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Author: Professional Technician Staff

  • VISION Awards deadline extended to Friday; New technician award

    VISION Awards deadline extended to Friday; New technician award

    The VISION High Tech Training and Expo announced its awards nomination deadline has been extended, and there is a new award for professional technicians.

    You now have more time to recognize the outstanding leaders and individuals in our industry and in your shop. Submit your nominations by Friday, Jan. 16, and make sure the deserving individuals get the recognition they deserve.

    Submit today: https://tinyurl.com/Nominate-awards

    Two awards are new this year: Technician of the Year and Service Advisor of the Year.

    The VISION Technician of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding automotive service technician who goes above and beyond in their work. This award honors a professional with at least two years of experience who shows strong technical skills, a commitment to learning, and dedication to providing quality service. The Technician of the Year is someone who not only solves tough problems under the hood but also works well with their team, supports their shop, and takes pride in their profession. This award celebrates the hard work, leadership, and professionalism that help raise the standard for the entire automotive industry.

    The VISION Service Advisor of the Year Award recognizes an exceptional service advisor who plays a key role in the success of their shop. This award highlights a professional with at least one year of experience in their current role who excels at communication, customer service, and teamwork. The Service Advisor of the Year goes beyond writing repair orders—they help improve shop operations, support a positive culture, and ensure customers have a great experience. This award celebrates the people who connect customers to the shop, keep the workflow running smoothly, and set the standard for professionalism in the industry.

    Award winners will be announced during the VISION High Tech training and Expo March 5-8 ay the Overland Park Convention Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

  • Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week opens in Texas next week

    Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week opens in Texas next week

    Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) 2026 opens Jan. 19 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevive, Texas, bringing together nearly 3,000 professionals.

    With a sold-out product expo and fully booked one-on-one business meetings, the event serves as the launch for 2026 planning, where suppliers and distributors address strategic priorities like regulatory shifts, labor constraints, AI and technology changes, according to a statement from the event.

    This year’s theme, Eyes on the Road, underscores the need for precision, execution and readiness. From real-time forecasting and supplier negotiations to the use of AI in predictive maintenance and data-driven decision making, the week’s agenda helps companies and their leaders navigate 2026 with focus and operational clarity.

    “HDAW brings the entire aftermarket together in a way that rarely happens during the year,” said Matt Wolfe, president, Americas at SAF-HOLLAND and HDAW’26 supplier co-chair. “For suppliers, it’s an opportunity to hear directly from distributors about shifting demand, see how new technologies are being evaluated, and understand where resources will be needed first. The discussions around diagnostics, data flow and emerging AI tools are more grounded and actionable than ever, which helps all of us plan with greater accuracy.”

    HDAW’26 Highlights include:

    • Product Expo (Jan. 20–22): The Product Expo features more than 300 suppliers across 143,000 square feet of exhibit space, offering distributors a concentrated look at innovative products, components, and technologies influencing purchasing and service decisions in 2026.
    • One-on-One Business Meetings (Jan. 20–22): This fully booked program matches distributors to the suppliers they want to see for pre-scheduled, private discussions – helping kickstart orders for the year and coordinate decision-making across the industry.
    • Keynote: “The Future of AI in Heavy Duty” (Tuesday, Jan. 20): AI expert Noelle Russell will explore how applied and generative AI are being used in diagnostics, operations, forecasting and workforce strategy, with a focus on practical use cases for the aftermarket.
    • Industry Recognition (Tuesday, Jan. 20): The Opening General Session will recognize industry achievement with the annual Distributor of the Year Award, Hall of Fame induction and Women in Leadership Award.
    • Education and Training (Wednesday, Jan. 21): Education sessions and supplier-led training highlight emerging technologies and industry trends through the lens of this year’s theme, Eyes on the Road. The industry will come together on Wednesday morning to hear David Garza, Founder and CEO of COMPASS Human Capital Advisors, lead a session on “Shifting to a Higher Gear with Our People: Three Strategic Levers to Prepare for Your Next Business Crossroad.”
    • Wild West Wednesday Reception (Jan. 21): To celebrate a successful HDAW’26, attendees are invited to a free evening reception at the Gaylord Texan, where they can reconnect with peers, discuss priorities emerging from the program, and continue conversations initiated during the event. Organizers expect a record turnout for this year’s Wednesday evening reception.

