Ashok Leyland, an Indian commercial vehicle manufacturer, has announced a strategic partnership with Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Co. Ltd. (Chola) to facilitate inventory financing for Ashok Leyland dealers, according to a press release dated June 6. In a bid to enhance operational capabilities, the new alliance aims to provide 130 Ashok Leyland dealerships nationwide with an array of comprehensive inventory funding options to address their working capital requirements effectivel...

Advance Auto Parts, an automotive aftermarket parts distributor in North America, announced that for the first quarter ended April 22, 2023, its net sales stood at $3.4 billion, up 1.3% compared with the first quarter of the prior year, primarily driven by new store openings, according to a press release dated May 31. The company's operating income was $90.0 million or 2.6% of net sales, compared with 6.0% in the first quarter of 2022, the release added. Significance: Commenting on the res...

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), the official voice of the motor industry in Ireland, announced that it has elected Paddy Magee as its president, according to a press release dated May 29. Magee is the Country Operations director of Renault Ireland, based at their headquarters in Dublin. He is responsible for the Renault and Dacia brands in Ireland, and a network of 33 dealerships around the country. He has worked in the motor industry for 25 years, of which 20 years have ...

DRiV, the aftermarket division of Tenneco, has inaugurated a fully-automated shuttle and packaging system at its European Distribution Center in Willebroek, Belgium, according to a press release dated April 25. This $12 million investment in automation further improves customer service by delivering DRiV’s automotive brands to where they need to be, faster, the release added. The shuttle hosts all fast-moving articles, allowing DRiV to pick 60% of its order lines at up to seven times the sp...

Denmark-based spare parts logistics provider Danx, part of the Danx Carousel group, announced that it has partnered with Tromsø Budbil Sentral (Tromsø Courier Central, or TBS), the largest supplier of courier services in northern Norway, according to a press release dated May 23. The partnership will see Danx offer strategic investment and resource support while benefiting from TBS’ well-established local customer network, which stretches from Narvik to Kirkenes, in northern Nor...

US-based automotive parts distributor Genuine Parts Co. has announced that Kevin Herron, president, US Automotive Group (USAG), will retire at the end of 2023 after a 34-year career with the company, according to a press release dated May 23. The company said Randy Breaux has been elevated from his post as president, Motion, to the newly created role of group president, GPC North America, effective July 2023. In the new role, Breaux will oversee both the automotive and industri...

Japanese tiremaker Yokohama Rubber has announced a successful completion of its efforts to eliminate counterfeit versions of the company’s aluminum wheels in China, according to a press release dated May 24. Yokohama filed an administrative complaint and submitted information to the Administration for Market Regulation in Foshan, Guangdong Province, China, regarding five companies engaged in the distribution of counterfeit sports-car aluminum wheels imitating Yokohama’s "ADVAN Racing...

MAHLE Aftermarket, the aftermarket arm of Stuttgart, Germany-based global supplier of powertrain and thermal components, MAHLE, announced that it has decided to centralize its previously decentralized fulfillment activities by processing automotive spare parts orders from only one location per country, according to a press release dated May 19. To make this possible, several distribution centers globally would be equipped with an AutoStore robotic storage solution, including the log...

PartsTech, a US-based business-to-business parts marketplace for the auto repair industry, announced that it has closed a Series C capital raise of $35 million, according to a press release dated May 18. The fundraising round was led by OpenView, a venture capital firm. Tim Keebler, partner at OpenView, stated, "Vehicles are staying on the road longer than ever before and shops are increasingly embracing digital solutions to improve the way they work. PartsTech drastically improves the w...

MAM Software, a UK-based provider of business-management software and product-cataloging solutions, announced that it will be showcasing the latest developments to its current software and displaying brand-new additions to its expanding portfolio of products at the upcoming Automechanika Birmingham 2023 at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, UK, from June 6–8, according to a press release dated May 12. MAM Software will shed light on their core business belief that "digit...

eBay has relaunched its "Certified Recycled Portal" with sales increasing by over 10% YOY 2021/2022, a claimed 3 million kg saved from landfill and 16,000 metric tons of CO2-avoided emissions in the UK, according to a May 3 press release on Vehicle Recyclers' Association (VRA). “With an increasing number of parts required and an ever-greater focus on the environmental impact of everything we do and buy, Certified Recycled parts available through eBay deliver cost savings of up to 70% c...

O’Reilly Automotive, a US-based automotive aftermarket-parts retailer, has announced record revenue and earnings for its first quarter ended March 31, 2023. In a press release dated April 26, it said sales for the first quarter increased $412 million, or 12%, to $3.71 billion from $3.30 billion for the same period one year ago. The company’s operating income for the first quarter increased 7% to $717 million from $670 million for the same period one year ago. Net income for the first quar...

