Hankook Tire has entered into a partnership with Solvay Silica to advance the sustainability of tire production through the development of circular silica, a move aimed at enhancing the environmental friendliness of their tire manufacturing process. This collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on January 10 at the Hankook Technodome in Daejeon, South Korea. High-level representatives from both companies, including Hankook Tire's President and CTO Bonhee...

Sensata Technologies, a global industrial technology company known for its sensors, sensor-rich solutions and electrical protection devices, announced the appointment of Stephan von Schuckmann as its new CEO, effective Jan. 1. With this role, von Schuckmann will also join Sensata's board of directors. Bringing over two decades of global experience in automotive and industrials, von Schuckmann's latest achievement includes leading the Electric Mobility Division at ZF Friedrichshafen AG (ZF G...

AutoZone Inc., headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, has elevated two of its vice presidents to the rank of senior vice presidents as of Dec. 19, 2024, according to an announcement from the company. Bailey Childress, previously vice president of Merchandising, has been promoted to senior vice president of Omnichannel and Merchandising Support. At the same time, Luke Rauch, who also served as vice president of Merchandising, has been advanced to senior vice president of Merchandising and Global...

Next Horizon Capital, a growth-oriented capital partner focusing on middle market companies, has announced its investment in Telle Tire & Auto Centers, a leading tire retailer and automotive service company with a significant presence in the Midwestern US. Although the financial specifics of this private investment remain undisclosed, the partnership signifies a strategic move to support Telle Tire's ongoing expansion and service excellence. Telle Tire, based in St. Louis, Missouri, has a lo...

ZC Rubber recently marked the beginning of phase one production at its new facility, PT. Matahari Tire Indonesia (MTI) in Central Java, Indonesia. The Indonesian plant represents ZC Rubber's second international manufacturing site and involves a substantial investment of $280 million. Covering an area of 500,000 square meters, the facility is designed to manufacture a diverse array of products, including truck and bus tires, two-wheeler tires, bias tires, inner tubes, tracks, and carbon bla...

Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd., based in Hiratsuka, Japan, has introduced the ADVAN V61, a new premium sport utility vehicle tire under its global flagship tire brand ADVAN. This product launch targets the expanding midsize to large premium SUV market, with availability set for worldwide markets, except North America, starting from February 2025. The company plans to release 17 different sizes of the ADVAN V61, ranging from 17 to 22 inches, some of which are intended as original equipment (OE) for new...

Hyundai Motor Group is set to enhance the driving experience in its Hyundai, Kia and Genesis vehicles by expanding its partnership with Google. This collaboration will integrate Google Maps Platform's Places API into the vehicles, providing drivers with up-to-date information on 250 million places worldwide, including business hours, contact information, ratings and reviews. The initiative will first roll out to Kia drivers in North America before expanding globally across the group's brands. Th...

Baiyu Holdings Inc., based in Shenzhen, mainland China, has recently expanded its operations into the US by dispatching a professional team to establish a business focused on dismantling used cars and selling auto parts. The automotive dismantling and parts remanufacturing industry in the US represents a substantial market, valued at hundreds of billions of US dollars. In this sector, remanufactured components, which account for 80% of the parts in the aftermarket, play a critical role. This ...

Tesla's introduction of stalkless vehicles, beginning with the new Model S and Model X, and followed by the refreshed Model 3, has paved the way for the emergence of aftermarket drive stalks designed to attach to the steering wheel. This move by Tesla, which left the Model Y as the exception although it is anticipated to also adopt this change, replaces traditional steering wheel stalks with force touch buttons for turn signals and drive gear controls on the center screen. This design choice ...

AAPEX 2024 successfully gathered the global automotive aftermarket industry, valued at $2.3 trillion, in Las Vegas, offering a comprehensive platform for innovation, networking and industry advancement. The event showcased over 2,600 companies across 5,508 booths and 37 pavilions, featuring participants from 46 countries. To accommodate the growing interest and participation, the event expanded to include Caesars Forum for more exhibitor space. AAPEX provided attendees with over 130 sessions ...

The Australian government has updated the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), integrating nine crucial automotive trades among 456 roles eligible for skilled migration via the new Skills in Demand visa and the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa, set to commence Dec. 7. This update aims to address significant labor shortages in sectors requiring specialized skills. Both the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) and the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) have pra...

Progressive Insurance has introduced a new safety feature named Accident Response, aimed at enhancing policyholder safety by connecting them with emergency or tow services when needed. This feature is particularly beneficial as it is launched ahead of the winter season, a time when driving conditions become more hazardous due to snow and ice, increasing the risk of accidents. The Federal Highway Administration reports that a significant portion of US roads are in snowy areas, leading to over ...

General Motors (GM) has decided to discontinue including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in its electric vehicles, leading to an opening that aftermarket companies are rushing to fill. White Automotive & Media Services has introduced a retrofit kit that reintegrates Android Auto and Apple CarPlay into several of GM's Ultium-based EV models. This kit is designed to be compatible with five specific vehicles: The Chevrolet Blazer EV, Chevrolet Equinox EV, Chevrolet Silverado EV (specifically ...