    “There’s real value in being able to talk strategy face to face, especially when market signals are moving fast,” said Nick Seidel, vice president of Action Truck Parts and HDAW’26 distributor co-chair. “HDAW gives distributors a clearer read on how suppliers are approaching product support, pricing and demand shifts. Those conversations give us a sharper view of market conditions and support decisions grounded in what’s actually happening.”

    View the full agenda and register.

  • SEMA scholarships ‘break down barriers and create opportunities for the next generation’

    SEMA scholarships ‘break down barriers and create opportunities for the next generation’

    The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is now accepting applications for the 2026 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, an initiative designed to help students and emerging professionals launch successful careers in the automotive industry.

    Through the scholarship program, eligible students may receive awards of up to $5,000 to support their education at accredited universities, colleges, and vocational or technical schools in the United States and Canada. SEMA also offers loan forgiveness awards of up to $2,000 for employees of SEMA-member companies who have completed a qualifying program of study and are actively repaying student loans.

    “The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund exists to break down barriers and create opportunities for the next generation of aftermarket professionals,” said Joe Escobar, SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs. “By investing in both students and existing employees alike, we are building a stronger talent pipeline, fostering career growth, and securing the future of our industry.”

    The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is designed to promote career development and create access to opportunities in the automotive aftermarket. As part of this initiative, scholarship recipients are invited to attend the SEMA Show, where they can gain industry insight, connect with industry leaders, and explore career pathways firsthand.

    Scholarship applications are open to high school seniors and college students in the United States and Canada who demonstrate a passion for working in the automotive industry. All disciplines are welcome.

    Those interested in applying for a loan forgiveness award must be employed by a SEMA member business, demonstrate passion for an automotive career, possess a degree or certificate from a college, university, or career tech school in the United States or Canada, and have a minimum of $2,000 in outstanding student loans.

    Applications are open through April 3, 2026, at www.sema.org/scholarships.

  • Ryder expands in Georgia with purchase of Truck Service Depot

    Ryder expands in Georgia with purchase of Truck Service Depot

    Ryder System, Inc. recently completed the acquisition of Truck Service Depot, an Atlanta-based mobile maintenance business servicing commercial trucks and trailers in Georgia. The company said the acquisition strengthens and expands Ryder’s Torque by Ryder retail mobile maintenance business offering, accelerating growth of this product solution.

    Truck Service Depot operates with a skilled team including more than 20 technicians and runs two physical locations: a 10 full drive-through maintenance bay facility in Atlanta, and a service center in Savannah. Ryder anticipates the acquisition will create synergies and benefit both Ryder and Truck Service Depot customers.

    To support a seamless transition and maintain uninterrupted services for customers, Torque by Ryder will integrate Truck Service Depot employees, assets, and operations into its network throughout 2026. Scott Marshall, who founded Truck Service Depot in 2018, will work with Ryder to help guide the transition.

    “With Truck Service Depot’s strong presence in Georgia and complementary mobile maintenance services in a growth market for Ryder, we are enhancing our ability to further offer flexible, rapid maintenance solutions to fleets across this growing freight corridor,” says Tom Havens, president of Fleet Management Solutions at Ryder.

    Ryder completed the transaction on Jan. 5. Financial terms of the deal are not disclosed.

    “I chose Ryder to continue the legacy of best-in-class mobile maintenance services because of their commitment to innovation, customer service, and employee growth,” says Scott Marshall, CEO of Truck Service Depot. “I am confident that Ryder is the ideal home for our employees and customers moving forward.”

    Fulton County, recognized by Georgia as a top priority for logistics investment, benefits from an increasing demand for transportation and fleet services. The area’s multimodal infrastructure — including the world’s busiest airport, major interstate corridors, and extensive freight rail access — provides exceptional connectivity for commercial fleets operating throughout the Southeast. Truck Service Depot’s market presence strengthens Ryder’s ability to support customers moving through this high-velocity freight corridor and aligns with the company’s broader Southeast expansion strategy.

