Valvoline, a US-based supplier of lubricants and automotive services, has announced plans to refranchise 38 existing Valvoline Instant Oil Change service centers to a new franchisee, Velocity Auto Care, according to a press release dated Nov. 19. The service centers are located in Austin, San Antonio, El Paso and west Texas. The centers are part of a move to accelerate network growth, offering enhanced convenience for customers, opportunities for team m...

In a press release on Nov. 5, Schaeffler AG announced a comprehensive program of structural measures aimed at enhancing its long-term competitiveness against the backdrop of a challenging market environment and the ongoing transformation in the automotive supply industry. The program is focused primarily on the company's operations in Germany and Europe and is crafted around three key objectives: Enhancing the earnings of the Bearings & Industrial Solutions division, capitalizing on syner...

Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket has officially rebranded as Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions, according to a press release dated Nov. 11. The name change took place Nov. 1 and follows the full integration of Vitesco Technologies Group into Schaeffler, with the merger having been finalized Oct. 1. The new name has been chosen to highlight the wider offering the company will provide to the aftermarket thanks to the merger, as well as its ongoing commitment to technological innovation, ...

Aisin Corp. has announced the launch of a new company aimed at the Americas aftermarket industry, named Aisin Aftermarket & Service of America Inc., according to a report on Aftermarket Matters dated Nov. 11. This initiative involves merging Awtec, an Aisin company specializing in transmission remanufacturing, with the aftermarket business unit of Aisin World Corp. of America (AWA). Significance: The move is intended to transition Aisin from offering primarily in-house brands to...

The Freudenberg Group, a Germany-based global technology conglomerate, has recently inaugurated two new advanced manufacturing facilities in Morinda, India, as part of its 175th-anniversary celebrations, according to a press release dated Oct. 18. These facilities, covering a total area of 40,700 square meters, are operated by Freudenberg-NOK India Pvt. Ltd. (FNI) and Vibracoustic India, a supplier of automotive noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) solutions.  Vibracoustic also offers a ...

ATC Drivetrain, a US-based remanufacturing solutions provider, announced via a press release on Oct. 9 the creation of ATC Brasil LTDA. This new venture marks ATC's expansion into the South American market and aims to meet the rising demand for sustainable and affordable automotive solutions in Brazil. Initially, ATC Brasil LTDA will specialize in remanufacturing diesel particulate filters (DPF) for commercial trucks, targeting the local needs for environmental and cost-efficiency. �...

Japan’s NTN Corp. has announced that it will establish a sales branch in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, of NTN Bearing Vietnam Co. Ltd., as it believes the region will play a central role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region, where further market growth is expected in the future, according to a press release dated Sept. 25. NTN said it will work to further expand the aftermarket business through aggressive sales activities and the provision of technical services. The new division beg...

Repairify Inc., the Texas, US-based parent company of vehicle diagnostic solutions firm asTech, known for offering remote diagnostics, calibrations, programming and automotive intelligence in the collision and mechanical repair sectors, has announced the expansion of its leadership team with the appointment of Mike Gugino as chief revenue officer and Kennedy Taylor as senior vice president of Marketing, according to a press release dated Sept. 30. Bringing a wealth of experience across v...

Moss Motors and Rimmer Bros, both global suppliers of replacement and restoration parts for British marque vehicles, have announced that following their merger earlier in 2024, they have appointed Ben Smart as Global CEO, according to a press release dated Sept. 30. Smart, a leader in the automotive aftermarket sector, will oversee global expansion and innovation for the companies, which serve over 240,000 customers in 150 countries, the release added.  Under Smart's le...

Japan's Denso Corp. has announced the commencement of inverter production at Denso Fukushima Co. Ltd., a move aimed at strengthening its manufacturing capabilities in Japan and boosting the Denso Group's competitiveness in the electrification field, according to a press release dated Sept. 5. Denso Fukushima, a company within the Denso Group that specializes in manufacturing automotive thermal products and fuel system components, has added a new inverter production line to its operations. ...

