US-based paints, coatings and specialty-materials manufacturer PPG announced the opening of a Color Creation Lab in China, in collaboration with automaker Chery Automobile Co. Ltd., according to a press release dated June 1. At the facility, located in Wuhu, China, PPG color stylists and Chery designers will create new colors tailored to specific vehicle designs, from initial color recommendations to final materials for application in Chery’s manufacturing plants, the release added. ...

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...

Castrol India Ltd. has announced expansion of its portfolio into the auto care segment, with a variety of products that include Castrol Chain Cleaner, Castrol Chain Lube, Castrol 3-in-1 Shiner, Castrol 1-Step Polishing Compound and Castrol Anti-Rust Lubricant Spray, according to a press release dated May 12. The company said it will leverage on its extensive network of distributors, modern trade partners, e-commerce channels, and Castrol Auto service outlets and Bike ...

US-based paints, coatings and specialty-materials manufacturer PPG announced that it has showcased its growing portfolio of paints and coatings for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) at The Battery Show, which took place at the Messe Stuttgart exhibition center in Stuttgart, Germany, from May 23–25, according to a press release dated May 19. PPG’s exhibit included battery-fire protection and thermal-management solutions, as well as dielectric-coating systems that improve performan...

US-based paints, coatings and specialty-materials manufacturer PPG has announced that it will deliver paint and clear-film solutions for automotive and industrial customers through PPG Advanced Surface Technologies, a new joint venture formed with Entrotech Inc. (Entrotech), a provider of technology-driven film solutions, according to a press release dated May 23. PPG retains a majority stake in the JV. Paint films are multilayer applications in which at least one layer is made from...

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...

Valvoline Inc. (Valvoline), specializing in preventive automotive maintenance, reported financial results for its second fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2023, as per a press release May 10. Sales from continuing operations of $344.5 million grew 16% and 19% on an adjusted basis, while system-wide same store sales (SSS) increased 13.5%. Reported income from continuing operations of $32.9 million grew 43% and adjusted EBITDA of $87.1 million increased 26%. Valvoline completed the sale of it...

Shell Deutschland GmbH (Shell Germany) and the Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen) are putting the first innovative Flexpole charging station into operation in Göttingen, Germany. Further stations in Germany and Europe have been planned. The charging station from Volkswagen's Elli brand has a unique battery-storage system that enables connection to a low-voltage grid and, depending on the vehicle type, charges a range of up to 160 km within 10 minutes, as per Volkswagen's press release May ...

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...

LIQUI MOLY GmbH (LIQUI MOLY), a German company primarily known for its motor oils and additives, is expanding its range for all-electric vehicles (EVs) with Battery Coolant EV 200, the company announced in a press release May 4. Special drives require special solutions. This is definitely the case with all-EVs. LIQUI MOLY expanded its range early on to include products for purely EVs. A new development in this series is the Battery Coolant EV 200 launched by the German automotive chemica...

US-based paints, coatings and specialty materials manufacturer PPG has announced that Christine Camsuzou, currently interim chief procurement officer (CPO), has been appointed vice president, procurement and CPO, effective immediately, according to a press release dated May 2. Reporting to Ram Vadlamannati, senior vice president of Operations, Camsuzou will be responsible for leading PPG’s global procurement team, processes and strategy, the release added. Camsuzou began her caree...

Idemitsu Lubricants America (ILA), a supplier of Japanese original equipment manufacturer (OEM) lubricants in North America, has announced the promotion of Michael (Mike) Park from senior director to vice president of its “AMO/OES Divisions & Distributor Accounts”, according to a press release dated April 5. After joining the Idemitsu team in 2011, Park became the architect of the organization's national bulk oil program. He spearheaded the company's nationwide distribution capabiliti...

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...

Fuchs Petrolub, a German multinational manufacturer of lubricants and related specialty products, announced that its supervisory board has decided to confirm Executive Board Members Timo Reister and Ralph Rheinboldt in office for a further five years until December 2028, according to a press release dated March 7. With this contract extension, FUCHS secures the experience and expertise of two long-standing members of the executive board, the release added. "With the newly formed executiv...

Mobil 1 has launched its newest full-synthetic, low-viscosity motor oil, specially formulated for hybrid engines in response to upward projections for hybrid vehicle sales and adoption, according to a press release dated April 6. Developed with its signature Triple Action Formula, Mobil 1 Hybrid 0W-20 advanced full synthetic motor oil is designed for today’s hybrid engines and delivers performance, protection and cleanliness benefits for hybrid vehicles, the release added. The produ...

