Dayco, Tecno System and Monet have entered into an equity agreement positioning the trio for growth in the electrified-propulsion systems space, according to a press release dated June 7. The resulting competence center will be a research and development (R&D) powerhouse that starts with Monet’s know-how and competencies, and ushers them through Tecno System’s industrialization capabilities, all while utilizing Dayco’s 115 years of innovation and world-class manufacturing. Da...

Vitesco Technologies, a leading international developer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art powertrain technologies for sustainable mobility, will join global electric vehicle leaders at the 36th EV Symposium and Exposition held June 11–14 in Sacramento, Calif., according to a press release dated June 7. Vitesco will present its broad portfolio of hardware and software supporting auto industry drive toward electrification.  Electrification solutions on display will i...

Dana Inc. announced June 7 that it has been named one of America's Climate Leaders 2023 by USA Today in a press release. Dana is an Ohio-based company operating in the design and manufacture of highly efficient propulsion and energy-management solutions that power vehicles and machines in all mobility markets across the globe. The list, compiled by the newspaper's research partner, Statista, recognizes the top 400 companies for their 2021 greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction performance against ...

Michigan-based global supplier of powertrain technologies, BorgWarner, has announced that Rohan Weerasinghe is expected to serve as non-executive chairman of Phinia, the spin-off company of its Fuel Systems and Aftermarket segments, according to a press release dated June 7. Weerasinghe retired from Citigroup Inc. in December 2021, where he served as general counsel from 2012. Prior to this, he served as the senior partner for the law firm of Shearman & Sterling, the release add...

The European Association of Automotive Suppliers (Comité de Liaison Européen des Fabricants d'Equipements et de Pièces Automobiles: CLEPA) has welcomed the initiative by the European Commission’s move to publish the Euro 7 proposal saying that the proposal offers potential for further reduction in the environmental impact of new vehicles on air quality, according to a press release dated June 5. “The European supply industry supports Euro 7 as an important tool to meet f...

Japanese trading company Marubeni Corp. announced that MAIHOIII LLC, a subsidiary of Marubeni, has acquired Automotive Parts and Services Holdings LLC (APSH), according to a press release dated May 9. APSH provides online distribution of automotive repair parts and mobile inspection (on-site inspection/verification of customer repair claims) to insurance companies offering vehicle service contracts in the US. Marubeni observed that since vehicle inspection regulations in the US...

Sojitz Corp., a Japan-based company engaged in trading business, investment and financial activities, announced that it has acquired full ownership of Albert Automotive Holdings Pty. Ltd., a wholesale and retail used-car business that is part of the Dutton Group, according to a press release dated May 16. Sojitz has been dealing in certified pre-owned cars through its authorized dealers in Japan and other countries, and operates a designated pure-play used car dealer for premium brand ve...

According to a press release dated June 1, Veoneer has announced the completion of the sale of its Active Safety business to Magna, a mobility-technology company and an automotive supplier. The transaction was first announced Dec. 20, 2022. "Today is a great day for all stakeholders of Veoneer's Active Safety business. The combination with Magna will create a leading global supplier for [advanced driver assistance systems, or ADAS] and secure a compelling long-term home for the Active Safety ...

US-based automotive aftermarket supplier and remanufacturer BBB Industries has announced that it has acquired Inter-Turbo, a Polish manufacturer of turbochargers and other components, through its wholly owned subsidiary Budweg Caliper A/S, according to a press release dated May 31. Inter-Turbo is based in Katowice, Poland and manufactures turbochargers, injectors and diesel particulate filters (DPFs). Founded in 2009 by Blazej Michalik and Marek Jasiok, Inter-Turbo services more than 16,000 m...

US-based automotive service-equipment provider Hunter Engineering has announced that it is now providing updated alignment specifications via its WinAlign software, according to a press release dated May 3. The vehicle information-database update release, which also included updates for other WinAlign features, became available May 1. The release covered new models — those not yet in existence at the time of the previous release — as well as model year updates, including origina...

US-based paints, coatings and specialty-materials manufacturer PPG announced that it has inaugurated a battery-pack application center (BPAC) in Tianjin, China, according to a press release dated June 1. The $30 million facility features a full range of capabilities to test the application of PPG coatings technologies, materials and systems for electric vehicle battery packs, allowing customers to accelerate the development of new EV technologies, the release added. The BPAC will include...

