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  • Austin’s Papmered Auto Care acquired by Great Water 360

    Austin’s Papmered Auto Care acquired by Great Water 360

    GreatWater 360 Auto Care recently announced the acquisition of Pampered Auto Care, an automotive service provider known for its technical expertise, customer-focused culture, and long-standing relationships throughout the greater Austin, Texas community.

    Pampered Auto Care has built its reputation by delivering high-quality service while creating a customer experience centered on trust, transparency, and convenience, according to a statement from GreatWater 360. The shop will continue operating under its established name with its existing team in place, ensuring continuity for customers while gaining access to additional resources and support through the GreatWater platform.

    “What stood out most about working with GreatWater was the people. The numbers and details mattered, but what gave me confidence was getting to know the team and feeling like I had a true partner. More than anything, I knew I was leaving my business in the hands of people I could trust.” Edin Huskic, former owner of. Pampered Auto Care.

    While every shop owner approaches succession differently, GreatWater has built its acquisition model around a common reality: owners care deeply about the people and communities connected to their businesses.

    “We’ve learned that most owners aren’t looking for the highest bidder. They’re looking for the right steward,” said Scott Anderson, President & Chief Operating Officer of GreatWater 360 Auto Care. “The conversations almost always come back to the same things: their employees, their customers, and the legacy they’ve built over many years. Our responsibility is to honor that while providing the resources and support that help the business continue to grow.”

    Unlike many consolidators, GreatWater’s approach centers on preserving what makes each shop successful. Every location retains its local identity, customer relationships, and culture while gaining access to the company’s centralized operating platform.

    Through that platform, Pampered Auto Care will benefit from expanded technician development programs, marketing capabilities, technology tools, and operational expertise that can be difficult for independent operators to build on their own.

  • sun strengthens its position in the South, buying locations in TN and GA

    sun strengthens its position in the South, buying locations in TN and GA

    Sun Auto’s said strategic growth across key regional markets continues with the acquisition of two locations: Highland Auto in Tennessee and Highland Tire at Sentry Station in Georgia.

    According to na statement from the company, this move signals greater network connectivity for customers, marking the first location in the state of Georgia alongside a fourth location in Tennessee. This expansion also aligns with broader growth efforts this year, which include adding Colorado and bringing Sun Auto’s footprint to 27 states nationwide.

    As part of the Sun Auto Network, both locations build on their established reputations with added tools and support. These include 24/7 online appointment scheduling and digital vehicle inspections, all guided by the company’s Driver Commitment centered on clarity, confidence, and customer care, said a statement from Sun.

    “Expanding into the Southeast is an important step in strengthening our national footprint and positioning our network for long-term growth,” said Chris Tavares, SVP Operations, Sun Auto. “Establishing a presence in Georgia allows us to serve more customers, support our teams with greater regional resources and build stronger continuity across key markets.”

    Both sites offer a full range of automotive care, including an array of top tire brands with a price match guarantee, alignments, brake service, oil changes, batteries, diagnostics and preventative maintenance.

    Sun Auto Network operates more than 575 locations across the country.

  • National Technician Appreciation Week for 2026 gets under Way

    National Technician Appreciation Week for 2026 gets under Way

    Honoring the hard work and commitment of professional technicians, the American Trucking Associations and ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council will kick off the seventh annual National Technician Appreciation Week on Sunday, June 14.  This year’s theme is “Celebrating technicians that keep us moving.”
     
    “Trucking operations run around the clock and cover hundreds of billions of miles to deliver to virtually every home, workplace, and business.  Our nation owes enormous gratitude to the hardworking men and women who keep our trucks well maintained and ensure the wheels of our essential industry continue to turn,”  said ATA President & CEO Chris Spear.  “During National Technician Appreciation Week, we will join Americans from coast to coast in celebrating technicians and thanking them for their knowledge, skill, and attention to detail.  Their professionalism and commitment to upholding exacting standards enhance the efficiency of our supply chain and help to keep everyone on the road safe.”
     
