Follow Us
Subscribe
TRENDING

Author: admin

  • AAPEX registration opens; held Nov. 3-5 in LasVegas

    AAPEX registration opens; held Nov. 3-5 in LasVegas

    The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) has announced that attendee registration for AAPEX 2026 is open.

    AAPEX is an annual business-to-business tradeshow that brings the $2.3 trillion global automotive aftermarket together—including suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and independent repair shops, among others.

    AAPEX 2026 will be held at the Venetian Expo and AAPEX Forum in Las Vegas from Nov. 3-5. The show is co-produced by two of the most prominent associations in the automotive aftermarket: Auto Care Association and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers.

    The show theme this year is “Where the industry gets real.” That theme recognizes that while the show strives to foster a novel and entertaining atmosphere, the thousands of exhibitors and tens of thousands of attendees make the global trek to AAPEX from more than 120 countries for one primary reason: to get business done. 

    “AAPEX is a defining event for the automotive aftermarket because it’s a venue for business networking that drives tangible outcomes,” said Auto Care Association Vice President of Trade Shows and Community Engagement Mark Bogdansky. “That’s our North Star for organizing the show every year: make it easy for attendees and buyers to find what they need and meet their business goals.”

    AAPEX 2026 includes:

    • The new AAPEX Forum will host the opening reception and general sessions
    • 550,000 square feet of exhibit space covering 1,400-plus product categories
    • 2,500+ exhibitors across 5,500 booths
    • Educational sessions addressing real-world challenges
    • Redesigned mini stages hosting spirited debates, face-to-face demos and free sessions
    • Student programs and the second annual student competition for aspiring auto technicians
    • Hands-on training led by subject matter experts, in Joe’s Garage and surrounding conference rooms, covering requested topics, such as shop management, workforce development, diagnostics, ADAS, and EV service, among others

    The show will also welcome an entirely new section in iFlex at AAPEX for the first time. This section is dedicated to quick lube operators from International Fast Lube Expo (iFlex), which AAPEX and Preventive Automotive Maintenance Association (PAMA) jointly announced earlier this year.

    Registration and hotel accommodations

    Aftermarket professionals interested in attending may register here. The registration fee to attend AAPEX 2026 is $50 until June 26. After that deadline, the registration fee grows to $75 until Sept. 25, and $100 thereafter.

    Training sessions are priced at $150 each. Buy two sessions and get one free; buy four sessions and get two free.

    Qualified vocational students, along with members of the media, are eligible to register for a complimentary pass to AAPEX.

    AAPEX strongly recommends attendees make secure hotel reservations as soon as possible using onPeak, the official AAPEX housing partner. Shuttle services to and from the show are readily available.

  • New Ohio Peterbilt dealership has 25 service bays

    New Ohio Peterbilt dealership has 25 service bays

    Ohio Peterbilt is proud to announce the Grand Opening Celebration of its newest, state‑of‑the‑art full‑service dealership in Etna, located approximately 20 miles east of downtown Columbus. The celebration will take place on Wednesday, July 29 at 1:00 p.m.

    Headlining the event are Heavy D and Diesel Dave, stars of the hit television series Diesel Brothers, who will appear as special guests during the celebration. A select group of customers will have the opportunity to participate in an exclusive meet‑and‑greet with the well‑known duo.

    The new dealership is located about 20 miles east of Columbus.

    This new Etna facility represents the next level of what a Peterbilt dealership should be, according to a statement from Ohio Peterbilt. The 82,000-square-foot facility features a full-service shop with 25 service bays, a central parts distribution center, office and retail space, and driver-focused amenities designed to keep fleets moving and reduce downtime. With convenient access near the Interstate 70 corridor, the Etna dealership is positioned to serve customers throughout Central Ohio and the Midwest.

    “Our Etna location is more than just a new dealership, it’s a destination,” said Mike Crawford, Vice President of Ohio Peterbilt. “We’re excited to officially open our doors and celebrate with our customers, partners, and the community. Having Heavy D and Diesel Dave join us makes this event even more special, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to see what this facility has to offer.”

