Premium Guard Inc. (PGI), a US-based aftermarket supplier of filters, announced the appointment of Bob Johnson as vice president of Heavy-Duty Sales, effective June 17. Johnson brings over 30 years of leadership experience in the heavy-duty industry, with a proven record in revenue growth, strategic sales execution and team-building. In his new role, he will lead PGI's Heavy-Duty Sales division, focusing on developing and executing sales strategies, fostering customer relationships and e...

Detroit Axle, an aftermarket auto parts dealer based in Ferndale, Michigan, is facing potential closure within weeks due to tariffs on goods imported from China, according to a June 8 news report by The Detroit News. The company filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the termination of the "de minimis" exemption, which allowed small-value packages from China to be imported duty-free, the report added. Detroit Axle's filing with the US Court of International Trade expresses urge...

Continental, a tire manufacturer, is expanding its use of renewable and recycled materials in tire production, increasing the share from an average of 26% in 2024 to a projected 28-29% in 2025. This growth is driven by incorporating materials such as synthetic rubber from renewable or circular oil, recycled polyester from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), recycled steel and innovative fillers such as silica from rice husk ash. The company plans to exceed a 40% share of renewable and recycle...

Continental Tires announced that it will discontinue its Truck and Bus Radial tire (TBR) business in India in June, saying that it will fully focus on the growth of its Passenger Car and Light Truck tire (PLT) business. The realignment move includes discontinuing its dedicated TBR manufacturing line at its Modipuram tire plant in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India. “The realignment is aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of Continental Tires’ operations in India. In response to changing...

Meko (previously Mekonomen Group), an automotive spare-parts distributor based in Sweden, has announced that it is enhancing its focus on exclusive brand spare parts and accessories for workshops and car owners by establishing a new division aimed at strengthening its product offering across all its markets. Henrik Pettersson has been appointed to lead this organization, bringing his extensive experience in the automotive aftermarket and product development, the company says, adding that it h...

Mighty Distributing System (MDSA), a provider of original equipment-quality automotive parts, chemicals and lubricants, has announced the appointment of Dave Johnston as director of major accounts. The company says Johnston brings more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, including senior leadership roles at Apollo Tyres Ltd. and Toyo Tires, where he led commercial sales, product strategy and market development across the US and ...

Action Smart Group, an Australian car repair company consisting of seven businesses, has gone into liquidation owing almost $5 million to creditors. The collapse is attributed to fewer hailstorms in recent years and rapid, unsustainable growth, affecting workshops in New South Wales, ACT, Victoria, and South Australia. The liquidation has also impacted several small paint and panel beating businesses across Australia, which are unlikely to recover their losses. The companies, directed by Adam...

AutoZone has announced the appointment of Claire Rauh McDonough to the AutoZone Board of Directors. McDonough serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Rivian, an American automotive manufacturer that develops and builds category-defining electric vehicles as well as software and services that address the entire lifecycle of the vehicle. Prior to joining Rivian in 2021, she was a Managing Director in Investment Banking and co-head of the Disruptive Commerce Group at J....

The supervisory board of Continental AG has appointed Roland Welzbacher to its executive board, effective August 1. Welzbacher will succeed Olaf Schick as CFO following a joint transition period. Schick, who requested an early termination of his contract in December 2024, will step down on Sept. 30, 2025. Welzbacher, currently heading the Finance and Controlling function in the Tires group sector since 2023, will take over as CFO on Oct. 1, 2025, while continuing his current role. The specifi...

SKF has appointed DJ Kimsey as its new president of Vehicle Aftermarket for North America. In this position, Kimsey will manage the region's sales, marketing, operations and product management, and he will be located at the headquarters in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. In a statement, Olaf Henning, general manager and head of Global Aftermarket at SKF, expressed enthusiasm for Kimsey's appointment, highlighting his over 20 years of experience and his significant expertise in the North American aft...

Continental has announced a significant shift in its Commercial Specialty Tires division, deciding to concentrate on Material Handling, Earthmoving and Port Operations Tires while discontinuing its Agricultural Tires business by the end of 2025. This strategic decision came after a thorough review of the business segment, which revealed that the agricultural tires market has been facing considerable disruptions, making it increasingly commoditized and misaligned with Continental's future...

Valvoline Global Operations has inaugurated its first London office, a significant step in its global expansion strategy, according to company CEO Jamal Muashsher. This new regional hub in Central London's Fitzrovia district spans nearly 5,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 29 employees. It joins Valvoline Global's existing international hubs in Singapore and Lexington, Kentucky, the latter of which houses the company's global corporate and research and development headquarters. The op...