Schaeffler has announced the successful completion of its merger with Vitesco Technologies Group AG, marking a significant development in both companies' corporate histories, according to a press release dated Oct. 1. With this merger, Vitesco shares were exchanged for new Schaeffler common shares at a ratio of 1:11.4, and Schaeffler's non-voting common shares converted to common shares with full voting rights on a 1:1 basis. The integration execution process, initiated at the year's start, culm...

Nexus Automotive International (Nexus), a Geneva-based alliance of independent car parts distributors, announced the opening of a new North American head office in Dallas to better meet regional expectations and enhance its supplier satisfaction, according to a press release dated Sept. 11. Nexus will place a strong focus on North America, Asia and Africa/Middle East regions in the coming months, with plans to attend key events such as AWDA/AAPEX, Automechanika Dubai and Shanghai. In addition...

Sweden-based SKF, a supplier of rolling bearings, seals, mechatronics and lubrication systems, has announced it plans to separate its Industrial and Automotive business segments to focus better on their distinct opportunities and accelerate growth, according to a press release dated Sept. 17. In a statement, Hans Stråberg, chair of SKF's board of directors, emphasized that this separation is expected to increase customer value and leverage strategies for both businesses as stand-alone entiti...

Bosch has demonstrated its commitment to the Japanese market by investing €270 million in constructing new headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, according to a press release dated Sept. 6. This initiative not only consolidates the company's development capacity for the mobility sector, previously spread across multiple locations, but also introduces an innovative public-private partnership.  In a statement, Tanja Rueckert, a board member responsible for Japan at Robert Bosch GmbH, emphasize...

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Aftermarket Suppliers, an association in North America representing motor-vehicle component manufacturers, has announced that its third-quarter 2024 MEMA Original Equipment (OE) Vehicle Supplier Barometer Index (SBI), reflective of North American supplier executives' sentiments, revealed a continued trend of pessimism within the industry, marking a consistent decrease over the past 10 quarters, according to a press release dated Sep...

Dana Inc. announced Aug. 26 the appointment of Craig Price as the new senior vice president and president of its Off-Highway (OH) Drive and Motion Systems, starting Sept. 1. Price will be taking over from Jeroen Decleer, who passed away after a brief illness earlier in August. Decleer was praised for his people-first leadership approach and deep understanding of the industry during his 20-year tenure with Dana. Price, who has been with Dana for more than 14 years and served in various...

The Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd., alongside its Singapore subsidiary Yokohama Rubber Singapore Pte. Ltd., hosted its fourth Suppliers' Day this July in Singapore, marking a continued effort to foster sustainable natural rubber procurement, according to a press release dated Aug. 7. This event, the first to be held in person since 2018, gathered 61 attendees from 30 companies across eight countries, including natural rubber producers and traders. The assembly served as a platform for Yokohama Rubb...

LKQ Europe, a distributor of automotive aftermarket parts, services and solutions across Europe, has recently initiated a centralized workshop concept hub aimed at strengthening the collaboration among its 16 concept brands, according to a press release dated July 26. This move is designed to facilitate the sharing of best practices and resources among LKQ Europe's in-country workshop concept teams and the garages they collaborate with. The company said the ultimate goal is to foste...

US-based Aesop Auto Parts, a distributor of automotive parts and accessories founded in 2021 by affiliates of private equity firms Outerbound Capital and American Pacific Group, has announced the addition of Rob Wagman to its board of directors, according to a press release dated Aug. 12. Wagman brings over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, including his tenure as president and CEO of LKQ Corp. from 2012 to 2017. During his leadership at LKQ, Wagman escalated the company's re...

Roadzen Inc., a US-based auto insurance technology company recognized for its role in bridging insurance and mobility through AI, announced a significant financial restructuring effort, according to a press release dated July 18. The company's special committee of independent directors has approved a plan allowing certain related parties to convert $3.5 million of short-term debt into ordinary shares of Roadzen. Participating in this debt-for-equity swap are CEO Rohan Malhotra and entities Pi...