GoMechanic, an automotive service provider, introduced Top Assist, a 24x7 roadside assistance service aimed at overcoming the challenges drivers face during emergencies on Indian roads. Given the high volume of vehicles, estimated at over 230 million annually, and the frequent occurrences of issues such as flat tires and breakdowns, there is a significant demand for reliable emergency services. According to the International Road Federation, a majority of about 60% of Indian drivers seek quic...

Autel introduced the MaxiSYS 906 Max, an advanced diagnostic and service tablet designed for general repair shops. The tablet stands out with its broad service menu offering over 40 direct-to-function guided resets, adaptations and coding. It has secure gateway access capabilities for late-model vehicles from Nissan, Stellantis, Volkswagen and Audi, alongside original equipment-equivalent active tests and access to special and hidden functions. The 906 Max features an enhanced screen size and...

Carwow Group has unveiled a new service on the Auto Express platform titled Find a Car, aimed at providing retailers, brands and leasing firms direct access to a substantially increased pool of potential car buyers. This service is incorporated into the Auto Express website, which has recently undergone a rebranding. It allows buyers in the market to sift through, research and secure both new and used vehicles more efficiently. Given that Auto Express attracts over 44 million unique visi...

Continental, a tire manufacturer based in Hanover, Germany, announced Nov. 28 its efforts to increase the use of recycled materials in its tire production. The initiative involves incorporating polyester fabric made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, thus upping the recycled content in many tire lines by an average of 3%. Depending on tire size, up to 15 PET bottles can be utilized for each tire. The company introduced its own ContiRe.Tex technology, which is pivotal in t...

The Automechanika Shanghai 2024 event is set to take place from Dec. 2 to 5, featuring 81 events and over 400 speakers. There are estimated to be over 6,000 exhibitors showcasing their latest advancements in automotive aftermarket technology, emphasizing the event theme of innovation, transformation and a sustainable automotive future. With the high number of exhibitors, the theme is expected to explore various facets of the industry including R&D, production, distribution, e-commerce, ...

Carly, a leading provider of diagnostic scanners based out of Munich, Germany, has launched a free AI-powered tool called Carly Repair Costs, according to a press release on Sept. 15. This tool aims to help vehicle owners better understand problems with their vehicles. Only registration is required for detailed estimates, with the service remaining free. To use the system, owners enter their vehicle details, which include the make, model, fuel type, model year, mileage and a summary of the is...

Brembo, a global supplier involved in the design and production of high-performance braking systems for the automotive industry, has announced the introduction of its Carbon Ceramic Material (CCM) brake discs and pads into the aftermarket, which were previously only available as original equipment, according to a press release on Sept. 11. The new products aim to offer aftermarket customers significant advantages in terms of superior handling and braking performance because of the reduced wei...

Honda Australia was found guilty of allegedly breaching the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme (MVIS) by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and has paid a penalty of approximately US$12,700, according to a report on Sept. 17. The MVIS was introduced in Australia to provide fair access to independent service and repair workshops for all the necessary diagnostic software and technical information that is needed to work on modern-day vehicles, ther...

In Wisconsin, US, automotive repair shops are facing challenges due to a shortage of auto technicians, exacerbated by a combination of growing retirements, overall turnover and a decline in the number of new workers entering the field, according to a press release dated Sept. 16. This shortage is leading to longer wait times for customers. According to Tech Force, a nonprofit technician organization, there has been a significant decline in students completing post-secondary programs in this f...

Standard Motor Products Inc. has announced the ongoing expansion of its Ignition Coil program, which encompasses both Standard and Blue Streak brands, boasting over 700 coils with new additions each month, according to a press release on Sept. 12. Blue Streak by Standard Ignition Coils are offered in multipacks for comprehensive coil service. The company emphasizes its methodical approach to improving original equipment (OE) ignition coil designs by identifying and rectifying OE issues for en...

Hella Gutmann has introduced the mega macs S 20, an innovative diagnostic tool designed to work with Android devices, expanding on the capabilities of its predecessor, the mega macs ONE, according to a Sept. 12 press release. The new tool provides features previously only available in more expensive models, making advanced diagnostics accessible at a more economical price. The mega macs S 20 is compatible with Android devices, allowing workshops to use devices they already own. It offers scal...

California, US, has introduced the Vehicle Safety Systems Inspections Program as a result of legislation signed by the governor in 2021. The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) was tasked with the creation and implementation of this program by the beginning of 2024, engaging with the collision repair industry through multiple public workshops.  The initiative received backing from several organizations, including the California Autobody Association (CAA), California Automotive Wholesa...

ZF Aftermarket has introduced 25 Electric Axle Drive Repair Kits tailored for cars and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in the US and Canada (USC). These kits are designed to streamline the repair process of electric vehicles for independent workshops by eliminating the need to remove electric axle drives. This launch is part of a broader introduction of 45 new products by ZF Aftermarket in the region, signifying the company's commitment to expanding its offerings for electric and hybrid vehicle...