Lucas Oil Products, a US-based distributor of automotive additives and lubricants, has outlined its preventive maintenance products for the trucking and fleet management market, according to a press release dated March 29. It added that its products improve performance, reduce friction and heat, and improve fuel mileage in all driving conditions. The company said fleet managers were turning to Lucas Oil to keep vehicles in operation longer than ever due to the rising costs of replac...

German chemical company BASF announced that BASF Shanghai Coatings (BSC) has opened its new technical center building at the BSC Minhang, Shanghai, site with an aim to better serve automotive OEM customers in China with its technology, products and services, according to a press release dated March 8. Equipped with advanced laboratory facilities and a team of highly qualified and experienced staff, the new technical center building will provide customers with total solutions covering whole pr...

bp has announced plans to invest USD1 billion by 2030 into electric vehicle (EV) charge points across the US, according to a company press release dated 15 February. Hertz and bp are also set to bring fast charging infrastructure to Hertz locations in cities including Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Miami, New York City, Orlando, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. “We are excited to be working with bp to build out charging at Hertz locations across the country, a...

Valvoline, a US-based supplier of lubricants and automotive services, reported that it has completed the previously announced sale of its Global Products business to Aramco, via a press release dated 1 March. Valvoline said that with the sale of its Global Products business to Aramco, each business can now focus on its individual future growth and strategic plans. Sam Mitchell, CEO, Valvoline Inc. commented, "Today, Valvoline Inc. becomes a pure pl...

Bharat Petroleum, India’s second largest oil marketing company, (BPCL), has announced the launch of an electric vehicle (EV) fast charging corridor on the Delhi–Jalandhar National Highway with fast charging stations at 12 BPCL retail outlets strategically located along the highway (part of NH-44), according to a press release dated 13 February. The 750-km long segment of NH-44 is BPCL’s fourth such EV fast charging corridor in the country, with fast charging stations at roughly every 10...

US-based paints, coatings, and specialty materials manufacturer PPG has announced that its SEM Products business has launched a ‘VCS Versatile Cup System’ for the automotive refinish market, according to a press release dated 2 February. The VCS hybrid system, which includes multifunctional cups, liners, and lids, combines the benefits of vented hard cups and sealed liner systems, helps increase body shop productivity. The VCS system is said to reduce the amount of cleaning solvent needed...

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 ...

German oil and additive specialist, LIQUI MOLY, announced the appointment of Vincent Prinzing as the managing director of LIQUI MOLY Australia, according to a press release dated 16 December 2022. Prinzing has been with LIQUI MOLY for 10 years and was most recently responsible for business in Australia, New Zealand, and many Asian countries, the release added. The 37-year-old will soon move from Germany to Sydney for this position. "I'm very much looking forward to the challenge of advancing ...

German oil and additive specialist, LIQUI MOLY, announced that Debbie Barnes has being elevated to the position of managing director of its UK subsidiary, according to a press release dated 19 January. The position involves the responsibility for national operations, the release added. Barnes has been part of the LIQUI MOLY team for seven years and was most recently regional sales manager and national key account manager at LIQUI MOLY UK. In her new position as MD, she is now responsible for ...

Lubrizol Corp., the Berkshire Hathaway-owned specialty chemicals company based in the US, has announced the appointment of a new executive leadership team, according to a press release dated 12 January. The company says that consists experienced business leaders will continue to support the organization’s talent and its customers, the release added. “For more than 90 years, Lubrizol science has solved complex challenges and advanced new opportunities across a variety of industries. We’r...

Lubrizol Engineered Polymers has announced that a prototype of its newly developed SilSense material for car seat covers was exhibited at the Auto Expo Components trade show in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India, from 12 to 15 January, according to a press release dated 13 January. The company said SilSense material is a non‑animal solution which has low volatile organic volatile (VOC) as it is produced through a cleaner, solvent-free process than other products currently used in the mar...

US manufacturer of liquid and powder coatings Axalta Coating Systems has announced that it has signed a multiyear agreement with Steer Automotive Group, a UK-based independently owned vehicle repair organization, according to a press release dated 5 December. Under the agreement, Axalta is the single preferred paint partner, supplying its premium refinish brand Standox to Steer Automotive Group’s 57 UK sites. The agreement also includes products from U-POL, known for its expertise in refini...

