Author: Professional Technician Staff

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and WrenchWay recently announced the launch of the School Assist All-Star Awards, a new initiative aimed at recognizing and celebrating the collaborative efforts between shops, dealerships, and schools to inspire and attract more students to the automotive and diesel industries.

“ASE has always been committed to advancing the future of our industry by ensuring the next generation of technicians are well-trained and ready to contribute,” said Dave Johnson, president and CEO of ASE. “By recognizing the collaborations between schools and businesses, we can inspire further positive change and create a steady pipeline of skilled professionals who will be integral to the growth and innovation of the automotive and diesel industries.”

For decades, these industries have faced significant challenges in attracting young talent, due in part to budget constraints and outdated perceptions about the careers these fields offer. However, there is a powerful shift as more shops and dealerships step up to support local schools, highlighting the abundant career opportunities available in the automotive and diesel sectors. The School Assist All-Star Awards are designed to honor these pioneering businesses and educational institutions that are leading the charge in bridging this gap.

“We’ve seen firsthand how critical it is for the industry and schools to work together,” said Mark Wilson, co-founder and CEO of WrenchWay. “The School Assist All-Star Awards will spotlight those who are making a tangible impact, helping students connect with the incredible opportunities available within the automotive and diesel industries.”

The School Assist All-Star Awards will celebrate organizations that go above and beyond in nurturing the future workforce of the automotive and diesel sectors. Together, we aim to foster a thriving, skilled talent pool that will ensure the continued success and growth of these vital industries.

Schools and shops/dealerships using the School Assist platform by WrenchWay and ASE are eligible for the annual awards by logging a minimum number of partnership activities in the platform. All submitted activities will be verified by WrenchWay and ASE. People can now view the full list of qualifying activities and award criteria directly within School Assist.

Schools interested in signing up for School Assist can request an account for free online. A school does not need a dedicated automotive or diesel program to join.

Shops or dealerships who are interested in joining, can learn more online. WrenchWay and ASE will be hosting a webinar on May 6, 2025 at Noon ET where there will be a discussion of the School Assist All-Star Awards in detail. It is free to attend, but participants must register for the webinar.

PACCAR, makers of Peterbilt, Kenworth and DAF trucks, in late April reported that its parts division had record profits during the first quarter of this year.

First quarter 2025 revenues were a record $1.69 billion compared to $1.68 billion reported in the same period last year. 

PACCAR Parts achieved quarterly pretax income of $426.5 million, compared to $455.8 million earned in the first quarter of 2024. 

Bryan Sitko, PACCAR vice president and PACCAR Parts general manager, said, “PACCAR Parts provides aftermarket parts and transportation solutions that deliver greater uptime and profitability for our customers. PACCAR Parts’ excellent performance reflects investments in new parts distribution centers (PDCs), TRP all-makes parts and TRP stores, and world-class logistics capabilities.”

According to a statement from the company, PACCAR has produced 1.2 million PACCAR MX engines, leading to a downstream powertrain business opportunity in remanufactured engines. 

“PACCAR is investing in a 50,000 sq. ft., $35 million PACCAR engine remanufacturing facility in Columbus, Mississippi,” said Harry Wolters, PACCAR vice president. “This new factory will remanufacture existing PACCAR engines to provide dealers and customers reliable and lower cost powertrains for their current vehicles.”

PACCAR Parts’ 20 global parts distribution centers support more than 2,000 DAF, Kenworth and Peterbilt sales, parts and service locations, and more than 350 TRP stores. These independent dealers provide service to customers, complementing the premium quality of DAF, Kenworth and Peterbilt vehicles.

The federal government is investigating the national security implications of importing medium and heavy-duty trucks and truck parts.

The Department of Commerce recently posted a notice in the Federals Register about plans to investigate “the effects on the national security of imports of medium-duty trucks, heavy-duty trucks, and medium- and heavy-duty truck parts, and their derivative products.”