Cipia, a company based in Tel-Aviv, Israel, and known for its driver monitoring software, announced that it has secured an order for 40,000 licenses of its technology, according to a press release dated July 22. The company said this software is set to be incorporated into aftermarket fleet camera systems that will be used by one of the largest express delivery companies globally. In a statement, Yehuda Holtzman, the CEO of Cipia, expressed enthusiasm about its technology being chosen to i...

Valeo has outlined the product range under its German wiper-blade brand SWF, emphasizing that German products are synonymous with high quality and a long lifespan, particularly in a competitive market where consumers are increasingly attentive to product origins, according to a press release dated July 17. The company said a recent study highlighted that products labeled Made in Germany are highly appealing to consumers, associating them with quality and longevity. Leveraging this, SWF has st...

UK-based drive-systems supplier, GKN Automotive, announced that it has embarked on an endeavor to diminish its carbon footprint by entering into a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with Recurrent Energy, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar, according to a press release dated July 10. This agreement, spanning a decade, will address 65% of GKN Automotive's electricity needs in Europe, translating to 30% of its global consumption. This move aligns with the company's ambitious goal to utilize 50...

Continental has announced that its tire plant located in Púchov, Slovakia, has marked a significant achievement by being the first of the company's truck tire manufacturing facilities to be awarded the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS, according to a press release dated July 10. This certification is globally acknowledged for its emphasis on the traceability of raw materials used in the production process, ensuring the materials are sourced from sustainable o...

Forvia Hella has announced a plan to restructure lighting production at its main plant in Lippstadt, Germany, according to a company’s press release on June 26. As part of the plan, the company will focus exclusively on the production of high-margin, advanced headlamps at the plant and relocate production of other lighting systems to its other plants.  This decision is in response to evolving market conditions in Europe, characterized by reduced vehicle production, high costs, and chan...

LKQ Corporation has announced that it has successfully concluded negotiations with the trade union Verdi, securing a new collective bargaining agreement that will impact approximately 5,000 of its employees in Germany, according to a press release dated June 21. The agreement includes a specific focus on 730 employees stationed at the LKQ Sulzbach-Rosenberg distribution center. Scheduled to remain effective until April 30, 2026, this two-year agreement introduces a mandatory peace obligation,...

CarParts.com Inc., an online provider of automotive parts and accessories, has announced the launch of its first comprehensive brand marketing campaign in the company's over 25-year history, according to a press release dated June 27. The campaign — titled "Now That's My Speed"— will run across digital and social platforms this summer to enhance brand recognition, drive business growth and establish a competitive advantage in the growing auto parts aftermarket industry. The c...

Just over a year after Borg Automotive Group completed the acquisition of Aftermarket supplier SBS Automotive, the company announced that it has taken the final step toward integration, according to a press release dated June 26. As part of the move, SBS Automotive has begun operating under the name Borg Automotive Newman from June 24, the release added. With the name change complete, SBS Automotive can now be clearly recognized as a Group subsidiary, the release added. Borg...

Phinia Inc., a firm involved in fuel systems, electrical systems and aftermarket products, has announced that its board of directors has elected Meggan Walsh to the board, effective July 1, according to a press release dated June 25. Walsh’s board committee appointment will be approved by the board at a later date. Walsh most recently served as a senior portfolio manager and head of Dividend Value with Invesco Ltd., a global independent investment management firm, and brings 35 ye...

Niterra, formerly called NGK Spark Plug, a Japan-based ignition and sensor specialist, announced that it has shifted its EMEA regional headquarters to a new location called 'The Square' in Ratingen, Germany, according to a press release dated May 27. The company says the modern office space encourages a more open, collaborative working approach, allowing employees to book office days for a hybrid way of working. The facility was officially inaugurated May 27 during a ceremony with representat...

Dorman Products (Dorman), a US-based aftermarket supplier of original equipment (OE) dealer-exclusive parts, has announced the grand opening of its new drive shaft manufacturing facility in Virginia Beach, Va., according to a press release dated June 12. The new 100,000-square-foot plant is five times larger than Dorman's former site in Virginia Beach and is equipped with advanced computer-controlled machine tools, robotic welding, drive shaft balancing equipment and testing gear. The ma...