JTEKT Corp. has announced that it will merge its two aftermarket sales companies, JTEKT Sales Co., Ltd. and Koyo Kowa Co., Ltd., in Japan on July 1, 2023, according to a press release dated April 13. Post the move, the merged company will be known as JTEKT Sales, the release added. JTEKT said the purpose of the merger was to build a sales system that faces customers as “one JTEKT” which unites the group, and the move is aimed at strengthening its aftermarket business. Si...

PARTS iD, a US-based e-commerce company for automotive parts, accessories and the aftermarket announced that board member Lev Peker has assumed the role of CEO, according to a press release dated April 26. As CEO of CarParts.com from January 2019 to April 2022, Peker oversaw a more than doubling of annual revenue, a nearly fourfold improvement in EBITDA and an increase in market capitalization of over 500%, according to the release, which added that Peker most recently served as CEO...

US-based manufacturer and distributor of automotive aftermarket parts, Motorcar Parts of America, announced that it has received the 2022 award for Outstanding Corporate Logistics Support from Parts Warehouse, a member of The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc., and Associate Stores at the organization’s 2023 Sales Conference & Vendor Expo recently held in Birmingham, Ala., according to a press release dated April 24. Separately, the company highlighted the recognition it receive...

US-based automotive parts distributor Genuine Parts Company has announced its results for the first quarter ending on March 31, 2023, according to a press release dated April 20. The company reported sales at $5.8 billion, an 8.9% increase compared to $5.3 billion in the same period of the prior year. The growth in sales is attributable to an increase in comparable sales and a benefit from acquisitions, partially offset by a net unfavorable impact of foreign currency, the release added. ...

German supplier of automotive components, tires and aftermarket replacement parts, Continental, has announced that its new PremiumContact 7 tire is now available from retailers in time for the change of season, according to a press release dated 20 April. The premium tire will offer motorists even greater safety on both dry and wet roads during the upcoming summer months, the release added. The company says a wealth of new technologies have been implemented in the new model of the tire after ...

Australia-based automotive parts distributor CoolDrive Auto Parts has outlined its expansive product range and service offering in the engine management sector, according to a press release dated April 17. The company said its engine management product offering is headlined by AFI, a brand of automotive petrol and diesel engine management components. Additionally, it also has products from global brands including Denso, Bosch, Continental, Delphi, NTK, Walker, Nissens, BorgWarner, Valeo ...

Alliance Automotive Group (AAG), a European automotive aftermarket distributor, announced that it has acquired Bellecave, a member of the group based in Bayonne, a city in southwestern France, according to a press release dated April 18. Significance: Founded in 1971, Bellecave has 34 employees and generates an annual turnover of €11 million in car parts and equipment produced mainly with professional customers. Bellecave is the main independent wholesaler of spare parts in the Basque Count...

LKQ Fource announced the expansion of its wholesaler network in the Netherlands with the acquisition of parts wholesaler Leo de Groot Partscenter XL, according to a press release dated April 13. LKQ Fource said after years of joint cooperation, this was the next logical step in its success story. With this takeover, LKQ Fource’s number of own wholesaler outlets in the Netherlands stands at 85. Leo de Groot Partscenter XL offers a wide range of tools and car materials as well as advanced ser...

Idemitsu Lubricants America, Inc., a supplier of Japanese original equipment manufacturer (OEM) lubricants in North America, and O'Reilly Auto Parts, an American retailer of automotive aftermarket parts, have jointly announced a nationwide expansion of their partnership, according to a press release dated March 29. As per the agreement, all Idemitsu transmission fluids are now available through O'Reilly's national network of auto-parts stores. Founded in 1911, Idemitsu is a supplier of origin...

LKQ Europe, a subsidiary of Switzerland-headquartered LKQ Corporation, a distributor of automotive aftermarket parts for cars, commercial vans and industrial vehicles, has announced its partnership with CECRA, the European Council for Motor Trades and Repairs, according to a press release dated March 23. This partnership is built on shared objectives and common interests, including access to vehicle data, electric vehicles (EVs), green deal and the ongoing skill development of automoti...

LKQ Europe, a Switzerland-based distributor of automotive aftermarket parts for cars, commercial vans and industrial vehicles in Europe and a subsidiary of LKQ Corporation, announced that it has entered into an agreement with LeasePlan, a global player in Car-as-a-Service, to expand their cooperation to a European level, according to a press release dated April 6 by Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF). The multiyear agreement is based on a dual mode of collaboration...

US-based carmaker Ford has announced that FordPass Rewards members can now redeem their points toward accessories purchases online, according to a press release dated March 1. Customers can visit accessories.ford.com to shop for a wide variety of accessories from roof tents and superchargers to trailer hitches, floor mats and pet harnesses, the release added. They can also shop for interior, exterior, electronic, wheel accessories and more. Ford said members can use their points, pay with a c...

