, “benefiting from a strong focus on its operational optimization strategic priority and omni...

UK automotive trade body Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has announced that its ‘Meet the Buyer’ event will return to Automechanika Birmingham 2023 in June, as part of an all-new Automotive Supply Chain Forum from Automechanika organizer Messe Frankfurt, according to a press release dated 19 January. Meet the Buyer brings together automotive purchasers with suppliers who can meet their specific requirements. With automotive supply chains increasingly squeezed by global d...

German oil and additive specialist, LIQUI MOLY, announced that Debbie Barnes has being elevated to the position of managing director of its UK subsidiary, according to a press release dated 19 January. The position involves the responsibility for national operations, the release added. Barnes has been part of the LIQUI MOLY team for seven years and was most recently regional sales manager and national key account manager at LIQUI MOLY UK. In her new position as MD, she is now responsible for ...

CarMax, a US-based retailer of used cars, has announced that in the third quarter ending November 2022, its net revenue stood at USD6.5 billion, down 23.7% compared with the prior year third quarter, according to a press release dated 22 December. It also announced that the total retail used units sold decreased 20.8% to 180,050 and total wholesale units sold decreased 36.7% year-on-year to 118,757. Despite a decrease of USD165 per unit from the record prior year third quarter, wholesale...

The European Union can end its reliance on China for lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery cells by 2027, renewable energy campaign group Transport & Environment (T&E) has forecast, according to a press release dated 24 January. New analysis of battery-makers’ announcements suggest that Europe is on track to produce enough Li-ion cells by 2027 to fully meet domestic demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage, the release added. However, the group cautioned that the EU needs a policy ...

Experience more with a Volkswagen service: hassle-free, transparent, and peace-of-mind ownership experience, as the service touchpoint comprises of a 24-bay workshop that will cater to the service, maintenance, and accident repair requirement of our esteemed customers, managed by highly skilled and trained technicians. Customers situated at a distance from the service shop can avail the door-to-door service initiative—Volkswagen Assistance and Mobile Service Unit. Volkswagen Passenger ...

Bilia Norge AS, has signed an agreement with Great Wall Motor to be an importer and dealer of their car brands in Norway, according to a press release dated 23 January. Billia Norge AS is a European car dealer that offers servicing and sales of cars, transport vehicles, and trucks plus supplementary services such as financing and insurance. The establishment of Great Wall Motor includes import operations as well as dealer operations with car sales and aftermarket services, the release added...

Inchcape, a United Kingdom–based independent, multibrand global automotive distributor, announced that it has completed its acquisition of Derco, an automotive distributor in Latin America with operations in Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia, in what is Inchcape’s biggest such deal since 1967, according to a press release dated 3 January. The move is expected to extend Inchcape’s distribution leadership in LATAM, bringing significant additional revenue and margin accretive profit to the G...

Red Diamond Aftermarket Solutions, a brand of US-based The Shyft Group, announced that it will exhibit at the 2023 Florida RV SuperShow and introduce its line of Red Diamond Shocks by premium manufacturer KONI, according to a press release dated 18 January. The Shyft Group is a firm engaged in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly, and upfit for the commercial, retail, and service specialty vehicle markets in North America. Known for making adjustable shocks for numerous brands of recreat...

asTech, a company involved in remote diagnostics, calibrations, and programming for the collision and mechanical repair markets, and a division of US-based Repairify Inc, has announced the full deployment of its patented “Rules Engine”, which is said to present users with the most accurate and cost-effective diagnostic scan type for the vehicle throughout the blue printing process and repair workflow, according to a press release dated 11 January. According to asTech, the new feature...

Konect.ai, an AI-powered SMS platform for automotive dealerships, and TotalCX (formerly InteractiveTel), a provider of AI-driven customer experience management solutions, have announced a strategic partnership and presence at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) show in Dallas on 27–29 January, according to a press release dated 20 January. The partnership is claimed to be a holistic approach to build automation and accountability in auto retail. Konect.ai's platform allows de...