Motorcar Parts of America (MPA), a US-based remanufacturer, manufacturer and distributor of automotive aftermarket parts, has announced that it plans to nominate F. Jack Liebau, Jr. for election to the company's board of directors at its 2024 annual shareholders meeting, according to a press release dated June 10. Liebau has nearly 40 years of experience investing in public companies for institutional asset managers such as Primecap Management Co., The Capital Group, Davis Funds and...

Castrol, a global lubricants-maker and part of the BP group, has announced a new branding for its line of synthetic oils, as well as multiple new claims surrounding performance and protection, according to a press release dated May 30. The company said that its Castrol EDGE Extended Performance advanced synthetic motor oil has a new oil change interval of up to 25,000 miles. The company said that rigorous testing of the product demonstrated the following: Highest level of high-temperatu...

FIGIEFA, the Europe-based international federation of independent automotive aftermarket distributors, announced that it has elected a new board of directors during its General Assembly in Istanbul, according to a press release dated May 22. The board comprises professionals from national associations and automotive spare parts distribution companies across Europe. The newly appointed board members are Mads Engberg as president (representing AUTIG from Denmark), Bastian Müller as vice presid...

Mitsuboshi Belt Co. Ltd., a Japanese timing belt supplier, has announced two new corporate developments with an aim to expand its business in overseas markets, where it sees growth over the medium to long term, according to a press release dated April 11. As part of the first announcement, the company said it will establish a new company in South Korea in order to “respond to demand in Korea more efficiently and in a timely manner.” The company, called Mitsuboshi Belting Korea Co., has it...

French automotive supplier Valeo had earlier in 2024 announced its intention to merge its thermal and powertrain activities into a single entity to better address the electrification market expectations and to further improve its competitiveness and financial performance. Following the announcement, the company has created the Valeo Power division on April 22, according to a press release issued on the same day. The company believes the acceleration of electrification relies on powertrai...

Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC) has agreed with Panasonic Holdings Corp. (Panasonic HD) to make Primearth EV Energy Co. Ltd. (PEVE) a wholly owned subsidiary, according to a press release dated March 5. The move is aimed at strengthening PEVE’s capabilities in mass-producing automotive batteries. The acquisition took place in late March. Among Toyota-affiliated companies, currently PEVE, Toyota Industries Corp., and Prime Planet Energy & Solutions Inc. (ownership: Toyota 51%, Pa...

PGW Auto Glass has announced the launch of a new logo and brand identity to coincide with the launch of everythingautoglass.com, a vehicle identification number (VIN) decoding and point-of-sale software service focused on getting the correct auto glass solutions quickly and efficiently across the industry, according to a press release dated March 26. The new logo, launched at a company event earlier in March, captures the spirit of the company while reinforcing its commitment to advancing tec...

Holley Inc, a US-based company involved in in automotive aftermarket performance solutions, has announced the shift in its operations branding from Holley Performance Products to Holley Performance Brands, according to a press release dated Mar. 20. The company says the change underscores its goal to expand its influence and enhance its presence across the high-performance automotive aftermarket sector. Evolving from its previous primary focus on classic muscle and truck, Holley Performance B...

Self-driving technology company Mobileye has announced that it has chosen to wind down its aftermarket solutions unit that provides retrofitted advanced driver assistance technology, after a thorough review of this unit’s business prospects and investment needs, according to a press release dated Mar. 18. The company observed that the demand and future addressable market for retrofitted ADAS solutions has declined as automakers and other vehicle manufacturers have steadily increased the rat...

Alliance Automotive Group (AAG), a European automotive aftermarket distributor, has announced a rebranding initiative that will see its network of over 275 locations come together under the unified banner of NAPA Auto Parts, according to a press release dated Mar. 19. Over the next 12-18 months, it will be aligned with its key parts brand, NAPA to “create a stronger, more globally recognised brand identity”, the release added. This move aims to bridge its subsidiaries under one cohesive b...