Yokohama Corporation of North America (YCNA) recently announced significant organizational changes that are effective immediately. Jeff Barna, who has been serving as the president and CEO of Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC), has been promoted and will now also hold the position of president and CEO of YCNA. This promotion entrusts him with expanded responsibilities that include support roles for Yokohama Canada (YTC) and Yokohama Mexico (YTMX). These changes aim to strengthen the corporation's managem...

GKN Automotive has made a significant stride in fostering future engineering talent by inaugurating two new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Innovation Labs in India as a pivotal aspect of its global Future Talent Program. The launch of these labs aims to ignite a passion for engineering among the next generation worldwide, with a special focus on enhancing the educational landscape for vulnerable communities in India. By introducing new infrastructure, scienc...

Japan-based Hitachi Astemo, a manufacturer of engine management, electric powertrain and integrated vehicle controls for major automotive manufacturers, has announced that it will change its company name to Astemo Ltd., effective April 1. Building on the accumulated achievements under the Hitachi name, Astemo aims to further strengthen the brand and become a leading company in electrification and intelligence of mobility in the software-defined vehicle (SDV) age. To implement the change,...

Meko announced that it is strengthening its focus on commercial vehicles, including trucks, buses and transporters with a goal to achieve the same strong market position in commercial vehicles as in passenger cars. To lead this expansion, Meko has appointed experienced automotive industry leader Nils Hollmann as the head of its newly established Commercial Vehicle division. "We are stepping up our efforts and redefining the market to benefit our customers. Owners and operators of commerc...

NTN Bearing Corp. has announced that CEO Ukai has been appointed chairperson of the World Bearing Association (WBA). His term began in September 2024 and will last for two years. Founded in 2006, the WBA is a non-profit, unincorporated industrial association comprising three major regional bearing associations: The Japan Bearing Industry Association (JBIA), the American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA) and the Federation of European Bearing Manufacturers’ Associations (FEBMA). These...

Following the supervisory board’s approval of the spinoff last week, Continental’s Automotive group sector has decided to establish the headquarters of the planned independent company in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The aim is to locate the headquarters of the new automotive company at the current site in the Guerickestraße, Germany, by mid-2025. In total, about 4,230 employees work in the Continental-location in Frankfurt in production, research and development, and administration (as of De...

Bosch has inaugurated a new metal 3D printing facility at its Nuremberg plant in Germany, marking a significant advancement in its manufacturing capabilities. The company invested nearly €6 million in the center, along with the acquisition and installation of the Nikon SLM Solutions NXG XII 600 metal 3D printer. This strategic investment positions Bosch as the first tier 1 automotive supplier in Europe to operate a facility of this performance class, underlining its commitment to Germany as...

CarParts.com, an e-commerce destination for automotive parts and accessories, has announced that it is considering a possible sale of the company in its efforts to "maximize shareholder value" in response to "inbound strategic inquiries the company has received." To facilitate this process, CarParts.com has obtained the services of Craig-Hallum Capital Group LLC for financial advisory and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation for legal counsel. David Meniane, CEO o...

American Tire Distributors has recently concluded the sale of all its assets to a group of well-financed investors keen on fostering long-term growth. This move has led to the formation of a new entity, which will continue to operate under the name American Tire Distributors (ATD). The new company aims to enhance its growth trajectory and establish itself as a significant player within the replacement tire distribution sector. The strategy revolves around concentrating on its primary tire dis...

The Fuchs Group, a Germany-based independent supplier of lubrication solutions, has officially inaugurated the expansion of its production facility in Isando, Johannesburg, South Africa. With an investment of €26 million, this expansion strengthens the position of Fuchs Lubricants South Africa in key industries such as automotive, mining, original equipment manufacturing, industrial and specialty, the company stated in a release. The company’s efforts to expand in South Africa began with ...

Driven Brands, a US-based automotive aftermarket repairing and servicing company, has announced its decision to sell its US car wash business to Express Wash Operations LLC, doing business as Whistle Express Car Wash (Whistle), for a sum of $385 million. The move, according to Jonathan Fitzpatrick, the president and CEO of Driven Brands, is aimed at reducing the company's debt and concentrating on expanding the Take 5 Oil Change brand along with its other franchised brands that generate stabl...

Clarios, a US-based supplier of energy storage solutions to original equipment (OE) manufacturers and the aftermarket, announced that it has produced its 1 millionth lithium-ion (Li-ion) 12V battery. The company said the milestone reflects its role in the development of low-voltage energy storage technologies essential for highly electrified vehicles such as internal combustion engines (ICEs), hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles. With a comprehensive global network, Clarios ...

