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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mullen Automotive, a US-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has announced that that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Loop Global, a full-service EV charging solution provider, to build the next generation of public and private EV charging technology, infrastructure and network solutions, according to a press release dated 14 December. According to the release, the partnership will combine Mullen Automotive’s expertise in EV design and engineering with Loop’s expertise...

Amsterdam-based car-as-a-service (CaaS) company, LeasePlan, and NIO, a company in the premium smart electric vehicle (EV) market has announced the expansion of their strategic partnership to four additional European markets: Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden, a press release dated 12 October read.  Tex Gunning, CEO, LeasePlan, commented, "Chinese OEMs have arrived as a major force in the European EV market. European customers can now choose from an entire new range of innovat...

Mando Aftermarket, a division of South Korean automotive components manufacturer, Mando, and Argus Cyber Security, a company involved in cybersecurity products and services for mobility platforms, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to bolster the cybersecurity capabilities of HL Mando, according to a press release dated 4 November. By partnering with Argus, Mando says it will be able to comply with new international automotive cybersecurity regulations that mandate all suppliers in th...

India headquartered Apollo Tyres has announced that it has partnered with Tyromer Inc, a firm involved in nonchemical devulcanization of end-of-life tires, according to a press release dated 23 November. Under the partnership, Tyromer, through their Indian associate, Tyromer India, will supply recycled rubber material or tire-derived polymer (TDP), produced using its environmentally sustainable processes, to Apollo Tyres as the raw material. According to P K Mohamed, chief advisor, R&D, A...

Webasto has announced that it will manufacture intelligent fast charging systems, or High-Power Chargers (HPC), for Munich-based company Charge-V, commencing January 2023, according to a press release dated 10 November. Representatives of both companies signed a corresponding four-year contract in mid-October. The charging systems will be assembled according to Charge-V’s specifications at Webasto’s Schierling plant in Bavaria, Germany, where preparations for commissioning a dedicated ass...

Honda Cars India (HCIL) has announced that it has signed an agreement with Maruti Suzuki Toyotsu India Private Limited (MSTI) to offer its customers, an end-to-end solution for scrapping their End of Life (EOL) vehicles, according to a press release dated 28 November. With this tie-up, HCIL strives to assist its customers get the best value of their EOLs and facilitate hassle-free deregistration and issue of Certificate of Deposit/ Destruction through its dealer partners, the release added. M...

Australian automotive aftermarket parts distributor CoolDrive Auto Parts has announced that it is now an authorized distributor of Cataclean fuel and exhaust system cleaners, according to a press release dated 21 November. Originally developed to clean the catalytic converter, Cataclean has reportedly expanded into “a patented 8-in-1 complete fuel and exhaust system cleaner” for combustion engines, including petrol, diesel and hybrids, the release added. Significance: The company says the...

Lubricant maker Castrol has announced an agreement with Jaguar Land Rover under which the automaker, that has exclusively recommended approved Castrol engine oils for its vehicles since 2001, will extend their relationship through to 2026, according to a press release dated 15 November. Castrol says its deep collaboration with Jaguar Land Rover is focused on delivering technologically advanced, efficient lubricant products that push the boundaries of engine performance and help improve fuel e...

Hella Gutmann, a partnership between European diagnostic brand Gutmann Messtechnik and German automotive supplier HELLA, which operates under the umbrella brand FORVIA, announced that it has expanded its partnership with Germany's largest automobile association, ADAC, for the telematics project called 'ADAC Smart Connectʼ, according to a press release dated 17 November. Members of the automobile club can avail additional services such as preventive in-depth vehicle diagnostics and more targeted...

BorgWarner Inc., a  mobility solutions player for the vehicle market, and Wolfspeed, a global player in Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology, announced a strategic partnership that calls for BorgWarner to invest USD500 million in Wolfspeed’s financing transaction, in exchange for a Sic device capacity corridor, according to a press release dated 16 November. Under the multiyear agreement between BorgWarner and Wolfspeed, BorgWarner will be entitled to purchase up to USD...

Japanese telecommunications company NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com) and Japan-based DENSO Corporation, a manufacturer of mobility components, have announced that they will collaboratively develop a Security Operation Center for Vehicles (VSOC1) to respond to the threat of increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks against vehicles, according to a press release dated 18 October. This collaboration combines the strengths of NTT Com and DENSO to establish and develop the technologies that ...