Klarius Products, a UK-based manufacturer of aftermarket emissions control components, announced that it is prepared to meet the demand for professional technical support and high-quality automotive parts that is on the rise with the increasing average age of vehicles on UK roads, according to a press release dated May 25. The company is positioning itself as the go-to expert for catalytic converters (CATs), diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and selective catalytic reduction (SCRs). It s...

US-based automotive components original equipment manufacturer, and aftermarket ride control and emission-products manufacturer, Tenneco, announced the opening of a 9,600-square-meter engineering center that will serve the company’s European Ride Control and Advanced Suspension Technologies (AST) businesses, according to a press release dated May 24. The new Monroe European Engineering Center is located approximately two kilometers from Tenneco’s manufacturing complex, in Gliwice, ...

Global automotive supplier Webasto announced that it showcased its extensive range of electromobility products at the recently concluded Battery Show Europe in Stuttgart, Germany, according to a press release dated May 22. Its showcase included various traction batteries for passenger cars and commercial vehicles, and its proprietary battery management system (BMS). The company exhibited its first battery for fully electric passenger cars manufactured at the new battery plant in Dangjin,...

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...

RIGID Industries, a US-based firm supplying high-performance LED lighting for off-road racing professionals and enthusiasts, has announced that automotive aftermarket executive Mitch Williams has joined the company as its new president, according to a press release dated May 2. According to the company, Williams joins RIGID Industries with a proven track record of driving growth and building high-performing teams over a nearly 40-year career. Most of his experience comes from holding leadersh...

Blink Charging Co., a US-based owner, operator and provider of electric vehicle charging equipment and services, has announced the commissioning of its new integrated battery storage and DC fast charger (DCFC) unit that will integrate with four Blink EV chargers at the Southport Plaza in Philadelphia, according to a press release dated May 16. The company said this marked the first battery-storage-energized DCFC chargers to go online in the state. The n...

Klarius Products, a UK-based manufacturer of aftermarket emissions control components, announced that it has expanded its range with new exhaust parts tailored for the Honda Civic Type R, according to a press release dated May 26. Significance: Klarius said its premium replacement exhausts are designed to match original equipment manufacturer standards and keep drivers on the road for longer. “The Honda Civic Type R is renowned for its performance-oriented features, bold s...

German supplier of automotive components, tires and aftermarket replacement parts, Continental, announced that it has launched its new generation of electronic-brake systems for Electronic Stability Control (ESC), called the MK 120 ESC, according to a press release dated May 17. This marks the first time that the MK 120 ESC enters series production worldwide. The new generation of conventional electronic-brake systems has been put first into production in the Chinese market by supplying ...

Sweden-based SKF, a supplier of rolling bearings, seals, mechatronics and lubrication systems, announced the appointments of David Johansson as president, Industrial Region Europe, the Middle East and Africa; Kerstin Enochsson as president, Automotive; and Hans Landin as senior vice president, Group Commercial Excellence Bearings; according to a press release dated May 25. Commenting on the move, Rickard Gustafson, president and CEO, said, “To reach our potential, we need to ...

Eyeing a huge growth potential, LG Electronics is expanding its electric vehicle charger solutions business to strengthen its position in the fast-growing EV charger segment, the company said May 25. In an event, LG celebrated the commencement of EV charger products manufactured by HiEV Charger (formerly known as AppleMango). HiEV Charger, an EV charging solution company, was acquired by LG, GS Energy and GS Neotek in 2022. HiEV Charger unveiled its product which features four differe...

Trico, a firm involved in automotive wiper engineering, design and technological development, has outlined its range of automotive-windscreen wiper solutions, according to a press release dated May 5. The company said it is leveraging its experience in supplying to over 100 automakers to become a trusted supplier of replacement wiper blades and assemblies for the global automotive aftermarket. The Trico Force range includes wipers with “[Aerofoil-designed] beam blades,” whi...

French automotive supplier Valeo announced that it unveiled its latest technologies to the Latin American aftermarket at Automec 2023 held in São Paulo, Brazil, from April 25–29, according to a press release dated May 16. Throughout the five-day event, Valeo said it aimed to strengthen its relationship with Latin American repair professionals through a dedicated space that offered training, services and an abundance of tailor-made content. One such example is Valeo Service’s la...

US-based electric vehicle charging operator and software company AmpUp has announced its participation in the ChargeX Consortium, an initiative led by the US Joint Office of Energy and Transportation aimed at shaping the US EV charging landscape, according to a press release dated May 18. The company said its involvement in the ChargeX Consortium signifies its commitment to advancing the charging experience for EV users across the nation. The ChargeX Consortium, led by Argonne National L...