    Professional technicians perform one of the most demanding and critical roles in trucking. NTAW acknowledges the extraordinary efforts and talent of these dedicated professionals.
     
    “During National Technician Appreciation Week, we recognize the professional technicians who are indispensable to trucking operations,” said TMC Executive Director Robert Braswell.  “By ensuring vehicles are safe and ready for service, technicians make it possible for drivers to deliver the goods we all rely on.  This week is an opportunity for both the industry and the public to show their appreciation and thank these professionals for the critical work they do every day.”

  • Jeep recalls over 1 million Wranglers, Gladiators; warn of possible fire

    Jeep recalls over 1 million Wranglers, Gladiators; warn of possible fire

    A massive recall has been issued for Jeep vehicles becuse thet present a hazard of fire.

    More than 1 million Jeep vehicles are being recalled because of a serious fire hazard.

    FCA US has issued a recall for more than one million model year 2021-2025 Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler vehicles due to a risk of fire, even when the vehicles are not operating.. Owners and repairers should park their vehicles outside and away from other vehicles and buildings.

    The recall affects 1,076,999 Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler vehicles, which may have an electrical connection issue in the electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring. This could cause combustible materials to overheat and catch fire. 

    FCA will notify owners when a recall remedy is available, and owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 9.

    Affected vehicle identification numbers and license plates are searchable on NHTSA.gov .

  • Love’s adds RV service at some locations; tires and batteries too

    Love’s adds RV service at some locations; tires and batteries too

     Love’s Travel Stops irecently announced the addition of light mechanical work and oil and lube services at select Love’s Truck Care locations, building on its recent addition of RV tires and batteries. The company is alsonnounced a partnership with Spartan RV Chassis to provide warranty work for Spartan RVs.  

    “The nationwide reach of Love’s Truck Care locations gives RV drivers easy access to fast service with no appointment required,” said Eric Daniels, vice president of truck care for Love’s. “This summer, RVers can find more value than ever at Love’s, including comprehensive maintenance services, convenient overnight stays at Love’s RV Stops, a variety of food options, dog parks and savings on fuel through Love’s Rewards.” 

    Oil and lube services are now available at 275 locations, while nearly all 431 Love’s Truck Care locations nationwide offer light mechanical work, including: 

    • Brake systems 
    • Select batteries and tires 
    • Electrical systems 
    • Suspension systems 
    • Exhaust systems 

    Love’s is also adding RV warranty services through a new partnership with Spartan RV Chassis, a brand under the Aebi Schmidt Group and a leading manufacturer of premium Class A motorhomes. Through the agreement, Love’s Truck Care locations will offer Spartan motorhome owners comprehensive maintenance packages, chassis inspections, lube service, and wheel alignment – all performed to Spartan’s exact specifications. 

    “Spartan owners invest in the best chassis on the road and they deserve a service they can count on,” said Douglas Searles, vice president and general manager of Motorhome & Builtmore, a unit of the Aebi Schmidt Group. “Partnering with Love’s means our customers can pull into a trusted location across the country any time and know their chassis will be cared for the right way.”

    In addition to RV maintenance solutions, Love’s operates a growing network of more than 130 RV Stops nationwide, featuring amenities such as Wi-Fi, electric and water hookups, RV dump stations, and – at select locations – additional offerings such as sport courts, fire pits and grills. Love’s is the only travel stop network that allows RVers to book, pay for and turn on amenities on their phones through the Love’s Rewards App.  

  • Snap-on spends $100 million to acquire Diesel Laptops

    Snap-on spends $100 million to acquire Diesel Laptops

    Snap-on Incorporated, a manufacturer and marketer of tools, equipment, diagnostics, repair information, and systems solutions
    for professional users performing critical tasks, Wednesday announced that it acquired Diesel Laptops, LLC for approximately $100 million in cash.