TotalEnergies has announced the construction of a new production line of high-performance recycled polypropylene for automotive in its polymer plant in Carling, France, according to a press release on 25 November 2022. The Carling – Saint-Avold petrochemical platform has been manufacturing compounds with added value for the automotive industry since 2016. The launch of a new line dedicated to hybrid compounds will strengthen the platform's position as Europe's premier polymers site. ...

Lucas Oil Products, a US-based distributor of automotive additives and lubricants, has announced the appointment of Katie Lucas, the company's VP of Strategy and Philanthropy, to the position of chief administrative officer, according to a press release dated 30 November. In this role, Lucas will be responsible for blending day-to-day operations with long-term strategic goals, providing oversight of company policies, procedures, campaigns and growth initiatives, the release added. As VP of St...

US manufacturer of liquid and powder coatings Axalta Coating Systems has announced the appointment of Chris Villavarayan as CEO and president and a member of the company’s Board of Directors, effective January 2023, according to a press release dated 16 November. At the same time, Rakesh Sachdev, who has served as interim CEO and president, will succeed Bill Cook as non-executive Board Chair, the release added. Axalta said Villavarayan is a proven global executive with more than two decades...

Valvoline, a US-based supplier of lubricants and automotive services, has reported financial results for its fourth fiscal quarter and fiscal year ended 30 September 2022. According to a press release dated 15 November, for the full year the company reported a net income of USD424.3 million, up 1% year-on-year. Continuing operations net revenues stood at USD1.2 billion, up 19% and the reported net income was USD109.4 million, down 45%. In the fourth quarter, the company reported a net...

German oil and additive specialist, LIQUI MOLY, announced that its long-standing administrative director based in Ulm, Germany, Uli Weller, will become the second managing director of the group of companies at the start of 2023, according to a press release dated 28 November. The company believes this is a logical step and a guarantee for lasting stability and security. With this step, Weller will be promoted to an additional managing director of the LIQUI MOLY Group, which also includes the ...

German oil and additive specialist, LIQUI MOLY, announced that it has developed a brake fluid especially for electric vehicles (EVs) called DOT 5.1 EV, according to a press release dated 15 November. The company believes there are several reasons why brake systems are more demanding for vehicles that are partly or even purely electrically powered. “One of the reasons is corrosion protection, because the electric motor also acts as a brake and uses it to generate energy for the battery,...

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

In the recent "#PosventaConSentido (Aftersales with Sense) Dialogues", organized by the Spanish Association of Automotive Suppliers (Sernauto) with the collaboration of Conese, a consultancy specializing in sustainability, the dialogue #MovilidadConSentido (Mobilty with Sense) was published, a conversation in which it is valued how large companies face the new environmental and regulatory challenges posed by a more environmentally friendly mobility. During the conversation, it was analyzed ho...

Castrol is expanding its portfolio of carbon neutral products in Europe with Castrol TRANSMAX, a range of highly advanced transmission and axle fluids. Castrol TRANSMAX products are available for automatic and manual vehicle transmissions and for axles. These products have been verified as carbon neutral, in accordance with the internationally recognized PAS 2060 specification. A typical passenger car makes an average of 18,000 stop-starts and 88,000 gear changes every year. This places huge ...

German oil and additive specialist, Liqui Moly, announced that it demonstrated its wide range of automotive chemicals at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) from 1–3 November as well as the SEMA show 2022 held from 1–4 November in Las Vegas, according to a press release dated 20 October. The new products included Top Tec Gear EV 510, a gear oil especially for Tesla. “The EV 510 is one example of how we are supporting the change in mobility. We aim our wide range of automoti...

Valvoline, a US-based supplier of lubricants and automotive services, announced that head-to-head testing of its product with a “industry-leading full synthetic” motor oil revealed that Valvoline’s full synthetic motor oils provided 24x stronger protection against engine-killing contaminants, according to a press release dated 17 October. It said engine-killing contaminant include water, fuel, and ethanol.  If moisture builds up in the engine and is not properly controlle...

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

US-based paints, coatings, and specialty materials manufacturer PPG has announced that its third quarter 2022 net sales stood at USD4.5 billion, up 2% year-on-year and 8% in constant currencies, according to a press release dated 19 October. The company said sales volumes were impacted by further softening demand in Europe and less sequential quarterly demand recovery in China than was expected due to a resumption of certain pandemic-related restrictions. These factors, along with worsening f...

