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  • Ram issues two major recalls

    Ram issues two major recalls

    Chrysler recently annoiucned two separate recalls of Ram vehicles.

    In the first recall, Chrysler is recalling 265,512 vehicles: model year 2022–2026 Ram ProMaster 1500, 2500 and 3500 vans and 2024–2026 Ram ProMaster 3500 EVs. Water may enter the electric power steering wiring harness, which can disable power steering assist.

    A loss of power steering assist increases the risk of a crash. The steering still works, but the effort required to turn the wheel rises sharply and without warning, which matters most at low speeds and in the loaded commercial-van duty cycle these vehicles typically see, according to Chrysler.

    Dealers will inspect and replace the wiring harness and electronic power steering gear, as necessary, free of charge. The final remedy is not yet available.

    Interim notification letters advising owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed Nov. 17, with additional letters to follow once the final remedy is ready. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403 and reference recall number 92D.

    In the second incident, Chrysler is recalling 16,385 model year 2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system sensors may fail to detect low tire pressure and/or fail to illuminate the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with FMVSS No. 138, “Tire Pressure Monitoring System.”

    A TPMS warning light that fails to notify the driver of low tire pressure increases the risk of a crash.

    Dealers will inspect and replace the tire pressure sensors, as necessary, free of charge.

    Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Oct. 27. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403 and reference recall number 51D.

  • aLLDATA rolls out Diagnostic Intelligence; helps techs improve repair accuracy

    aLLDATA rolls out Diagnostic Intelligence; helps techs improve repair accuracy

    ALLDATA, an AutoZonecompany, recently announced the launch of Diagnostic Intelligence, a guided diagnostic solution designed to help technicians of all skill levels diagnose vehicle issues faster, improve accuracy, and complete more repairs right the first time.

    As vehicle systems become more complex, technicians often must navigate multiple tools and large volumes of repair information to identify the root cause of an issue. Diagnostic Intelligence addresses this challenge by bringing together ALLDATA industry-leading OEM repair information, real-world repair intelligence, and AI-driven insights into one focused diagnostic workflow, according to the company.

    Starting from diagnostic trouble codes or a symptom, technicians can quickly access prioritized, probable causes, OEM diagnostic procedures, shortcut tests, known fixes, and AI-assisted insights–all organized at the code level. By surfacing the most relevant information in one place, Diagnostic Intelligence reduces time spent searching, minimizes guesswork, and improves diagnostic confidence.

    “Diagnostic Intelligence reflects our commitment to keeping OEM information at the center of the diagnostic process while continuing to evolve how technicians access and use that data,” said Satwinder Mangat, president of ALLDATA. “By leveraging our trusted OEM content, real-world repair intelligence, and AI-powered insights, we’re delivering a solution that supports technicians at every skill level, helping them diagnose today’s complex vehicles with greater speed and confidence.”

    Key capabilities include:

    • DTCs or symptom search to quickly isolate the issue
    • Prioritized, probable causes and known fixes to guide next steps
    • OEM diagnostic procedures at the code level, including testing and inspection workflows
    • Shortcut diagnostic tests to identify the root cause faster
    • Integrated access to Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), wiring diagrams, and related service information
    • AI-assisted insights to expand diagnostic coverage
  • Coast Counties Peterbilt acquires dealership in northern nevada

    Coast Counties Peterbilt acquires dealership in northern nevada

    Coast Counties Truck & Equipment Company Co., doing business as Coast Counties Peterbilt, recently announced the acquisition of Peterbilt Truck Parts & Equipment LLC., expanding the company’s Peterbilt dealership operations into northern Nevada.

    The acquisition brings together two established Peterbilt organizations with a shared commitment to customers, employees and the trucking industry.

    “John Phillips and his team have built a tremendous business in northern Nevada, and we have a great deal of respect for what they have accomplished,” said Mike Sorensen, President of Coast Counties Peterbilt. “We’re excited to bring our organizations together, support the great team already in place and build on the strong foundation they have created.”

    The Reno operation will continue serving customers through truck sales, parts, service and PacLease, while gaining access to the broader resources and support of Coast Counties Peterbilt.

    “Our business ultimately comes down to keeping customers moving,” Sorensen added. “This combination gives us another outstanding group of people and an important new market in which to deliver on that commitment.”

    The acquisition marks Coast Counties Peterbilt’s expansion beyond California and reflects the company’s continued commitment to the Peterbilt brand and commercial trucking industry throughout the West.

  • New Plaza Tire Service opens in Springfield, Illinois

    New Plaza Tire Service opens in Springfield, Illinois

    Plaza Tire Service, part of the Sun Auto Network, has opened a new location in Springfield, Illinois, further expanding its presence in the state.

    The new store marks Sun Auto’s 19th location in Illinois.

    While Plaza Tire Service is known for its tire expertise, it is also a complete automotive care provider. From oil changes, brakes and batteries to alignments, steering and suspension repair, preventive maintenance and more, Plaza provides local drivers with a destination for their vehicle’s ongoing care.

