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  • Peterbilts, Kenworths recalled for possible fire risks

    Peterbilts, Kenworths recalled for possible fire risks

    Two major heavy-duty truck brands have announced recalls.

    Paccar is recalling some Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks due to an issue with the seat assemblies that could cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the recall includes about 811 model year 2027 Kenworth T680, T880 and W990 trucks, and 2027 Peterbilt 567, 579 and 589 trucks.

    In the affected trucks, the seat ventilation harness may be missing heat-shrink, which can result in a short circuit.

    Dealers will replace the harnesses, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Oct. 20. Owners can contact Peterbilt’s customer service at 1-940-591-4220 or Kenworth’s customer service at 1-425-828-5888. PACCAR’s number for this recall is 25PACE. NHTSA’s recall number is 26V-544.

  • Major Florida dealership adds Curbee for mobile service

    Major Florida dealership adds Curbee for mobile service

    Curbee, a leading mobile service platform for automotive dealerships, recently announced that Bozard Ford Lincoln, a leader in dealership mobile service, has selected Curbee as its new mobile service technology platform.

    The move represents one of the most significant technology transitions yet in dealership mobile service, Curbee said in a statement.

    ‍Bozard operates one of the country’s largest dealership mobile service programs, completing more than 2,000 mobile service appointments each month with a fleet of more than 40 service vehicles serving customers across Northeast Florida.

    ‍“Innovation is the key to distinguishing ourselves as leaders,” Bozard Ford Lincoln COO and General Manager Ed Roberts said. “If we’re going to continue extending our lead, we have to keep challenging ourselves to improve. Curbee shares our vision for innovation. They’ve been incredibly responsive to our needs, and they have the flexibility to grow alongside us.

    ‍“Curbee’s pace of product development, willingness to collaborate and ability to rapidly build new capabilities ultimately won the dealership over.”

    ‍“Bozard challenged us to think differently, move faster and build new capabilities that will improve mobile service for every Curbee dealer,” Curbee CEO Amit Chandarana said. “This wasn’t simply winning a customer, it was earning the trust of the dealership that has defined what automotive mobile service can become.”

    While many dealerships expand mobile service primarily through oil changes and recalls, Bozard performs nearly every repair that does not require major engine or transmission work at customers’ homes or workplaces.

    ‍Roberts said convenience – not the vehicle purchase – is what creates lasting customer loyalty.

    ‍“Customers don’t remember buying a vehicle nearly as long as they remember owning one,” Roberts said. “If we can service a vehicle where the customer already is and give them their time back, that’s what creates loyalty. Mobile service removes friction from ownership. That’s why we keep investing in it.”

    ‍Bozard has operated mobile service since 2015, steadily expanding from basic maintenance into diagnostics and increasingly complex repairs in the field. Today the dealership serves customers throughout Northeast Florida and beyond.

  • Sun opens new location in Illinois; rebrands Southern Tire in North Carolina

    Sun opens new location in Illinois; rebrands Southern Tire in North Carolina

    Sun Auto Tire & Service today announced the opening of a new Plaza Tire Service location in Jacksonville, Illinois, and the rebranding of Southern Tire Sales in Burlington, North Carolina, following its acquisition earlier this year.

    The new Jacksonville store represents a strategic investment in west-central Illinois, extending Plaza Tire Service’s reach into a growing trade area and bringing the brand’s total Illinois footprint to 18 locations. Designed to serve both local residents and regional travelers, the store expands access to tire and automotive care in a market where Sun Auto continues to see long-term opportunity.

    In North Carolina, Southern Tire Sales has officially transitioned to Sun Auto Tire & Service, strengthening the company’s presence in the Burlington area and expanding its North Carolina footprint to eight locations. The rebranding brings customers the expanded capabilities and customer experience of the Sun Auto Network while continuing to serve the community with the local team they know.

