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  • TLG Peterbilt acquires 2 Fitzgerald locations in Virgina

    TLG Peterbilt acquires 2 Fitzgerald locations in Virgina

    The Larson Group acquired two Fitzgerald Peterbilt dealership locations in Glade Spring and Fancy Gap, Virginia., effective Aug. 3.

    Terms of the deal were not announced.

    The move marks TLG’s entry into Virginia and expands the company’s semi-truck sales, service and parts network to support fleets and owner-operators in the region.

    The two locations will operate as TLG Peterbilt – Glade Spring and TLG Peterbilt – Fancy Gap and bring TLG’s network to 36 locations across 12 states. 

    TLG said key acquisition highlights include:

    • Expansion into a new state: The acquisition marks TLG Peterbilt’s entry into Virginia and expands TLG’s presence in the Southeast
    • Increased network capacity: The two new dealerships strengthen TLG’s ability to better support fleets and owner-operators throughout the area.
    • Expanded footprint: The TLG network now operates in 12 states: Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi and Virginia

    “We’re proud to welcome the employees and customers of the Fitzgerald Peterbilt locations in Fancy Gap and Glade Spring to TLG,” said President and CEO Glenn Larson. “This expansion into Virginia strengthens our presence in the Southeast and allows us to better serve customers with the industry-leading service TLG is known for. We look forward to building on the relationships developed by the Fitzgerald team.”

    Explore the TLG Peterbilt dealership network

  • Amerit Fleet Solutions expands in Canada with Triple Diamond acquisition

    Amerit Fleet Solutions expands in Canada with Triple Diamond acquisition

    Amerit Fleet Solutions, a leading provider of fleet maintenance, repair and management services, recently announced the acquisition of Triple Diamond Truck and Trailer Repair, doubling down on the Canadian expansion it began earlier this year through the acquisition of Pro Reefer.

    The acquisition builds on Amerit’s continued investment in the Canadian market following its acquisition of Pro Reefer earlier this year. It also brings together two longtime sister companies, Pro Reefer and Triple Diamond, that have worked alongside one another for years. By uniting under one organization, Pro Reefer is expanding its service capabilities, strengthening support for commercial fleets across Canada, and creating new opportunities to deliver even greater value to customers.

    Based in Mississauga, Ontario, Triple Diamond Truck and Trailer Repair is an MTO-certified commercial truck and trailer maintenance and repair provider. Operating from a 24,000-square-foot, 16-bay facility, the company offers comprehensive maintenance and repair services performed by licensed technicians with expertise across major OEM manufacturers.

    “Triple Diamond Truck and Trailer Repair has officially joined the Pro Reefer family.” Said Thomas Vandermeer, CEO & President of Pro Reefer. “While this marks an important milestone for our organization, it also formalizes a relationship that has existed for years. As sister companies, we have always shared the same commitment to exceptional service, trusted partnerships, and doing the job right. Today we are proud to move forward together as one stronger organization.”

    “Pro Reefer has continued to demonstrate its market leadership, customer focus, and operational excellence, making it a best-in-class acquisition platform for the Canadian market on behalf of Amerit.”“ said Adam Lev, Vice President of Corporate Development at Amerit Fleet Solutions. “The acquisition of Triple Diamond builds on Amerit’s and Pro Reefer’s growth momentum and represents another important step in our long-term growth strategy.”

    Together, Pro Reefer and Triple Diamond are well positioned to build on their shared legacy while continuing to grow as part of Amerit. The combined organization will remain focused on delivering the dependable service, technical expertise, and customer support that have defined both companies foryears.

  • Straightaway acquires The Shop @ 160 near company’s headquarters

    Straightaway acquires The Shop @ 160 near company’s headquarters

    Straightaway, a leading independent automotive repair platform, recently announced the acquisition of The Shop @ 160, a full-service automotive repair shop located in Fort Mill, South Carolina, south of Charlotte.