Japan’s Bridgestone Corporation and Toppan Forms are working toward the early commercialization of next-generation RFID tags for tires, and joint development of mounting technology will start in October 2022, according to a company release dated 28 October. Both companies have explored the possibility of applying non-contact individual management technology to tires, according to the release. As part of the collaboration, Bridgestone's tire development and manufacturing technology and Toppa...

Sono Motors, the Munich-based solar mobility OEM, and Bosch have agreed to cooperate on a joint Europe-wide network of car repair shops, according to a press release 10 November. The companies will collaborate for servicing and repairing the Sion within the framework of the Bosch Car Service Workshop Concept. Owners of the Sion, Sono Motor’s solar electric vehicle (EV), will be able to use all services offered by participating car repair shops, including repair, servicing, maintenance,...

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is partnering with Drive TLV to expand its footprint into the Israeli mobility ecosystem, an official press release dated 8 November read. Drive will help drive partnerships between Goodyear and their network of start-ups and potential investment opportunities in Drive’s startup network. “Israel is a hot spot for innovation, with many cutting-edge technology companies working to advance the future of mobility. Goodyear has already invested and collaborat...

Rotary, part of Vehicle Service Group (VSG), a Dover company, announced its partnership with TEXA, a global leader in the design, development and production of diagnostic tools for the vehicle repair industry, according to a press release dated 31 October.  Rotary claims that the new “Rotary powered by TEXA” product lines will provide American automotive service professionals with fully automatic air conditioning charging solutions designed to make the entire process quick,...

Australian automotive aftermarket parts distributor CoolDrive Auto Parts has announced its partnership with automotive parts specialist BASCO, according to a press release dated 6 October. BASCO is an independent Australian family-owned automotive parts company.  CoolDrive said in the release that BASCO has excellent cataloging to complement its extensive range of high-quality parts. This will ensure its customers make the right choice faster and easier through CoolDr...

French carmaker Renault Group and lubricants supplier Castrol, part of the BP group, announced the extension of their partnership for a further three years until the end of 2027. The two companies will continue to co-design and supply aftermarket engine oils to the global dealer network of Renault Group brands (Renault, Dacia, and Alpine), according to a press release dated 28 September. In addition to the partnership extension, the Renault Group and Castrol co-branded product range will also...

Hengst Filtration, a Germany-based specialist in liquid and air filtration, and German automotive supplier of sensors and electronics, paragon GmbH & Co. KGaA, announced that they have entered into a strategic partnership to “break new ground in interior air filtration,” according to a press release dated 5 October. The goal is to combine the expertise of the two companies to bring filtration solutions to the market that sustainably keep dust, bacteria, fungi, and viruses out of the...

French automotive supplier Valeo has announced that it has signed an agreement with a French research organization, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), to collaborate on the next generations of power electronics, according to a press release dated 13 September. The company believes power electronics are key to motor control, energy management, and charging speed in electric vehicles. As part of the agreement, Valeo and the CEA’s teams will work together on advanc...

The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is the primary national trade association for home, auto, and business insurers. APCIA promotes and protects the viability of private competition for the benefit of consumers and insurers. APCIA has issued a statement, on 3 October, supporting two recently released white papers focused on the impact of right to repair legislation in the auto industry. The white paper “Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (RE...

Japanese trading company Marubeni Corporation and Lithia & Driveway (LAD), a US-based automotive dealer group, have entered into a Letter of Intent for a strategic alliance to jointly participate in the commercial vehicle fleet management business in North America, expand Marubeni’s automotive-related business, and develop new business in the electric vehicle (EV) field, according to a press release dated 6 September. With a large vehicle sales and service network in North America, LAD ...

Solera, a US-based company involved in vehicle lifecycle management software-as-a-service (SaaS) has announced a strategic partnership with DigniFi, a leading FinTech platform for the automotive industry for a financing option that is claimed to make unexpected repairs more affordable, according to a press release dated 9 September. Solera will offer access to DigniFi financing options to consumers seeking payment solutions for a range of vehicle repairs made by auto repair and body shops as ...

German automotive supplier HELLA, which operates under the umbrella brand FORVIA, has announced that thanks to the merger of HELLA and Faurecia, independent workshops now have the opportunity to access the repair service of Clarion Europe SAS, a subsidiary of Faurecia, via HELLA Tech World, according to a press release dated 13 September. HELLA Tech World is HELLA's workshop portal that offers car mechanics comprehensive expert knowledge, checklists, and instructions for smooth repairs. By in...