Cummins Inc. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Faurecia, a company of the Forvia Group, to purchase two of Faurecia’s commercial vehicle manufacturing plants and their related activities for €142 million, according to a press release dated May 23. The manufacturing facilities are located in Columbus, Ind., and Roermond, the Netherlands. Faurecia has been a partner and supplier to Cummins for more than a decade, and the Forvia Group’s divestment ini...

Australian automotive distribution company and provider of vehicle parts, accessories, equipment, service and solutions, Bapcor, announced the acquisition of E-Max Australia, according to a press release dated May 18. With the move, E-Max will become an integral part of Bapcor's Commercial Vehicle Group, forming part of the existing wholesale business, Australian Truck Parts (ATP). The E-Max brand specializes in electrical loom and accessories products, providing innovative solutions for...

SunCar Technology Group Inc. (SunCar), a provider of digitalized enterprise automotive after-sales services and online auto insurance intermediation service in China, has announced the completion of what it calls “business combination” with Goldenbridge Acquisition Ltd. (Goldenbridge), a special-purpose acquisition company, according to a press release dated May 17. SunCar said it is transforming the customer journey for car insurance and aftermarket services in China. It d...

MAHLE Aftermarket UK announced that it has promoted Marta Cameron to customer service manager — a role that will see her lead and support the department, as the company continues its commitment to nurturing staff and promoting from within, according to a press release by UK aftermarket industry body Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) dated May 19. In the new role, Cameron will manage and support the whole UK customer service team, provide assistance to key custom...

NHOA Group-backed electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure company Atlante has forged an exclusive partnership with real estate company Groupe Duval to install about 188 fast and ultrafast charging points across France, according to a joint announcement made by both the companies on April 5. Notably, NHOA Group is engaged in energy storage, electric mobility and EV fast charging infrastructure businesses. Atlante is known for developing fast and ultrafast charging networks in southe...

Holley Inc. (Holley), a US-based manufacturer of high-performance aftermarket products for car and truck enthusiasts, announced the appointment of Matthew Stevenson as the company’s new president and CEO, according to a press release dated May 17. He will replace Interim President and CEO Michelle Gloeckler, who will be remaining with Holley as a member of the board, on June 6, 2023. Stevenson joins Holley from Blue Bird Corp., where he served as president and CEO. While at Blue Bird, ...

Panasonic Holdings Corp. and Japanese trading company Marubeni Corp. have announced an agreement to establish a joint venture for the purpose of providing fleet management services for commercial electric vehicles, according to a press release dated May 19. The companies believe while the adoption of EVs is gaining traction globally, there are limited numbers of use cases involving large EV fleets in Japan. “Establishing economic rationality and operations unique to EVs is a prerequisi...

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...

German supplier of automotive components, tires and aftermarket replacement parts, Continental, has launched the AllSeasonContact 2 tire, which was developed with a focus on high efficiency, safety and driving pleasure, according to a press release dated May 22. Continental said it has increased mileage by 15% compared to the previous model while reducing rolling resistance by 6%. The tire provides even better handling on dry roads and has an even shorter braking distance on wet and dry ...

German supplier of automotive components, tires and aftermarket replacement parts, Continental, announced that it has sold its plant in Kaluga, Russia, to Russian company S8 Capital, according to a press release dated May 22. With this step, Continental said it has divested the majority of its activities in Russia as part of its announced controlled withdrawal from the Russian market — a decision taken in response to the war against Ukraine. Continental produced passenger tir...

German automotive and industrial component supplier Schaeffler AG announced that General Motors (GM) has recognized Schaeffler as one of their Suppliers of the Year for 2022 at GM’s 31st annual Supplier of the Year event in Texas, according to a press release dated May 19. According to the release, GM’s Supplier of the Year recipients are selected by a global, cross-functional GM team for their performance in criteria such product purchasing, global purchasing and manufacturing services, ...

DENSO announced that it has introduced another 140 original equipment (OE) quality parts into its aftermarket program that provides the independent service and repair sector throughout Europe with coverage of more than 50 million additional vehicles, according to a press release dated May 10. The 140 range additions cater to popular models throughout Europe from 36 different vehicle manufacturers, including nine air-conditioning compressors for the most recent Volkswagen application...