MEKO (previously Mekonomen Group), an automotive spare-parts distributor based in Sweden, announced the appointment of Petra Bendelin as its new COO with Tobias Narvinger leaving his position for a new, senior management position in another industry, according to a press release dated April 3. Bendelin is currently MEKO's director of Business Development and Strategy and has worked in the company since 2010 in several senior roles. She takes up the position in July. The role of...

Relais Group PLC, a spare parts distributor and provider of repair and maintenance in the Nordic vehicle aftermarket, announced that it has signed an agreement regarding the acquisition of the Finnish company Adita Oy, according to a press release dated March 29. The sellers are Adita's founder and main shareholder, and the company's sales director. According to the release, Adita is a highly regarded local distributor of spare parts and equipment for cars and marine use in the Helsinki ...

Cazoo Group Ltd., a UK-based online car retailer, has provided an update on its business performance since the start of the year 2023 and its progress with the business restructuring announced in January, according to a press release dated March 7. The company’s January and February retail sales volumes and revenues were in line with expectations as it focused on unit economics. It said it continues to improve its retail GPU or Gross Profit per Unit which is tracking at aroun...

MEKO (previously Mekonomen Group), an automotive spare-parts distributor based in Sweden, announced that its company management has presented adjusted financial targets, and explained in more detail how it plans to strengthen its position as a market leader in the independent vehicle aftermarket in northern Europe, according to a press release dated March 21. The updated financial targets indicate that a net sales corresponding to approximately 19 billion Swedish kronor (around US$1...

The UK and Ireland arm of Alliance Automotive Group (AAG), a European automotive aftermarket distributor, announced that it has partnered with global warehouse robotics provider Exotec, according to a press release dated March 20. As per the announcement, Exotec has won a significant contract with AAG as part of its UK expansion efforts, following a contract win with AAG France, which was announced in June 2022. AAG’s National Distribution Centre is expected to feature “Exotec’s co...

The UK and Ireland arm of Alliance Automotive Group (AAG), a European automotive aftermarket distributor, announced that it has recently completed the acquisition of Direct Auto Parts Ltd. (DAP) and Car Parts Warehouse Ltd. (CPW), according to a press release dated March 6. DAP is a single branch business based in Barking in East London, England, with sales of £2.6 million and 13 employees. It is an existing member of the Parts Distribution Partnership (PDP) aftermarket buying...

The UK and Ireland arm of Alliance Automotive Group (AAG), a European automotive aftermarket distributor, announced that it will be the headline sponsor at Automechanika Birmingham 2023, taking place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Birmingham, UK, in June 6–8, 2023, according to a press release dated March 20. The event is the UK’s leading exhibition for the automotive aftermarket and supply chain sector. It is expected to attract over 500 exhibitors from 23 ...

Cazoo Group Ltd., a UK-based online car retailer, announced that it has sold its third party data platform, Cazana, for an undisclosed sum, according to a press release dated February 22. The disposal aligns with Cazoo’s strategy to focus on its core business as the leading online car buying and selling platform in the UK, as opposed to providing data services to third parties, the company said. Significance: “The agreement includes the sale of the Cazana brand, platform and comme...

MEKO (previously Mekonomen Group), an automotive spare-parts distributor based in Sweden, announced that it has appointed Helena Sauramo as the new managing director for its recently acquired Finnish subsidiary Koivunen with effect from May 15, according to a press release dated March 10. Sauramo comes from the Finnish car retailer Delta Motor Group and in her new role, she will focus on further strengthening growth and profitability in Finland, the release added. MEKO acquired Koiv...

US-based independent manufacturer and distributor of automotive replacement parts, Standard Motor Products (SMP), announced that it has introduced 100 new part numbers, according to a press release dated March 22. The latest product release includes new coverage for 56 product categories and 29 part numbers for model year (MY) 2022 and 2023 vehicles. As part of its continued expansion of collision repair and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) programs, the company has introduc...

Alliance Automotive Group Benelux (AAGB) has announced the acquisition of Allcos BV, a company specializing in the sale of cleaning products for the car industry, according to a press release dated March 20. Allcos BV supplies and imports professional maintenance and cleaning products for the Dutch automotive market under the brands Kenotek, ZviZZer and Concept Chemicals. Significance: Allcos is the total supplier for car washes, rollovers, chain car washes, truck wash compa...

Australian automotive distribution company, Bapcor, announced that it has launched Revival Auto Parts, a brake-restoration specialist business, according to a press release dated March 7. Operating for decades under the Australian Automotive Distribution (AAD) remanufacturing division, Revival Auto Parts now has its own dedicated workshop located in Derrimut in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, run by a dedicated workshop team. According to the release, Revival Auto Par...