Spanish bearings manufacturer, Fersa Group, has announced that its subsidiary Fersa Bearings has formed a strategic partnership with Knorr-Bremse TruckServices, the commercial vehicles aftermarket brand of Knorr-Bremse AG, according to a press release dated 8 September. With headquarters in Munich, Germany, Knorr-Bremse is the global supplier of braking systems and other systems for rail and commercial vehicles. With the partnership, Knorr-Bremse TruckServices will become a strategic sales pa...

BYD (China) and Castrol have signed a three-year partnership to enhance the supply and promotion of Castrol ON advanced EV Fluids for BYD’s zero-emissions vehicles, according to a press release dated 22 August. The agreement builds on existing first-fill agreement, the release added. BYD sold almost 600,000 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) last year and plans to increase this to a million units in 2022, the release stated, adding that BYD will officially recommend the use of Castrol ON EV T...

The automotive service industry trade fair Automechanika Frankfurt has further expanded its international network of associations by entering into a cooperation with the US-American Association of Diesel Specialists (ADS), according to a press release dated 23 August by German trade fair, congress and event organizer Messe Frankfurt, who is also organizing the upcoming Automechanika Frankfurt from 13 to 17 September. The move is expected to give the trade fair a stronger footing in the US mar...

RAC, a UK-based breakdown service provider for both private and business drivers, has announced that Kia UK has extended its long-running roadside assistance partnership with the company till end-2023, according to a press release dated 7 September. Every new Kia sold is covered by Kia Roadside Assistance, a comprehensive roadside service delivered by the RAC aimed to give drivers peace of mind, whether they are driving in the United Kingdom or elsewhere in Europe. The contract also sees the ...

MEKO (previously Mekonomen Group), an automotive spare-parts distributor based in Sweden, has announced that the company and Mobivia Fleet Solutions, have signed a partnership agreement to provide fleet customers and also new electric vehicle (EV) producers a complete service and full car fleet maintenance in the respective markets they operate in, according to a press release dated 7 September. MEKO AB and Mobivia both operate a network of sales and services related to automotive maintenance...

Japanese tire manufacturing company Bridgestone Corporation has said that it has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to use its cloud services for the company’s mobility solutions, it said in a press release on 29 August. Bridgestone will be able to use AWS’ internet of things (IoT), machine learning, and analytics/business intelligence services to launch new customer-centric solutions and improve data analysis. “AWS has helped strengthen and modernize our Americas business fo...

Sinopec Capital has announced via a press release on 2 August that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with British specialty chemicals company Johnson Matthey. The companies seek to explore joint opportunities in green and blue hydrogen, fuel cells, decarbonization technologies, and circular economy businesses in mainland China.  Dr Mark Su, Johnson Matthey China President, said, “Johnson Matthey has a long heritage in China. We are China’s leading auto catalyst produ...

STEER Holdings Inc. entered into an agreement with a fleet operator with presence in North America, Enterprise Fleet Management, to lease over 1000 electric vehicles valued between USD80 and USD150 million for its EV subscription business, STEER EV, according to a press release dated 22 August by Businesswire.  STEER is a an integrated ESG technology platform that moves people and delivers things through subscription and on-demand services.The Company’s offerings are subscription-...

CATL and Bosch Automotive opened the first co-authorized new energy vehicle workshop in Chongqing, southwest China, according to a press release dated 25 July. The local franchiser, named Chongqing Runhe New Energy Vehicle Co., Ltd. (“Chongqing Runhe”), is also CATL's 150th passenger vehicle workshop opened nationwide. Covering an area of about 2,400 square meters, the newly opened workshop is the first new energy vehicle repair station authorized by both parties in China, and will p...

GSF Car Parts, a UK-based suppliers of car parts to the independent aftermarket, announced that it has entered into a new partnership with garage management software specialist Garage Hive, via a press release dated 3 August. AlliCat Online, the leading parts catalogue operated by GSF Car Parts, is now fully integrated with Garage Hive. That means Garage Hive customers can access GSF’s comprehensive catalog of high quality parts and guidance. Significance: AlliCat Online is designed...

Romanian auto parts distributor, Materom, partners with Syncron Retail Inventory to enhance service delivery and streamline it's aftermarket parts business, according to a press release dated 9 August. Syncron is an aftersales service solution provider. It works for manufacturers and distributors to improve aftermarket business profitability, optimize working capital, increase customer loyalty, and enable customers to successfully transition to service-driven business models. The release read...