Brembo, global manufacturer of high-performance braking systems, announced that it has inaugurated its latest plant expansion in Escobedo, in the state of Nuevo León, Mexico, according to a press release dated May 12. The expansion, which began in 2021, represents a $207 million investment in Mexico and will create 500 jobs, in addition to the 1,100 associates employed since 2016, the release added. Significance: Now fully operational, the 322,917-square-foot Escobedo expansion doubl...

US-based REV Group, a designer and manufacturer of specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services, has announced the appointment of Mark Skonieczny as president and CEO, effective immediately, according to a press release dated May 18. Skonieczny had previously served as interim CEO and CFO. The company has initiated a comprehensive search for a new CFO. Prior to joining REV Group, Skonieczny held positions as vice president and corporate controller of Adient PLC and spent 1...

Japan-based DENSO Corp. announced that it has introduced 33 new rear-wiper blades into its range, from the beginning of May, according to a press release dated May 2. These new references cater for more than 4,600 applications for vehicles as diverse as Audi, Mercedes, BMW, Porsche and Jaguar, to Dacia, SsangYong, Dodge and Chevrolet, and in the process provide the original equipment (OE) quality replacement solution for in excess of 100 million vehicles. Significance: “When replaci...

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 for the quarter ended March 2023, the company’s revenues increased 19.5% to $85.8 million, according to a press release dated May 9. Net income grew 46.5% to $11.4 million, or $0.41 per share, compared to $7.8 million, or $0.28 per share, in the same quarter of 2022, the release added...

In an effort to enhance environmental sustainability, DENSO Aftermarket announced that it has identified and implemented changes to how it both sources and uses the inner packaging for its rotating products and compressors, according to a press release dated May 4. Significance: “Although the packaging we have used to protect the rotating products (starters and alternators) and [air-conditioning] compressors in our aftermarket range has ensured that the products are delivered in good c...

The European Commission has prolonged the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (MVBER) for five years, meaning that it will now be applicable until May 31, 2028, according to a press release dated April 17. The European Commission has also updated the Supplementary Guidelines for the sector. It said the revised guidelines will help companies in the automotive sector assess the compatibility of their vertical agreements with EU competition rules, while ensuring that aftermarket o...

Mevotech, a Canada-based engineering, designer and manufacturer of driveline, steering and suspension aftermarket parts, has announced the addition of 173 new part numbers to its catalog, according to a press release dated 11 May. The company is known for innovative driveline, steering, suspension and wheel-hub repair solutions, the release added. Significance: The latest release includes first-to-market TTX and Supreme branded parts for applications up to model year 2023. Featuring...

Dorman Products (Dorman), a US-based aftermarket supplier of original equipment (OE) dealer exclusive parts, has announced the release of 200 new motor vehicle parts, more than a third of which are aftermarket exclusives, according to a press release dated May 15. The new releases include a first-to-the-aftermarket suspension sway-bar bracket kit designed to fit more than one million 2011–15 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango sport utility vehicles (SUVs) on the road today. When the sway...

German supplier of automotive components, tires and aftermarket replacement parts, Continental, has announced that Jorge Almeida will take over as head of Sustainability at Continental Tires with effect from May 1, 2023, according to a press release dated May 11. He will be responsible for the strategic positioning and global management of the company’s sustainability activities. In his new role, he reports directly to Christian Kötz, head of the Tires Group Sector and member of the e...

As part of its revised strategy on electric vehicle (EV) chargers, BP Pulse will only sell home chargers to fleet customers and will stop selling home-charge units directly to consumers from May 10, 2023, in the UK, the company announced May 10. “As part of an adjustment in its ambitious EV infrastructure plans, [BP Pulse] has confirmed that from 10 May 2023 it will only sell home chargers to fleet customers and stop selling [home-charge] units directly to consumers,” the compan...

BORG Automotive, a Denmark-based automotive parts remanufacturer, announced that it is set to showcase its comprehensive range of remanufactured products at the upcoming Rematec Amsterdam show in June, according to a press release dated May 9. The BORG Automotive Group consists of the distribution companies BORG Automotive Reman, Car Parts Industries (CPI) and SBS Automotive. BORG Automotive Reman delivers to the Independent Aftermarket, and CPI delivers to the original eq...

French automotive supplier Valeo announced that during the Nexus International Business Forum in Montreal, the company won the “Supplier of the Year” award recognizing the commitment and the ability of Valeo to respond to Nexus community members’ needs, according to a press release dated May 11. Additionally, the company said that AutoDistribution International chose Valeo for their “Supplier of the Year” award. And finally, TEMOT awarded Valeo with a “Special Recognitio...

