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  • Deadline approaches for Busch scholarships

    Deadline approaches for Busch scholarships

    Applications for the Michael Busch Memorial Scholarships,which are presented by the ASE Education Foundation, are due March 31.

    Two students entering the collision industry will receive scholarships for the 2026–27 academic year.

    The Michael Busch Memorial Scholarships were created in memory of the son of a former collision shop owner and ASE board member, Jim Busch, who operated a shop in Issaquah, Washington until his retirement. His son, Michael, was an automotive technology student who tragically lost his battle with cancer.

    Qualified applicants should be a graduating high school senior, a high school graduate or have earned a GED certificate. In addition, applicants should be enrolled or planning to enroll as a full-time student in a two- or four-year college or university or an ASE-accredited post-secondary collision repair program.

    To apply for the Busch Memorial Scholarships, visit AutomotiveScholarships.com/apply-online.

  • Snap-on Total Shop Solutions at TMC next week

    Snap-on Total Shop Solutions at TMC next week

    Snap-on Total Shop Solutions (TSS ) will have a major presence at the 2026 Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, held March 16-19 at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

    Heavy-duty equipment and products from industry-leading TSS brands including Challenger Lifts, Hofmann , JOSAM , Mitchell 1 , NEXIQ Technologies and Pro-Cut will be on ite and available for demonstrations.

    Each TSS brand will have its own booth at TMC.

    “We look forward to connecting with industry leaders and showcasing how our trusted brands continue to shape the future of heavy-duty service,” said Mariana Montovaneli, director of marketing for Snap-on Equipment. “Our goal is to help technicians and managers work smarter and more efficiently. TMC gives us the perfect opportunity to demonstrate how Snap-on TSS delivers real-world results for today’s heavy-duty service professionals.”

    Snap-on Total Shop Solutions is a family of Snap-on brands that brings together best-in-class automotive repair products.

  • CAWA scholarship deadline March 31

    CAWA scholarship deadline March 31

    The California Automotive Wholesalers Association (CAWA) and the University of the Aftermarket Foundation is accepting applications for automotive scholarship awards.

    The scholarship program supports educational opportunities for CAWA members and industry friends, colleagues, associates and your family, and those interested in a career in the auto care industry.

    The online application process allows students interested in auto care industry careers to submit one application each year online at www.automotivescholarships.com and receive consideration for several scholarships.

    Applications for 2026 awards will be accepted up to March 31.

    The California Automotive Wholesalers Association (CAWA) is a non-profit trade association representing the automotive aftermarket industry in California, Nevada and Arizona since 1955. It supports auto parts manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and jobbers through legislative advocacy, education, and business services.

  • Dobbs adds 2 Wisconsin businesses; now has 19 locations in the state

    Dobbs adds 2 Wisconsin businesses; now has 19 locations in the state

    Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers recently announced the acquisitions of Wisconsin-based Schierl Tire & Auto Service and two Al Huss Auto locations.

    Founded as a family-owned and operated business in 1956, Schierl Tire has eight locations across northeast Wisconsin and provides comprehensive automotive maintenance and repair services, along with heavy truck and agricultural tire services. The recent acquisitions of Schierl Tire, Al Huss Auto and Matthews Tire mark an exciting chapter for Dobbs, which now has 19 locations in the Wisconsin market.

    “With the acquisition of the Schierl Tire brand, Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers continues our expansion in the Wisconsin market. We’re excited to build on our reputation for exceptional service and quality products, while continuing to invest in training, state-of-the-art equipment, and our valued team members to further elevate the customer experience,” said Dustin Dobbs.

    “We believe Dobbs is the perfect partner to continue the Schierl Tire legacy of exceptional customer service and community commitment,” said William Schierl, Co – CEO of Team Schierl Companies.“Continued investment in their people and operations ensures our customers will continue to receive the highest level of care.”

    The Schierl Tire & Auto Centers acquisition includes seven Schierl Tire and one Hartje Tire location in Wisconsin. Additionally, all retail employees will be retained in the transaction.

    This transaction marks another milestone in Dobbs’ growth plans. Dobbs recently opened six new Greenfield locations in Missouri and 16 additional strategically redeveloped sites in Ohio, Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin. They are set to open 18 more redeveloped sites in early 2026, taking Dobbs to over 152 locations.

    Since opening its first store in 1976 in Yorkshire Plaza in St. Louis, Missouri, Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers has grown with recent acquisitions, including Longview, Texas-based Automotive Super Center (ASC), Columbia, Missouri-based Custom Complete Automotive, and Cleveland, Ohio-based Conrad’s Tire Express & Car Care.

    Today, Dobbs employs more than 1,200 associates across 8 states. Since its inception, the company has differentiated itself as a“one-stop-shop” for tires and service and offers to its loyal customer base a variety of name-brand tires, a diverse range of automotive services, and market-leading customer service.