    Based in Irmo, South Carolina, Diesel Laptops specializes in diagnostics, repair information, and digital solutions for commercial trucks and off-highway vehicles serving heavy-duty repair shops, fleets, and other equipment customers such as those in mining, agriculture, and infrastructure.

    The acquisition expands Snap-on’s capabilities in these growing markets and further strengthens the corporation’s library of proprietary experienced-based data, as well as its product offerings to support the diagnosis and repair of increasingly complex vehicles and equipment.

    Diesel Laptops will be part of the company’s Repair Systems & Information Group.

    Tyler Robertson founded Diesel Laptops in his garage in 2012, and the company grew and expanded from there.

  • Mack changes, upgrades online parts ordering system

    Mack changes, upgrades online parts ordering system

    Mack Trucks recently performed a comprehensive redesign of its PartsASIST online parts-ordering platform, delivering a modernized user interface, faster performance and new tools designed to simplify the parts-purchasing experience for customers and dealers.

    First launched in 2021, PartsASIST provides 24/7 access to Genuine Mack Parts, All Makes products, and the Road Choice and DEX Heavy Duty Parts catalogs – serving Mack truck owners through a single online storefront. The latest update introduces an overhauled user interface and user experience built around customer feedback, with improvements spanning search functionality, product display, order management and real-time inventory visibility.

    “This redesign represents a significant step forward for PartsASIST and for how our customers interact with the Mack parts ecosystem,” said Rich Greenhill, vice president of aftermarket and solutions, Mack Trucks. “We took a hard look at the entire user journey and rebuilt the experience from the ground up – faster load times, cleaner navigation and a more intuitive layout that helps customers find and order the right part with fewer clicks.”

    Mack said the key enhancements to the PartsASIST platform include:

    • Modernized Interface: A clean, contemporary design with improved navigation and responsive layout across desktop and mobile devices.
    • 360-Degree Product Views: Enhanced product pages with detailed imagery, specifications and alternative product suggestions to support confident purchasing decisions.
    • Real-Time Inventory Visibility: Live warehouse-level stock availability, enabling customers to verify parts are in stock before placing an order.
    • Streamlined Order Management: A redesigned order-tracking dashboard with enhanced filtering, related-order linking and simplified request-for-quote workflows.
    • Improved Search and Filtering: Faster search results with expanded vehicle and fleet filtering options, including chassis series, VIN and unit name lookup.

    The updated platform retains PartsASIST’s core capabilities, including fleet management tools, quick-order functionality and integration with the Mack dealer network across the U.S. and Canada. Customers can continue to access special pricing, fleet-specific part numbers and promotional offers through their existing accounts.

    The redesigned PartsASIST platform is available now at https://www.macktrucks.com/parts-and-services/parts/partsasist/. Mack truck owners and dealers can register for access or log in with existing credentials. A video with more information on how to use the website is available on YouTube.

  • Toyota and Hyundai announce recalls

    Toyota and Hyundai announce recalls

    Two major automotive manufacturers recently announced recalls of some of their vehicles.

    Toyota: Manufacturing debris

    Toyota is recalling certain 2024 Tundra vehicles equipped with a V35A engine. Debris from the manufacturing process may contaminate the engine and cause a main bearing to fail, which can result in an engine stall and loss of drive power. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

    This recall potentially affects 43,566 vehicles. The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 800-331-4331. Toyota’s numbers for this recall are 25TB14 and 25TA14.

    This recall expands previous NHTSA recall numbers 24V381 and 25V767.

    Hyundai: Unexpected braking

    Hyundai Motor America is recalling certain 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, and Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. Software in the front cameras may cause the forward collision avoidance system to activate prematurely and unexpectedly apply the brakes. Unexpected braking increases the risk of a crash.

    This recall potentially affects 421,078 vehicles. Dealers will update the front camera software. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 17. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 302.