  • Volvo’s new D13 engine designed to meet 2027 emissions standards

    Volvo’s new D13 engine designed to meet 2027 emissions standards

    Volvo Trucks North America has introduced a new engine designed to meet the 2027 emissions standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency while continuing to deliver the performance, efficiency, and reliability fleets depend on. The new engine reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by over 80 percent compared with current standards, delivering the power to support cleaner operations without compromising capability, according to a statement from the company.

    TIn a statement, Volvo said the new D13 engine takes all the best learning from Volvo’s previous D13 platform, Volvo’s most produced engine in the world, with aftertreatment technology that has been refined over more than a decade in commercial use. It meets emissions requirements in all 50 states, giving fleets the flexibility to operate across every U.S. market without modification whether they are running highway routes, regional haul, or vocational operations.

    “This engine is our most powerful, fuel-efficient engine ever and delivers on every front for our customers: lower emissions, strong performance and compatibility with the fuels and systems fleets already use,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America. “The 2027 standards build on technology the industry knows well, and we have aligned our production, supply chain and dealer network so customers have what they need from day one.”

    More power where it counts
    Volvo’s new engine offers expanded horsepower and torque options, with ratings up to 540 horsepower and 1,950 lb.-ft. of torque, giving customers added flexibility to spec the right engine for demanding applications.

    Engine braking performance has also been enhanced, delivering up to 630 braking horsepower to provide stronger downhill control and improved drivability for heavy loads and steep grades.

    Built for fuel efficiency across the job
    Fuel efficiency is a key focus of the new platform. The engine is designed to support improved fuel economy for regional haul and vocational customers, while continuing to deliver strong efficiency for long‑haul highway operations. System refinements are aimed at lowering total fuel consumption without adding complexity to daily operations.

    The engine is compatible with renewable diesel (R100) and biodiesel blends up to B20, giving fleets added flexibility as alternative fuel options become more widely available.

    Cleaner engine, same durability
    The EPA’s 2027 regulations target further reductions in NOx and particulate matter to improve air quality and public health. Volvo’s new engine is designed to meet the EPA’s 35‑milligram NOx standard and comply with emissions requirements in all 50 states.

    Rather than introducing an entirely new system, Volvo’s approach builds on aftertreatment technology that has been in commercial use for more than a decade, supporting durability, serviceability, and uptime. The next generation engine follows Volvo’s current D13 engine that is already one of the most efficient powertrains in the truck industry. The all-new in-house developed engine will save even more fuel in a wider range of user applications and segments.

    What fleets can expect
    The new engine will be available across all Volvo truck models and has been developed in parallel with Volvo’s production operations, dealer network, and service infrastructure to support the transition when the EPA 2027 standards take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. Volvo said it continues to align training, parts availability, and service readiness to support customer adoption and long‑term operation.

  • GreatWater 360 acquires Andy’s Tire & Auto Service in Illinois

    GreatWater 360 acquires Andy’s Tire & Auto Service in Illinois

    GreatWater 360 Auto Care has acquired Andy’s Tire & Auto Service in Alton, Illinois, expanding its footprint to 153 locations throughout the Midwest and Texas, and 47 locations in Illinois.

    Founded in 1974, Andy’s Tire & Auto Service has built a long-standing reputation in the Alton community for full-service automotive repair, tire expertise, and customer service. The shop will continue operating under its existing name with its current team in place.

    “The addition of Andy’s not only brings a valued location to our network but also aligns with our recent focused expansion into the southern Illinois and greater St. Louis market,” said Scott Anderson, President & COO of GreatWater 360 Auto Care. “We’re excited to support the team as they continue to grow and serve the Alton community.”

    Concentrating on markets where it already has a foundation, GreatWater continues to build density while supporting local teams with the tools, training, and operational resources needed for long-term success.

    “This acquisition reflects GreatWater’s disciplined approach to growth — partnering with legacy shops that align with our core values,” added Anderson. “Supporting the Andy’s team as they continue delivering high-quality, community-focused service is a natural fit with our teammate-first approach.”