Holley Inc. (Holley), a US-based manufacturer of high-performance aftermarket products for car and truck enthusiasts, announced results for the first quarter ended April 2, 2023, according to a press release dated May 11. The company said its net sales decreased 13.9% year over year to $172.2 million and gross profit decreased 18.1% year over year to $67.7 million compared to the prior year's first quarter. The company’s net income stood at $4.3 million, or $0.04 per diluted share...

Global automotive supplier of electric mobility and powertrain components Vitesco Technologies announced that sales for the first quarter of 2023 came in at €2.31 billion, up 2.5% over €2.26 billion in the same quarter last year, according to a press release dated May 12. The company said its focus on the electrification business was again strengthened in January when it reorganized its four business units into two new divisions: Powertrain Solutions and Electrification Solutions. Th...

Dayco IP Holdings LLC (Dayco) has expanded its product offering with the recent addition of the company’s alternator decoupler pulleys (ADP). Dayco’s premium alternator decoupler (also known in the industry as an overrunning alternator decoupler), will serve the world’s leading alternator suppliers and ultimately, vehicle manufacturers. In support of a significant business award, Dayco will start production of its high-performing ADP at its state-of-the-art facilit...

Bosch Engineering GmbH (Bosch Engineering) and Ligier Automotive have established a strategic partnership for developing high-performance hydrogen engine vehicles, as announced in a press release dated May 11. The first step of the joint activities is to construct a demonstration vehicle based on the Ligier JS2 R. Compared to the production vehicle, the hydrogen-powered Ligier JS2 RH2 will be equipped with a new type of carbon monocoque featuring three integrated hydrogen tanks. A converted s...

Continental AG (Continental) started 2023 with solid results, in line with its expectations, with consolidated sales of $11.3 billion (first quarter of 2022: $10.2 billion, up 11.1%), the company announced in a press release May 10. The technology company anticipates a further improvement in earnings over the course of the year, in particular due to rising production figures for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, inflation-related price adjustments and cost discipl...

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. (AAM), has reported a loss in its financial results for the first quarter of 2023, as reported in a press release May 5. "AAM's financial performance in the first quarter reflects customer production shutdowns and continued supply chain volatility. That stated, we are managing what we can control,” said AAM’s Chairman and CEO, David C. Dauch. “Our cutting-edge electric propulsion technology and our heritage in beam axles continue to p...

Global automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler AG (Schaeffler Group) has published its figures for the first three months of 2023, as reported in a press release dated May 9. In the reporting period, sales amounted to $4,549 million (previous year: $4,118 million). This corresponds to an increase in sales of 10.4%, to which all divisions and regions contributed. The Automotive Technologies, Automotive Aftermarket and Industrial divisions increased their sales by 6%, 25.7% and 13.4% resp...

Ingeteam SA (Ingeteam), a leading global energy company, announced May 8 that the company plans to expand the production capacity of DC fast chargers and Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers, which range from 7.5 kW up to 420 kW of power, at its plant in Milwaukee. The company’s move to expand production of EV chargers for the US market is aligned with the Biden-Harris administration’s ambitious goals of building a national network of 500,000 EV chargers across the country. ...

India is among the fastest growing markets for vehicles fitted with panoramic roofs. Due to consistently rising demand, Webasto Group (Webasto), a global market leader for openable roof systems, is expanding its activities in India by adding a further production facility. “The Indian roof system market is experiencing a period of extremely rapid growth and openable panoramic roofs are in particularly high demand. We have therefore now established another highly innovative production fa...

LKQ's Euro Car Parts Ltd. (LKQ Euro Car Parts), alongside seven other leading suppliers to the aftermarket, has announced the launch of a unique new garage concept to help the industry’s professionals navigate the ever-changing automotive landscape and deliver best-in-class service, according to a press release dated May 5 by the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF). Developed in conjunction with MPM Oil, Pagid, Schaeffler, Shell, Valeo, Varta and ZF Aftermark...

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (AAM), a leader in driveline and metal forming technology, announced a $10 million investment in the Global Strategic Mobility Fund (GSMF), in a press release dated May 5. GSMF is a venture capital fund managed by EnerTech Capital. As a strategic partner, AAM gains access to EnerTech’s vast network of business alliances and emerging technology, all supporting mobility innovation that can help enhance AAM’s products and operat...