Inchcape, a United Kingdom-based independent, multi-brand global automotive distributor, announced an agreement to enter into a joint venture with CATS Group of Companies and also announced a decision to acquire a controlling stake in CATS, a distributor of luxury vehicles in the Philippines, according to a release dated 17 January. The deal is claimed to expand Inchcape’s global distribution footprint as it enters the Philippines, further building on its presence in the APAC region. It wil...

Lookers, a United Kingdom–based automotive retail and aftersales service company, announced that its chairman, Ian Bull, has notified the Board that he would step down for personal reasons with effect from December 31, 2022, according to a press release dated December 19. The company said that its senior independent director, Paul Van der Burgh, would assume the role of interim non-executive chairman on January 1, 2023. It further added that Sue Farr, non-executive director would assum...

India’s leading electric vehicle (EV) charging network provider Tata Power has kicked off an ambitious plan of setting up about 25,000 EV charging points across the country over the coming five years, the company announced on 13 January 2023 on the sidelines of the Auto Expo 2023 in Greater Noida, Delhi National Capital Region (NCR). The EV charging network expansion is aimed at accelerating faster adoption of EVs in the subcontinent. Showcasing a wide range of its hi-tech EV charging solut...

MAHLE Aftermarket, the aftermarket arm of Stuttgart-based global supplier of powertrain and thermal components, MAHLE, has added over 700 new part numbers throughout 2022, according to a release dated 16 January from the UK aftermarket industry body Independent Automotive Aftermarket. The new products cover the brand’s leading categories across filtration, thermal management, and engine gaskets, the release added. In 2022, over 432 references were added to MAHLE’s popular thermal manageme...

Klarius Products, a UK-based manufacturer of aftermarket emissions control components, has outlined its range of replacement exhausts for the Nissan Qashqai that support the model throughout its lifecycle, according to a press release dated 16 January. The company offers exhausts to fit petrol and diesel 1.2, 1.5, 1.6, and 2.0 Qashqai models from 2006 to 2022, all available with a 2-year standard warranty and a “Fit First Time” guarantee, according to the release, which added that the bus...

South Korean tire manufacturer Hankook Tire & Technology Co has announced executive promotions at its North American subsidiary, naming Rob Williams as President of Hankook Tire America Corp, according to a press release dated 9 January. Additionally, Jong Jin (JJ) Park has been promoted to Vice President of USA PC/LT Sales, Intae (Ted) Choi has been promoted to VP of North American Marketing Strategy, and Byoungjoe (Joe) Park has been named Vice President of Corporate Management, the rel...

AWE, a precision engineering firm based in Pennsylvania, US, has announced the launch of its new mobile and desktop friendly website, awe-tuning.com, in a bid to enhance its online presence, according to a press release dated 11 January. The company added that the new website uses AWE’s newly converted Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard (ACES) and Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES) data to ensure fitment compliance and easy importing for its dealer-partner network. ACES is the ...

US-based manufacturer of automotive and service parts, CRP Automotive, has announced the introduction of Rein Automotive-branded “TechSelect Turbo Kits” for popular BMW applications, according to a press release dated 6 January. The company said these innovative kits are a first-to-market solution for turbocharger replacement service and include all of the hoses, gaskets, and hardware necessary to complete the job quickly and efficiently. Developed with technicians in mind, Rein Auto...

AWE, a precision engineering firm based in Pennsylvania, US, has announced the release of its new exhaust suite for Audi’s 8Y RS 3, according to a press release dated 22 December. AWE’s exhaust suite for the model is said to come with two configurations – a valved SwitchPath-branded exhaust that is controlled via the factory drive-select modes for normal throttle conditions, and a more performance-oriented Track Edition. Both configurations provide significant weight savings over stock,...