    The acquisition marks Straightaway’s entry into the North and South Carolina market and, notably, its first shop in the greater Charlotte region, where the company is headquartered.

    For Straightaway, the milestone carries special significance. While the company has built a national footprint spanning the Northeast, Midwest, Mountain West, and Southeast, this acquisition plants the flag in its own backyard and establishes the foundation for a new regional network across the Carolinas, one of the fastest-growing corridors in the United States.

    “Opening our first shop in the Charlotte region is a moment we’ve been looking forward to since day one,” said John Teddy, CEO at Straightaway. “This is our home. Our team lives here, drives these roads, and cares deeply about this community. The Shop @ 160 is exactly the way we wanted to enter this market. Their team embodies the values we look for in every shop, and we couldn’t be more excited to build the Carolinas network.”

    Building this new region so close to headquarters gives Straightaway an added layer of proximity as the Carolinas network grows, and a unique opportunity to sharpen operational excellence across the entire platform. Straightaway said its leadership will be able to spend even more time in the field here, using the Carolinas as a proving ground to test new concepts in the company’s own backyard before rolling them out across its nationwide network.

    “We’re always closely involved with our shops, and having our newest region right in our own backyard just means even more of that,” said Cameron Chernikow, Chief Brand Officer. “We’re excited for the opportunity to learn as we expand here and share what we find with the rest of our network. “

    “This shop has always been about honest estimates, quality work, and taking care of the people who trust us with their vehicles,” said Arun Saluja, founder of The Shop @ 160. “Straightaway shares that same philosophy, and I’m proud to see what we’ve built here become part of a national organization with the resources to carry it forward for years to come.”

    With the Charlotte metro area ranking among the fastest-growing regions in the country, Straightaway plans to build out its newest regional network by partnering with established, wellrun local shops across North and South Carolina that share its commitment to customers, employees, and community.

  • ASE Instructors flock to Frisco, Texas for annual training conference

    ASE Instructors flock to Frisco, Texas for annual training conference

    The 16th annual ASE Instructor Training Conference, held recently in Frisco, Texas, is the nation’s largest instructor training event of its kind. The conference brings together automotive, medium/heavy truck and collision repair instructors from high schools, community colleges and trade schools across the country.

    “The ASE Instructor Training Conference is about investing in the people who prepare the next generation of industry professionals," said Dave Johnson, president and CEO of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). 

    “When instructors return to their classrooms with the latest technical knowledge, teaching resources and industry connections, students benefit by receiving the education and hands-on experience they need to graduate, ready to enter the workforce.”

    The three-day conference included more than 20 hours of technical update training designed to help educators stay current on the latest industry practices, emerging vehicle technologies and classroom instruction. Separate training tracks were offered for automotive, medium/heavy truck and collision repair instructors, helping educators meet the ASE Education Foundation accreditation requirements while gaining practical knowledge they can immediately apply in their programs.

    A conference highlight was the keynote presentation, “Filling the Farley Gap: Addressing the Technician Pipeline”, which examined the technician shortage following recent comments from Ford CEO Jim Farley, who described the issue as a significant challenge facing the industry. The panel discussion explored factors contributing to the shortage using research from IMR Inc.’s Perceptions of the Trades survey, the ATMC Training Benchmark Survey, ASE Connects Voice of the Technician survey, ASE Education Foundation’s student survey and other industry data.

    The conference also highlighted the vital role industry partners play in supporting technician education. Dozens of manufacturers, suppliers and industry organizations participated by providing technical training, product demonstrations and educational resources that exposed instructors to the latest equipment and technologies used in today’s repair facilities.

    “We are grateful for the outstanding support of our industry partners”, said Johnson. “Their investment of time, expertise and resources helps make opportunities like this possible and gives instructors access to new tools and technologies their students will encounter in the workforce. This commitment from the industry provides critical support beyond certification and testing activities, strengthening the connection between educators and employers. This collaboration is essential to building a stronger technician pipeline and ensuring the future workforce is ready for success.”