Net sales were $4,180 million for the first quarter of 2023, an increase of 8% compared with $3,874 million for the first quarter of 2022, as reported in a company press release May 4. Net earnings for the first quarter of 2023 were $217 million, or $0.93 per diluted share, compared with net earnings of $200 million, or $0.84 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2022. Adjusted net earnings per diluted share for the first quarter of 2023 were $1.09, up from adjusted net earnings per ...

Within Robert Bosch GmbH (Bosch), the newly structured Bosch Mobility will be responsible for its own business focusing on mobility in the software age. A five-strong leadership team headed by Markus Heyn will manage all aspects of the automotive-supply business, as per a press release dated May 4. “For some time now, Bosch has also seen itself as a mobility software company. Now, in response to customer requirements, our structure is changing to reflect this,” explained Heyn. Acc...

ZF Friedrichshafen AG (ZF) is illustrating how the Software-defined vehicle (SdV) can transform mobility with new functions through advanced software and hardware connected systems at the opening of its new West Coast Mobility Hub in Pleasanton, Calif., the company announced in a press release May 3. At the heart of its SdV demonstration is ZF Group’s High Performance ProConnect computing platform, which provides a continuous data loop in connected vehicles that allows for cloud-b...

BorgWarner Inc. (BorgWarner), a global product leader in delivering innovative and sustainable mobility solutions for the vehicle market, has been selected to provide high-voltage hairpin (HVH) eMotors to a leading automotive manufacturer in China, according to a May 4 press release. The eMotors will be used in the Chinese automaker’s dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) and range-extended electric vehicle (REEV), with mass production expected to start in August 2023 in Tianjin, China.&...

Philipp Grosse Kleimann will be the new head of the Aftermarket business unit and a member of the MAHLE management committee from August 1, 2023, as stated in a company press release dated May 4. In this function, he will report directly to the CEO. “Philipp Grosse Kleimann has many years of management experience in the automotive and mobility sector, profound knowledge of service and workshop business and an entrepreneurially oriented mindset,” said Arnd Franz, chairman of the MAHLE...

As part of their strategic partnership announced earlier this 2023, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, a leading global technology company of next-generation mobility, and Wolfspeed Inc., the global leader in Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology, announced their plans to establish a joint European research and development (R&D) center for SiC power electronics in the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region, Germany, as per Wolfspeed's press release on May 3. The new joint research facility...

DENSO, a leading mobility supplier, announced global financial results for its fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, according to a company press release on April 27. Revenue for the fiscal year ending March 21, 2023, totaled $59.5 billion. In Japan, revenue increased to ¥3,705.8 billion (about $27.8 billion), up 5.4% from the previous year, and operating profit was ¥215.6 billion, a 14.1% rise from the previous year. In North America, revenue increased to ¥1,504.1 billio...

US-based independent manufacturer and distributor of automotive replacement parts, Standard Motor Products (SMP), announced the release of 373 new part numbers in its April product expansion announcement, according to a press release dated April 26. The release provides new coverage in 87 different product categories, and more than 100 part numbers for 2022 and 2023 model-year vehicles, the company said. As part of the expansion, the company said its collision repair and advanced driver ...

MAHLE, a Stuttgart-based global supplier of powertrain and thermal components in Germany, announced in a press release dated April 25 that in the 2022 financial year, its sales grew by 14% to €12.4 billion. The company said it is reorienting itself in the light of the transformation in the automotive industry, and electrification and thermal management are the core of the corporate strategy MAHLE 2030+. The company believes its sales potential in connection with electric cars to be three ...

Klarius Products, a UK-based manufacturer of aftermarket emissions-control components, has announced that the company is well positioned to cater to the maturing car parc in the UK, according to a press release dated April 26. Citing data by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), the company said the average age of a car on UK roads is 10 years old and while this makes it one of the youngest in Europe, its average age is expected to increase. “The symptoms of this m...

Valeo has reported a 15% year-over-year increase in first-quarter net sales at €5.48 billion, according to a filing by the company on April 25. Original equipment sales were up 13% like for like on an adjusted basis. Valeo secured new orders for around €4 billion, including for Valeo 800V Silicon Carbide (SiC) inverter technology. Christophe Périllat, Valeo’s CEO, said, “Our first-quarter sales, up 15% to 5.5 billion euros, reflect a solid start to 2023 for Valeo. "This ...

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...