Premium Guard Inc. (PGI), a US-based aftermarket supplier of filters, has announced the launch of a redesigned website and parts catalog for its North American manufacturing hub and Mexico market leader, Interfil, according to a press release dated March 19. The company said Interfil's new website features a refreshed design with a sleek, modern layout for better user experience and the latest web technology for improved functionality. The website features extensive information about Interfil...

Advance Auto Parts Inc., an automotive aftermarket parts provider in North America that serves both professional installer and do-it-yourself customers, announced that it has appointed A. Brent Windom, Gregory L. Smith and Thomas W. Seboldt as independent directors to the Advance Auto Parts board, effective immediately, according to a press release dated March 11. In connection with these appointments, the company has entered into a cooperation agreement with Third Point LLC and Saddle Point Man...

GSF Car Parts, a UK-based supplier of car parts to the independent aftermarket, announced that it has opened its new Wembley, UK, branch on March 4, according to a press release dated March 5. This is the second branch the parts supplier has opened in 2024 and the first of several new sites it is set to open in the greater London area in 2024, it said. GSF said it supplies thousands of independent garages, national chains and retail customers (via www.GSFcarparts.com) throughout the UK w...

Borg Automotive, a Denmark-based automotive parts remanufacturer, announced that since the start of 2024, the Danish headquarters of the company have been located at a new address, according to a press release dated Feb. 14. Following a construction period of about a year, the company moved into a new, modern building at Funder Dalgårdsvej 12, Silkeborg, Denmark. The company aims to produce 100% of the energy required to operate the building on its own using solar panels. The company believe...

Valvoline, a US-based supplier of lubricants and automotive services, has announced the opening of its 1000th franchise-operated location under its Valvoline Instant Oil Change and Great Canadian Oil Change brands, according to a press release dated Feb. 8. The new 1000th franchise store is a Valvoline Instant Oil Change location operated by Quality Automotive Services, LLC (QAS), one of Valvoline's largest franchise partners. Commenting on the move, Valvoline President and CEO Lori Flees sai...

Braking specialist TMD Friction has announced that it is expanding its European offering by introducing its braking brand Bendix in Poland to better serve the global automotive aftermarket, according to a press release dated Feb 12. Hart Sp. z o.o. will serve as the exclusive distributor of Bendix brake system parts in Poland. With this move, the company now offers Bendix in 17 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The Bendix product range includes brake pads, brake shoes and brake...

German automotive component supplier Webasto announced on February 9 that Los Angeles – headquartered Transom Capital Group will acquire a majority stake in its EV charging solutions business, as part of Webasto’s divestment plan to focus on its core business areas. That said, Webasto said that it, however, plans to remain a minority shareholder in the EV charging business solutions division. The two companies signed a corresponding purchase agreement on February 7, 2024, Webasto said ...

Denso, a leading supplier of original equipment (OE) sensors to vehicle manufacturers worldwide, has expanded its aftermarket range to include replacement sensors and support materials for workshops and wholesalers. The company has released two new technical leaflets, one for exhaust gas temperature sensors (EGTS) and another for mass airflow (MAF) sensors, which provide detailed information on the technical aspects of these sensors, their design features, and how to select and install them corr...

Allison Transmission, a leading designer and manufacturer of conventional and electrified vehicle propulsion solutions and the largest global manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty fully automatic transmissions for commercial and defense vehicles, announced that it is launching Allison Ventures, according to a Business Wire press release on Jan. 30. Allison Ventures will strategically invest in, and partner with, startup and growth-stage companies to foster advancements in comm...

Valeo announced that it has ranked first once again among French patent applicants worldwide, with 1,218 patents published in one year, according to the ranking published by the Institut National de la Propriété Intellectuelle (INPI), which lists the first filings published with the world’s main patent offices, according to a press release dated Jan. 23. Valeo said its innovations are protected by a portfolio of almost 28,000 patents worldwide. Of the 1,218 patents published, 44% were in ...

The Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd., has announced that Yokohama Europe GmbH, the Yokohama Rubber Group’s European regional headquarters, established Yokohama Pneumatici Srl as a tire sales company in Italy in August 2023, according to a press release dated Jan. 23. “Pneumatici” is Italian for tire. The new group company began operations focused on the sale of passenger car, truck and bus tires on Jan. 1, 2024. The company believes Italy is one of the major tire markets in Europe, and Yokohama...