Continental said its Automotive group is making strides toward prioritizing future technologies to maintain its competitive edge in the realm of safe, connected, autonomous mobility. This involves a strategic overhaul of its global research and development network and processes to quickly meet customer needs. Key to this revamp is a plan to reduce the R&D ratio through efficiency measures affecting approximately 3,000 R&D jobs globally by the end of 2026, with under half of these impa...

Exide Technologies has announced a significant update to its Exide Light Vehicle battery range, introducing a new label design aimed at simplifying product identification for users. The redesign features a clear, color-coded scheme that aligns with the battery technology of each product, facilitating easier selection for automotive aftermarket distributors and technicians. This change is part of Exide's broader initiative to enhance brand recognition and adherence to its new corporate identity a...

Starfire Lubricants, a US-based premium lubrication solutions provider, has expanded its team by hiring Brian Hayes as sales manager and Pat McLaughlin for retail market expansion. Together, they bring a combined 54 years of experience, industry leadership and a proven record of success to Starfire as the company continues to expand its footprint and innovate in the lubricant industry, according to the company release.  Hayes joins as a sales manager with over 20 year...

As reported in a press release on Feb. 4, General Motors (GM) has successfully completed its acquisition of GM Cruise Holdings LLC, making Cruise a wholly-owned subsidiary of GM, following the approval of GM's merger proposal by the Cruise board of directors. This acquisition positions Cruise to work closely with GM on the development of autonomous vehicle technology and advanced driver assistance systems for personal vehicles. GM plans to incorporate Cruise's technology into its Super Cruise...

LKQ Corp. announced that it has introduced two new independent directors, Sue Gove and Michael Powell, to its board of directors, effective immediately. This enhancement is part of a broader strategy that included the formation of a finance committee within the board. These changes come as part of a cooperation agreement with Ancora Catalyst Institutional LP, Engine Capital LP and their affiliates, following a period of constructive engagement. Sue Gove, the founder and president of...

ZF Aftermarket has launched a campaign called Keep it Real to combat counterfeit automotive parts, which pose extensive risks to drivers, passengers and other road users, and also have broader economic and brand implications. The campaign delves into the complex operations behind identifying, tracking and eliminating fake products from the supply chain, emphasizing the global and meticulously coordinated efforts of ZF's intellectual property team. Stationed at the departmental headquarters in...

German components supplier and filtration expert MANN+HUMMEL has announced the appointment of Lisa Schiffgens as the new director of Corporate Relations, effective immediately. In this significant role, Schiffgens will oversee both internal and external communications, working directly under the guidance of Chief Marketing Officer Géraldine Tenten. Schiffgens brings a wealth of experience in communications and marketing to MANN+HUMMEL, having previously served as a spokesperson for t...

Continental has announced significant structural changes within the ContiTech division, affecting various German locations throughout 2025. The planned adjustments involve halting production in Bad Blankenburg (Thuringia), Stolzenau (Lower Saxony), and Moers (North Rhine-Westphalia), ceasing toolmaking activities in Frohburg and Geithain (Saxony), and scaling back operations of the Original Equipment Solutions (OESL) in Hamburg, Germany. Additionally, a production line at the ContiTech site in H...

Bridgestone Americas, a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, announced the closure of its Truck and Bus Radial Tire Plant in LaVergne, Tennessee, set for July 31, 2025. This move is part of the company's strategic initiatives to enhance its business operations in the US by optimizing its footprint and improving competitiveness. The closure of the LaVergne plant, affecting around 700 employees, is aligned with Bridgestone's ongoing efforts to strengthen its premium tire business and create v...

MAHLE, an automotive components manufacturer, said it is taking significant steps to decarbonize its production site in Vaihingen-Enz, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, by installing a cutting-edge photovoltaic thermal (PVT) plant. The facility is the largest of its kind in Germany and will utilize over 1,000 PVT modules supplied by Sunmaxx, a European manufacturer of PVT hybrid modules. MAHLE, serving as a strategic investor and development partner of Sunmaxx, aims to significantly reduce its dep...

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Aftermarket Suppliers, an association in North America representing motor-vehicle component manufacturers, has announced the addition of three new members to its advisory board for 2025. The newly appointed members are Cal Ganda from Continental ContiTech, serving as the Aftermarket lead; John Hanighen, the president and CEO of Cloyes; and Emily Poladian, the president of Bridgestone Mobility Solutions. Their inclusion is aimed a...