A Japan-based parts supplier, Akebono Brake Corp., announced that it has launched a new brake caliper specifically designed for the Toyota 20/30 Series Alphard Vellfire models launched post May 2008, according to a press release dated April 21. Called AWP Brake Caliper AWPK-1101, the new caliper will be available from May 20 and is priced at ¥300,000 or around $2,250. The company is offering a warranty of either three years from the purchase or 60,000 km mileage. There are 1.1 million units ...

The China arm of global automotive supplier of electric mobility and powertrain components Vitesco Technologies announced that it has put its laboratory at the Tianjin, China, location officially into use, according to a press release dated April 25. The Tianjin location now integrates research and development, testing and production functions. The newly opened laboratory is located at the production base of Vitesco Technologies Tianjin, with a total area of nearly 2,000 square meters. The la...

US-based distributor of replacement parts, components and systems, LKQ Corp., has reported revenue of $3.3 billion in the first quarter of 2023, flat from the first quarter of 2022, according to a press release dated April 27. Total parts and services revenue increased 1.5%, according to the release, which added that other revenue fell 19.2% in the first quarter of 2023 primarily due to weaker commodity prices relative to the same period in 2022. Net income for the first quarter of 2023 ...

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...

Global automotive supplier of electric mobility and powertrain components Vitesco Technologies Group AG announced that its supervisory board has appointed Sabine Nitzsche as its new CFO with effect from Nov. 1, 2023, according to a press release dated April 26. Nitzsche succeeds Werner Volz, who will retire from the company. Both will share the month of October to ensure a smooth transfer, the release added. Nitzsche started her professional career at Infineon in 1994. She pass...

ZF Aftermarket, the aftermarket arm of German automotive supplier ZF Friedrichshafen, announced that it has expanded its product offering in India with the launch of three new TRW products, according to a press release dated April 23. The products launched in the Indian market are TRW shock absorbers, now made in India, TRW brake pads and TRW brake discs. With the new products, ZF said it is supporting the brake repair of passenger cars, a crucial business area in the independent aftermarke...

German supplier of automotive components, tires and aftermarket replacement parts, Continental, announced that it has launched the production of tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) for passenger cars at its plant in Bangalore, India, according to a press release dated April 24. The company will increase TPMS production capacity over the next three years, with a plan to cater to the local market with the current production, and to expand into the export markets as well in the...

Autel U.S., a provider of automotive diagnostics products, announced that it has launched its redesigned advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) website pages, providing customers with a comprehensive resource for shops looking to add ADAS calibrations to their list of services, according to a press release dated April 24. Autel U.S. is a subsidiary of China-based Autel Intelligent Technology Corp. The company believes with 99 million ADAS-equipped vehicles already on North American ro...

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...

ZF Aftermarket, the aftermarket arm of German automotive supplier ZF Friedrichshafen, announced that it has expanded its parts offerings in the first quarter of 2023 for vehicles in the US and Canada, adding 116 new listings to its ZF, Lemförder, SACHS, TRW and WABCO branded portfolios, according to a press release dated April 11. The latest additions expand coverage to approximately 26.3 million vehicles in operation. New product numbers include 56 different part numbers for Lemförder wind...

Global automotive supplier Webasto has announced that readers of the German magazines Auto Bild, auto motor and sport und Auto Zeitung voted Webasto’s wallboxes and parking heaters from Webasto as the best in five categories, according to a press release dated 19 April. According to the release, in the parking heaters category, Webasto came up top in all three surveys and its charging stations occupied the first and second place. For the first time, auto motor und sport also asked readers t...

The UK arm of German automotive and industrial component supplier Schaeffler AG has announced that in an effort to demonstrate its commitment to the independent aftermarket sector, a team from its workshop portal, REPXPERT, recently visited Tameside College in Ashton-under-Lyne, UK, to speak to students and bring them up to speed with modern clutch technology, according to a press release dated April 20. The Schaeffler REPXPERT team of Technical Manager Alistair Mason and Digital Marketi...

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 ...

UK-based remanufacturer and fuel systems supplier, Carwood, has become the latest member to join the UK aftermarket industry body Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), according to a press release dated 20 April. With more than 50-year’s expertise, Carwood is a leading remanufacturer and technical services provider for the global car, commercial vehicle, off-highway, motorsport and defence industries, the release added.  Carwood’s remanufactured portfolio spans OEM-ap...