Lithia & Driveway, an automotive retailer in North America that also provides a suite of financing, leasing, repair, and maintenance options, announced the company's expansion into the United Kingdom with the acquisition of Jardine Motors Group, according to a press release dated 16 March. The group is one of the most successful automotive retailers in the UK, operating more than 50 premium luxury-retail locations and is expected to generate over USD2 billion in annualized revenues, the...

Advance Auto Parts, an automotive aftermarket parts distributor in North America, announced that Tom Greco has informed the company of his plan to retire as president and CEO of the company at the end of 2023, according to a press release dated 28 February. Following Greco’s retirement, he plans to serve in an advisory capacity through a transition period. In connection with Greco’s planned retirement and the company’s succession planning process, the Advance Auto Parts' board has forme...

CarParts.com, a US-based e-commerce provider of automotive parts and accessories, has reported its results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ending on 31 December 2022, according to a press release dated 7 March. Net sales in fiscal year 2022 were USD661.6 million, up 14% from USD582.4 million in fiscal year 2021.  Net loss during the year stood at USD1 million, compared to a net loss of USD10.3 million in fiscal year 2021, the release added. For the fourth quarter of 2022, ...

US-based independent manufacturer and distributor of automotive replacement parts, Standard Motor Products (SMP), announced that it has expanded its line of parts for hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs), according to a press release dated 8 March. The company believes approximately 7 million hybrid vehicles are currently on the road. Many of them are more than 10 years old, and hybrids feature more components when compared to gas and diesel vehicles. SMP said hybrid repair oppor...

UKS, a UK-based distributor of aftermarket products global brands in the UK and Ireland, has announced that a comprehensive range of products from Muller Filter is now available through UKS, according to a release dated 14 February from the UK aftermarket industry body Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF). Italy-based Muller Filter is said to have 40 years of experience in OE filter development, ensuring they are a key supplier to the aftermarket. They claim to offer an origin...

US-based automotive parts distributor Genuine Parts Company has announced its results for the fourth quarter and twelve months ending on 31 December 2022, according to a press release dated 23 February. The company reported sales of USD5.5 billion, a 15% increase compared to USD4.8 billion in the same period of the prior year. Net income was USD252 million as against USD256 million in the prior year period. Within its Automotive Parts Group, global automotive sales were USD3.4 billion in the ...

US-based distributor of replacement parts, components, and systems, LKQ Corporation and Canada-based automotive aftermarket parts supplier Uni-Select announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for LKQ to acquire Uni-Select for USD2.1 billion, according to a press release dated 27 February. Uni-Select was founded in Boucherville, Québec, Canada in 1968. It is involved in the distribution of automotive refinish and industrial coatings and related products in North Americ...

Rossmore Lubricants, official distributor of Gulf Lubricants throughout the UK and Ireland, has announced that the brand will now be available through Marathon Warehouse Distribution, a UK-based automotive parts distributor, according to a press release dated 14 February by UK aftermarket industry body Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF). Gulf Lubricants will initially be available via its Redditch National Distribution Centre that feeds its national network of distribution c...

Arnold Clark Autoparts, a UK-based distributor of car parts and accessories, has announced that it has been named the ‘Factor of the Year’ at the CAT magazine Awards 2023, as voted for by professionals in the automotive aftermarket, according to a press release dated 14 February by UK aftermarket industry body Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF). The award ceremony saw established companies and individuals shortlisted in 11 award categories including ‘Supplier of the Ye...

The UK aftermarket industry body Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has announced that it has appointed Craig McCracken, group factor manager at Arnold Clark Autoparts, as its new president, according to a press release dated 17 February. Craig succeeds immediate past president Richard Welland and will remain on the IAAF board, alongside Welland, honorary treasurer Lawrence Bleasdale and chief executive Mark Field. Craig has over 40 years of experience in the automotive indu...

Relais Group Plc, a spare part distributor and provider of repair and maintenance in the Nordic vehicle aftermarket, has announced the appointment of Thomas Ekström as the chief financial officer of the company, according to a press release dated 15 February. Ekström joins Relais from Atoy Oy, where he worked as group CFO. Prior to that, Ekström has been CFO in several companies, such as Rettig Group Ltd, Algol Oy and Marimekko Oyj. The company says he has a broad experience from financial...

US-based manufacturer and distributor of automotive aftermarket parts, Motorcar Parts of America, has reported results for its fiscal 2023 third quarter ending in December 2022, via a press release dated 9 February. Net sales for the fiscal 2023 third quarter were USD151.8 million compared with USD161.8 million in the prior year, the release added. Net sales for the fiscal 2023 nine-month period were USD488.3 million, up 3.2% compared with USD473.1 million in the prior year. Net loss for the ...