    The acquisition builds on Ryder’s broader Southeast expansion strategy, which includes recent investments in new truck rental and maintenance facilities in McDonough, Georgia and Lebanon, Tennessee. These recent openings reinforce Ryder’s commitment to serving high-growth logistics corridors with flexible, tech-enabled fleet solutions, while Truck Service Depot’s coverage areas further position Ryder at the center of one of the nation’s most active freight hubs.

    With this acquisition, Torque by Ryder retail mobile maintenance services are available across 27 states delivering comprehensive support to customers across a wide range of vehicles, including commercial trucks, trailers, delivery vans, refrigerated vehicles, construction and utility vehicles, passenger and shuttle buses, forklifts, and emergency response vehicles.

    For more information about Torque by Ryder, visit torquebyryder.com.

  • NY automotive instructor leads new slate of ASE Education Foundation officers

    NY automotive instructor leads new slate of ASE Education Foundation officers

    The ASE Education Foundation has announced its new officers and board members for 2026.

    The foundations new officers are:

    • Chair Brian LaCroix, automotive instructor at Capital Region BOCES Career and Tech School in Albany, New York
    • Vice chair Jim Sennett, manager of automotive repair programs for the American Automobile Association (AAA)
    • Treasurer Lisa Vassallo, technical training operations manager at BMW of North America
    • Secretary Drew Jablonowski, director of technical education, field support and customer experience at DRiV Incorporated
    • Past chair is Dwayne Myers, president and CEO of Dynamic Automotive

    Eight new individuals have joined the board in 2026 including: Kristin Conte of Ford Motor Company, Matt Crumpton of NAPA Auto Care, Jeff Gaskill of Snap-on Tools, Kyle Grisham of Christian Brothers Automotive, Brent Kindred of Wisconsin Automobile and Truck Dealers Association Foundation, Jared Monroe of Columbia Area Career Center in Columbia, Missouri, Fred Mora of Gulf States Toyota and Jeff Peevy of I-CAR.

    Reelected to an additional term on the board are Jenny Kovacs of C. Harper Ford, Joe Oleson of FedEx Freight and Jared Ricart of Ricart
    Automotive.

    “On behalf of the ASE Education Foundation, I extend our gratitude to these officers and board members for their generous commitment of time and expertise,” said Mike Coley, president of the ASE Education Foundation. “Their knowledge will play a crucial role as we confront the technician shortage and pursue important initiatives in the coming year. We are grateful to all foundation board members, past and present, for their dedication and steadfast support of the ASE Education Foundation and the future of the transportation industry.”

  • Legislation would allow education savings accounts to be used for skills training

    Legislation would allow education savings accounts to be used for skills training

    U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Dave McCormick(R-PA) last month reintroduced a bill to enhance access to skills training. The Skills Investment Act would expand Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) — tax advantaged savings accounts for educational expenses — so American workers can use the accounts to pay for skills training, career-related learning, adult education, and professional development. 

    Companion legislation for the Skills Investment Act was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Brad Schneider (D-IL).

    “Now more than ever, innovation is key to moving the American economy forward. With technological advancements in manufacturing and many other parts of our economy, it is critical that American workers are positioned for success. That means increasing access to the specialized training and education needed to pursue good-paying, high-demand careers,” said Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan Skills Investment Act will modernize tax advantaged savings accounts so workers can build skills for the 21st century economy.”

    The Skills Investment Act transforms Coverdell ESAs into lifelong learning accounts, allowing workers to use tax-advantaged savings to pay for education and skills training programs throughout an account holder’s lifetime. The bill would eliminate the age-based contribution limit on Coverdell ESAs and expand the scope of allowable distributions to cover a broad array of career and technical education services. These savings accounts would now be eligible for pretax contributions and mid-career workers would be allowed to contribute up to $4,000 tax-free each year, with a maximum contribution limit of $10,000. Employers would receive a 25 percent tax credit for contributions to a worker’s account.

  • NY association seeks top technician

    NY association seeks top technician

    Nominations are now open for the Golden Wrench Award, which is given by the Trucking Association of New York.