MAHLE Aftermarket, the aftermarket arm of Stuttgart-based global supplier of powertrain and thermal components, MAHLE, has announced that it has expanded its product range for engine peripherals in passenger cars, according to a press release dated 14 April. The new product range starts with the introduction of air intake modules, which have been available for selected vehicle types via the parts trade since March 2023 while cylinder head covers and oil filter modules will follow, the company...

BorgWarner-owned Delphi Technologies announced that it has released a total of 87 parts across its product lines as part of the first of several parts announcements to come in 2023, according to a press release dated April 17. Of the five new products to its fuel delivery line, three are first to market fuel pump module assemblies. These new products cover approximately 2.43 million vehicles in operation (VIO) in the US and Canada, covering both domestic and import brands such as th...

German supplier of automotive components, tires and aftermarket replacement parts, Continental, announced that it has expanded the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at its three company-owned test sites in Arvidsjaur (Sweden), Jeversen (Germany) and Uvalde (US), according to a press release dated April 20. The company believes more tire tests for EVs require more charging stations and thanks to increased charging capacities, its global test sites are ready for e-mobility...

ZF announced that it has joined the Navigation Data Standard (NDS) Association in which automotive manufacturers, suppliers, map providers and map developers are establishing a global standard for digital maps in standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD), according to a press release dated April 20. ZF contributes expertise in the development of system solutions and sensor technology, and benefits from the open exchange of information on digital map solutions with customers and...

German automotive component supplier and service provider Bosch has announced that following extensive air-quality tests, the independent certification body OFI CERT, based in Vienna, Austria, has officially confirmed the quality of FILTER+pro, the new generation of Bosch cabin filters, according to a press release dated April 5. Among other things, it tested how well allergens were filtered and reduced, as well as the filter’s ability to reduce the risk of germ transmission. The ...

Lumileds, a global supplier of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket automotive lighting and accessories, announced the expansion of the Philips Xperion 6000 range of automotive professional work lamps with the launch of the Penlight, Headlight and the Under-Bonnet Light, designed to tackle inspection tasks even in tight spaces that are tricky to reach, according to a press release dated April 17. The company said that features such as presence-sensing and magnetic and teles...

Elgin Industries, a US-based manufacturer of engine and chassis components, announced that it has elevated Chris Anderson to the role of executive vice president, according to a press release dated April 17. In this role, Anderson assumes additional operating responsibility for the company’s domestic and overseas businesses. Elgin serves original equipment (OE) and aftermarket customers in nearly 60 nations from its engineering, manufacturing and distribution complex in Elgin, Ill. Signi...

French fleet management and car leasing company ALD Automotive and the leading electric vehicle (EV) charging network provider ChargePoint Holdings have signed an international agreement to establish a focused EV charging business in Europe for corporate fleets, according to a joint announcement from both the companies on April 4. “The joint initiative aims to create a unique electric Mobility Service Provider (eMSP) to accelerate corporate fleet electrification,” the companies said in a ...

Siligom, a France-based tire distributor and service provider, and Parts Holding Europe (PHE), a distributor of vehicle spares in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxemburg, Italy and Spain, have announced that Siligon’s acquisition of PHE-owned Glass Auto Service has received approval from the supervisory authorities, according to a press release dated April 14. This acquisition enables Siligom, which is already present in the glazing market with more than 90 outlets under the Siliglass b...

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...

Dorman Products, a US-based aftermarket supplier of original equipment (OE) dealer exclusive parts, has announced the release of 250 new motor vehicle parts, including 75 aftermarket exclusives, according to a press release dated April 12. This April's new releases include a first-to-the-aftermarket intake manifold runner control (IMRC) motor and arm designed to fit more than half a million 2018–20 Chevrolet Cruze and Sonic cars on the road. The company said when certain models eq...

Premium Guard Inc. (PGI), a US-based provider of aftermarket automotive filtration solutions, has announced the appointment of Jonathan Williams as its North America CFO, according to a press release dated April 10. Williams joined PGI's leadership team after more than 20 years of experience with global and growth-oriented companies in financial leadership roles. He had a recent role with Bridgestone Americas as CFO for the Commercial Tire division. Prior to that, Williams was part of Ni...

EV charging network provider Gridserve has expanded its charging infrastructure footprint by setting up two new "Electric Super Hubs' at Moto Washington North and South on the A1(M) motorway in the UK, the company said on April 6. Set up in partnership with Moto, the Gridserve electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs are already operational to provide easy and convenient charging experience to EV drivers on the UK’s busiest motorways, the company added. Each of the "Electric Super Hubs...