O’Reilly Automotive, a US-based automotive aftermarket parts retailer, has announced record revenue and earnings for its fourth quarter and full year ending December 2022, according to a press release dated 8 February. Sales for the fourth quarter increased USD353 million, or 11%, to USD3.64 billion from USD3.29 billion for the same period one year ago. The company’s net income increased USD10 million, or 2%, to USD529 million from USD519 million in the year ago period. For the fu...

Moto-Profil, a Poland-based importer and distributor of automotive spare parts and accessories, announced that it recorded an increase in revenue in 2022 compared to the previous year and also saw its network expanding, according to a press release dated 2 February. The company, however, did not reveal revenue figures. Moto-Profil said its ProfiAuto network closed the year with over 240 shops and wholesalers as well as more than 2,150 car service workshops in Poland, Czechia, and Slovakia. Th...

US-based Auto Parts 4Less Group has announced that AutoParts4Less.com, its multiseller marketplace of automotive parts in the US, has set a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) sales record for the month of January 2023, surpassing the total of all GMV sales in the previous months, according to a press release dated 6 February. The company did not mention the record figure in its official announcement. The company had announced the launch of what it called the industry's first pure-play automotive p...

Nexus Automotive International, a Geneva-based alliance of independent car parts distributors, has announced that Freek Blekxtoon, CEO of NEXUS Automotive Netherlands is joining NEXUS Automotive International as NEXUS Workshops Network Development Expert in the Garage Service & Concept department, according to a press release dated 7 February. He has been and associated with the AllPart wholesale network for 20 years. Blekxtoon will take up his appointment from April 2023. In th...

Netherlands-based spare parts distributor PartsPoint has acquired Ameco Rotterdam-Ommoord, an auto parts store, through its subsidiary Alliance Automotive Group Benelux (AAGB), according to a press release dated 4 January. As part of the transaction, Ameco Rotterdam-Ommoord will be fully integrated within AAGB. Until recently, the company was active in the Rotterdam region as a franchisee of another Netherlands-based parts supplier called Brezan. Significance: After the acquisition, a Part...

ATI Sadi Autoteile GmbH, a Germany-based specialist wholesaler for car parts and accessories, workshop equipment, and care products, has announced that it has become a new shareholder in German automotive parts wholesaler SELECT AG, according to a press release dated 13 January. The medium-sized family business ATI Sadi Autoteile from Nuremberg, Germany becomes the 14th shareholder of SELECT AG. With this step, Sadi receives full access to the service modules in purchasing, sales, and th...

German oil and additive specialist, LIQUI MOLY, has announced the expansion of its distribution in the UK with its range now also available at Motor Parts Direct, a UK based independent retailer of car parts and accessories, according to a press release dated 31 January by Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) “This makes getting hold of motor oils and additives made in Germany easier, not only for workshops, but also for car drivers,” said Debbie Barnes, managing director ...

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...

Wilmar, a US-based supplier, distributor, and category manager of tools and equipment to the automotive aftermarket and other industries, announced that it has appointed Ken Hartman as CEO, according to a press release dated 19 January. The company said that Hartman brings over two decades of leadership experience in the tool and equipment industry and a track record of business expansion through the development and execution of innovative growth strategies. Prior to joining Wilmar, Hartman s...

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, ...

Lookers, a UK-based automotive retail and aftersales service company, announced that its aftersales revenues grew 7.5% year-on-year in the fourth quarter ending December 2022, according to a press release dated 11 January. The company said the UK new retail car market grew by 1.0% in fourth quarter (third quarter 2022: -1.5%) and stated that it outperformed the market by approximately 3.1%, “benefiting from a strong focus on its operational optimization strategic priority and omni...

CarMax, a US-based retailer of used cars, has announced that in the third quarter ending November 2022, its net revenue stood at USD6.5 billion, down 23.7% compared with the prior year third quarter, according to a press release dated 22 December. It also announced that the total retail used units sold decreased 20.8% to 180,050 and total wholesale units sold decreased 36.7% year-on-year to 118,757. Despite a decrease of USD165 per unit from the record prior year third quarter, wholesale...

Bilia Norge AS, has signed an agreement with Great Wall Motor to be an importer and dealer of their car brands in Norway, according to a press release dated 23 January. Billia Norge AS is a European car dealer that offers servicing and sales of cars, transport vehicles, and trucks plus supplementary services such as financing and insurance. The establishment of Great Wall Motor includes import operations as well as dealer operations with car sales and aftermarket services, the release added...

Inchcape, a United Kingdom–based independent, multibrand global automotive distributor, announced that it has completed its acquisition of Derco, an automotive distributor in Latin America with operations in Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia, in what is Inchcape’s biggest such deal since 1967, according to a press release dated 3 January. The move is expected to extend Inchcape’s distribution leadership in LATAM, bringing significant additional revenue and margin accretive profit to the G...