    “Each of these locations represents a different path for growth, but both support the same objective: investing in markets where we can deliver exceptional service and build lasting relationships with our customers,” said Rob Kingery, Regional Vice President, Operations, Sun Auto Tire & Service. “Jacksonville reflects our commitment to strategic new-store development, while Burlington demonstrates how we thoughtfully integrate strong local businesses into the Sun Auto Network. Together, they strengthen our ability to serve drivers across two important regions.”

    The Jacksonville Plaza Tire Service location provides a full range of automotive maintenance and repair services, including tires, alignments, oil changes, brake service, batteries, diagnostics and preventive maintenance.

  • Ag educators get training in equipment maintenance and technology at SUNY Cobleskill

    Ag educators get training in equipment maintenance and technology at SUNY Cobleskill

    SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech in Upstate New York recently hosted 17 agriculture educators from 10 states for the Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) Institute’s course in Agricultural Equipment Maintenance & Technology (AEMT). The college has hosted this program multiple times on campus since the summer of 2023.

    During the five-day in-person training, participants learned the CASE AEMT curriculum, which they will now implement in their own classrooms. Participants in the program learn in the same lab spaces used by students in the college’s Agricultural Engineering programs.

    Following the on-campus portion of the institute, the educators continued their professional development through three additional days of virtual instruction.

    AEMT is a capstone course within the CASE Power, Structural, and Technical Systems pathway. The curriculum gives high school students the foundational knowledge and technical skills needed to pursue careers as equipment technicians, building hands-on experience and competencies in equipment diagnostics, maintenance, and repair. Coursework spans diesel engines, hydraulics, electrical systems, powertrains, precision agriculture technologies, and shop safety.

    CASE is an initiative of the National Council for Agricultural Education that designs inquiry-based agricultural science curricula for middle and high school classrooms nationwide. The curriculum is recognized by the Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation and aligns with the equipment industry by  connecting participating schools with local equipment dealerships and providing clear career pathways for students to enter this industry.

    Having completed the Institute, the 17 educators are fully prepared to implement the AEMT curriculum in their own programs and help develop the next generation of highly skilled agricultural equipment technicians.  

    SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech is part of the State University of New York system.

  • Jean-Sébastien Houle, Ryder’s top technician, $50,000 richer

    Jean-Sébastien Houle, Ryder’s top technician, $50,000 richer

    Jean-Sébastien Houle of Boucherville, Quebec, Canada, has been named Ryder’s 2026 Top Technician, earning the $50,000 grand prize at the company’s 25th annual Top Tech Skills Competition, one of Ryder’s premier recognition programs honoring the company’s most skilled commercial truck technicians.

    “Congratulations to Jean-Sébastien on earning the 2026 Top Tech title. We also extend our gratitude to all the finalists for their incredible expertise and skills,” said John Diez, chief executive officer of Ryder. “Our technicians play a crucial role in delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring operational excellence across our fleet. Their expertise and commitment enable Ryder to consistently exceed the expectations of our customers.”

    Hosted in Nashville, Tennessee, the 25th annual Top Tech competition celebrated the top tier of Ryder’s technician workforce of approximately 5,000 professionals across the U.S. and Canada. After advancing through rigorous written exams and regional hands-on competitions, 10 finalists earned a place in the championship, where they were tested at 10 timed skills stations covering advanced diagnostics, preventive maintenance, and complex vehicle systems, including aftertreatment, multiplexing, electrical, and electronic engine technologies.

    “One of the strengths of Top Tech is the close collaboration we have with our OEM partners in designing and supporting the competition,” said Tom Havens, president of fleet management solutions at Ryder. “Their involvement helps ensure our technicians are tested against the technologies, systems, and standards they work with every day. This year’s finalists demonstrated exceptional skill and professionalism, and our 2026 Top Technician, Jean-Sébastien, represents the very best of our maintenance workforce. Top Tech continues to showcase our commitment to skilled trades, celebrate excellence and attract the next generation of elite technicians.”

