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  • Sun acquires Main Street Tire & Auto in Virden, Illinois

    Sun acquires Main Street Tire & Auto in Virden, Illinois

    Sun Auto Tire & Service continues to grow its Midwest presence with the acquisition of the Main Street Tire & Auto location in Virden, Illinois. The store officially joins the Sun Auto Network and will rebrand as Plaza Tire Service.

    Ters of the deal were not made public.

    Plaza Tire Service, known as the ‘Quick Change Artist’, has supported the Midwest for over 60 years. The acquisition strengthens Plaza Tire Service’s presence in Illinois and expands service coverage in the region through a trusted community location backed by the resources of a national network.

    “Virden represents an important opportunity to continue growing the Plaza Tire Service brand in Illinois. This location allows us to expand our reach while reinforcing the operational strength and consistency our network is known for,” said Rob Kingery, Regional Vice President, Operations.

    As part of the Sun Auto Network, the Virden location will benefit from operational support, advanced technology and customer-focused tools designed to enhance the overall service experience while maintaining the local relationships customers know and trust. The location will offer a full range of automotive care, including an array of top tire brands with Sun Auto’s price match guarantee, alignments, brake service, oil changes, batteries, diagnostics and preventative maintenance.

    The addition marks the 16th location in Illinois and further supports Sun Auto’s continued expansion across key Midwest markets.

    Sun Auto Tire & Service owns and operates more than 575 tire and service centers across the United States.

  • Autel offers 5 $5,000 scholarships; application process now open

    Autel offers 5 $5,000 scholarships; application process now open

    Autel U.S., a developer, manufacturer, and distributor of diagnostic tools and equipment, announced today that applications are open for the Second Annual Autel Awarding Excellence Scholarships, supporting students pursuing careers in automotive repair and service.

    The 2026 program will award five $5,000 scholarships to help students offset tuition, tools, books, supplies, and education expenses. Part of Autel Cares, the company’s philanthropic initiative, the program recognizes students committed to building futures in automotive repair. This year, eligibility expands to include adult learners returning to school or transitioning from another career into automotive education.

    Applications are available at https://bold.org/scholarships/autel-awarding-excellence-scholarship/ and must be submitted by August 27, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Recipients will be announced on September 28.

    “Last year’s scholarship recipients represented the talent, dedication, and promise that will help shape the future of automotive repair,” said Chloe Hung, CEO of Autel U.S. “This year, we are excited to build on that momentum by opening the program to both recent graduates and adult learners pursuing automotive education as a new career path.”

    Applicants must be enrolled in or planning to attend a trade school, college, or university automotive repair program. Candidates pursuing mechanical repair, tire and rim service, glass repair, collision repair, locksmithing, heavy duty/diesel repair, ADAS calibration, diagnostics, or related fields will be considered.

    To apply, students must submit a 500- to 600-word essay or 2- to 3-minute video describing their path to automotive education, how the scholarship would support their training, and the goals, obstacles, and career they are building in automotive repair.

    In its first year, the program supported five students pursuing restoration, automotive technology, mechanical repair, auto body, and collision repair studies.

  • It’s Automotive Service Professionals Month, but observation will be moving

    It’s Automotive Service Professionals Month, but observation will be moving

    The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) will observe Automotive Service Professionals Month (ASPM) this June, while announcing a planned transition beginning in 2026–2027 to shift ASPM recognition to October and April to coincide with Fall and Spring Car Care Months.

    The change is intended to better align ASPM with national Car Care Month activities already taking place across the industry, where repair facilities, dealerships and service centers host events focused on vehicle maintenance, safety awareness and consumer education. By moving ASPM to these established observances, ASE aims to strengthen visibility for automotive service professionals and expand public engagement with the technicians who keep vehicles safe and reliable year-round.