Bridgestone via press release on 5 August has announced collaboration with Microsoft to accelerate advance tire analytics integration across global portfolio of connected tires and mobility solutions.  According to the release, Advanced and predictive maintenance analytics will deliver greater productivity and efficiency for customers. Using Azure will enable Bridgestone to create value for customers, primarily global fleet and OEM customers, by integrating advanced tire analytic...

US-based automotive service equipment provider Hunter Engineering has partnered with The Reynolds and Reynolds Company to provide a new inspection equipment, according to a press release dated 3 August. The Reynolds and Reynolds Company is a leading provider of software and services for automotive dealerships. With this new partnership, automotive dealers will now have greater opportunity to drive more alignment and tire sales through instant access to data from Hunter’s Quick Check Dr...

XPEL, a US-based provider of aftermarket automotive products, including automotive surface and paint protection, ceramic coatings, headlight protection, and automotive window films, has announced that it has been selected as the exclusive supplier to Rivian Automotive LLC for their new paint protection film (PPF) factory direct program, according to a press release dated 12 July. By the terms of the agreement, Rivian Automotive will offer factory direct PPF options to its customers ordering t...

Volta, a US-based electric vehicle charging network provider, has announced a partnership with Michelin North America to bring the latter’s ‘Motion For Life’ campaign to millions of EV drivers and consumers in the US, according to a press release dated 19 July. The campaign showcases Michelin’s tires designed to maximize EV performance. Volta provides public EV charging with locations at grocery stores, entertainment venues, apparel retailers, and more. The strategic location of Volta...

Brembo, an Italy-based manufacturer of brake components and systems, and China-based friction products manufacturer Gold Phoenix have signed a 50/50 joint venture agreement establishing a new company, Shandong BRGP Friction Technology Co., Ltd, to create the first large-scale Brembo manufacturing facility fully dedicated to the production of innovative aftermarket pads, according to a press release dated 25 July.  The newly formed company will bring together Brembo’s leadership in brak...

UK-based engineering services provider Ricardo plc has announced that the United States Army has awarded Ricardo’s Defense business unit, located in Michigan, over USD18.9 million to deliver additional Antilock Brake System/Electronic Stability Control (ABS/ESC) retrofit kits to improve the safety of operation of the US Army’s High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), according to a press release dated 14 July. In addition to those retrofit kits Ricardo has previously delivered,...

German chemical company BASF has announced that BASF Global Automotive Refinish Coatings Solutions, a business unit of BASF’s Coatings division, has partnered with the European Association of Peugeot Car Dealers (AECP) for the upcoming years, according to a press release dated 12 July. The company says this new partnership strengthens the long-standing ties and mutual trust that exist between BASF Automotive Refinish and Peugeot car dealer networks in Europe. It ensures that all AECP affili...

Renault Group, French automaker, and Vitesco Technologies, global automotive supplier of electric mobility and powertrain components, announced the signing of a strategic partnership for the joint development and the production of power electronics in a so-called “One Box” for electric and hybrid powertrains, according to a press release dated 12 July. Under this agreement, both partners will contribute their know-how and experience to jointly develop a power electronics concept that is u...

DENSO Aftermarket, the aftermarket arm of Japan-based DENSO Corporation, has announced that effective July 2022, the company has entered into a partnership with Tetrosyl Express, a manufacturer and supplier of car care products in Europe, as a key strategic distribution partner in the UK market, according to a release dated 4 July from the UK aftermarket industry body Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF). By partnering with Tetrosyl Express, DENSO says it can improve accessibi...

The Automotive Aftermarket division of the industrial and automotive supplier Schaeffler has announced that it has chosen DTM driver Marco Wittmann as brand ambassador for its REPXPERT service brand, according to a press release dated 15 June. Under REPXPERT, Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket bundles its service offerings towards independent garages. It offers technical training, service hotline, repair information via online portal and app, special tools and a variety of other digital services ...

US-based retailer of aftermarket automotive parts and accessories AutoZone announced that it has recognized 16 of its top vendors at its 2022 Vendor Partner Summit, according to a press release dated 8 June. Clarios, a US-based supplier of energy storage solutions to the OEM and aftermarket, received the company’s 2022 Vendor Partner of the Year award. “This award is a testament to the incredible work that our teams do each and every day to exceed our customer’s expectations,” sa...