Red Diamond Aftermarket Solutions, a brand of US-based The Shyft Group, announced that it will exhibit at the 2023 Florida RV SuperShow and introduce its line of Red Diamond Shocks by premium manufacturer KONI, according to a press release dated 18 January. The Shyft Group is a firm engaged in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly, and upfit for the commercial, retail, and service specialty vehicle markets in North America. Known for making adjustable shocks for numerous brands of recreat...

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...

Inchcape, a United Kingdom-based independent, multi-brand global automotive distributor, announced an agreement to enter into a joint venture with CATS Group of Companies and also announced a decision to acquire a controlling stake in CATS, a distributor of luxury vehicles in the Philippines, according to a release dated 17 January. The deal is claimed to expand Inchcape’s global distribution footprint as it enters the Philippines, further building on its presence in the APAC region. It wil...

Lookers, a United Kingdom–based automotive retail and aftersales service company, announced that its chairman, Ian Bull, has notified the Board that he would step down for personal reasons with effect from December 31, 2022, according to a press release dated December 19. The company said that its senior independent director, Paul Van der Burgh, would assume the role of interim non-executive chairman on January 1, 2023. It further added that Sue Farr, non-executive director would assum...

CarMax, a US-based retailer of used cars, has announced the national launch of its prequalification capability—a new online financing experience that empowers customers with the ability to shop CarMax vehicles nationwide with personalized financing terms, with no impact to their credit score, according to a press release dated 17 January. Prequalified customers will know their terms on vehicles across CarMax’s inventory within minutes, including monthly payment and Annual Percentage Rate (AP...

MEMA, an association in North America representing motor vehicle component manufacturers, has presented its new brand and business structure according to which the trade association will now operate under one umbrella organization with two groups: MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers, it announced in a press release dated 12 January. Over the decades, as the industry evolved, MEMA established four divisions: the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Associations (AASA),...

UK-based aftermarket supplier First Line Ltd. has announced a solution for the failure of the wiper motor for Renault Clio, according to a press release dated 5 January by Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF). The company said the issue can be caused by heavy rainfall, following which drain hole can be potentially blocked resulting in the motor becoming submerged in water. Citing the example of the Renault Clio MkII and MkIII from 2001>2014, the company said workshops need ...

CarParts.com, a US-based e-commerce provider of automotive parts and accessories, announced the promotion of Stephanie Urbach, current SVP of HR, to CHRO or chief human resources officer position, effective 9 January 2023. In her new role, Urbach will further CarParts.com's organizational transformation, with a focus on enhancing the overall employee experience, the release added. From a talent and recruitment perspective, she will be charged with building teams, developing essential skills a...

O’Reilly Automotive, US-based automotive aftermarket parts retailer has announced that effective 9 January, Brad Beckham, the company’s EVP and COO, and Brent Kirby, the company’s EVP and chief supply chain officer, will both be promoted to copresidents, according to a press release dated 6 January. Beckham and Kirby will continue to report to Greg Johnson, who currently serves as the company’s president and CEO and will remain in his role as CEO but pass on the title and role of pres...

Relais Group Plc, a spare part distributor and provider of repair and maintenance in the Nordic vehicle aftermarket, has acquired a Danish company S-E-T A/S (also known as S-E-T) from B&S Holding, owned by Steen and Birgitte Hansen, according to a press release dated 12 December. Located in Aarhus, Denmark, S-E-T is an importer and wholesaler of electrical equipment, such as rear-view and side-view cameras, inverters and battery chargers for heavy commercial vehicles and the marine sector...

UK-based aftermarket supplier SMP Europe and Marathon Warehouse Distribution, a distributor of SMP’s FuelParts brand in the UK, have announced an expansion of range portfolio and availability, as SMP looks to strengthen the positioning of FuelParts products in the market, according to a press release by aftermarket industry body Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) dated 19 December. SMP Europe’s aftermarket program includes brands such as Intermotor, Lucas, Fuel Part...

The Parts Authority, US-based automotive and truck parts distributors to the aftermarket industry, has announced the acquisition of B&L Auto Parts and Paint, according to a press release dated 16 December. B&L Auto Parts and Paint, which has been based in the US state of Maine for over 47 years, was founded in 1975 as a small independent parts store. It now has a 22,000-square-foot facility offering a large selection of parts, specialty products, and customer service, the release adde...

Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), a US-based independent automation engineering company, has announced the opening of a second manufacturing facility near the company’s Orion, Michigan headquarters, according to a press release dated 21 December. AMT says its automation solutions have benefited automotive manufacturers apart from manufacturers from segments such as aerospace, medical, alternative energy, industrial machinery, rubber and plastics, and others. The new facility is desi...