    The 2027 Instructor Training Conference is scheduled for July 19-22 in Phoenix, Arizona. Registration information will be announced in early 2027.

  • Several automakers issue recalls for a varity of problems

    Several automakers issue recalls for a varity of problems

    Four different automakers have issued recalls for a variety of mechanical issues.

    Ford Bronco

    Ford Motor Company is recalling 565,691 2021–2026 model year Bronco and Bronco Raptor SUVs because the engine compartment wiring harness may become damaged and short circuit.

    A short circuit in the engine compartment can create heat or a spark, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Dealers will install protective sheathing over the wiring, free of charge.

    Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning Aug. 24.

    Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332; Ford’s number for this recall is 26S55. Vehicle Identification Numbers involved in the recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov.

    Ford

    Ford Motor Company has recalled 387,911 vehicles. Covered are model year 2020–2026 Ford Explorers and 2020–2027 Lincoln Aviators. 

    Ford said the switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, which can allow the seats to unlatch, tip, or slide unexpectedly. A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Dealers will inspect the switch and replace its bezel as necessary, free of charge. This campaign expands Ford’s earlier recall 25V393.

    Interim letters explaining the safety risk were expected to be mailed July 27, with additional letters to follow once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. 

    Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332; Ford’s number for this recall is 26S52.

    Nissan

    Nissan North America is recalling 168,149 vehicles equipped with 22-inch wheels.

    Included in the recall are model year 2020–2026 Nissan Armadas, 2011–2013 Infiniti QX56s, and 2014–2027 Infiniti QX80s. 

    Nissan said the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) printed on the certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded — a noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, “Tire Selection and Rims.”

    An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

    Dealers will install corrected certification labels, free of charge, and Nissan will also mail replacement labels directly to owners.

    Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Sept. 4, Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669

    Nissan’s numbers for this recall are R26B1 and R26B2.

    BMW

    BMW has issued a recall for over 300,000 vehicles due to an issue presenting a fire risk.

    A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall report said the issue stems from wear on an internal component, causing the engine starter to overheat and potentially cause a fire.

    The following models are included in the recall:

    • 2023-2024 Toyota Supra
    • 2022-2025 BMW 2 Series Coupe 
    • 2021-2023 BMW 5 Series 
    • 2022-2026 BMW Z4
    • 2023-2024 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 
    • 2023-2024 BMW 4 Series Convertible
    • 2023-2024 BMW 4 Series Coupe
    • 2023-2024 BMW 3 Series 
    • 2021-2025 BMW X4 
    • 2021-2024 BMW X3

    BMW has also issued a separate recall for over 29,000 vehicles because of another issue related to a faulty engine starter. 

    That recall covers:

    • 2018-2020 BMW 530e xDrive 
    • 2017-2019 BMW 740Le xDrive 
    • 2018-2020 BMW 530e iPerformance
    • 2016-2018 BMW 330e iPerformance

    Both recalls will have dealers replace the engine starter at no cost to the driver.

    Hyundai

    Hyundai Motor America is recalling 47,749 model year 2025 Kona Electric and 2026 Kona vehicles. 

    The company said the seat belt buckle in the rear center seat may fail to properly restrain an occupant during a crash. A seat belt buckle that fails to restrain an occupant in a crash increases the risk of injury. 

    Until the remedy is performed, passengers are advised not to use the rear center seat.

    Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle assembly, free of charge.

    Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Sept. 11. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460; Hyundai’s number for this recall is 306.

  • Carlyle Tool awards Scholarships to 2 technician students

    Carlyle Tool awards Scholarships to 2 technician students

    The Carlyle Tools MAX Impact scholarship is given each month to students enrolled in accredited skilled-trades programs focusing on automotive, diesel, collision repair, heavy equipment, marine, motorcycle, and aviation technology.

    Each month, one winner is selected to receive a $2,500 award and a fully stocked, professional-grade toolbox packed with essential tools. Carlyle Tools and the TechForce Foundation partner to give out these awards. 

    These are two recept recipients. 

