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...