    Dobbs provides complete tire service, featuring major brands, including Goodyear, Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental, Pirelli, Cooper, BFGoodrich, Sumitomo, Kelly, and Crosswind tires. Dobbs provides complete automotive services for all types of vehicles, including gas, hybrid, and electric vehicles and across all vehicle component areas, specializing in routine and preventative maintenance as well as complex diagnostic and engine repairs.

  • GreatWater 360 acquires Twin Cities garage; now has 150 locations

    GreatWater 360 acquires Twin Cities garage; now has 150 locations

    GreatWater 360 Auto Care recently announced the acquisition of Leighton’s Garage, a well-established shop in the Twin Cities metro area. The addition brings GreatWater’s total network to 150 locations nationwide and marks its entry into Minnesota, the company’s 10th state.

     The milestone reflects GreatWater’s continued execution of its disciplined growth strategy focused on partnering with high-quality independent operators and integrating them into a scalable platform, according to a statement from the compoany.

    “Reaching 150 locations underscores the strength and repeatability of our operating model,” said Jim Dykstra, chief executive officer of GreatWater 360 Auto Care. “We remain focused on thoughtful geographic expansion, operational excellence, and supporting the teams and communities that have built these businesses.”

    GreatWater’s scale supports real-time visibility into shop-level performance and a disciplined field cadence.

    “We’ve invested heavily in operational initiatives that have powered GreatWater’s growth,” said Scott Anderson, president and chief operating O\officer of GreatWater 360 Auto Care. “Our centralized operating system and performance tools help us standardize best practices, improve turnaround times, and elevate the customer experience—while still empowering local teams to run great shops.”

    GreatWater operates across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kentucky, Texas, Missouri, and Minnesota. The company provides its locations with centralized support across recruiting, training, procurement, finance, marketing, and technology, enabling shop-level teams to focus on delivering high-quality service to customers.

    The addition of Leighton’s Garage further strengthens GreatWater’s presence in the Midwest and expands its ability to serve customers across attractive,high-density markets. The company intends to continue pursuing acquisitions of established, community-oriented repair shops that align with its operating philosophy and long-term vision.

  • Private investment firm pays $1.3 billion for jiffy Lube

    Private investment firm pays $1.3 billion for jiffy Lube

    Monomoy Capital Partners, a private investment firm focused on private equity and credit investing in the middle market, announced recently it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Jiffy Lube International, Inc., from Pennzoil Quaker State Company DBA SOPUS Products, a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell USA, Inc.

    An affiliate of Monomoy will acquire Jiffy Lube through its Fund V for approximately $1.3 billion. The transaction is expected to close by the second half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.

    Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, Jiffy Lube pioneered the fast oil change industry and now serves approximately 19 million customers annually through more than 2,000 service centers across North America. Building on its core oil change offering, Jiffy Lube provides a comprehensive range of automotive services, including maintenance of brakes, batteries, tires and more.

    “Few brands have the heritage and scale of Jiffy Lube,” commented Monomoy Managing Director Lee Mlotek. “As the original pioneer of the fast oil change, Jiffy Lube reshaped the industry and remains the market leader today. We are incredibly excited to partner with our franchisees to enhance the customer experience and value proposition that has made Jiffy Lube a trusted name for generations.”

    The partnership combines Jiffy Lube’s leadership position in the automotive service industry with Monomoy’s history of providing operational support to branded retailers and automotive aftermarket businesses.

    “For over twenty years, global corporations have trusted Monomoy to execute complex corporate carve-out transactions,” said Monomoy Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer Dan Collin. “We are thankful that the Shell team has entrusted Monomoy to provide the operational experience and strategic capital to position Jiffy Lube as a stand-alone entity. Jiffy Lube enters this next chapter well capitalized and focused on future growth with its franchise partners.”

  • Technicians, others honored at VISION High Tech Training Expo

    Technicians, others honored at VISION High Tech Training Expo

    On Saturday, March 7, automotive industry professionals—from students and technicians to educators and shop owners—were honored at the 2026 VISION High Tech Training and Expo Awards Breakfast. The expo was held March 5-8 in Kansas City, and attracted more than 3,500 attendees.

    The awards event commemorated a year of excellence in automotive education, service, and professionalism, and celebrated 23 award recipients, including Jerry Holcom, who was presented with a $100,000 scholarship fund (the Jerry Holcom Scholarship Fund ) in his honor to be awarded for Technicians of Tomorrow.

    This year’s honorees inclkude:

    MWACA Student Scholarship

    • Morgan Liggett, Flint Hills Technical College, Allen, Kansas
    • Caidn Williams, Albernett High School, Albernett, Iowa
    • Nicole Pasterski, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana
    • Jadyn Friesen, Sutton High School. Sutton, Nebraska

    Tim Cummings Memorial Scholarship funded by Rick’s Automotive Inc.