Skyline Emissions, a US-based manufacturer of aftermarket diesel particulate filters (DPF) and related emissions critical components, has announced its membership in the OptiCat Network, according to a press release dated 9 January. OptiCat is a US-based global aftermarket data solutions provider for suppliers, data receivers and technology providers. With a growing list of product offerings and an increasing number of dealers, Skyline Emissions said it needed a tool to keep dealers updated o...

CarMax, a US-based retailer of used cars, has announced the national launch of its prequalification capability—a new online financing experience that empowers customers with the ability to shop CarMax vehicles nationwide with personalized financing terms, with no impact to their credit score, according to a press release dated 17 January. Prequalified customers will know their terms on vehicles across CarMax’s inventory within minutes, including monthly payment and Annual Percentage Rate (AP...

Automotive supplier Continental has announced the retirement of Howard Laster, who heads Continental’s automotive aftermarket business in North America, according to a press release dated 15 December. James Bayley, head of the associated business area Smart Mobility in North America, will be taking over the role temporarily until a successor is announced, the release added. Laster, a 45-year veteran of the automotive aftermarket, has been with Continental for over 27 years, serving in a var...

Klarius Products, a UK-based manufacturer of aftermarket emissions control components, has announced that the company is now offering 24-hour delivery for its exhausts in Northern Ireland and will be expanding its availability across the Republic of Ireland (ROI) in the second quarter of 2023, according to a press release dated 12 January. The company says Irish distributors and stockists can now access one of the most extensive ranges of aftermarket emissions control components in Europe fro...

French automotive supplier Valeo announced that the company demonstrated its latest technologies in the fields of greener, safer, and smarter mobility at the Auto Expo Components trade show in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India, from 12 to 15 January, according to a press release dated 12 January. The company says its innovations are characterized by the transformation of engines, emergence of new vehicles, increased safety, and adoption of electric vehicles in India. Valeo Service, the af...

Spartan RV Chassis, a brand of US-based The Shyft Group, announced that it has showcased its newly optimized 'Connected Coach experience', a suite of advanced interactive technologies engineered to keep the driver’s focus at the wheel during the 2023 Florida RV SuperShow during 18–22 January, according to a press release dated 17 January 2023. The Shyft Group is a firm engaged in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly, and upfit for the commercial, retail, and service specialty vehicle ma...

German supplier of automotive components, tires, and aftermarket replacement parts, Continental, has announced the appointment of Ralf Hoffmann as the head of public relations, media, and communications in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region for Continental's replacement tire business, according to a press release dated 11 January.  The company says Hoffmann has held various positions in Continental's tire division for 34 years, most recently as the head of marketing for th...

German automotive supplier ZF Friedrichshafen has announced that the company has started the year with a newly formed board of management team with Holger Klein as CEO of the company starting January, according to a press release dated 12 January. Klein, who joined ZF in 2014, is responsible for the aftermarket division, corporate sales, research and development, and autonomous mobility. Michael Frick, CFO, and Peter Laier, who is in charge of the Commercial Vehicle and Industrial Technology ...

German automotive supplier HELLA, which operates under the umbrella brand FORVIA, announced that its Lifecycle Solutions business group increased sales by 6.5% to EUR500 million (around USD541 million) in the first six months of the fiscal year 2022 (1 June to 30 November 2022), according to a press release dated 13 January. The Lifecycle Solutions business group had posted sales of EUR469 million (around USD507 million) during the first half of fiscal 2021. The company said under Lifecycle S...

German components supplier and filtration expert MANN+HUMMEL has announced a strategic investment in M-Filter Group, a key filter manufacturing company in Northern and Eastern Europe with several production facilities in Finland and Lithuania, according to a press release dated 10 January. The company specializes in different areas of filtration, including air ventilation filters, HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arresting) filters and oil/hydraulic filters for engines. While Finnish filtration...