    Among the finalists, Peter Finn of Holland, Michigan, earned second place, while Cameron Hughes of Kitchener, Ontario, Canada took third. Following the event, all finalists were honored during an awards ceremony, where each received a $10,000 cash prize.

  • ASE Connects launches campaign to collect technician compensation data

    ASE Connects launches campaign to collect technician compensation data

    ASE Connects (formerly WrenchWay), the workforce platform by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), recently announced the industry’s most ambitious effort yet to solve a problem that has persisted for decades: the lack of reliable, current data on what automotive, diesel and collision shops actually pay and offer their technicians

    To fuel that effort, ASE is offering free ASE Connects memberships through Dec. 31, to any shop or dealership that completes the required sections of its Industry Data Exchange, covering technician pay, benefits and company policies.

    “Shops have been making some of their biggest decisions around technician pay and benefits based on guesswork,” said Dave Johnson, president and CEO of ASE. “The only way to fix that is to get enough real data into the system that shops can trust. This free trial removes any excuse not
    to pa rticipate.”

    To qualify, shops and dealerships sign up for ASE Connects at no cost and no credit card required, then complete the anonymous technician pay, benefits and policy survey that feeds into the Industry Data Exchange. The survey takes about 10-15 minutes to complete, and all submitted information is aggregated and kept strictly anonymous before it becomes part of the dataset.

    Shops that complete the survey receive full access to ASE Connects through the end of 2026
    which includes:
    *Industry Data Exchange
    *School Assist
    *Members-only content
    *Student profiles (launching this fall)

    “Every shop that contributes data makes the entire exchange more accurate for everyone in it,” said Johnson. “This is the kind of industry-wide effort that only works if enough shops participate, and giving shops free access removes the biggest reason they might sit on the sidelines.”

    ASE said the push comes as the technician shortage continues to strain shops, dealerships and OEMs across the country, many of which have no reliable way to benchmark their pay or policies against competitors in their local market. ASE Connects has positioned the Industry Data Exchange as the first tool of its kind built specifically for the automotive, diesel and collision industries by combining self-reported data with comparisons by location, shop type and industry that update as more shops join.

    Shops interested in the free membership offer can sign up at wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/free- trial/ and complete the required Industry Data Exchange sections to activate full access through Dec. 31.

  • Universal Technical Institute opens new campus in Georgia

    Universal Technical Institute opens new campus in Georgia

    Universal Technical Institute, Inc., a provider of workforce solutions for transportation, skilled trades, healthcare and dental care programs,recently opened UTI-Atlanta, its first campus in Georgia and second new campus this year.

    “As AI reshapes the economies of cities across the U.S., meeting the growing demand for the skilled collar workers who build, operate and maintain our infrastructure is critical to prosperity,” said Todd Hitchcock, EVP, Strategy, Growth and Operations, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. “Universal Technical Institute is perfectly positioned at this intersection of supply and demand, with training programs that prepare students for the ever-evolving workforce. We look forward to working with Atlanta’s business community to fill their talent pipelines for jobs ranging from data centers and energy systems to transportation and advanced manufacturing.”

    UTI-Atlanta will serve 1,500 students at scale in a 117,000 square-foot-facility located at 7100 Highlands Parkway SE in Smyrna. The campus offers multiple training programs, supported by advanced classrooms and specialized labs, including automotive, diesel, aviation, electrical, robotics and automation, HVACR and welding. 

    UTI-Atlanta is expected to serve as a talent pipeline for employers across the region’s transportation, aviation, electrical, energy and skilled trades sectors. Many industry leaders are already helping make that vision a reality, including: 

    • CarMax
    • Continental Tire
    • Cox Automotive
    • CRC Industries
    • Crown Lift Trucks
    • Fuji Spray Systems
    • Hendrick Automotive Group
    • Interstate Batteries
    • Klein Tools
    • Konecranes
    • Lennox National Account Services
    • Lincoln Electric
    • Lithia & Driveway
    • NAPA (Auto Parts & Auto Care)
    • Shell-Pennzoil & Shell-Rotella
    • Penske Automotive Group
    • Premium Guard
    • Snap-on Tools
    • Sonic Automotive
    • Standard Motor Products
    • TOPDON
    • WD-40
    • Yancey Bros. Co. 
    • Yellow Jacket (Richie Engineering)
  • FedEx Freight’s Wesley Salley is Texas Technician of the Year

    FedEx Freight’s Wesley Salley is Texas Technician of the Year

    The Texas Trucking Association recently announced winnewrs of a variety of awards, including its Technician of the Year honors.