  • Bosch opens first franchise in Oklahoma, 14 more to come

    Bosch opens first franchise in Oklahoma, 14 more to come

    Bosch Automotive Workshop Services LLC recently opened its first ground-up franchise location in Oklahoma City.

    The new location represents the first of 15 planned Bosch Auto Service locations across Oklahoma, led by longtime local Battison Honda dealership owner and entrepreneur Larry Battison.

    The 10,000-square-foot facility was purpose-built and features a 7,000-square-foot technician workspace equipped with advanced diagnostic and calibration technology, including a Bosch ADAS calibration machine.

    The shop also features Bosch Home Comfort, Bosch Power Tools and Bosch Dealer Equipment Services, Bosch Diagnostics, OTC and Robinair solutions, tools and equipment.

    Bosch Auto Service locations are supported by Bosch training, diagnostic technology and operational resources while allowing owners to maintain local leadership and community ties.

    A June 13 grand-opening community event will also highlight workforce development and technical education through the Battison Foundation.

    The foundation will award $60,000 in scholarships, including six $10,000 scholarships to students attending Oklahoma City Community College, Metro Technology Centers, Francis Tuttle Technology Center, Tulsa Community College, Tulsa Tech and Norman Moore Technology Center. 

  • Minnesota group awards $20,000 worth of scholarships

    Minnesota group awards $20,000 worth of scholarships

    The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASPMN) recently announced it has awarded 23 scholarships totaling $20,000 to help automotive service and collision repair students pay for tuition or tools during the 2026-27 school year.

    The scholarships range from $500 to $2,000 each and are made possible by the donation from the Minnesota State I-CAR Committee, as well as proceeds from AASPMN’s Annual Race for Automotive Education fundraiser.

    Forty-one college and high school students from 17 schools submitted applications. The applications were reviewed by a committee of industry representatives, with consideration given to scholastic achievement, education and career goals, financial need, and written recommendations.

    The recipients are:

    • Brody Arnold, Hennepin Technical College, Eden Prairie – Automotive Service Technology

    • James Bisek, South Central College, N. Mankato – Automotive Service Technology

    • Owen Brochman, Dakota County Technical College, Rosemount – Automotive Service Technology

    • Ryan Cardinal, Dakota County Technical College, Rosemount – Collision Repair Technology

    • Liam Cosgrove, Dunwoody College of Technology, Minneapolis – Automotive Service Technology

    • Faith Curtis, Pine Technical College, Pine City – Automotive Service Technology

    • Eli Gilles, Hennepin Technical College, Brooklyn Park – Diesel Mechanic Technology

    • Miguel Gonzales, South Central College, N. Mankato – Automotive Service Technology

    • Muzamil Hassan, St. Paul College, St. Paul – Automotive Service Technology

    • Steven Horrisberger, Century College, White Bear Lake – Automotive Service Technology

    • Yahir Lira, Dakota County Technical College, Rosemount – Collision Repair Technology

    • Johnathon Lund, Century College, White Bear Lake – Collision Repair Technology

    • Thomas MacDowell, Minnesota North College, Hibbing – Automotive Service Technology

    • Xander Meyer, Lake Superior College, Duluth – Automotive Service Technology

    • Abudullahi Mohamud, St. Paul College, St. Paul – Automotive Service Technology

    • Angel Ramirez Campos, Hennepin Technical College, Eden Prairie – Automotive Service Technology

    • James Taylor, Anoka Technical College, Anoka – Automotive Service Technology

    • Ryan Tschetter, Rochester Community & Technical College, Rochester – Automotive Service Technology

    • Anthony Urzua, Dakota County Technical College, Rosemount – Collision Repair Technology

    • Christian Vang, Century College, White Bear Lake – Automotive Service Technology

    • Justin Warneke, Hennepin Technical College, Brooklyn Park – Collision Repair Technology

    • Esther Whittlef, Dakota County Technical College, Rosemount – Collision Repair Technology

    • Noah Yang, Century College, White Bear Lake – Automotive Service Technology