North America-based automotive aftermarket parts retailer Advance Auto Parts has announced the introduction of DieHard electric vehicle (EV) with xEV by Clarios, becoming the first auto parts retailer to sell 12-V batteries designed specifically for hybrid and electric vehicles, according to a press release dated 23 May. The company says it its robust parts assortment will expand with DieHard EV, which is the latest offering of its several hybrid and EV parts already available. DieH...

Clarios, a US-based supplier of energy storage solutions to the OEM and aftermarket, and Natron Energy, Inc., a US-based manufacturer of sodium-ion batteries, jointly announced a strategic agreement to manufacture the world’s first mass-produced sodium-ion batteries, according to a press release dated 4 May. Clarios’ Meadowbrook facility in Michigan will become the world’s largest sodium-ion battery plant when mass production begins in 2023, the release added. “Clarios is excited to w...

Italy-based filtration and thermal management company UFI Filters has announced that it has expanded its business by becoming a supplier for Groupauto Italia, a distributor of spare parts and services belonging to Groupauto International, according to a press release dated 5 May. With this move, the UFI Filters Group thus becomes part of one of the most important networks in the Italian automotive aftermarket sector, in the car and heavy-duty vehicle segment, the release added. “We are c...

Japan-based NSK, a manufacturer of intelligent steering systems, engine and transmission bearings, and bearings and German conglomerate Thyssenkrupp AG, a supplier of automotive parts such as steering systems, dampers, camshafts, chassis, and body-in-white (BIW), have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore a joint venture (JV) between NSK Steering and thyssenkrupp Automotive, according to a press release dated 12 May. The steering businesses of both companies are highly compleme...

Japan-based Sumitomo Rubber Industries has announced that it has partnered with ORIX Automobile to commence a demonstration experiment of its air pressure and tire temperature monitoring service, according to an English-translated version of the press release (originally in Japanese) dated 7 April. The service remotely monitors tire pressure and temperature to prevent slow puncture which can be caused by gradual air escaping through tiny holes or cracks on tires. In the pilot stage, the devic...

O’Reilly Automotive, US-based automotive aftermarket parts retailer has signed a five-year renewal agreement with technology company Domo and is expanding its current relationship with the company beyond store operations and loss prevention to unlock data value across its entire organization, according to a press release from Domo dated 11 May. Founded in 1957, O’Reilly Auto Parts operates more than 5,800 stores across 47 states, and provides automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies,...

Lightning eMotors, a provider of zero emission medium-duty commercial vehicles and electric vehicle technology for fleets, and Perrone Robotics have partnered to offer Class 3–7 commercial fleet customers self-driving, electric fleet vehicles that can be deployed for a wide range of dedicated uses, according to a press release dated 9 May. The partnership expands Lightning’s zero-emissions electric vehicle (EV) platform offerings to include Perrone’s autonomous vehicle (AV)-powered...

US-based auto component maker Dana Incorporated has announced its strategic supply partnership with current OEM partner Lion Electric Co. to support its electric buses as well as medium- and heavy-duty trucks line-up, it said in a press release on 10 May.  "The bus and medium-duty truck segments are among the fastest growing for electrified products and we have developed our portfolio to enable a seamless integration for our customers vehicles," said Ryan Laskey, SVP of Dana Commercial V...

Dayco, a US-based engine products and drive systems manufacturer for the automotive industry with its aftermarket headquarters in Italy, has entered a strategic partnership with Nuvera Fuel Cells, a US-based manufacturer of heavy-duty, zero-emission fuel cell engines for on- and off-road mobility, according to a press release dated 9 March. This association aims to combine the companies’ capabilities to design and develop advanced fully integrated fuel cell solutions for a wide range of commer...

US-based parts procurement marketplace PartsTrader that claims to bring together repair shops, parts suppliers, and insurance carriers on one market-driven platform, has, via a press release dated 12 April, announced a partnership with LKQ North America to provide access to LKQ North America’s broad range of alternative parts and services via SurePart, its new parts pricing platform. Rather than relying on outdated catalog pricing, SurePart is claimed to use actual market pricing ...

The UK arm of French engine lubricant manufacturer Motul has joined UK aftermarket industry body Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) as its member, according to a release by IAAF dated 8 April. Established in 1853, Motul is known in the automotive industry for producing quality lubricant products with a heritage forged primarily on the racing circuit, according to the release. Callum Goodland, country manager for Motul, said, “We are delighted to join the leading voice...