Lubricant maker Castrol has launched Castrol ON EV Transmission Fluids specifically for use by franchised and independent workshops certified to work on electrified vehicle (EV) powertrains, according to a press release dated 13 October. Available in five-liter packs, the two new products—in D1 and D2 variants—are claimed to suit a wide range of EVs, helping to extend the life of the drivetrain system and enable EVs to go further on a single charge, the release added. The new product...

US-based paints, coatings, and specialty materials manufacturer PPG has announced that Tim Knavish, chief operating officer, has been named president and CEO, effective 1 January, 2023, according to a press release dated 19 October. Knavish, 57, who has served as PPG’s COO since March, will succeed Chairman and CEO Michael McGarry, 64, in the role of CEO. McGarry, who has served as CEO since September 2015, will become Executive Chairman. Knavish joined PPG in 1987 at PPG’s global...

Lubricant maker Castrol announced that its CEO Mandhir Singh retired at the end of September 2022 and was succeeded by Michelle Jou, who joined Castrol’s parent company and oil conglomerate bp in April 2022. Jou is said to bring in extensive strategic commercial expertise, with over 25 years’ experience across sales, marketing, supply chain, and executive management in the chemical industry. Most recently, she was the global president of the Polycarbonates business unit at Covestro, a pol...

German oil and additive specialist, LIQUI MOLY, has outlined its extensive package to support workshops in repairing windshields, according to a press release dated 5 October. Aimed at enabling a workshop to not only repair stone chips, but also replace complete windows, LIQUI MOLY’s offerings include everything from chemicals (adhesives and primers), tools (separating cord, suction lifter, sausage caulking gun, seam scraper, etc.) as well as training, the release added. The compa...

German oil and additive specialist, Liqui Moly, announced that its Gear Tronic III and JetClean Tronic II service machines can allow workshops to expand their range of services and open new business areas, according to a press release dated 5 September.  Gear Tronic III largely automates the complex oil change process for automatic transmissions, for which simply unscrewing the oil drain plug is insufficient because a significant part of the old oil would remain in the transmission. Howe...

German oil and additive specialist, Liqui Moly, announced that it has expanded its range of car care products, according to a press release dated 6 September. Although the company is known for its oils and additives, it is also constantly expanding its range of car care products in an effort to “live up to our claim of being a full-range supplier of automotive chemicals,” according to company managing director Günter Hiermaier. The latest additions to the firm’s car care product range ...

International energy and petrochemical company Shell plc announced that Ben van Beurden will step down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the end of 2022; his successor will be Wael Sawan, whose appointment will be effective 1 January 2023, when he will also join Shell’s Board of Directors, according to a press release dated 15 September. Ben van Beurden will continue working as adviser to the Board until 30 June 2023, after which he will leave the group. Sawan is currently the Director, I...

Lubrizol Corp, the specialty chemicals unit of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, has announced that Rebecca Liebert has been named the company’s President and CEO, effective 3 October, according to a press release dated 1 September. She succeeds Mary Rhinehart who has served as interim President and CEO since March of this year. Rhinehart will continue as the company’s Board Chair, the release added. Liebert was most recently Executive Vice President of PPG Industries, a global leader ...

Lubricant maker Castrol and Sprint Power, a UK-based firm involved in electrified propulsion systems, power electronics and battery systems, are collaborating on a project to develop ultra-fast charging cells and battery packs for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles (FCEVs), according to a press release dated 6 September. Under the collaboration, two Sprint Power designed battery modules that will use Castrol ON EV Thermal Fluids to deliver an 80% charge in...

US-based paints, coatings, and specialty materials manufacturer PPG has announced that it will showcase its growing portfolio of paints and coatings for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) during the North American International Detroit Auto Show and The Battery Show, North America from 13–15 September, according to a press release dated 12 September. Exhibits at both events will include the PPG CORACHAR branded battery fire protection solutions that are claimed to enhance safety and productio...

German trade fair, congress and event organizer Messe Frankfurt, who is also organizing the upcoming automotive service industry trade fair Automechanika Frankfurt from 13 to 17 September at the Frankfurt exhibition grounds, has revealed the key topics at this year’s event and announced that the exhibitor line-up continues to be international, according to a press release dated 8 September. The key topics include alternative drive systems, training and professional development, resilient su...