Mitchell 1, a US-based repair information solutions provider, has announced that the WHI Solutions Nexpart Multi-Seller online catalog is now available in the latest release of its Manager SE shop management system, according to a press release dated 19 December. The system is said to make it easier for parts buyers to search multiple suppliers in real time, allowing for faster purchasing decisions. WHI Solutions is an e-commerce catalog provider for the aftermarket, OEM, salvage, and heavy...

Australian automotive aftermarket parts distributor CoolDrive Auto Parts has announced that the company has expanded its tools and equipment category with the addition of Compac hydraulic products, according to a press release dated 19 December. Compac is said to offer a comprehensive product range catering to all types of vehicles and workshops. Its range includes a line of jacks, ranging from low-height and extremely low chassis jacks for passenger cars up to two metric tons, to those ...

US-based independent manufacturer and distributor of automotive replacement parts, Standard Motor Products, has announced changes in the composition of its Board of Directors, according to a press release dated 21 December. Effective at the end of their current terms, in May of 2023, Lawrence Sills, chairman of the board, and William Turner, presiding independent director, will each assume the role of director emeritus, the release added. Concurrently, Eric Sills, CEO and president, will succ...

Vertu Motors plc, a UK-based automotive retail group, has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Helston Garages Group Limited, a manufacturer automotive retail group based in the South West of England, according to a press release dated 19 December. With the move, Vertu has acquired 28 franchised sales outlets, adding scale and geographic coverage to its existing footprint of 160 franchised outlets, according to the release. According to the company, the acquisition of Helston is...

Advance Auto Parts, an automotive aftermarket parts distributor in North America, has announced that Reuben Slone, executive vice president, supply chain, will retire from the company and be succeeded by Stephen Szilagyi, according to a press release dated 14 December. Szilagyi comes to Advance from MSC Industrial Supply, Inc., where he served as senior vice president, customer solutions from 2018 to 2021 and senior vice president, Supply Chain from 2017 to 2018. Prior to that, Szilagyi spent...

TireHub, the national tire distributor cofounded by Bridgestone Americas and The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, has announced its expansion into six new markets within the fourth quarter of 2022, according to a press release dated 6 December. TireHub will open TireHub Logistics Centers (TLCs) in Shreveport, Louisiana; Beltsville, Maryland; Greenville, South Carolina; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Spokane, Washington, the release added. Including the six openings, TireHub w...

MEKO (previously Mekonomen Group), an automotive spare-parts distributor based in Sweden, has announced that its Danish subsidiary FTZ has acquired 70% of the leading car accessories company Avant Denmark, according to a press release dated 6 December. Avant Denmark claims to offer the largest range of car accessories to companies and consumers in Denmark through its sales channels that include online sales and via retailers. Through the investment, MEKO aims to strengthen its position in Den...

Motus Holdings Ltd, a South Africa-based automotive group, has announced that it has acquired 100% of Motor Parts Direct (Holdings) Limited, a business-to-business parts distribution business based in the UK, for ZAR3,64 billion (around USD210 million), according to a press release dated 8 December. Effective from 3 October 2022, the acquisition was funded using available cash and banking facilities and is aligned to Motus’ international growth strategy for its aftermarket parts business, a...

Sojitz Corp, a Japan-based company engaged in trading business, investment and financial activities, has announced that the company along with NGC Corporation, a Japanese software developer, and Omron Social Solutions (OSS), a Japanese electronics company, has developed a cloud-based charging control system to optimize charging for commercial hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs), according to a press release dated 9 November. The cloud-based charging control service is said to help users to avo...

Power management firm Eaton has introduced its Twin Vortices Series (TVS) X3100 supercharger for aftermarket applications, according to a press release dated 1 November. A new design based on both the R-Series and V-Series rotors, the X-Series has been developed specifically for aftermarket customers whose primary goal is maximum airflow efficiency at higher supercharger speeds, the release added. According to the company, the X-series rotor has a three-lobe, high-twist design that moves 30% ...

CarParts.com, a US-based e-commerce provider of automotive parts and accessories, announced the hiring of Michael Huffaker as Chief Operating Officer effective 5 December, according to a press release issued on the same date. The company said Huffaker brings with him “unparalleled e-commerce and brick-and-mortar expertise” having most recently served as Vice President, Category Leader, for Amazon Fresh Grocery. He possesses a history of step-change performance improvement in the busi...

MEKO (previously Mekonomen Group), an automotive spare-parts distributor based in Sweden, has announced that it has launched a new digital booking system that makes it easier for the car owner to book car services, according to a press release dated 16 November. The booking system will be implemented in all MEKO workshop chains from 2023 to improve the customer journey and increase the number of digital bookings. The solution will also be offered to other companies with car-related services t...