Sojitz Corp, a Japan-based company engaged in trading business, investment and financial activities, has announced that it has acquired a stake in Twinner GmbH, a German car autoscanner developer digitalizing vehicle interior and exterior data, according to a press release dated 18 March. With this agreement, Sojitz has obtained distribution rights for Twinner in Japan, the release added. Twinner’s scanner system, called Twinner Space, is said to generate a digital twin of the vehicle withi...

CCC Intelligent Solutions (CCC), a US-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform powering the P&C (property and casualty) insurance economy, has announced that vehicle diagnostic and calibration solutions firm asTech, owned by US-based Repairify Inc, has joined the CCC Diagnostics network. CCC says the integration makes it easier for repair facilities to capture and document scan information and the streamlined service is available now via CCC ONE, the company’s platform that combines cri...

German parts manufacturer Continental announced via press release on 14 March that it has signed a development agreement with Pyrum Innovations, a recycling technology company based in Germany, Luxembourg, and France, to further optimize and expand the recycling of end-of-life tires through pyrolysis. Pyrolysis is the industrial process of breaking down large molecules of tire into smaller molecules of oil, gas, and carbon black. Recovered carbon black (rCB) produced in tire pyrolysis is an envi...

German automotive and industrial component supplier Schaeffler AG has expanded its partnership with German automotive manufacturer Bilstein, a subsidiary of thyssenkrupp, for chassis know-how on Schaeffler’s workshop portal REPXPERT, according to a press release dated 23 February. With this move, Bilstein's existing association with REPXPERT for expertise on shock absorbers and springs that began in summer 2021 goes from a “start-up phase” to regular operation. Volker Wegerhoff, head of...

Sensata Technologies, a US-based supplier of sensors and sensor-equipped solutions to the automotive industry, has announced a collaboration with Swedish automotive control systems and signal processing firm NIRA Dynamics AB, for a tire Tread Depth Monitoring (TDM) ‘virtual sensor’ system for automotive OEMs, according to a press release dated 16 March. Powered by NIRA Dynamics’ tread wear estimation software, the solution is designed to give vehicle OEMs, drivers and fleets timely alerts ...

Honda Motor Company Ltd and Sony Group Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with an intent to establish a joint venture (JV) company to engage in the joint development and sales of high value-added battery electric vehicles (BEVs), the carmaker said on 4 March 2022. Honda said that the two companies signed the MoU after deepening their discussions on plans of forming a strategic alliance to tap the demand for BEVs and new mobility services in the future. In its official...

Syncron, a Swedish SaaS solutions company offering cloud-based aftermarket service optimization, announced its partnership with Indian commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland for advanced industrial predictive maintenance capabilities for increased product reliability and decreased downtime, according to a press release dated 16 February. As part of the agreement, Syncron will align its experience in the automotive, service, and parts industries with Ashok Leyland’s advanced machine l...

Spanish electric mobility development and manufacturing company QEV Technologies and China-based electric vehicle battery supplier, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL) have signed a global strategic partnership agreement on the cooperation in aftermarket services, according to a press release dated by QEV dated 15 February. According to the newly concluded agreement, QEV Tech is from now on the authorized service partner of CATL for the maintenance, recycling, and reuse of the electric...

Germany based supplier of automotive interior components Grammer AG said it is expanding its aftermarket presence in Europe through a new strategic cooperation with the Fricke Group, an international wholesaler of spare parts in the commercial vehicle segment, according to a press release dated 16 February. Fricke Group will firm up Grammer’s Europe-wide network as an authorized sales partner for seats and spare parts for off-road vehicles. Headquartered in Ursensollen, Germany, Grammar dev...

Honda Performance Development, wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co that leads Honda and Acura's high-performance racing programs in North America, has announced a multi-year partnership with Pennzoil, a US-based motor oil brand that’s part of Shell’s family of lubricants. Both companies hope that the partnership will further Pennzoil's development of premium motor oils. HPD specializes in the design and development of powertrain, chassis, electronics, and performance parts,...

German aftermarket electronics firm and spare parts distributor HELLA has announced that it is joining forces with Faurecia and both companies will operate jointly in the aftermarket in the future, according to a press release from HELLA dated 10 February. This means that Faurecia products will soon also be available through the HELLA aftermarket and HELLA says by bundling activities, customers will benefit from a comprehensive range of services and a broader product spectrum. According to th...

The combined company from the merger between Faurecia and HELLA will be known as Forvia, and will be the seventh largest automotive supplier in the world, the company announced in a press release on 7 February. The new brand reflects both the companies’ evolving innovation and producing future ready sustainable solutions.     Patrick Koller, Faurecia CEO, said, “We are FORVIA! This new name reflects core elements of our Faurecia and HELLA brands, as well...