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

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

bp unveiled plans to invest up to GBP50 million (around USD60 million) in a new, state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) battery testing center and analytical laboratory in Pangbourne, United Kingdom, according to a press release dated 2 August.  The new facilities will be located at bp’s existing global headquarters for its Castrol business in Pangbourne, Berkshire, and will support the technology, engineering and science roles housed there. The site already undertakes research an...

Valvoline, a US-based supplier of lubricants and automotive services, announced that it has reached a definitive agreement with Aramco for the sale of Valvoline's Global Products business for USD2.65 billion in cash. Following the closing of the transaction, Valvoline will own the Valvoline brand for all retail services purposes globally, excluding China and certain countries in the Middle East and North Africa, while Aramco will own the Valvoline brand for all products uses globally. Both co...

A nationwide survey commissioned by Castrol known as OnePoll research, conducted among 1,000 UK car owners, has identified the most important factors influencing customer loyalty for vehicle workshops across the UK, according to a company press release dated 22 July. The factor mentioned more than any other—by 45% of motorists—is the perception that the work carried out represents ‘good value’. However, the research also strongly indicates that motorists are not simply looking ...

German oil and additive specialist, Liqui Moly, announced that it has registered sales of EUR382 million (around USD387 million) in the first half of the year, up 8% year on year, according to a press release dated 20 July. The company said despite the loss of the Russian market, it was able to achieve a “respectable increase in sales”, even though this figure fell short of expectations. The company did not meet its revenue target, according to the release. The managing director of LIQUI ...

Spanish energy and petrochemical company Repsol announced that as part of its goal to become a net-zero emissions company by 2050, it has launched its first-ever carbon-neutral lubricants under the ‘Master’ range, according to a press release dated 21 June. Repsol's ‘Master’ range is made up of 11 high-performance lubricants for conventional and hybrid passenger vehicles. The low viscosity and selected additives of these products are said to enable greater fuel economy compared with trad...

French energy company TotalEnergies has announced that it has replaced the battery cooling system in a Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid with an immersion alternative, a first for a road-going car, according to a press release dated 7 July. The move was done on a pilot basis and the company has no plans to mass-market it, in the short-term at least. The cooling of lithium batteries by immersion is regarded as the optimum solution to the challenges posed by ultra-fast charging, with the most powerful ...

New consumer research commissioned by Castrol suggests workshops across the United Kingdom could be missing out on valuable revenue-generating opportunities by not up-selling consumables and by not following up on deferred work, according to a press release by the company dated 6 July. The survey, a OnePoll research conducted among 1,000 UK car owners, found that only 40% of motorists are typically contacted by their workshop between vehicle services to discuss any work that might need to be ...

Automaker Lynk & Co, formed as a joint venture between Geely Holding, Geely Auto Group, and Volvo Car Group, has entered into a five-year agreement with Castrol for the supply of premium lubricants in all of the markets in which it operates across Europe, according to a press release by Castrol on 23 June. According to the agreement, Castrol EDGE Professional V 0W-20 lubricant will be used during regular servicing and maintenance work on Lynk & Co vehicles. Lynk & Co offers member...

Continental Aftermarket US, a supplier of OE-engineered aftermarket replacement parts and advanced diagnostics, in a release dated 21 June has outlined its line of ATE replacement brake fluids featuring special formulations designed to help maximize brake system performance in all types of electronic, hydraulic, and racing systems. The full line includes ATE Super DOT 5.1, the technological standard for brake fluids, ATE SL.6 Brake Fluid—the ideal replacement for ESP, ABS, and ASR electroni...

US-based paints, coatings, and specialty materials manufacturer PPG has announced that it will highlight its growing portfolio of automotive and aerospace adhesives and sealants as well as its additive manufacturing (AM) capabilities for 3D-printed parts during the Adhesives & Bonding Expo in Novi, Michigan, 28–30 June, according to a press release dated 24 June. PPG will be displaying an array of adhesive and sealant solutions for automotive OEM and electric vehicle battery pack custom...

The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event has received widespread praise from the automotive aftermarket community, witnessing 3538 participants over two days, according to a press release on Auto Resource UK dated 20 June. The event, held from 8 to 9 June, kicked off with visitors from garages, bodyshops and the wider automotive aftermarket from all over the UK at the NEC in Birmingham to learn about the latest industry technology, tools and training, the release added. One of the key takeaways from ...