Rental firm Hertz Global Holdings has announced that it will sell approximately 20,000 electric vehicles from its US fleet, or about one-third of the global EV fleet, according to an SEC filing dated Jan. 11. The sale, which was initiated in December 2023 and is expected to take place over the course of 2024, will cover multiple makes and models. The company expects to reinvest a portion of the proceeds from the sale of EVs into the purchase of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to meet c...

PARTS iD Inc. has announced that it received notification from the NYSE that the NYSE has initiated proceedings to delist the Class A common stock of PARTS iD Inc. from NYSE American, according to a press release dated Jan. 2. The NYSE also indefinitely suspended trading of the company’s Class A common stock effective Dec. 26, 2023. PARTS iD does not intend to appeal the NYSE’s determination, the company said. Significance: According to the release, the NYSE determined t...

Bridgestone Europe NV/SA has announced the sale of its Russian assets to S8 Capital, a Russian diversified holding company, according to a press release dated Dec. 20, 2023. The deal has received all necessary regulatory approvals. The agreement includes a tire manufacturing plant in Ulyanovsk, Russia, and a sales and marketing office in Moscow. Bridgestone has been present in Russia since 1998. The company suspended all manufacturing activities in Russia in March 2023. Significance: "As p...

ZF, a technology company based in Friedrichshafen, Germany, has announced a shift in its business model for its global shuttle business. The company will no longer aim to facilitate entire autonomous transportation systems, including shuttles and fleet management, but instead focus on providing engineering services to customers and developing the building blocks needed for autonomous driving, according to a press release on Dec. 19. Existing partnerships and projects related to the GRT shuttl...

GSF Car Parts, a UK-based supplier of car parts to the independent aftermarket, announced that its Executive Chairman Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia and CEO Steve Horne have unveiled an ambitious and trailblazing vision to invest, expand and improve the leading automotive aftermarket business at its Supercharged for Success staff conference this week, according to a company release dated Dec. 14. More than 300 managers from across the national motor factor’s 180 branches and specialist support tea...

US-based Transtar Holding Co. has announced the formation of NexaMotion Group, according to a press release dated Dec. 1. The new company will encompass the automotive aftermarket businesses that serve automotive professionals through distribution and e-commerce solutions. The group will include Transtar Industries, Transend, C&M Auto Parts, King-O-Matic, TransMart, Recon and Pro-King Automotive Products, the company said. Significance: According to the company, Neil Sethi, presid...

German supplier Continental has outlined a strategy to increase value creation through cost reduction measures, improved efficiency, and a focus on high-growth business areas. The company aims to achieve a consolidated adjusted EBIT margin of around 8-11% in the next two to three years and improve within this range, according to a press release dated December 4. In the Automotive group sector, Continental will focus on value-creating business areas with high growth, including the User Experie...

Magneti Marelli Parts and Services, the division of Marelli dedicated to the distribution of spare parts, automotive components and technical information to the independent aftermarket, announced that it is implementing Project 5.0, a comprehensive digital transformation plan aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency, according to a press release dated Nov. 9. “Project 5.0 represents our determination and commitment to lead the independent aftermarket towards new d...

Holley Inc. (Holley), a US-based manufacturer of high-performance aftermarket products for car and truck enthusiasts, announced that it is implementing a new organizational design, according to a press release dated October 19. As part of the strategic realignment, the company has established seven new verticals in an effort to strengthen its ability to serve the classic vehicle market while also expanding its focus on aftermarket solutions for newer model vehicles. The new verticals are C...

Electric vehicle charging-equipment maker Tritium DCFC Ltd. will supply fast-charger technology and services to the French EV charging network Driveco, Tritium announced October 4. The company said that Driveco has placed its first order with Tritium for more than 200 fast chargers, including 100 PKM150 (150 kW) chargers and 100 RTM50 (50 kW) chargers. Tritium and Driveco’s partnership aims to provide reliable fast charging to the increasing number of EV drivers in France. Notabl...