    “While we are still proud to recognize Automotive Service Professionals Month this June, moving ASPM to October and April allows us to more closely connect with Car Care Month activities already happening across the country,” said Dave Johnson, ASE president and CEO. “Many of the repair facilities that employ ASE Certified professionals already participate in these seasonal events, so aligning ASPM with them creates a natural opportunity to highlight the skill, training and dedication of these technicians.”

    ASE’s staement concluded with, “Automotive service professionals play a vital role in communities nationwide, working in repair shops, dealerships and service centers to ensure vehicles remain safe, dependable and road ready. As automotive technology continues to evolve, these professionals are required to maintain and renew their ASE Certification every five years, demonstrating ongoing expertise and familiarity with the latest systems and industry standards.”

  • M&K Truck Centers acquires 5-location group in Minnesota and Iowa

    M&K Truck Centers acquires 5-location group in Minnesota and Iowa

    M&K Truck Centers recently announced the acquisition of five GATR Truck Center dealerships—three located in Iowa and two in Minnesota.

    This acquisition, finalized on May 29, involves substantially all of the assets of five GATR Truck Center locations serving Iowa and Minnesota.

    Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

    Effective immediately, M&K will expand its product offerings across Iowa and Minnesota.

    • Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Volvo, Mack, and Hino
    • Waukee, Iowa: Volvo and Hino
    • Waterloo, Iowa: Volvo and Mack
    • Elk River, Minnesota: Volvo
    • Sauk Rapids, Minnesota: Volvo and Hino

    Full support services and parts will be available at all locations.

    With this acquisition, M&K expands its footprint to 38 locations across nine states, marking a significant milestone for the company.

    M&K Truck Centers has retained nearly all employees from GATR Truck Center, welcoming over 200 talented people into the M&K family.

    “We look forward to an exciting future as we work together to integrate these operations. By incorporating the operations from these five locations, our company will enhance its offerings in new and used truck sales, trailer sales, parts, service, rentals, and leasing. “This expansion allows us to increase our capabilities and strengthen our presence in the central region. We remain committed to meeting our customers’ needs and providing exceptional service throughout this transition and for many years to come,” stated Josh Wolf, M&K’s COO.

    M&K Truck Centers is the largest Mack and Volvo dealer group in North America and the first to earn Volvo Trucks’ 1K, 2K, and 3K sales volume awards. In 2025, M&K achieved the landmark 3K sales volume award, so­­lidifying its position as the first and only dealership to reach this historic milestone.

  • Vanguard Truck Centers now offers Guardian Mobile Express mobile truck service

    Vanguard Truck Centers now offers Guardian Mobile Express mobile truck service

    Vanguard Truck Centers has announced the launch of Guardian Mobile Express, a new mobile truck service division designed to bring fast, on-site repair and maintenance directly to commercial trucks and fleets. The initiative is focused on helping customers maximize uptime and minimize costly downtime by reducing the need for shop visits and keeping vehicles operating where they are needed most, according to a statement from the Atlanda headquartered company.

    Guardian Mobile Express is built to support drivers and fleet managers with rapid-response mobile service that delivers essential maintenance and repair work directly to the customer’s location. By shifting certain services out of the shop and into the field, the division aims to reduce delays and keep trucks on the road, Vanguard said.

    Guardian Mobile Express will begin operations in Savannah and Atlanta, with a dedicated express lane in Valdosta. The company plans to expand into Houston in the near future.

    The rollout is strategically focused on key transportation and logistics corridors to ensure fast access to mobile diesel technicians and on-site repair services where demand is highest.

    Vanguard’s statement said the new division was developed in response to increasing demand for faster and more efficient service solutions within the trucking and transportation industry. Many trucks are taken out of service for minor repairs that can often be completed on-site. Guardian Mobile Express addresses this challenge by deploying skilled mobile technicians equipped to perform service in the field.

    This approach is intended to help fleets avoid unnecessary delays, reduce operating costs, and improve overall fleet efficiency.