Hengst Filtration, a Germany-based specialist in liquid and air filtration, has announced that it will showcase its entire spectrum of filtration systems and filter elements that cut across segments such as plant and machine engineering, industrial filtration, hydraulics, life science, and health care as well as in the automotive and motor industry at the Filtech 2023 trade show, which will be held in Cologne from 14–16 February, according to a press release dated 12 January. Under its filt...

German components supplier and filtration expert MANN+HUMMEL has announced that all its business units will present solutions for cleaner mobility, cleaner air, cleaner water and cleaner industry at the upcoming trade show Filtech, which will be held in Cologne from 14–16 February, according to a press release dated 13 January. As part of its cleaner mobility product range, the company will showcase its expertise in the filtration of air, cabin air, oil, fuel for vehicles with internal comb...

Lubrizol Corp., the Berkshire Hathaway-owned specialty chemicals company based in the US, has announced the appointment of a new executive leadership team, according to a press release dated 12 January. The company says that consists experienced business leaders will continue to support the organization’s talent and its customers, the release added. “For more than 90 years, Lubrizol science has solved complex challenges and advanced new opportunities across a variety of industries. We’r...

Hella Pagid, the joint venture (JV) between automotive parts suppliers TMD Friction and aftermarket electronics firm and spare parts distributor HELLA, announced that it is a full-range supplier offering more than 14,000 brake spare parts for all vehicle models and the expansion of its range has resulted in the coverage of 6,611 vehicle applications in 2022, according to a press release dated 12 January. The company said its range of brake pads has now been expanded by a further 64 items for ...

Dana Incorporated, the Ohio-based global supplier of drivetrain and propulsion systems as well as aftermarket solutions, announced that it will showcase new and innovative products during Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) held 16–19 January Texas, according to a press release dated 12 January. The company said it will unveil the Spicer EZ-ID digital tool, which is said to be an easy-to-use visual pathway that offers quick identification of driveline assembly part numbers that are missing p...

Lubrizol Engineered Polymers has announced that a prototype of its newly developed SilSense material for car seat covers was exhibited at the Auto Expo Components trade show in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India, from 12 to 15 January, according to a press release dated 13 January. The company said SilSense material is a non‑animal solution which has low volatile organic volatile (VOC) as it is produced through a cleaner, solvent-free process than other products currently used in the mar...

CRC Industries, a US-based manufacturer of specialty products and formulations for maintenance and repair professionals and do-it-yourselfers, has appointed Len Mazzanti as CEO, according to a press release dated 4 January. Mazzanti succeeds Perry Cozzone, who served as CEO of the company since 2018 and retired at the end of December 2022. Mazzanti will be focused on driving operational excellence and infrastructure capabilities to support CRC’s growth around core product lines, including t...

Rotary, a US-based maker of hydraulic vehicle lifts and wheel service products, announced the launch of its new line of fully automatic air conditioning diagnostic and recharging equipment through its recently announced partnership with TEXA, according to a press release dated 6 December. Rotary is the manufacturer of vehicle lifts and wheel service products for use in professional automotive service, commercial truck and transit industries. The company is part of Vehicle Service Group, an op...

MEMA, an association in North America representing motor vehicle component manufacturers, has presented its new brand and business structure according to which the trade association will now operate under one umbrella organization with two groups: MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers, it announced in a press release dated 12 January. Over the decades, as the industry evolved, MEMA established four divisions: the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Associations (AASA),...

A new report from the UK-based think tank Social Market Foundation (SMF) into upskilling UK technicians to service and repair electric vehicles has highlighted the importance of effective legislation to ensure the aftermarket has sufficient access to parts, information and connectivity under Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (MVBER), according to a press release dated 6 January by Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF). A key part of shifting to cleaner road transport wil...

Dorman Products, a US-based aftermarket supplier of OE dealer exclusive parts has announced the release of more than 400 new motor vehicle parts, 150 of which are first-to-the-aftermarket, via a press release dated 13 January. The new parts build upon the company’s range that saw the introduction of more than 4,000 new products in 2022, the release added. The latest parts release for January includes a new cost-saving OE FIX liftgate handle trim kit for more than half a million 2013–19 Ni...