Industry stakeholders and others are invited to comment online on the following topics:

1. The current and projected demand for trucks and truck parts in the United States
2. The extent to which domestic production of trucks and truck parts can meet domestic demand
3. The role of foreign supply chains, particularly of major exporters, in meeting United States demand for trucks and truck parts
4. The concentration of United States imports of trucks and truck parts from a small number of suppliers and the associated risks
5. The impact of foreign government subsidies and predatory trade practices on the competitiveness of the medium- and heavy-duty truck industry in the United States
6. The economic impact of artificially suppressed prices of trucks and truck parts due to foreign unfair trade practices and state-sponsored overproduction
7. The potential for export restrictions by foreign nations, including the ability of foreign nations to weaponize their control over supplies of trucks and truck parts
8. The feasibility of increasing domestic capacity for trucks and truck parts to reduce import reliance
9. The impact of current trade policies on domestic production of trucks and truck parts, and whether additional measures, including tariffs or quotas, are necessary to protect national security
10. Any other relevant factors

The Commerce Department said for the purpose of the investigation, “medium-duty trucks” means trucks with a gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 and under 26,001 pounds. The term “heavy-duty trucks” means trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, according to the department.

The term “medium- and heavy-duty truck parts” refers to the individual components and systems of medium- and heavy-duty trucks, including engines and engine parts, transmissions and powertrain parts, and electrical components.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has designated June as Automotive Service Professionals Month.

ASE is encouraging industry members to use Automotive Service Professionals Month as an opportunity to show appreciation for service professionals and host recognition events, special programs and other celebrations.

In recognition of the recognition month, ASE has developed a commemorative logo for use by companies, organizations and individuals to show appreciation for vehicle service professionals. This logo and other ASE digital materials are available for download at www.ASEtoolkit.com.

It appears that American car and truck owners are trying to save money by doing some of their own repairs and maintenance. 

The market research firm Circana LLC says the U.S. consumer is looking ways to stretch their spending, which presents a range of opportunities for the retail automotive aftermarket. Vehicles on the road in the U.S. are aging as consumers continue to avoid the rising price tag associated with a new, or newer used, car.

Circana says recent data reveals that aftermarket consumers are taking on both do-it-yourself (DIY) and trade-down behaviors when it comes to their automobile maintenance and repairs.

“There are 20 million more vehicles in the aftermarket ‘sweet spot’ — those beyond their original warranty — than there were in 2020,” says  Nathan Shipley, automotive industry analyst for Circana. “Older cars mean more maintenance activity, but the cost of that maintenance can add up fast, leading consumers to find ways to save, including taking on some of it themselves.”

Higher-income households, earning $100K or more annually, have driven the largest growth in the DIY retail aftermarket in recent years. Initially, this trend stemmed from increased free time during the pandemic, as consumers undertook their own maintenance or worked on personal projects like cars, boats, and ATVs. 

More recently, the growth reflects a shift from do-it-for-me (DIFM) to DIY. According to a February 2025 Circana consumer survey, 29% of consumers reported switching from having a professional change their automobile’s oil to doing it themselves to save money. Retail sales are reflecting this behavior, with motor oil and filters growing in unit sales demand for the past two years.

Trade-down behaviors are increasingly evident across retail, and as prices rise, those behaviors are hitting the retail aftermarket. Tires, cleaning products, and wiper blades were most cited by consumers as product categories with higher prices that caused them to trade down to a different brand to save money. According to Circana’s tire sales data, the lowest-priced tier 4 tires surpassed the unit share of tier 1 brands in 2024, marking a significant behavioral shift. The average price of a tire in 2024 was nearly 50% higher than in 2019, and a tier 1 tire now has a price averaging $113 above that of a tier 4 tire.

“Looking ahead, the factors influencing the current auto aftermarket shifts will not stop or turn around quickly, even if in-office work accelerates or new car demand picks back up,” Shipley says. “Marketers in the aftermarket need to find ways to deliver and convey real value to the consumer, or risk losing out on this period of significant opportunity.”

Murphy-Hoffman Company (MHC) recently received six prestigious Kenworth North America dealer awards for its commitment to exceptional customer service and operational excellence.

MHC was named the 2024 Kenworth Parts and Service Dealer of the Year, recognizing service excellence by achieving 100% PremierCare Gold status at all 76 full-service locations. This acknowledges MHC’s commitment to its customers by offering premium services that maximize productivity, including ExpressLane, extended store hours, comprehensive parts inventories, highly skilled service technicians and roadside assistance.

This award is also complemented by MHC’s significant growth in PACCAR Parts purchases and retail sales, ensuring a 97% rate of parts availability at MHC dealerships.

“MHC is committed to investing in our people, facilities, capabilities and inventory to ensure our customers keep their trucks on the road and minimize disruptions to their operations,” said Chris Scheel, vice president of aftermarket parts. “Kenworth’s dealer network is the best in the industry and it’s an honor to receive this recognition, especially as we mark our 50^th anniversary this year.”