    The Golden Wrench Award is given by the TANY Safety Council to honor the best heavy vehicle technicians in New York State. It was established to recognize the outstanding efforts and achievements and outside contributions of those who work behind-the-scenes to ensure that commercial vehicles are safe on the road.

    Companies that are members of TANY may nominate technicians they feel exemplify professionalism, a commitment to safety and professional development, who set an example for others both in and outside their field.

    The winner receives $500 and is recognized at TANY’s Annual Management Conference.

    To download the Golden Wrench Award Application click here.  

  • Ford, Audi & Porsche issue recalls

    Ford, Audi & Porsche issue recalls

    The most recent recalls include:

    Ford 2019 Expedition

    Reason: Out of Park warning message and chime too short. If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being shifted into park, unintended vehicle movement may result, increasing the risk of injury.

    NHTSA ID Number: 25V886000

    Potential Number of Units Affected: 890

    Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Expedition vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 20V263. The “Transmission Not In Park” warning message and associated chime duration are shorter than intended.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Jan. 30. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 25C71. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning Jan. 15.

    Nine Models of Audis

    Reason: Seat belt retractor may fail to secure child seat. An improperly secured child seat can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

    NHTSA ID Number: 25V899000

    Potential Number of Units Affected: 27,768 Included are 2025 A6, A6 SPORTBACK E-TRON, Q6 E-TRON, Q6 SPORTBACK E-TRON, S5, S6 SPORTBACK E-TRON, SQ6 E-TRON, SQ6 SPORTBACK E-TRON.

    Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2025 SQ6 E-Tron, SQ6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 Sportback E-Tron, A6, A5, A6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 E-Tron, S5, and S6 Sportback E-Tron vehicles. The automatic locking retractor may fail to engage when a child seat is installed using the seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, “Occupant Crash Protection” and 209, “Seat Belt Assemblies.”

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the right and left rear seat belt assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Feb. 17. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi’s number for this recall is 69D8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on Dec. 23.

    Porsche

    Reason: Rearview camera may not display. A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    NHTSA ID Number: 25V896000

    Manufacturer Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

    Components BACK OVER PREVENTION

    Potential Number of Units Affected: 173,538. 911, Cayenne, Cayenne E-Hybrid, Panamera, Panamera E-Hybrid, Taycan

    Summary: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2019-2025 Cayenne, Cayenne E-Hybrid, 2020-2025 911, Taycan, 2024-2025 Panamera, and 2025 Panamera E-Hybrid vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, “Rear Visibility.”

    Remedy: Dealers will update the driver assistance software, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed Feb. 16. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche’s number for this recall is ASB2. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning Jan. 19.

  • Mack recalls Granites for possible brake problem

    Mack recalls Granites for possible brake problem

    Mack Trucks is recalling certain 2009-2015 Granite trucks for possible brake issue.

    This recall potentially affects 628 vehicles.

    The recall3ed ehicles may have had incorrect parts installed during subsequent repairs. The incorrect parts may cause a brake imbalance between the steer and drive axle brakes and the rear brakes to overheat. Overheated brakes may cause a tire blowout or fire, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Dealers will inspect and replace the brake chambers as necessary.

    Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Feb. 2. Owners may contact Mack’s customer service at 800-866-1177. Mack’s number for this recall is SC0491.

    Owners who received a remedy under Recall 15V804 (SC0398) must also have the new remedy completed.

  • ASE holds ‘Misfire Diagnostics; webinar Tuesday, Jan. 6

    ASE holds ‘Misfire Diagnostics; webinar Tuesday, Jan. 6

    The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) hosts a webinar Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 4 p.m. entitled “Misfire Diagnostics.”

    Attendees will learn how to identify the root cause of misfires, whether ignition, fuel, compression, or timing, using scan data, lab scopes, and proven diagnostic strategies.

    Christopher Jongsma with Standard Motor Products will cover the skills needed to diagnose and repair engine misfires.

    Participants will receive a certificate of attendance for the live session.

    Those who are unsure whether or not they can attend are still encouraged to reigster as they will receive a follow-up email with details on how to attend a recorded session, if available. Access to recorded sessions is reserved for those who register for the live event. 

    For more information or to register, click here.