The UK aftermarket industry body Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has announced that it has added engine gaskets and components distributor Ultra-Parts as its member, according to a press release by IAAF dated 5 January. Ultra-Parts Ltd distributes engine gaskets and components to repairers and associated engine remanufacturers throughout the UK. The company range includes over 23,000 parts, including precision engineered timing chain kits, for passenger cars and...

Wejo Group has entered into a data agreement with Toyota Motor North America, it said in a press release on 12 January, to offer personalized connected vehicle data services for participating cloud-connected fleet vehicles in the United States. The data from Toyota’s connected fleet vehicles will allow telematics service providers (TSPs), fleet owners, and fleet management service (FMS) companies get insights on geographic locations, fuel, odometer and speed readings, and tire pressure. ...

The UK aftermarket industry body Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has announced that it has added Italy-based Magneti Marelli Parts and Services as its member, according to a press release by IAAF dated 14 December. IAAF says its service membership has continued to grow throughout the past year and the latest expansion sees the Italian company, with its strong heritage in the automotive industry, joining to support the Federation’s lobbying initiatives and industry netwo...

US tire manufacturer, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, announced in a press release dated 4 January that it has unveiled a demonstration tire comprised of 90% sustainable materials. This demonstration tire has passed all applicable regulatory testing and it also tested to have lower rolling resistance when compared to the reference tire made with traditional materials, the release added. Lower rolling resistance means this demonstration tire has the potential to offer better fuel savin...

Spanish automotive aftermarket supplier, Industrias Dolz, has announced that it has introduced over 40 new references to its range of timing chain kits, according to a press release dated 4 January. The addition of the new timing chain kit references results in expanding the range that already exceeds 80 product numbers, the release added. The references include application for engines from OEMs such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Jaguar, Ford, and Group PSA. Significance: According to the ...

European automotive springs manufacturer Lesjöfors Group has announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in in Amatec B.V., a Dutch spring distributor, according to a press release dated 4 January. The acquisition was done via Alcomex, a Dutch manufacturer springs, that Lesjöfors acquired in July 2021. With the acquisition, Alcomex, and the Lesjöfors group, strengthen the distribution capabilities of stock springs, in line with its ambition to build the leading ...

Continental and Ambarella has announced a strategic partnership on assisted and automated driving systems with full software stack, according to a press release on 4 January 2023. The two companies will jointly develop scalable, end-to-end hardware and software solutions based on artificial intelligence (AI), for assisted and automated driving (AD), on the way to autonomous mobility. The partnership expands on Continental's strategic decision to include Ambarella's energy-efficient system-on-...

Hengst Filtration, a Germany-based specialist in liquid and air filtration, has announced that on 1 January, it took over the employees and offices of INEX Consulting in Warsaw, according to a press release dated 3 January. The two companies have been working together in a spirit of partnership for more than 25 years, and Inex’s owner Slawomir Góralewski and his team are largely responsible for the strong development of the Polish service parts market, the release added. As part of a succe...

UK-based aftermarket supplier First Line Ltd. has announced a solution for the failure of the wiper motor for Renault Clio, according to a press release dated 5 January by Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF). The company said the issue can be caused by heavy rainfall, following which drain hole can be potentially blocked resulting in the motor becoming submerged in water. Citing the example of the Renault Clio MkII and MkIII from 2001>2014, the company said workshops need ...

HARMAN, an automotive technology company and subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., has unveiled HARMAN Ready on Demand, a software platform for delivering branded audio value, feature enhancement, upgrades, and monetization opportunities in an easy to-use app, according to a press release dated 4 January. Ready on Demand is the foundation for providing expanded experiences and future upgrades that can be unlocked by the consumer at any time via in-app purchases throughout the life of the ...