  • Pete Store acquires 92-year-old family-owned dealership in PA and DE

    Pete Store acquires 92-year-old family-owned dealership in PA and DE

    The Pete Store, a four-time Peterbilt North American Dealer of the Year and one of the largest privately owned Peterbilt dealer groups in North America, recently announced the acquisition of G.L. Sayre, a family-owned Peterbilt dealership with locations in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania and New Castle, Delaware. 

    The two locations have re-opened as The Peterbilt Store – Philadelphia and The Peterbilt Store – Wilmington. The Conshohocken location will continue to offer new and used truck sales, along with parts and service. The New Castle location will continue providing parts and service, with truck sales to be added in the near future. Both facilities will retain their existing teams and their long-standing commitment to local customers, now backed by The Pete Store’s broader East Coast network and resources. 

    The acquisition strengthens The Pete Store’s Mid-Atlantic presence and extends coverage into the Philadelphia market, one of the most active freight regions in the country. Within a one-day drive of approximately 40% of the U.S. population and served by major corridors including I-95, I-76, and I-476, the region is a critical hub for fleets moving goods throughout the Northeast and beyond. 

    “These two locations strengthen our ability to support fleets up and down the East Coast,” Arscott added. “With every Pete Store location, customers benefit from consistent service, deeper parts inventory, and the technical support to keep their trucks on the road.” 

    Founded in 1934, G.L. Sayre has served the Mid-Atlantic region for 92 years as a family-owned Peterbilt dealership with a strong local presence. 

    “G.L. Sayre has built something special over nearly a century of serving this region,” said Jeff Arscott, president of The Pete Store. “Our job is to honor what the Sayre family created and continue investing in the service, parts, and support that customers in this market depend on every day.” 

    The acquisition brings The Pete Store’s network to 33 locations across the Eastern U.S.

  • Hofmann’s monty 3850 makes heavy-duty tire changing easier, safer

    Hofmann’s monty 3850 makes heavy-duty tire changing easier, safer

    The Hofmann monty 3850 heavy-duty tire changer provides service professionals with a powerful and versatile solution designed to simplify and streamline heavy-duty tire service across a wide range of commercial vehicles.

    “The Hofmann monty 3850 was designed to give technicians maximum control, safety and productivity when servicing heavy-duty tires,” said Leandro Camargo, product manager for Hofmann. “From its remote operation to its secure hydraulic chuck and patented tooling, this machine makes complex tire changes faster and easier and is an essential addition for any shop servicing heavy-duty vehicles.”

    Engineered and manufactured to handle the demands of modern fleets, the monty 3850 allows technicians to work with certainty on heavy-duty tube-style and tubeless tires commonly found on buses, tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles. The machine also accommodates off-the-
    road (OTR) wheel assemblies up to 59 inches in maximum diameter, expanding service capabilities without compromising safety or efficiency.

    A specialized remote control enables a single technician to oversee all tire-changing operations from a safe distance, improving workflow while reducing physical strain. At the core of the system is a self-centering, four-jaw, hydraulically operated chuck that grips wheels securely to help prevent
    accidental unclamping during service.

    The monty 3850 also features an all-in-one, patented bead breaker and mount/demount head assembly, designed to enhance productivity and tackle even the most challenging tire applications with ease.

    “With its robust design, advanced safety features and ability to handle a diverse range of tire and wheel assemblies, the monty 3850 sets a new standard for heavy-duty tire service equipment,” said Camargo.

    To learn more about the Hofmann monty 3850 heavy-duty tire changer and other Hofmann wheel service products, visit https://hofmann-equipment.com/us.

  • Left Lane Auto acquires two shops in Tennessee

    Left Lane Auto acquires two shops in Tennessee

    CS Automotive of Tennessee has been acquired by Left Lane Auto.

    A family-owned business, CS Automotive has been part of the Brentwood, Tennessee community for nearly 20 years. Since opening in 2006, Rob and Kim Auernheimer have grown from a single bay in a warehouse to a thriving 10-bay shop—and expanded with a second location in Monteagle in 2023.

    A statement from Left Lane said, “Their commitment to exceptional service and building trust within the community has made them a go-to for drivers across the region—and we’re excited to carry that legacy forward. With CS Automotive joining the team, we’re now proud to have 87 shops in the Left Lane Auto family.”