Italy-based filtration and thermal management company UFI Filters has announced that it is continuing its fight against counterfeit spare parts by tightening its surveillance measures and further extending its Internet Business Intelligence activity globally in partnership with CONVEY, a leading Turin-based internet and brand protection services provider, according to a press release dated 27 January. Monitoring activities carried out by CONVEY and UFI Filters to date have resulted in the int...

Bosch has partnered with Volkswagen’s software unit CARIAD to develop partially and highly automated driving solutions for volume production, the German supplier said in a press statement on 25 January. The companies will be looking to develop hands-free driving functions for the vehicles sold under the Volkswagen Group brands. The companies will look to develop Level 2 hands-free systems for urban, extra-urban, and freeway driving, as well as a system that takes over all driving functions on ...

Japanese chemicals company Asahi Kasei announced via press release on 24 November that it had concluded an agreement with petrochemical company Shell Eastern regarding the supply of butadiene derived from plastic waste and biomass. According to the press release, Asahi Kasei intends to use this sustainable butadiene to produce sustainable solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber (S-SBR) at its plant in Singapore by the end of fiscal 2021. S-SBR is a type of synthetic rubber used mainly f...

American specialty chemicals company PPG announced via press release on 13th January that it would be partnering with Porsche and Customcells joint venture (JV) Cellforce Group to develop new sustainable battery cell solutions. According to the press release, the two companies aim to develop Li-ion battery cathodes that do not require the use of N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) in the production process. NMP, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), poses a reproductive hazard...

German supplier of automotive components, tires, and aftermarket replacement parts, Continental and Denmark based car sharing firm SHARE NOW have announced the broadening of their partnership, according to a press release dated 18 January. As per the partnership, SHARE NOW Denmark will have Continental’s cloud-based tire monitoring service, Conti360° Solutions, handling the tire management for its fleet of around 700 vehicles. The move follows a successful pilot project on tread depth monitor...

US-based Repairify Inc, the parent company of vehicle diagnostic solutions firm asTech announced that it has signed a global agreement with mainland China-based Launch Tech Co, a global supplier of automotive diagnostic tools and solutions. The announcement, made via a press release dated 11 January, added that the agreement licenses Repairify’s patents to Launch while also establishing Repairify as its preferred service provider. According to the release, the agreement allows Repairify to ...

Australian automotive aftermarket parts distributor CoolDrive Auto Parts has announced that it has taken a slew of measures in the past year that have strengthened its performance parts offering, according to a press release dated 14 January. At the forefront of the push into the performance and motorsport space has been the addition of Racer Industries to CoolDrive Auto Parts, which sees the racing-focused brand’s inventory available through CoolDrive’s online platform—iShop as well as na...

Autobacs Seven, a Tokyo-based car parts and accessories retailer, has announced that it has signed a parts supply contract related to legal inspections and vehicle inspections with Tesla Motors Japan, according to a press release issued on 6 January. Under the agreement, parts used for Tesla's vehicle inspections and legal inspections will be supplied to Autobacs’ flagship store in Shinonome in Tokyo starting December 2021. The flagship store had invited Tesla's directly managed service bas...

Australian automotive aftermarket parts distributor CoolDrive Auto Parts has announced that it has partnered with towbars and towing solutions provider Hayman Reese, according to a press release dated 11 January. Hayman Reese’s range at CoolDrive will be led by its Class 4 towbar range for heavy duty applications including towing caravans, boats, or animal floats, or even for the professional tradesperson. The Class 4 towbars include features such a 50mm x 50mm square hitch receiver and a r...

French engine lubricant manufacturer Motul has been announced as the official lubricant partner for US-based aftermarket tuning outfit Gunther Werks, according to a press release dated 22 December 2021. Gunther Werks is a California-based builder of high-performance bespoke vehicles that include Porsche models from a quarter century ago. Motul will provide Motul 300V engine oil for Gunther Werks vehicles and be recommended as the preferred service products brand to Gunther Werks vehicle owner...

UK-based Maverick Diagnostics, a provider of dealer diagnostic tools and vehicle technical support to the aftermarket, has joined UK aftermarket industry body, Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) as its member, according to a release by IAAF dated 15 December. Maverick Diagnostics provides automotive IT services and original dealer diagnostic equipment to the aftermarket in the UK and Europe, specializing in technical areas such as vehicle manufacturer registrations, set up o...