    “The addition of our Springfield store reflects the steady growth of the Plaza Tire Service brand and our commitment to serving drivers across the Midwest,” said Rob Kingery, Regional Vice President, Operations, Plaza Tire Service. “We’re focused on providing customers with access to quality tires, expert automotive service and a dependable experience at every stage of vehicle ownership.”

    With more than 600 locations nationwide, the Sun Auto Network is one of the largest independent tire and automotive service providers in the United States. The Springfield opening reflects the company’s ongoing strategy to invest in strong local brands and expand access to high-quality automotive care in communities across the country.

  • GM accpeting nominatioins for its 30 Under 30 technician recognition program

    GM accpeting nominatioins for its 30 Under 30 technician recognition program

    General Motors is planning to recognize the best and the brightest young members in its corps of service technicians.

    The comopany is accepting nominations for its GM Automotive Service Technicians 30 Under 30 annual recognition program, which honors 30 standout  U.S. GM automotive service techs under the age of 30 who demonstrate exceptional commitment to GM Certified Service. The company said the program is designed to celebrate the next generation of  U.S. automotive service leaders while elevating awareness of automotive service technician career opportunities.

    GM said its Automotive Service Technicians 30 Under 30 was launched to help address the growing automotive service technician shortage by increasing awareness of these careers and the programs that support them.

    The program qualifications are simple:

    • Nominees must be under the age of 30
    • Work as a  U.S. GM automotive service technicians
    • demonstrate above-and-beyond commitment to GM Certified Service

    Nominations can be submitted by anyone who knows a GM automotive service technician’s work firsthand, such as dealers, service managers, customers, peers, family members, friends, or even the nominee themselves.

    Nominees must be 29 years old or younger as of Dec. 31.

    Nominations will be evaluated by a panel of judges using defined criteria and a scorecard developed for the program.

    GM said strong nominations should show continued technical training, exemplary customer service, mentorship and leadership, and a clear reason why they stand out. Selected nominees should be comfortable participating in speaking, press, and social media content opportunities, according to the company.

    The deadline for nominations is Oct. 30. Winners will be announced Jan. 7.

    Nominations may be made online here.

  • VIPAR Heavy Duty’s upcoming conference features new format

    VIPAR Heavy Duty’s upcoming conference features new format

     VIPAR Heavy Duty announced that plans are set for their 2026 IMPACT Conference, taking place Oct. 18-23 at the JW Marriott Marco Island in Florida.

    The 2026 IMPACT Conference agenda features a new format designed to enhance interaction, collaboration, and engagement among distributors, suppliers, and industry partners. Building on the event’s tradition of bringing the heavy duty aftermarket together, this year’s conference will introduce new opportunities for attendees to connect, share ideas, and participate in conversations that help shape the future of the network and the industry.

    “This year’s IMPACT Conference is designed to create even more opportunities for meaningful engagement across our network,” said Chris Baer, President & CEO of VIPAR Heavy Duty. “Every distributor, supplier, industry partner, and team member plays a role in our collective success. By bringing everyone together to share ideas, build relationships, and align around common goals, we’re reinforcing what makes our network unique and positioning ourselves for continued growth.”

    Highlights of the reimagined agenda include:

    • The conference will open Monday with a Distributor Welcome & Kickoff featuring Kyle Scheele, an entrepreneur, author, and nationally recognized speaker known for helping organizations unlock creativity and innovation. His presentation, “Becoming an Idea Factory: How to Build a Culture Where Innovation Is Inevitable,” will challenge attendees to think differently about problem solving, leadership, and creating environments where ideas can thrive.
    • Additional distributor-focused Monday experiences will emphasize peer engagement, connection, and shared insight through Distributor Roundtables, True Group Value Focus Groups, and Supplier Spotlight sessions. 
    • For the first time, the entire network of distributors, suppliers, and industry partners will come together at the General Session on Tuesday to explore industry trends, network priorities, and collective opportunities while reinforcing the value of alignment across the channel.

    The annual event’s highly-valued, signature agenda items return, including 1:1 Meetings, Trade Show, Receptions, Network Lunch & Keynote Speaker, and Annual Dinner & After Party.

    VIPAR Heavy Duty will also continue to honor industry friends and their contributions to the network and aftermarket through the IMPACT Memorial Golf Tournament. For the second year in a row, the beneficiary is the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), a 501(c)(3) organization that supports people employed in the heavy duty aftermarket industry and their families during times of hardship. They will also host a trade show booth to provide information about both the giving and receiving missions of their organization. 

  • ASE Connects provides students with online space to showcase skills, interests

    ASE Connects provides students with online space to showcase skills, interests

    ASE Connects helps students at every stage of their automotive, diesel and collision service careers connect with shops and dealerships through its
    free student profiles. Whether searching for internships, preparing for their first shop tour or seeking a full-time job, students can use their profiles to highlight their interests, skills, experience and career goals.

    “Creating a free student profile gives students an opportunity to put themselves on the radar of shops and dealerships while taking an important step in their careers,” said Dave Johnson, president and CEO of ASE. “It gives students a way to showcase who they are, what they are interested in and where they want to go, while helping them make valuable connections and discover real-world opportunities.”