    Thomas Day 

    Thomas Day is a student at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Houston. His program focuses on auto body/collision, although he says that he hopes to do “everything car-related” in his future career, “anything from paint to performance.” 

    The goal he has been working toward for years is to open up a shop of his own with a friend.

    “Cars are my passion and I want to have a good future,” he says. 

    He’s spent two and a half years as a store manager prior to enrolling in technical school, but now gets to pursue a passion. 

    Thomas is open about the assistance this scholarship provides for him and his ability to achieve that dream. 

    “With 30 hours of school and 30 hours of work. I’m able to skim by paycheck to paycheck but I’m falling behind on loans and credit cards,” he says. “I’m able to pay my rent and car insurance and health insurance and food/gas, but that’s about it.” 

    He says he’s been unsuccessful in looking for a new job at the moment.

    “I’m struggling while keeping myself in school and this scholarship will help ease that struggle.” 

    Michael Shawn Taylor 

    Michael Shawn Taylor is a student at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Sacramento in California. The 19-year-old is following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather in entering the automotive service industry. He says he wants to “continue the legacy of excellence passed down through generations of my family.” 

    “What excites me most about this career is the technical challenge and creativity involved in diagnosing and repairing engines,” Taylor said. “The sound of a motor, the complexity of its systems, and the satisfaction of taking something apart piece by piece and restoring it to full functionality drive my passion for mechanics. There is a unique sense of accomplishment in starting with a non-functioning machine and ending with one that runs smoothly because of my own knowledge and effort. This passion motivates me to continue learning, improving my skills, and pursuing excellence in the field of automotive mechanics.” 

    His program at UTI Sacramento covers automotive, diesel agricultural mechanics, diesel medium- and heavy-duty, and industrial mechanics. 

    As a father of a 10-month-old, Michael is open about the struggles that come along with raising a family while pursuing higher education. 

    “Coming from a background where financial struggles are common, I simply cannot afford the cost of college on my own. Between supporting my daughter’s needs and managing everyday expenses, there is very little left to invest in my education.”  

    But he is determined to push forward despite these challenges, and the scholarship will help him do so. 

    “This scholarship makes an incredible difference in my life,” he said. “It relieves some of the financial stress that currently stands between me and my education. More importantly, it allows me to focus on my studies instead of worrying about how to pay for tuition, books, and childcare. With this support, I can dedicate myself fully to my coursework and career path, ultimately providing a better life for my daughter and improving our future opportunities.” 

  • ASE opens summer registration for certification testing

    ASE opens summer registration for certification testing

    The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has begun its summer registration period for ASE certification testing. Those who register by the Sept. 30 deadline will find a new website, making registration more efficient.

    To register, create or sign in to the myASE account at myASE.com. Once logged in, users can click on “orders” and then “store” where they can locate the tests they want to take. After adding those tests to their cart, they can check out and then registration is complete.

    After registration, service professionals will have 90 days to schedule an appointment to take their selected ASE certification tests. They can choose from three convenient test-taking options:

    1. In-Person Testing: All tests can be taken in person at over 450 secure, proctored Prometric test centers, available year-round on weekdays, evenings and weekends.
    2. Remote Testing: This online option allows individuals to take ASE recertification tests remotely. In addition, the auto maintenance and light repair (G1) initial certification test can be taken remotely through ProProctor.
    3. ASE Renewal App: For those who have earned automobile certifications (A1-A9), the renewal app offers a streamlined way to manage recertification on a mobile device. Those with expired A-series tests can still use the app, but it will take at least eight months to get certified through the app.

    To help with test preparation, ASE offers wide array of resources including ASE licensed test prep partner information. For more information on ASE test preparation, visit https://ase.com/test-prep-and-training/.

    For assistance, registrants should contact ASE customer service at 800-390-6789.

  • AAA hands out Service Providers of Excellence and Best in Repair awards

    AAA hands out Service Providers of Excellence and Best in Repair awards

    AAA recently announced the 2026 recipients of its Service Providers of Excellence and Best in Repair awards.