UK-based manufacturer of aftermarket hot end emissions products, BM Catalysts, has announced that its Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) references continue to grow in popularity in line with market forecasts, with considerably strong launch sales reported across the UK and Europe, according to a press release dated 10 November. The company believes the global SCR market size is estimated to reach USD24 billion by 2030, with more than a 13.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The company ha...

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...

Australian automotive aftermarket parts distributor CoolDrive Auto Parts has announced that it has begun stocking Bosch automotive aftermarket parts, diagnostics equipment, and the Bosch’s comprehensive workshop services offering, according to a press release dated 7 November. A preferred supplier to the Bosch Car Service Network, CoolDrive Auto Parts’ offering covers engine management, braking, alternators, and starter motors, wiper blades, diagnostic scan tools and software, ADAS, plus ...

US-based distributor aftermarket replacement parts, Arrowhead Engineered Products, announced the acquisition of Bihr, a European distributor of parts, accessories and rider equipment for motorcycles, quads/ATVs, bicycles and scooters, according to a press release dated 27 October. Headquartered in Kontich, Belgium, Bihr has a presence in 20 countries and wholesales 350 brands and 200,000+ stock keeping unit (SKUs) to a network of more than 15,000 retail dealers, the release added. “We seek ...

Australian automotive aftermarket parts distributor CoolDrive Auto Parts has launched the CPS CarSmart refrigerant charging station from the CPS brand, which has recently expanded its CarSmart series to cover more workshop automotive air-conditioning machine needs, according to a press release dated 10 October. With its parts available through CoolDrive Auto Parts, CPS has been supplying tools and test equipment to the Australian automotive air conditioning industry for over 30 years, the releas...

Australian automotive aftermarket parts distributor CoolDrive Auto Parts has announced that it has secured an additional distribution center that will enable the company “to continue to deliver products to its branch network quickly and efficiently”, according to a press release dated 20 October. Located in the Melbourne suburb of Knoxfield, the new distribution center is said to provide support to CoolDrive’s existing distribution centers and became operational in early October, the re...

US-based Auto Parts 4Less Group has announced the launch of what it calls the industry's first pure-play automotive parts-only marketplace, AutoParts4Less.com, with approximately 2 million parts listed from over 25 parts sellers, according to a press release dated 2 November. The launch of the e-commerce automotive parts website follows the recent announcement of the company’s integrations with e-commerce solutions platforms ChannelAdvisor, Adobe Commerce, and SureDone. The Company expects ...

Auto Care Association, a US-based industry body representing independent manufacturers, distributors, and repair shops, announced in a press release dated 1 November that online automotive aftermarket sales reached about USD37.6 billion in 2022; it predicts e-commerce adoption will continue expanding by more than 8% each year through 2025 to USD47.4 billion in total online sales. The data was part of the 2022 Joint E-commerce Trends and Outlook Forecast commissioned by the Automotive Aftermarket...

US-based automotive parts distributor National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA) has announced a collaboration with Qmerit, a North America–based provider of installation services for electric vehicle (EV) charging and other electrification technologies, according to a press release dated 1 November. NAPA says it will be the first in the automotive aftermarket space to offer Qmerit's turnkey EV charging installation services to buyers, ensuring a simple and seamless experience from the po...

German automotive component supplier and service provider Bosch has announced that it has expanded its electric coolant pumps portfolio for workshop customers and the range now comprises 50 article numbers, including 14 variants for hybrid and electric vehicles, according to a press release dated 18 October. The portfolio now covers 60% of the passenger cars and vans in Europe equipped with an electric coolant pump. Bosch observed that in vehicles with combustion engines, and especially in hy...

Germany-based aftermarket e-commerce software firm Speed4Trade has announced a collaboration with companies Anyline, Bertsch Innovation, and Performance One for its digital projects, according to a press release dated 26 October. The solutions brought by its partners are claimed to complement Speed4Trade’s shop, platform and middleware solution in terms of data quality, efficient processes and visibility on the web, the release added. The new partner Anyline specializes in mobile text ...

US-based Auto Parts 4Less Group, owner of AutoParts4Less.com, an automotive-parts-only marketplace, has announced that they have completed their technical integration with ChannelAdvisor, a provider of cloud-based eCommerce solutions, according to a press release dated 3 October. ChannelAdvisor provides automotive parts sellers with a solution to manage product data across multiple marketplaces. Their solution helps eliminate the tedious process of uploading descriptions and requirements of a...

Dayco, a US-based engine products and drive systems supplier for the automotive and aftermarket industries, announced the expansion of its line of serpentine belt kits, introducing 32 new Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) that it claims cover millions of domestic and import light trucks, SUVs and light-duty fleet vehicles on the road, according to a press release dated 24 October. The company says each OE-quality serpentine belt kit, currently available to order for customers in the US and Canada, i...