    As part of its service model, Guardian Mobile Express works alongside Vanguard Truck Centers’ existing full-service mobile support. While Guardian Mobile Express focuses on mobile repair and preventative maintenance, Vanguard continues to provide support for more complex repairs, advanced diagnostics, and heavy-duty service needs. This dual structure ensures customers receive the appropriate level of service without unnecessary downtime.

    Guardian Mobile Express technicians provide a range of high-impact, time-sensitive mobile truck repair and maintenance services designed to keep commercial vehicles operating safely and efficiently. These services include:

    • Preventative maintenance
    • DOT inspections
    • Mobile lighting and electrical repairs
    • Mudflap and exterior equipment replacement
    • Belt and drive system service and replacement
    • Minor warranty repairs
    • Software campaign updates

    Each service is completed on-site, helping fleets reduce shop wait times, avoid unnecessary downtime, and maintain road-ready equipment, Vanguard said.

    By prioritizing rapid-response mobile diesel service, Guardian Mobile Express is designed to improve fleet uptime, enhance operational efficiency, and support safer, more reliable transportation.

    The division is positioned for continued growth, with future expansion plans targeting high-demand markets to increase service coverage, improve response times, and deliver consistent mobile truck repair and maintenance support across additional regions, according to the company.

    Vanguard has locations in 11 states, including:

    • Arizona: Bellemont, Phoenix (2), and Tucson
    • Georgia: Adairsville, Atlanta, Commerce, Macon, Savannah, Tifton, and Valdosta
    • Illinois: Cahokia Heights (St. Louis area)
    • Kentucky: Franklin
    • Maryland: Williamsport (Hagerstown area)
    • Missouri: St. Charles (St. Louis West)
    • North Carolina: Charlotte, Conover (Hickory), Durham, Greensboro, and Mt. Airy
    • South Carolina: Beech Island (serving the Augusta, GA area)
    • Tennessee: Clarksville and La Vergne (Nashville area)
    • Texas: Alvin, Austin, Buda, El Paso, Georgetown, and Houston (3 locations)
    • Virginia: Harrisonburg and Troutville (Roanoke area)
  • GreatWater 360’s 155th acquisition is family-owned shop in Minneapolis

    GreatWater 360’s 155th acquisition is family-owned shop in Minneapolis

    GreatWater 360 Auto Care has acquired Crosstown Auto Repair, a family-owned shop serving the south metro Minneapolis area.

    This is GreatWater 360’s 155th location nationwide and second acquisition in Minnesota in 2026.

    Led by former owner Perry Linn, whose automotive career began working in his father’s service station at a young age, Crosstown Auto Repair reflects decades of hands-on experience and a deep personal investment in the business and its community. Today, the shop is known throughout Burnsville, Savage, Lakeville, and Eagan for its honest, customer-focused approach to full-service repair and tire service.

    The addition of Crosstown continues GreatWater’s strategic expansion in Minnesota, following the acquisition of Leighton’s Garage earlier this year.

    “We’re intentional about how we build within a market, and Crosstown is a great example of that approach,” said Jim Dykstra, CEO of GreatWater 360 Auto Care. “Perry and his team have built a strong reputation by taking care of customers the right way. When someone has invested that much into a business, it’s important to find a partner who will respect that and carry it forward. We’re honored to be that partner.”

    “I was reserved and cautious about selling,”said Perry Linn, former owner of Crosstown Auto Repair. “I wanted to find someone who was going to keep the shop’s legacy alive, but above all else I wanted to protect the team and find the right fit for them. GreatWater understood what I valued and had demonstrated how their model matched. At every stage in the process I felt confident the shop and team were going to be in great hands.”

    Crosstown Auto Repair will continue operating under its existing name with its current team in place. As part of the GreatWater network, the shop will gain access to expanded training programs, operational support, and tools designed to enhance both the employee and customer experience.

    GreatWater said its growth strategy focuses on partnering with shops that align with its values, strengthen its presence in key markets, and fit within its operating model. By investing in communities where it is actively building a footprint, the company continues to create a network of locally trusted shops supported by shared resources and infrastructure.