    2026’s Technician of the Year top five finishers are:

    • 1st Place: Wesley Salley, FedEx Freight   
    • 2nd Place: Chris Gerrald, Industrial Power Truck & Equipment    
    • 3rd Place: Evan Bailey, Cox Fleet    
    • 4th Place: Brandon McNeil, Old Dominion Freight Lines   
    • 5th Place: Micah Atkins, Industrial Power Truck & Equipment   

    The first place winner will go on to compete in the National SuperTech Competition in Pittsburg Sept. 20-24,.  

    The TXTA Technician of the Year Contest, founded in 1982, honors skilled heavy vehicle mechanics. Competitors are tested on technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities in a hands-on format, highlighting the critical role technicians play in the safety and reliability of commercial fleets. 

    The Technician of the Year Contest is presented by TXTA Fleet Maintenance Council (FMC) and proudly sponsored by Yokohama Tire Corp, Cummins – Meritor, and Pressure Systems International. The date of competition was May 29-30 in Waco, Texas.

  • 2027 Work Truck Week set for March 9-12 in Indianapolis

    2027 Work Truck Week set for March 9-12 in Indianapolis

    Work Truck Week, one of North America’s leading commercial vehicle industry event, will return to Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis March 9–12, 2027.  

    New for the 2027 event, NTEA — working in collaboration with NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA) — is launching Future Truck Summit on Tuesday, March 9, replacing the long-running Green Truck Summit. This full-day conference will move beyond the traditional focus on sustainability to address the rapidly changing software, hardware and advanced vehicle technologies shaping the next generation of commercial fleets.  

    Work Truck Week 2027 schedule includes:  

    • March 9: Future Truck Summit 
    • March 9–11: Educational program 
    • March 10–11: Work Truck Week Ride & Drive 
    • March 10–12: Work Truck Show exhibit hall open 

    For more than 25 years, the annual event has served as a cornerstone gathering for chassis OEMs, fleet managers, upfitters, truck dealers, engineers, and other industry professionals who attend Work Truck Week to experience the latest vehicle and equipment innovations, share expertise and forge partnerships. Attendees can expect:  

    • 500+ exhibitors: A massive showcase of new commercial vehicles, truck equipment and connected vehicle technologies. 
    • OEM updates: Exclusive integration guidance, upfitting solutions and critical design changes presented straight from leading chassis manufacturers.  
    • TCO and spec optimization: Dedicated sessions focused on specifying vehicles to improve safety, performance and lower total cost of ownership. 
    • Industry networking: A comprehensive central hub to connect with thousands of suppliers, customers and peers.  

    Industry professionals can sign up for event updates and receive notification when registration and housing open this fall by visiting worktruckweek.com/about.

  • Free webinars on automotive service issues available from ASE

    Free webinars on automotive service issues available from ASE

    The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence has made nearly 50 free webinars available for on-demand viewing.

    These webinars were presented by ASE industry partners during the past year and include a wide range of topics focusing on the latest service issues facing automotive service professionals. Service professionals will benefit from the content provided in areas pertinent to their businesses, according to ASE.

    Instructors who view the free webinars will receive emailed certificates that can be applied toward the instructors’ technical update training hours required by the ASE Education Foundation (professional development webinars do not count toward these hours). ASE also encourages instructors to use the content to supplement their classroom activities.

    For more information, to sign up to receive information on future webinars or to view a list of the
    previous webinars, click here.