Mullen Automotive, a US-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has announced that its I-GO commercial urban delivery EV has arrived in Europe with expected delivery in early January 2023, according to a press release dated 22 December. The I-GO is Mullen’s recently announced urban commercial delivery vehicle, designed to bridge the gap between the growing demand for quick deliveries and space constraints in dense cities throughout Europe. The vehicle is EU standard homologated, certified...

Visteon will showcase a range of digital cockpit technologies at CES 2023, it said in a press release dated 5 January. With an immersive user experience, using consumer technologies, active privacy, and sunlight readability, the display solutions use very low power. The company will showcase two digital cockpit platforms, the Lightscape Panorama Display and the Command & Control Display. “Vehicles and mobility are rapidly changing, and Visteon is developing the technology that will allo...

MAHLE Aftermarket, the aftermarket arm of Stuttgart-based global supplier of powertrain and thermal components, MAHLE, has announced that it is one of the first manufacturers to receive official approval of the German Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (national test authority) for its PMU 400 particle counter, according to a press release dated 21 December. An approved device is mandatory for emission tests on Euro 6 diesel vehicles in Germany from July 2023. The PMU 400 is available as a...

CarParts.com, a US-based e-commerce provider of automotive parts and accessories, announced the promotion of Stephanie Urbach, current SVP of HR, to CHRO or chief human resources officer position, effective 9 January 2023. In her new role, Urbach will further CarParts.com's organizational transformation, with a focus on enhancing the overall employee experience, the release added. From a talent and recruitment perspective, she will be charged with building teams, developing essential skills a...

ZF, German supplier of automotive cameras and automotive components, announced in the run-up to the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas that it has produced its 50 millionth automotive camera and has surpassed the 10 million-mark annually for automotive smart camera production, a claimed industry first, according to a press release dated 3 January. ZF manufactures cameras around the globe at its plants in Marshall, Illinois in the United States, Anting, China, Peterlee in the...

O’Reilly Automotive, US-based automotive aftermarket parts retailer has announced that effective 9 January, Brad Beckham, the company’s EVP and COO, and Brent Kirby, the company’s EVP and chief supply chain officer, will both be promoted to copresidents, according to a press release dated 6 January. Beckham and Kirby will continue to report to Greg Johnson, who currently serves as the company’s president and CEO and will remain in his role as CEO but pass on the title and role of pres...

UK-based manufacturer of aftermarket hot end emissions products, BM Catalysts, has announced that it has registered a successful year of growth in 2022 and strengthened its position as a manufacturer of aftermarket catalytic converters, DPFs and front pipes, according to a press release dated 3 January. The aftermarket specialist said it experienced ongoing high demand throughout the year but has not revealed any financial figures. The company said in order to meet rising demand, it opened it...

Netherlands-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions company TIE Kinetix, has announced a new five-year, USD400,000 contract with Camco Manufacturing, a US-based aftermarket parts supplier for the recreational vehicle, marine, camping, and powersports industries, according to a press release dated 7 December. TIE Kinetix has offices in the Netherlands, France, Germany, Australia, and the United States. With this upgrade towards TIE Kinetix's FLOW Partner Automation platform, Camco’s sup...

US-based connected vehicle technology company Sibros has announced it will deploy its over-the-air (OTA) software and data management solutions on global automotive supplier of powertrain, thermal, and lighting components, Marelli’s next-generation Cockpit Domain Controller (CDC) Unit, according to a press release dated 6 January. Marelli’s MInD-Xp provides a single platform and domain control unit (DCU) to run multiple guest operating systems and in-cabin functions including infotainment...

Yokohama Tire Corporation (YTC) has announced three organizational changes within the company, according to a release dated 6 January. The changes, effective 6 January, include elevation of Fardad Niknam from senior director of consumer product planning and product marketing to vice president of OE Sales. Niknam joined YTC in 2014 and has had responsibility for product marketing, including product planning and motorsports for the last five years. Commenting on his appointment, Jeff Barna, YTC...