  • ASE schedules Webinar on new AC refrigerants

    ASE schedules Webinar on new AC refrigerants

    The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is hosting a free webinar on new air conditioning refrigerants.

    The webinar is slated for June 4 and is entitled “R-444A and R-456A – New Refrigerants for MVAC Service.”

    Chuck Abbot and Adam Kimmel from Orbia will discuss R-444A and R-456A, emerging refrigerants for motor vehicle air conditioning service. These new refrigerants are expected to be approved for use under the EPA’s SNAP Rule #27 later this year.

    Discussion in the webinar will include refrigerant characteristics, applications, oil requirements, special fittings and equipment, along with everything shops and technicians need to know to protect on-site recyclability.

    Participants in this webinar will receive a certificate of attendance for the live session over email within one week. 

    For more information or to register, click here.

  • In Canada, Diversified Royalty pays $235M for Mr. Lube + Tires

    In Canada, Diversified Royalty pays $235M for Mr. Lube + Tires

    Diversified Royalty Corp. recently announced that it, and its newly formed wholly owned subsidiary, have entered into an agreement with Mr. Lube Canada Limited Partnership and Mr. Lube Canada GP Inc. for the acquisition of the Mr. Lube + Tires franchisor business in Canada.

    The purchase price was $235 million.

    Sean Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of DIV, said, “DIV looks forward to completing the acquisition and increasing its economic exposure to Mr. Lube + Tires, our largest and best performing royalty partner. DIV is keen to work with Mr. Lube + Tires’ management as part of DIV and as equity partners, to continue Mr. Lube + Tires’ impressive growth and build it into Canada’s leading automotive services franchise business.

    Pamela Lee, President and CEO of Mr. Lube + Tires, said, “Over its 50-year history, Mr. Lube + Tires has delivered trusted, convenient automotive maintenance to millions of Canadians who visit its locations each year. Mr. Lube + Tires has been partners with DIV for over 11 years, and we are excited to continue our partnership with DIV and unlock new growth opportunities for our franchisees as we execute on our strategy to become the largest automotive services franchise business in Canada.”

    Mr. Lube + Tires is the leading Canadian automotive service chain specializing in fast, drive-in drive-through, noappointment-needed vehicle maintenance.

    Founded by Cliff Giese in Edmonton in 1976, the creation of Mr. Lube + Tires launched the quick lube service
    industry in Canada, and around the world. Conceived as a way to provide quick, no-appointment oil changes that appealed to the consumer’s need for convenience, over time Mr. Lube + Tires expanded its offerings to include other light automotive services including tire sales and installations; such other services now representing the majority of system sales.

    As the chain grew, it also became one of the most successful franchising groups in Canada, with franchisees operating 186 of the 187 locations. For the past 13 years Mr. Lube + Tires has been named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, and it was recently recognized as having Canada’s Most
    Admired Corporate Culture.

    Mr. Lube + Tires services over 2 million Canadians customers each year, generating over $500 million in system sales.

    Mr. Lube + Tire joins Diversified Royalty’s other holdings, which include:

    • Nurse Next Door: Home care services
    • Stratus Building Solutions: Commercial cleaning services
    • BarBurrito: Fast-casual Mexican restaurants
    • Cheba Hut: Toasted sub sandwich shops
    • Mr. Mikes: Casual dining restaurants
    • Sutton Group: Real estate services
    • Oxford Learning Centres: Supplemental education
  • victory Tire & Auto acquires Blaine, MN Service Garage

    victory Tire & Auto acquires Blaine, MN Service Garage

     Victory Tire & Auto, in business in Minnesota since 1997 and a Straightaway brand, recently announced the acquisition of Service Garage in Blaine, Minnesota, marking its 29th shop in the state. 