US-based paints, coatings, and specialty materials manufacturer PPG has announced the introduction of PPG VISUALIZID advanced 3D visualization software and the PPG DIGIMATCH digital color camera for easier and faster color matching in body shops, according to a press release dated 22 June. The advanced tools are the latest components of the PPG LINQ end-to-end digital solution for the global refinish industry, the release added. Both components are claimed to help increase efficiency and ulti...

Auto Care Association, a US-based industry body representing independent manufacturers, distributors and repair shops, has announced in a press release dated 7 June that total US light duty automotive aftermarket sales are forecasted to increase 8.5% in 2022 to USD356.5 billion, according to the “2022 Joint Channel Forecast Model” produced by the association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). An additional 5% growth is expected for 2023 and growth will average mo...

Carmaker MG Motor India and lubricant firm Castrol India are set to collaborate with Jio-bp to explore mobility solutions for electric cars, according to a press release dated 2 June. Under the partnership, Jio-bp, MG Motor and Castrol will explore setting up four-wheeler electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and expand Castrol’s existing auto service network to cater to EV customers. Jio-bp or Reliance BP Mobility Limited is an Indian fuels and mobility joint venture between Reliance ...

Shell Retail and Convenience Operations, a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell Oil Products US, announced that it has completed the acquisition of certain company-owned fuel and convenience retail sites from the Landmark group of companies, according to a press release dated 1 June. The acquisition also includes supply agreements for the independently operated fuel and convenience sites. On 26 October 2021, Shell announced it had reached an agreement to purchase the Landmark fuel and convenience ne...

US-based VP Racing Fuels, a supplier of racing, performance fuel products, and branded retail, has announced that it is bringing its branded fuel and carwash programs to the UK and Europe, according to a press release dated 10 May. The launch kicked off at the Uniti Expo in Stuttgart, Germany, held from 17–19 May. VP Racing Fuels says it offers the most comprehensive and differentiated branded fuel and car wash programs in the industry. The programs are claimed to deliver more benefits than...

Valvoline, a US-based supplier of lubricants and automotive services, announced that it has purchased the outstanding 50% interest in its VCA Solutions joint venture from its former joint venture partner, according to a press release dated 24 May. VCA Solutions is a distributor of top-tier automotive batteries and battery testing equipment. The purchase was finalized, effective 1 May. According to the company, nearly all of the 290 million vehicles on US roads have lead-acid batteries, a...

German oil and additive specialist, LIQUI MOLY, has announced the introduction of a coolant for fuel cells as well as a special transmission fluid solely for electric vehicles, according to a release dated 13 May from the UK aftermarket industry body Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF). The Fuel Cell Coolant FCF 20 by LIQUI MOLY based on ethylene glycol, combined with non-ionic additives, exhibits very low electrical conductivity and combines optimum thermal dissipation with ...

Revising its 2030 target, Shell UK said on 11 May 2022 that the company plans to set up a network of 100,000 public EV charge points across the country by the end of the decade. About 11,000 EV charge points from the aforementioned number will be rapid chargers at locations including charging hubs, forecourts, supermarkets and other destinations, the company said. With its new, revised target of electric vehicle (EV) charging network across the UK, Shell aims to ensure that 90% of all UK driv...

Shell Overseas Investments B.V. and B.V. Dordtsche Petroleum Maatschappij—subsidiaries of petrochemical company Shell—have signed an agreement to sell Shell Neft LLC, which owns Shell’s retail and lubricants businesses in Russia, to PJSC Lukoil, according to a press release dated 12 May. PJSC Lukoil Oil Company is a Russian multinational energy corporation headquartered in Moscow, specializing in the business of extraction, production, transport, and sale of petroleum, natural gas, and pet...

FIGIEFA, the international federation of independent automotive aftermarket distributors, has called on its members to comply with the sanctions imposed by the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries on Russia or Belarus, according to a statement dated 9 May. The distributor body said the safest and most effective way to ensure compliance with the sanctions is to cease all commercial activities with Russia and Belarus and it urged all operators in the automotiv...

Valvoline, a US-based supplier of lubricants and automotive services, announced that in the second fiscal quarter ended 31 March, the company recorded sales of USD886 million, up 26% year on year from USD701 million, according to a press release dated 9 May. The company reported net income of USD81 million, up 19% and earnings per diluted share (EPS) of USD0.45, which increased 22% year on year. The company said that its performance was driven by ongoing share gains, price increases to recove...