Japan's JTEKT Corp. has announced a fundamental agreement to transfer its European Needle Roller Bearings (NRB) business to Aequita, a financial investor based in Germany. This includes the sale of all shares of its three consolidated subsidiaries involved in the manufacture and sale of NRBs in Europe, collectively referred to as Target Companies, according to the release. This strategic move is part of JTEKT's second medium-term management plan, covering the fiscal year 2024 to 2026, ai...

Aisin Corp., a Japanese tier 1 automotive components and systems supplier, has announced significant internal restructuring of three of its North America businesses. The restructuring, set to take place by April 1, 2025, involves the consolidation of Aisin World Corp. of America (AWA), Aisin Holdings of America and Aisin Technical Center of America. Specifically, Aisin Holdings of America and Aisin Technical Center of America will merge with AWA. This move is based on leveraging the uniq...

Dorman Products has announced the appointment of Tayfun Uner as president, Light Duty. In this newly-created role, Uner will be responsible for driving strategic growth and overseeing all commercial and operational aspects of Dorman’s largest business segment. In a statement, Dorman CEO Kevin Olsen praised Uner's extensive experience and his anticipated contribution to the continued success of the Light Duty business segment. The appointment marks the completion of a segment transition with...

Clarios, renowned for its leadership in low-voltage battery technology, has recently announced a landmark contract with a major automotive manufacturer for the supply of its cutting-edge supercapacitors in both 12-V and 48-V configurations. The company's supercapacitors are specially designed to deliver bursts of high power essential for steer-by-wire (SBW) systems and other vehicle applications, contributing minimal weight to the overall vehicle mass. This technology is crucial for ensuring ...

General Motors (GM) is refining its autonomous driving strategy to emphasize the development of advanced driver assistance systems, steering toward fully autonomous personal vehicles. Building on the success of Super Cruise, a hands-off, eyes-on driving feature available on over 20 GM vehicle models, GM plans to further advance autonomous and assisted driving technologies. This development is being marked by the integration of the teams from GM and its majority-owned subsidiary, Cruise LLC. T...

California, US-based voice AI company SoundHound AI Inc. has announced the launch of the Lucid Assistant, a sophisticated hands-free voice assistant developed for electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid. The assistant is designed to allow customers an intuitive method of controlling various vehicle functions simply through speech. To showcase the capabilities of the Lucid Assistant, SoundHound will provide a hands-on experience with a Lucid Air at its Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 booth....

LKQ Corp. has announced significant changes to its board of directors as part of its ongoing board refreshment process, according to a press release dated Dec. 11. The company revealed that James S. Metcalf will join the board as an independent director starting from Dec. 11. This appointment coincides with the announcement that Dominick Zarcone has decided not to stand for reelection and will retire at the conclusion of his term during the company's 2025 annual meeting. Following Zarcone's d...

Dana Inc. has announced the appointment of Nora LaFreniere to its board of directors, effective immediately, according to a press release dated Dec. 11. LaFreniere holds the position of executive vice president and general counsel at Otis Worldwide Corp., where she is responsible for a broad range of functions including the company's global legal and compliance strategies, business development, intellectual property, security, government relations, quality, and environmental, health, and...

In a press release dated Dec. 9, German automotive tier 1 supplier Continental announced that its executive board has reached the decision to spin off its Automotive group sector. This decision follows a detailed evaluation process that began in early August. The plan is to seek approval from the supervisory board in March 2025 and then present the proposal for a spin-off to Continental AG's annual shareholders' meeting on April 25, 2025. If approved, the spin-off is anticipated to be complet...

Spanish energy and petrochemical company Repsol has announced that with the launch of 100% renewable diesel at its service station in Cartes (Cantabria, Spain), Repsol has achieved a milestone of 600 stations supplying 100% renewable fuel across the Iberian Peninsula, including 550 in Spain and 50 in Portugal, according to a press release dated Nov. 26. The accomplishment fulfills the target set in Repsol’s 2024–2027 Strategic Update to reach 600 stations with 100% renewable NEXA Die...

Valeo is set to eliminate approximately 1,000 jobs across Europe, with significant impacts in France where about 800 workers will be affected, according to a report published by Reuters on Nov. 27. This move includes the closure of two Valeo sites within France. The job cuts are not confined to France alone; Valeo will also reduce its workforce in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. This decision follows Valeo's announcement in October of a reduction in its annual sales forecast and comes...

Phinia, the spinoff company of the fuel systems and aftermarket segments of Michigan, US-based powertrain technologies supplier BorgWarner, announced the expansion of its North American team by hiring three new members, according to a press release dated Nov. 22. Hailey Long has been appointed as the manager for the North America Category Management, Pricing and Catalog teams. Having been a part of Phinia since 2015, Long has gained diverse experience within the company, working in Sales...

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 ...