Valeo and Ningbo Swell Industry Co., Ltd have signed a strategic alliance agreement for the development, production and marketing of illuminated front grilles or panels for the mainland Chinese automotive market, according to a press release dated 20 December. By combining their expertise, Valeo and Swell intend to offer carmakers in mainland China high value-added front panels integrating lighting technologies. Ningbo Swell Industry designs, manufactures, and markets automotive interior and ...

The proportion of fleet servicing, maintenance and repair (SMR) spend on fleet cars aged four years old or over has increased by more than a half since the pandemic, rising from 28% in 2018 to 43% in 2022, according to an analysis by UK-based e-commerce firm Epyx, which facilitates SMR transactions for fleets. The average SMR invoice price for those older vehicles is 24% higher than for those aged below four years, “showing how keeping them on the road is proving expensive for businesses,�...

Nordic Capital, a private equity investor, has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Autocirc, a Nordic group that offers reused and recycled spare parts to the automotive industry, from the Nordic sustainable investment fund Alder, according to a press release dated 15 December. The investment is made in partnership with Autocirc's founders Johan Livered and Mattias Pettersson and aims to accelerate the company's growth plans and further strengthen its circular offering ...

Relais Group Plc, a spare part distributor and provider of repair and maintenance in the Nordic vehicle aftermarket, has acquired a Danish company S-E-T A/S (also known as S-E-T) from B&S Holding, owned by Steen and Birgitte Hansen, according to a press release dated 12 December. Located in Aarhus, Denmark, S-E-T is an importer and wholesaler of electrical equipment, such as rear-view and side-view cameras, inverters and battery chargers for heavy commercial vehicles and the marine sector...

German automotive supplier ZF Friedrichshafen has positioned itself as a full-range supplier for autonomous transport systems as it unveiled its next generation shuttle for autonomous driving at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, US, according to a press release dated 4 January. The new shuttle is equipped with lidar, radar, camera, and audio systems that provide precise environmental detection. The supplier also announced a strategic partnership with US mobility services ...

UK-based aftermarket supplier SMP Europe and Marathon Warehouse Distribution, a distributor of SMP’s FuelParts brand in the UK, have announced an expansion of range portfolio and availability, as SMP looks to strengthen the positioning of FuelParts products in the market, according to a press release by aftermarket industry body Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) dated 19 December. SMP Europe’s aftermarket program includes brands such as Intermotor, Lucas, Fuel Part...

REV Group, a US-based designers and manufacturers of specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services, announced financial results for the fourth quarter ended October 2022, according to a press release dated 14 December. The company caters to its customer base through three segments: Fire & Emergency, Commercial, and Recreation. Consolidated net sales stood at USD623.6 million, up 5.7% compared to USD589.9 million for fourth quarter 2021, primarily driven by an increase in...

Ireland-based auto parts supplier Aptiv announced the appointment of Benjamin Lyon as SVP and CTO, according to a press release dated 15 December.  Lyon succeeds Glen De Vos, who is transitioning to the role of SVP, transformation and special programs, the release added. Lyon joins Aptiv, having served in a variety of senior engineering roles where he led the development and commercialization of numerous disruptive technologies. He has spent two decades at Apple and most recently, he was...

I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, has announced that Jaguar Land Rover has joined I-CAR’s Sustaining Partner Program, according to a press release dated 19 December. Founded in 1979, I-CAR is a not-for-profit education, knowledge, and solutions organization focused on improving the quality and safety of auto collision repair. The program is designed to fund the various initiatives to ensure that every person in the collision repair industry has the information, ...

The Parts Authority, US-based automotive and truck parts distributors to the aftermarket industry, has announced the acquisition of B&L Auto Parts and Paint, according to a press release dated 16 December. B&L Auto Parts and Paint, which has been based in the US state of Maine for over 47 years, was founded in 1975 as a small independent parts store. It now has a 22,000-square-foot facility offering a large selection of parts, specialty products, and customer service, the release adde...