    Selected from more than 10,000 independent businesses nationwide, 128 businesses were nominated for these honors. The 24 award recipients represent the very best among AAA service providers and AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities, recognozed for consistently delivering exceptional customer service, achieving high levels of member satisfaction, and making meaningful contributions to their local communities. 

    “These awards celebrate two essential parts of AAA’s automotive network: the roadside providers who respond when members need help and the repair facilities that help keep drivers moving safely,” said Bryan Sander, AAA VP of Automotive. “Their dedication to quality, professionalism, and care reflects the trust AAA members place in our automotive network every day.”  

    Service Providers of Excellence Winners 

    Gold Winners Location – AAA Local Club 
    Fred Beans Towing Doylestown, Pennsylvania — AAA Club Alliance Inc. 
    DeFalco’s Instant Towing, Inc. Chatham, New Jersey— AAA Northeast 
    AC Towing LLC Arnold, Missouri — Auto Club Enterprises 
    TVCM, LLC – Jennings Cayce, South Carolina — The Auto Club Group 
    Silver Winners Location – AAA Local Club 
    Black’s Towing & Storage Murrieta, California — Auto Club Enterprises 
    Falcon Towing Gardena, California — Auto Club Enterprises 
    Munford Tire and Brake Munford, Tennessee — The Auto Club Group 
    Casper’s Body Shop and Wrecker Service Greeneville, Tennessee — The Auto Club Group 
    Bronze Winners Location – AAA Local Club 
    AE Motor Towing & Auto Repair Inc. Daly City, California — AAA Mountain West Group 
    Montana City Towing LLC Montana City, Montana — AAA Mountain West Group 
    Ron & Sons Towing Kenvil, New Jersey — AAA Northeast 
    Wind N Sea Towing San Diego, California — Auto Club Enterprises 

    Best in Repair Winners 

    Gold Winners Location – AAA Local Club 
    Lauger’s Auto LLC Hummelstown, Pennsylvania — AAA Central Penn 
    Fletcher Jones Motorcars Newport Beach, California — Auto Club Enterprises 
    Larry’s Automotive Repair Newburgh, Indiana — Auto Club Enterprises 
    Selma Automotive Selma, Texas — Auto Club Enterprises 
    Silver Winners Location – AAA Local Club 
    Roy Foster’s Automotive Reno, Nevada — AAA Mountain West Group 
    Pacific Motor Service Monterey, California — AAA Mountain West Group 
    Tyrone Ford Tyrone, Pennsylvania — Auto Club Enterprises  
    American Tire and Service Rio Rancho, New Mexico — Auto Club Enterprises  
    Bronze Winners Location – AAA Local Club 
    Tunex of Washington Washington, Utah — AAA Mountain West Group 
    Xpertech Auto Repair Englewood, Florida — The Auto Club Group 
    John’s Automotive Care Inc. San Diego, California — Auto Club Enterprises 
    Gene Messer Ford of Amarillo Amarillo, Texas — Auto Club Enterprises  

    AAA recognizes these Best in Repair honorees for their demonstrated commitment to automotive repair excellence, exceptional customer service, and the trust they build with AAA members.

  • Motor Age offers free webinars on brakes and batteries

    Motor Age offers free webinars on brakes and batteries

    Motor Age Training is offering two free webinars for professional technicians, one on abtteries and the other on brakes.

    Battery Webinar

    The battery may be the first component you test, but it is rarely the only one involved in an electrical system concern, according to Motor Age Training.

    The webinar will be held July 25 at 6 p.m. Eastern.

    Batteries will be the focus of a free live webinar during which technicians will learn practical approaches to evaluating battery condition, performing electrical system testing, and diagnosing issues that impact vehicle reliability.

    The session will also explore Autel’s Battery Vision tool and how it can help technicians document battery health results, track testing activity, and support a more consistent testing process.