    Service Garage, owned by Brian and Nancy Gross, has been serving the Blaine community and surrounding areas since 2003. After 40 years of serving the Blaine community, Brian and Nancy decided it was time to start thinking about their retirement.

    “Finding the right partner to carry on what we built was incredibly important to us,” said Bran Gross, owner of Service Garage. “Not only for our loyal customers, but for our amazing team as well. From the beginning, Victory Tire & Auto stood out as the right choice because they share the same values that we’ve always believed in.

    “We’re confident Victory will continue taking great care of the Blaine community and preserve the relationships and trust with our customers. We’re grateful for the support we’ve received throughout this journey and are excited for this next chapter with our family.”

    Victory Tire & Auto plans to continue building on the strong reputation Service Garage has established in the Blaine community. The acquisition reflects Victory’s continued commitment to partnering with respected local shops that align with its values of honesty, quality work, and trusted customer care.

    “We’re honored that Brian and Nancy chose Victory Tire & Auto to carry on the legacy they’ve built over the past four decades,” said Jeff Matt, brand president of Victory Tire & Auto. “Earning that kind of trust means a great deal to us. We’re excited to welcome both the team and customers into the Victory family, and we look forward to building on the strong foundation that has already been established in the community for years to come.”

    The addition of Service Garage of Blaine represents another step in Victory’s strategic growth across Minnesota, enhancing its ability to serve more customers with trusted, high-quality automotive care. For more information about Victory Tire & Auto, please visit www.victorytireandauto.com.

  • Car owners turn to DIY as costs & need to hold onto vehicles increase

    Car owners turn to DIY as costs & need to hold onto vehicles increase

    Consumers are increasingly taking vehicle care into their own hands, driving measurable growth across the automotive aftermarket as do-it-yourself (DIY) maintenance becomes more mainstream. New insights from Circana highlight how this behavioral shift is impacting key product categories, fueled by economic pressures and evolving ownership and travel needs.

    According to recently launched tracking information from Circana, U.S. sales revenue in the automotive hand tools category grew 3.2% in the 12 months ending March 2026. This uptick follows a period of flat performance in the prior year across items such as sockets, wrenches, pliers, and other specialty hand tools sold at auto specialty retailers — underscoring a renewed momentum tied to consumer engagement in DIY auto care.

    The DIY trend suggested by the recent growth in automotive hand tools is further underscored by sales in other core maintenance categories Circana has been monitoring. Unit sales of motor oil (quart volume) and filters have increased by 3% or more for three consecutive years across retail channels, signaling sustained consumer commitment to performing routine vehicle maintenance independently.

    “Consumers are enlisting do-it-yourself auto maintenance in an effort to save money amid challenging economic times, rising gas prices, and growing needs being placed on their vehicles,” says Nathan Shipley, automotive industry analyst for Circana. “We’re seeing shoppers become more resourceful and hands-on as they look for ways to extend the life of their vehicles and manage expenses.”

    The shift reflects broader market dynamics influencing consumer decision-making:

    • Cost-conscious behavior: Rising costs across fuel, repairs, and everyday expenses are prompting vehicle owners to seek savings through self-service maintenance.
    • Vehicle longevity needs: With consumers keeping cars longer, there is increased demand for ongoing upkeep and performance optimization.
    • Access to knowledge and tools: Online tutorials, digital guides, and more intuitive product designs are making DIY maintenance more accessible than ever.
    • Retail adaptation: Automotive retailers are expanding product assortments and educational resources to meet growing DIY demand

    Recent growth in automotive hand tool sales represents an important indicator of engagement, as these purchases often precede or accompany more advanced repair activities. Meanwhile, the steady growth in consumables like motor oil and filters points to routine maintenance becoming a habitual practice among a broader consumer base.

    “As economic uncertainty persists and vehicle dependency remains high, DIY auto maintenance will continue to gain traction with consumers,” added Shipley. “Manufacturers, retailers, and service providers who support these behaviors by offering not just products, but also education, will build the consumer relationships that are critical right now.”