    Left Lane Auto is based in Champaign, Illinois and recently acquired Don Foshay’s Discount Tire and Alignment in Maine. Last year, Left Lane acquired 30 locations in 2025.

  • Charlotte Auto Dealers hold annual Auto Tech competition

    Charlotte Auto Dealers hold annual Auto Tech competition

    The Greater Charlotte Auto Dealers Association (GCADA) recently hosted its 4th Annual Auto Tech Competition at Charlotte Motor Speedway, bringing together high school students and local dealerships to strengthen the automotive technician pipeline and connect future talent with career opportunities.

    Presented by the Carolina Ford Dealers, the competition allowed students to demonstrate their skills through hands-on, on-vehicle challenges after weeks of preparation with dealership mentors. Throughout the day, dealers engaged with students during interviews, a career fair, and a Dealer & Student Q&A, highlighting the critical role dealerships play in developing tomorrow’s technicians.

    The event concluded with a Winner Circle ceremony, awarding more than $30,000 in college scholarships to the top teams:

    • 1st Place: Career Academy & Technical School Team 4 – Randy Marion Subaru
    • 2nd Place: Hickory High School – Mike Johnson’s Hickory Toyota
    • 3rd Place: Forest Hills High School Team 1 – Honda of Indian Trail

    “This competition connects students directly with dealers and reinforces the importance of growing our technician workforce,” said GCADA Executive Director Ahmad Halawi.

  • Madison Chemical introduces new parts cleaner

    Madison Chemical introduces new parts cleaner

    Madison Chemical introduces SPRAY-KAB P-10000 ,which is formulated to remove grease, oil, carbon deposits, and more from engine blocks, transmissions, and other automotive or industrial machinery components.

    Specifically designed for single stage spray cabinets, this company said its formulation contains a balanced blend of surfactants and foam control agents to clean while prolonging tank life. The combination of cleaning efficacy and extended tank life ensures economical results when compared to high-end spray cabinet cleaners.

    SPRAY-KAB P-10000 is formulated to be ideal for automotive and heavy truck remanufacturing facilities, industrial machinery repair and rebuilds, equipment re-manufacturing, or anywhere that grease, oil, and carbon deposits need to be completely removed.

    Normal use conditions are 2 to 8 oz/gallon, at 160°F to 180°F. For heavily soiled parts, longer tank life can be achieved by steam cleaning prior to high-pressure cabinet cleaning, as this keeps more grease and oils from the main tank solution. 

    Madison Chemical Technical Sales Representatives are available to assist in determining dilutions, dwell time, standard operating procedures and more, to achieve optimal results.

  • Recalls: Mitsubishi, VW and Ford all have issues to address

    Recalls: Mitsubishi, VW and Ford all have issues to address

    Several; major automakers recently announced recalls for several problems, all of which will repairs at no expense to the vehicle owners.

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. is recalling some 2018-2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles. The cylinder of the liftgate gas spring, which contains high pressure gas, can corrode due to salt water penetration. This can reduce the cylinder’s wall thickness and cause the gas spring to rapidly lose pressure. A gas spring losing pressure may potentially cause the liftgate to fall unexpectedly or the cylinder to rupture. Dealers will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs with countermeasure liftgate gas springs that improve cylinder corrosion resistance.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is recalling some 2019-2024 Audi e-tron and 2020-2024 Audi e-tron Sportback vehicles. VW said the screw connection from the input rod on the brake pedal to the actuator rod on the brake booster may not have been performed according to manufacturing specifications. This may cause the screw connection to disconnect. If a complete separation occurs, vehicle braking would only be possible using the emergency braking function. Dealers will inspect the pushrod screw joint in the brake booster and, if necessary, torque it to the correct specification.

    Ford Motor Company is recalling some 2025 Ford Maverick and 2026 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L Modular Power Cylinder. engine and an engine block heater. Affected vehicles may experience overheating of the block heater while the vehicle is parked and the block heater is plugged in due to coolant vapor or air being trapped around the heating element. Overheating of the engine block heater in these vehicles may increase the risk of fire. Dealers will either replace the block heater element with a different design and inspect or replace the electrical cord , or replace the engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug and remove the cord from the engine compartment free of charge.