    In this webinar, techs will learn about:

    • Battery and electrical system testing equipment for battery health analysis
    • Circuit testing, voltage measurements, and current measurements
    • Diagnosing charging, starting, and parasitic draw concerns
    • Vehicle resets following battery replacement
    • Business tools that help standardize testing procedures and uncover battery replacement opportunities

    You’ll leave with practical testing strategies that can help you improve diagnostic accuracy, verify battery condition with confidence, and develop a more consistent approach to electrical system testing in the shop.

    Brake Webinar

    If you’re looking to keep building your brake system knowledge, Motor Age training has something coming up to help you learn more.

    JOn Saturday, Aug. 29 Motor Age Training offers a free 1-hour webinar sponsored by Duralast. Instructors “G” Jerry Truglia and Pierre Respaut will walk through the correct procedures for inspecting and servicing modern brake systems from start to finish.

    This webinar will provide insights on

    • Inspection and replacement of pads, rotors, and hydraulic components
    • Safely retracting pistons
    • Performing a proper brake fluid flush
    • Using ALLDATA to locate service bulletins (TSBs)

    Whether you’re looking to sharpen your process, catch what you might be missing, or make sure every brake job leaves the bay safe and reliable, this session will provide the procedures and confidence to perform a complete, safe brake service on modern vehicles every time, according to Motor Age training.

  • Mavis spends $700 miilon to acquire Pep Boys; gains 800 locations

    Mavis spends $700 miilon to acquire Pep Boys; gains 800 locations

    Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. and Icahn Enterprises L.P. today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which a subsidiary of Mavis will acquire The Pep Boys-Manny, Moe & Jack Holding Corp. from Icahn Automotive Group LLC, a subsidiary of IEP, for about $700 million in cash. IEP will retain the owned real estate previously transferred to IEP from Pep Boys, as well as the AAMCO Transmissions and Precision Tune Auto Care Businesses.

    The transaction is expected to close in the coming months, subject to satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions.

    Pep Boys is an established leader in automotive services, offering tires, repairs, oil changes, and maintenance services from nearly 800 locations nationwide. The acquisition expands Mavis’s presence in new and existing markets, particularly across the western United States, where Pep Boys has a significant retail footprint, and grows Mavis’s network to more than 4,400 service center locations across the United States and Canada.

    “Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone as Mavis continues to execute its growth strategy. Pep Boys is one of the most well-respected names in the automotive aftermarket, and we look forward to welcoming it into the Mavis family of brands,” said David Sorbaro, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Mavis. “Pep Boys brings a loyal customer base, deep-rooted market presence across the United States, and a distribution network that will meaningfully enhance our supply chain nationwide. Together, we will create a stronger, more geographically diverse platform with the scale and capabilities to provide dependable service to even more customers and create meaningful opportunities for employees. We have tremendous respect for what the Pep Boys team has built, and we look forward to partnering with them to drive their continued success.”

    “For more than 100 years, Pep Boys has earned the trust of drivers across the country by delivering quality service with honesty and care,” said Joe Auriemma, Chief Executive Officer of Pep Boys. “Mavis shares these values and, as part of the Mavis family, Pep Boys will have the scale, footprint, and operational and technological strength to continue building on its legacy as it enters a new chapter of growth.”

    “We believe that the combined businesses will benefit greatly from the inevitable economies of scale and from the great experience of the Mavis team in this industry. We welcome the Mavis acquisition and are thankful to all of the employees of Pep Boys who made this transaction possible,” said Carl C. Icahn, Chairman of IEP.

    “Icahn Enterprises acquired Pep Boys in 2016 because of its exceptional fundamentals – a storied brand, a loyal customer base, and a footprint that needed the right stewardship to realize its full potential,” said Ted Papapostolou, Chief Executive Officer of IEP. “Over the past decade, we have worked closely with the Pep Boys team to grow the company and strengthen its competitive position while maintaining best-in-class customer service. I look forward to watching Pep Boys continue to grow and succeed as part of Mavis.”