German oil and additive specialist, LIQUI MOLY, is building a new production hall in Ulm to create space for additional dispensing systems, the company announced via a press release dated 3 May.  An additional building for new dispensing systems will be built at the Ulm site. The lubricant specialist intends to lay the foundations for further growth and expand the filling capacities for additives. The new building will be erected between the main building used for administration ...

Germany-based oil and additives manufacturer LIQUI MOLY has announced launch of two new e-mobility products via a press release dated 4 May. It has developed a coolant for fuel cells and special transmission fluid solely for electric vehicles (EVs). The first development is the Fuel Cell Coolant FCF 20 Y based on ethylene glycol, combined with non-ionic additives, exhibits very low electrical conductivity and combines optimum thermal dissipation with outstanding material compatibili...

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

Valvoline, a US-based supplier of lubricants and automotive services, has named Lori Flees as the president of its Retail Services business segment reporting directly to CEO Sam Mitchell, according to a press release dated 30 March. Flees joins Valvoline after nearly a decade with Walmart where she most recently held the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of its Health and Wellness division, the release added. As president of Valvoline Retail Services, the company s...

ACMA Automechanika, New Delhi, India, the exhibition of auto parts, auto components and products for car aftersales service, is scheduled to be held from 1–3 February, 2024 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, according to a press release dated 7 March. The announcement was made by event organizers Messe Frankfurt India, the Indian arm of German trade fair, congress and event organizer Messe Frankfurt, and India’s apex component industry body Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India ...

German oil and additive specialist, Liqui Moly, has announced the establishment of a subsidiary in the UK, according to a press release dated 28 February. In terms of its sales operations, Liqui Moly traditionally works with independent importers in most countries. In the UK, however, the company has had its own employees for years to personally support the wholesale and specialist trade and support them on visits to garages. According to the announcement, the establishment of a subsidiary...

XPEL, a US-based provider of aftermarket automotive products, including automotive surface and paint protection, ceramic coatings, headlight protection, and automotive window films launched a new paint protection film, called Ultimate Fusion. According to a company press release issued on 18 February, the film is optically clear, high gloss, self-healing, and contains a hydrophobic clear coat, which is said to create a naturally slick surface to repel water and road grime. Similar to the flagshi...

Valvoline, a US-based supplier of lubricants and automotive services, announced that in the first fiscal quarter ended 31 December 2021, its sales grew 31% to USD858 million, according to a press release dated 8 February. The company reported net income of USD87 million, flat year-on-year and earnings per diluted share (EPS) of USD0.48, up 2% over the same prior-year period. "Demand for Valvoline's products and services remains robust, as we continue to gain share in both segments. Our team h...

US-based paints, coatings and specialty materials manufacturer, PPG, announced that its 2021 automotive color popularity report indicated an increased demand for two-tone finishes, personalized colors and other emerging trends among car buyers, according to a press release dated 16 February. Other trends highlighted in the PPG report are rising popularity of grays, blues, greens, and violets, with vibrant new colors more likely to debut on sporty models rather than sport utility vehicles (SUV...

The new UK Garage and Bodyshop Event, presented by organizers of Automechanika Birmingham, is seeing growing interest from aftermarket participants with several new additions to the exhibitor list, according to a press release from Automechanika dated 8 February. The latest exhibitors to sign-up for the event, which will take place during 8–9 June, 2022 at NEC Birmingham, include Platinum Partners, LKQ Euro Car Parts, Bilstein Group (Blue Print & febi Bilstein) and Castrol with its partner...

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

Valvoline, a US-based supplier of lubricants and automotive services, announced that it has begun piloting electric vehicle (EV) services in its retail stores, according to a press release dated 7 February. These pilots, in a limited number of its retail locations, are the next step in advancing Valvoline's strategy to extend its preventive auto maintenance service model to electric vehicle (EV) owners, OEMs and fleets, the release added. The Valvoline retail service centers piloting the prog...

The automotive Right to Repair movement in the US gained further traction as US Representative Bobby Rush introduced the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act on 3 February with an aim to ensure equal access to auto repair data for independent repair shops, according to an official announcement by Rush’s office dated 3 February. This legislation would preserve consumer access to high quality, affordable vehicle repair by ensuring that, vehicle owners and indepen...