    Students can create a free profile that includes their school and program information, interests, skills, experience and career goals. ASE Connects can also convert the profile into a resume, giving students a professional tool they can use as they begin exploring career opportunities.

    Students indicate the types of experiences they’re interested in—such as shop tours, job shadows, internships, part-time jobs and full-time employment. Shops and dealerships can then discover student profiles and reach out directly when they see a potential fit.

    “A service professional career can start with one connection,” said Johnson. “A free student profile provides students with a simple way to start making those connections and explore opportunities that can help launch their careers.”

    Students can create a free ASE Connects account and student profile at https://aseconnects.com/student-profiles/ or by downloading the free ASE Connects mobile app in the App Store or on Google Play.

    Shops and dealerships who are interested in accessing student profiles can sign up for a free trial of ASE Connects at https://aseconnects.com.

  • Advance Auto Parts opens three new locations; donates to training schools

    Advance Auto Parts opens three new locations; donates to training schools

    Advance Auto Parts recently opend three new stores. They are located in Randolph, Massachusetts, Lanham, Maryland., and Athens, Georgiaa.

    The company marked the opening of each location with ribbon-cutting ceremonies and donations to local automotive technology programs.

    Advance Auto Parts opened its newest store in Athens — its fifth — with local officials and representatives from Athens Technical College present.

    According to the company, the new store also serves as a market hub — a centralized facility designed to improve parts availability and same-day fulfillment across a network of stores, enhancing hard parts coverage for professional customers.

    The Randolph store represents the company’s second location in the city. Local officials and representatives from Blue Hills Regional Technical School were on-site during its opening.

    The company marked the opening of its second store in Lanham with a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside local officials and representatives from Prince George’s Community College.

    All donations will help cover students’ parts and tools needs while they gain hands-on experience, training and career opportunities as future automotive technicians.

  • Nebraska community college opens new automotive careers training center

    Nebraska community college opens new automotive careers training center

    Nebraska’s Central Community College-Hastings recently opened its new automotive careers training center.

    The $23 million, 42,000-square-foot facility houses CCC’s auto body technology and automotive technology programs. The ACTC features five classrooms, a welding lab, a parts and tools suite, and oils and liquid storage.

    Gov. Jim Pillen addressed the attendees and extolled the role that CCC plays in Nebraska higher education landscape. He said, “If you can get a skill set and make things with your hands, you make millions. I am a gigantic supporter of the trade skills in our community colleges. I could not be more proud of what our community colleges [do] for workforce development in creating extraordinary careers.”

    “This program has taught me many things so far and I can confidently say the skills I have learned will be taken into my professional career,” said Jesus Gomez, a second-year student in CCC’s automotive technology program. “From the people who made the plans to the people who physically built it, (and) to the donors, this wouldn’t have been possible without the direct support from the community. I hope that we in class make everyone confident in their decision to have invested in us.”

    One of the people who played a major role in the conversations about the automotive careers training center was Brian Levander, president of Levander Automotive and a member of the campaign executive leadership team. During his remarks, he said the value of this investment will ultimately be determined by those students and what they do with the opportunities afforded to them by the automotive careers training center.

    “They will be technicians, the managers, the business owners, instructors and industry leaders of the future,” said Levander. “And if we’ve done our job right, some of them will eventually come back and help the next generation. That’s how an industry grows. That’s how a community grows. One generation helps the next.”

  • Interantional creates e-commerce site for 24/7 access to 400,000 parts

    Interantional creates e-commerce site for 24/7 access to 400,000 parts

    International Motors, LLC recently launched Fleetrite.com, a new e-commerce site that lets fleets, independent repair shops and owner-operators search, price and purchase the entire breadth of the International parts portfolio, from International OEM parts to Fleetrite branded all-makes parts, and third-party all-makes aftermarket parts in a single self-service transaction, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    International said Fleetrite.com simplifies parts management with quick parts searchability, a real-time inventory view and streamlined parts ordering. The e-commerce site shows real-time parts availability across three sources at once – the customer’s local dealer shelf, an International parts distribution center and online inventory – so a buyer can see where a part is and when it will arrive before placing an order. Orders are fulfilled through International’s network of more than 600 International and IC Bus dealer locations across North America.

    What customers can do on Fleetrite.com:

    • Search 400,000 quality OEM, Fleetrite and all-makes parts in one catalog
    • View real-time availability at the local dealer, a parts distribution center or online
    • See pricing and place orders 24/7 without calling a parts counter
    • Order all-makes and OEM parts from the same dealer in a single transaction
    • Track orders and place reorders from purchase history

    Fleetrite.com is the single, simplest source for every part of a mixed fleet – OEM and all-makes, one vendor, one order and one invoice.

    Fleetrite is an all-makes aftermarket parts brand founded in 1969. Fleetrite supplies replacement parts for commercial trucks, tractors, trailers and buses regardless of vehicle manufacturer. The brand carries more than 100 product lines and 10,000 active part numbers, each validated and backed by International.

    Fleetrite parts carry an 18-month parts-and-labor warranty when installed within the International dealer network.