Stellantis, a global original equipment manufacturer, has announced that it is expanding its SUSTAINera product portfolio in Brazil and also introducing a range of remanufactured parts in the country. The company previously offered five product lines, which included turbochargers, steering racks, automatic gearboxes, starters and alternators. It has now expanded this to include air conditioning compressors, rear differentials and transfer cases. These will also be available at Stellantis dealers...

Valvoline Inc. has released its financial results for the third quarter of the fiscal year 2024, ended June 30, 2024. The company reported a 12% growth in sales during this period, attributed mainly to a 6.5% increase in systemwide same-store sales. Lori Flees, the president and CEO of Valvoline, highlighted the growth in non-oil change revenue services as a significant driver of this increase. Additionally, Valvoline expanded its network by adding 33 new stores, 15 of which are from fra...

Valvoline Inc. declared its financial results for the second quarter of the 2024 fiscal year, ending March 31, 2024. Compared to the same period in the previous year, net revenue grew 13% to approximately $389 million while its adjusted EBITDA grew 21% year over year to approximately $105 million, with system-wide store sales growing 13% to $746 million. Its adjusted earnings per diluted share increased by 74% to $0.33 while 14 franchised and 24 company-operated new stores were added in ...

Hunter Engineering has announced the release of more than 550 new wheel alignment records and more than 1,000 updates to existing records via its WinAlign software, according to a press release dated May 9. In addition to these records, the release also provides updates for other WinAlign features, which include vehicle identification number (VIN) recall support, procedures for safety system alignment, TPMSpecs database and reset procedures, tools and kits database, Codelink-support...

Snap-on has recently announced that it is the first company in Europe to obtain access from Nissan to its secure gateway module that was introduced on a selection of 2019 and newer models, the company announced in an undated press release. This secure gateway module requires registration and authentication for all aftermarket scan tool approved devices. Nissan is the third original equipment manufacturer after Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) to provide this access, for its model year 2018 and ne...

ZF Passive Safety Systems has developed a new seatbelt system that can adapt to the size and weight of vehicle occupants in the event of an accident, it said in a press release dated Jan. 30. The core of the technology is called Multi-Stage Load Limiter (MSLL), which is responsible for the individual system adjustment. This technology allows for more flexibility in belt forces, reducing the consequences of accidents for all occupants. The approach of this technology lies in the individual con...

US-based CRP Automotive, a manufacturer of replacement parts including steering, electrical, suspension, fluids, plastic and gaskets, among others, has announced a new range of replacement coolant hoses for Tesla battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), according to a press release on September 18. Through its Rein Automotive brand, CRP Automotive’s new line of Tesla coolant replacement hoses offers 29 stock keeping units (SKUs). In order to ensure that these replacement parts continue to play a c...

In order to ease the labor force challenges in Australia, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) is looking to understand what are the circumstances that would encourage retired master technicians to come back into the workshop on a part-time, part-day basis to make a unique contribution to the industry while at the same time, bringing their wisdom and experience to educate junior technicians, according to a press release dated September 18. This labor shortage is one of the...

US-based Cloyes, a specialist in the design, development, manufacturing and distribution of timing-drive systems and engine components for global original equipment manufacturers and the automotive aftermarket, has announced the launch of timing-system kits for 2009–2018 Volkswagen engines, 2013 General Motors engines and 2011–2020 Ford engines, in which all kits include a turbocharger, according to a press release dated September 15. The new kits by Cloyes are applicable to more tha...

BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Group and Stellantis NV, according to a press release dated July 26, have agreed to collaborate on expanding a high-speed charging network, powered by renewable energy, by at least 30,000 charge points in urban and highway locations across North America. A major hurdle for existing and potential battery-electric vehicle (BEV) customers is access to fast, reliable, efficient and low-cost charging for their vehicles during drivi...

According to a press release dated July 27, a new dedicated joint Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) and the Auto Innovation Centre (AIC) campaign has been launched to support the country's aftermarket with battery-electric vehicle (BEV) training and product development opportunities, and to further aid in promoting the sale of BEVs among vehicle fleets in the state of Victoria, Australia.  The AIC has taken into its possession two new BEVs, a Ford F-150 Lightning ...

ZF Aftermarket has expanded its parts offerings in the first half of 2023 for vehicles in the US and Canada, adding 285 new listings to its ZF, Lemförder, Sachs, TRW and Wabco branded portfolios, as announced in a press release dated July 18. The company has introduced 47 new part numbers for TRW brake-pad sets, extending availability to nearly 11.9 million more vehicles in operation (VIO). The company also expanded its offerings for Lemförder window regulators, motors and related...

Auto Care Association, a US-based industry body representing independent manufacturers, distributors and repair shops, and IHS Markit are set to host a webinar on the evolution of vehicle configurations in parts and fitment on 20 October, Wednesday at 1-2pm ET. The continuous progression of vehicle configurations has made our experiences safer, easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. Similar to other industries, the vehicle industry has evolved to accommodate individual preferences, cus...