UK-based aftermarket logistics provider Carousel has announced its merger with Denmark-based spare parts logistics provider Danx in partnership with Axcel, a Nordic-based private equity investor, to become a European specialist logistics company for aftermarket and spare parts logistics, according to a press release dated 12 January. As part of the deal, Axcel is acquiring both companies from the founders and previous investors with the aim to significantly expand the combined company across Eur...

Power management firm Eaton has announced its Vehicle Group is now offering aftermarket gears, shafts, bearings, and other components needed to repair automated manual transmissions (AMTs), according to a press release dated 25 January. The range includes the Detroit DT12, Volvo I-Shift, and Mack mDrive AMTs. Now commercially available, Eaton offers more than 450 unique components, including gears, seals, and bearings, according to the release. Eaton says it provides sustainable sol...

Autodistribution International, also known as ADI, a Belgium-based European group of distributors of automotive replacement parts for motor vehicles has announced the opening of a new warehouse in Russia, according to a press statement dated 20 January. The new warehouse, which will store products from Belgian automotive maintenance and spare parts producer MILES, is spread across 7,000-square-meters. The storage facilities at the warehouse are claimed to meet the highest international standa...

Carnex, a Canadian vehicle e-commerce platform, recently announced the company's official strategic transition into the electric vehicle (EV) resale market, according to a press release dated 17 January. The transition will enable Carnex to buy and sell used EVs. As part of the transition, Carnex will provide aftermarket services specifically tailored for EVs, including the test drive, charging products and services, EV accessories, and educational and technical support. The company has al...

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

US-based Premium Guard Inc (PGI), an automotive aftermarket filter brand announced that it has completed the acquisition of IPC Global Solutions (IPC), a private label filter supplier and the creator of the ECOGARD brand of filtration products, according to a press release dated 11 January. As part of the transaction, PGI also partnered with Trive Capital, a Dallas, US-based private equity firm. PGI, which is the creator of PUREFLOW breathable air filtration technology, finalized the deal on ...

India on Saturday, 15 January proposed mandating at least six airbags in all M1 category vehicles (passenger vehicles that comprise not more than eight seats inclusive of the driver) that are manufactured from 1 October, according to a Nikkei news report dated 16 January. The government wants automakers to provide two side air bags and two curtain air bags, to protect those seated in the rear seats, in addition to the already required two airbags for all vehicles. The side air bags are to "he...

The Swedish arm of the Alliance for the Freedom of Car Repair in the EU (AFCAR), along with the trade associations SBF (Association of Swedish Wholesalers of Automotive Parts and Accessories) and SFVF (Swedish Vehicle Workshop Association), recently met with the Swedish Transport Agency to discuss the importance of a law regulating access to vehicle data for the workshops, according to a press release by SBF dated 17 January. AFCAR is a lobby group that seeks to ensure the right of independen...

CarParts.com, a US-based e-commerce provider of automotive parts and accessories, has announced that it has appointed Ana Dutra, CEO of Mandala Global Advisors, to its board of directors, according to a press release dated 12 January. Dutra previously served as CEO of Korn/Ferry Consulting from 2007 until 2013, when she founded Mandala Global Advisors. Mandala is a provider of advisory services to boards and management to accelerate business growth through innovation, globalization, M&A, and...

Marathon Warehouse Distribution, a UK-based automotive parts distributor, has announced that it has made a significant investment in further enhancing its frequent same day logistics capability with the acquisition of a new fleet of Citroen Dispatch XL vans across its network of regional distribution service centers, according to a release dated 29 December from the UK aftermarket industry body, Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF). The new bigger vehicles come with an increas...

CarParts.com, a US-based e-commerce provider of automotive parts and accessories, has revealed preliminary 2021 results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended 1 January 2022 in light of recent market volatility, according to a press release dated 6 January. The company says it expects to report fiscal year 2021 revenue of approximately USD582 million, up 31% year-on-year. The fourth quarter ending 1 January 2022 included 13 weeks versus 14 weeks in the fourth quarter ended 2 Januar...

US carmaker General Motors has announced that it is launching a new online parts marketplace, making its catalog of 45,000 repair and maintenance parts more convenient for Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac owners, according to a press release dated 18 January. The newly available parts catalog includes oil filters, engine and cabin air filters, batteries, brake pads, accessory belts, cooling hoses and windshield wiper blades, among other parts, the release added. GM says this move builds on...