Swedish battery management company CTEK, has announced collaborative partnership to supply complete EV charging solutions in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Germany, according to a press release in December. The release read that this partnership between CTEK and Soolutions offers to the market a complete EV charging solution, and if required installation, from individual home use up to larger commercial and public EV infrastructure.  The CTEK range provides Soolutions cust...

EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies GmbH (EKPO), a joint venture between ElringKlinger (60%) and Plastic Omnium (40%), and mainland Chinese systems integrator DR Powertrain System Co. Ltd. have partnered to develop fuel cell systems equipped with EKPO stacks, ElringKlinger said in a press note on 8 December 2021. These fuel cell systems would be developed with a focus on the mainland Chinese market and would be used for automotive and non-automotive applications, it said, adding that the partnership ...

Nexus Automotive International, a Geneva-based alliance of independent car parts distributors, has announced that the American Automotive Parts Services Group, also known as "The Group", a joint venture (JV) made up of Federated Auto Parts and Pronto Automotive Distribution Network will join Nexus North America, a global automotive network, effective 1 January 2022, according to a press release dated 16 December. Commenting on the announcement, David Prater, EVP Pronto-Network and c...

Japanese tiremaker Yokohama Rubber has announced plans to establish a joint venture (JV) with YHI International Limited (YHI), the exclusive distributor of Yokohama tires in Southeast Asia, and its subsidiary YHI Malaysia to form Yokohama Tyre Sales Malaysia, according to a press release dated 15 December. The company will be established on 1 January 2022. Yokohama believes Malaysia is one of the largest and fastest growing markets for automotive products in the ASEAN region, which is a key m...

Finland-based automotive aftermarket player, Atoy Automotive, collaborates with Hella Gutmann Solutions, according to a press release dated 16 December.  The collaboration will allow Atoy the access to the entire range of diagnostics, ADAS, vehicle technical data and light settings from Hella Gutmann. Hella Gutmann Solutions works with its own sales staff in Sweden. It's car technical support and training center is located in Viborg in Denmark. From the center in Denmark, the w...

Canada-based cloud platform and SaaS provider of secure connected car apps and services, Mojio has tied up with German carmaker Audi to provide a connected vehicle solution in North America, the data startup said in a press release on 14 December. Motion for Audi connect will allow customers continue to use services like automatic crash notification and SOS emergency calls, on-demand roadside assistance and stolen vehicle locator. “Audi is doing the right thing by proactively addressin...

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 has partnered with Italy-based electric vehicle (EV) start-up, XEV, to provide aftersales for XEV’s cars, according to a press release dated 29 November. Within the framework this agreement, Magneti Marelli Checkstar certificated workshops and its experts will provide XEV dealers and consumers with knowledge...

Reliance BP Mobility Limited (RBML), also called Jio-bp, and the India-based Mahindra Group, have announced a nonbinding memorandum of understanding (MoU) for exploring the creation of electric vehicle (EV) products and services, alongside identifying synergies in low-carbon and conventional fuels, according to a press release dated 8 December. The MoU also covers evaluating charging solutions by Jio-bp for Mahindra vehicles including electric 3 and 4 wheelers, quadricycles, and e-SCV (Small ...

US-based private equity firm, Charger Investment Partners, has announced that it has completed the acquisition of PerTronix, a US-based designer and manufacturer of performance aftermarket automotive products, according to a release dated 3 December. According to the announcement, PerTronix’s brands span across ignition, exhaust, and fuel systems categories and some of them include PerTronix Ignition, Aeromotive Fuel Systems, Waterman, JBA Performance Exhaust, and Spyke. As part of the tran...

Global supplier of automotive fluid handling components, TI Fluid Systems (TIFS) announced on 30 November 2021 that it would supply several new products from its portfolio to Mercedes-Benz for the carmaker’s global platforms. Calling the German luxury carmaker as a key strategic OEM for the company, TIFS said that it has launched high volume production supply of various products for the global Mercedes-Benz AG programs C-Class, GLC, and E-Class hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). “TIFS wil...

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced that electric vehicle (EV) maker Rivian has selected AWS as its preferred cloud provider, a company press release on 2 December read. AWS powers Rivian’s software-defined vehicle architecture and over-the-air (OTA) software updates. The architecture treats the entire vehicle as a single, fully integrated system that is connected to the cloud to allow for remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and rapid testing and deployment of new functionalities. ...