Additionally, MHC’s Kansas City region earned the Kenworth Medium Duty Dealer of the Year Award for its strong medium duty market share, diverse customer base and PremierCare Gold certification at all five locations. This marks the third consecutive win and seventh overall award for the region, covering locations in Columbia, Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri, and Olathe and Topeka, Kansas.

“We are honored to receive this award for the third consecutive year. It is a testament to the dedication of our truck sales professionals and MHC’s best-in-class parts, service and body shop teams,” says Corey Murphy, senior vice president and general manager. “MHC’s passion for the Kenworth product line and commitment to providing world-class support to our customers continues to be the foundation of our mutual success.”

MHC Kansas City and Oklahoma were also honored with Kenworth Gold Awards which recognize a select number of Kenworth dealers each year that achieve the highest level of performance in the dealer network. MHC Colorado and Georgia also received Kenworth Silver Awards for excellence in service, sales, operations and facilities.

Murphy-Hoffman Company is a full-service dealership network with 50 years of industry expertise. Starting with just one facility in Springfield, Missouri, MHC Kenworth has grown to more than 130 locations across 19 states, including 82 heavy and medium duty truck dealerships, 34 MHC Truck Leasing locations, 12 Carrier Transicold locations, five TRP locations, MHC RoadReady Center and RoadForce Manufacturing LLC, as well as a wholly-owned finance company, MHC Financial Services.

One of the important events on the trucking industry’s calendar is the mass inspection event aimed at commercial vehicles on the highways of the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

During the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s International Roadcheck scheduled for May 13-15, law enforcement inspectors will be on the lookout for violations pertaining to drivers and vehicles.

Last year, 48,761 inspections were conducted. A total of 9,345 vehicles and 2,290 drivers were placed out of service.

Each year, Roadcheck designates two areas of special emphasis; one for driver violations and the other for vehicle violations. During this year’s Roadcheck, drivers’ hours of service records will be closely examined. The focus for equipment will be on proper tire maintenance, as examiners conduct 37-step Level 1 inspections. 

 CVSA says, “The importance of proper tire maintenance cannot be overstated. Tire failure while in transit is a hazard to all motorists. It is also far more expensive and time consuming for motor carriers to repair an in-transit tire failure versus proactively maintaining tire health and addressing tire issues before the vehicle is on the road.”

During International Roadcheck, inspectors will check tires’ tread depth and proper inflation. They will also be on the lookout for tire damage, such as air leaks, tread separation, cuts, bulges, sidewall damage and improper repairs.

During the vehicle portion of the Level I Inspection, inspectors ensure a tractor-trailer’s various mechanical systems  are compliant with applicable regulations including:

• brake systems
• cargo securement
• coupling devices
• driveline/driveshaft components
• driver’s seat 
• fuel and exhaust systems
• Frames
• lighting devices
•  steering mechanisms
• suspensions
• tires
• wheels
• rims
• hubs
• windshield wipers

Inspections of motorcoaches, passenger vans and other passenger-carrying vehicles also include the examination of emergency exits, seating, and electrical cables and systems in the engine and battery compartments.

A vehicle that successfully passes a Level I or V Inspection without any critical vehicle inspection item violations may receive a CVSA decal, which is valid for up to three months.

If out-of-service violations are found during an inspection, the vehicle will be restricted from operating until all out-of-service violations have been properly addressed.

Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. recently announced it is acquiring auto repair giant Midas.

Terms of the deal, which is expected to close during this the second quarter of the year, were not disclosed. 

Midas provides automotive repair and maintenance services at about 2,000 franchised and licensed stores in some 20 countries, including nearly 1,200 franchised locations across the U.S. and Canada.

 The purchase will increase the number of Mavis stores to 3,500 in the U.S. and Canada, including nearly 1,300 franchised locations. 

Midas will continue to operate as a standalone brand and maintain its headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. 

 “We are thrilled to acquire Midas, as it adds another highly regarded brand to our portfolio and represents a compelling opportunity to expand into attractive new markets,” said David Sorbaro, co-chief executive officer, Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. “Mavis has a strong track record of helping brands grow and working collaboratively with franchisees, and we are confident that Midas’s customers will continue to receive the same high-quality experience and service that they have come to expect.