    • Bella Contreras, Brazzeal Automotive, Tampa, Florida

    Anthony Williams Memorial Student Scholarship funded by Advance Professional

    • Kaya Sezer, Hennepin Technical College, Eden Prairie, Minnesota

    Harvey Chan Memorial Scholarship

    • Juan Saucedo-Torres, Euro Clinic, Santa Clara, California

    Oz Mechanics Scholarship

    • Aaron DeLeon, Precision Automotive, Bakersfield, California

    Future Tech of the Trade Scholarship funded by Shop-Ware & Changing the Industry Podcast

    • Kaitlin Schave, Tenpin Motors, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin

    Amazing Women in Automotive Scholarship funded by Amazing Women in Automotive

    • Monica Baeza, Port of Oakland, Richmond, California

    Best Social Media

    • Girlington Garage, South Burlington, Vermont

    Website of the Year

    • Pellman’s Automotive, Boulder, Colorado

    Best Places to Work

    • Mevert Automotive & Tire Center, Steeleville, Illinois

    Radical Generosity Award presented by Shop Marketing Pros

    • Brian & Jill Sump, Urban Auto Care, Denver, Colorado

    Educator of the Year

    • Dave Heinzen, Madison College, Madison, Wisconsi

    Technician of the Year

    • Brian Rush, Honest Wrenches, West Des Moines, Iowa

    Service Advisor of the Year

    • Nikki Anderson, Westgate High-Tech Auto Care, Omaha, Nebraska

    MWACA Member of the Year

    • Melanie Jacobs, Honest Wrenches, Des Moines, Iowa

    President’s Club

    • Reggie Stewart, Reggie’s Motorworks, Noblesville, Indiana
    • David Hall, Quality Car Care, North Liberty, Iowa

    MWACA President’s Award

    • Jim Wilson, Auto Dynamics, Olathe, Kansas

    Facility of the Year

    • Full Throttle Automotive, Evansville, Indiana

    Golden Wrench Award

    • Jerry Holcom, S&S Service Center, Kansas City, Missouri
  • ASE webinar focuses on heavy-duty truck HVAC

    ASE webinar focuses on heavy-duty truck HVAC

    The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is hosting a free webinar on Tuesday, March 17 at 4 p.m. ET entitled “Heavy-Duty
    HVAC Systems.”

    Heavy-duty truck (class 6-8) HVAC systems continue to become more complex, and incorporate many items seen on light-duty systems. In this webinar, Ryan Kooiman with Standard Motor Products will educate participants on how different systems operate and review refrigeration principles to ensure accurate system diagnosis as well as cover characteristics that are unique to HD trucks. 

    Participants in the webinar will receive a certificate of attendance for the live session. Please allow one week for automatic email delivery of the certificate.

    After registering, a confirmation email will be sent containing information about joining the webinar. Those who are not sure if they can attend are encouraged to register as they will receive a follow-up email with details on how to attend a recorded session, if available. Access to recorded sessions is reserved for those who register for the live event.

    For more information or to register, click here.

  • Detroit announces arrival of Gen 6 heavy-duty engines

    Detroit announces arrival of Gen 6 heavy-duty engines

    Detroit, Daimler Truck North America’s powertrain brand and leading manufacturer of heavy-duty truck engines and commercial vehicle components, recently announced its new Gen 6 heavy-duty engine portfolio, comprised of the DD13, DD15 and DD16. The next evolution of its popular engines is fully compliant with the EPA’s 2027 standard and will be available for all heavy-duty Freightliner and Western Star trucks. 

    “Freightliner and Western Star customers depend on Detroit to operate reliably, efficiently and powerfully, and we’re honored by the trust placed in both the Detroit brand and the DD13, DD15 and DD16 engines to help navigate past transitions as well as this next one,” said David Carson, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Daimler Truck North America. “With our Gen 6 engines, we have a successor that builds on years of proven performance to be prepared for ’27 and beyond.”

    All Detroit engines are manufactured in the US at the Redford, Michigan campus. The Detroit Gen 6 DD13 and DD15 engines will be available beginning in January 2027, with Gen 6 DD16 production following in January 2028.

    At their core, the Detroit Gen 6 engines refine the previous generation’s design, providing confidence that the durability and reliability that Detroit is known for continue, said a statement from th company. As part of their updates, the engines deliver enhanced efficiency designed to help offset the impacts from emissions-related changes. A redesigned and simplified fuel system removes the need for amplified injection and supplies higher, stronger and more consistent fuel flow.

    Similarly, the addition of an asymmetric intake port increases swirl, and, combined with new fuel injectors, improves fuel and air mixing for a more complete combustion. The use of Miller timing on the camshaft reduces the work of compression, increases the compression ratio and contributes to overall engine efficiency.

    To meet compliance with stringent NOx requirements included in EPA’s 2027 standards, Detroit Gen 6 engines use a pre-Selective Catalytic Reduction (pre-SCR) system – containing the same robust, familiar elements of the main aftertreatment system (ATS) – positioned upstream of the primary ATS. This proven and known technology, combined with a thermal control valve, helps the ATS to reach operating temperature more quickly, reducing the need for parked regens.

    The ATS design preserves existing chassis space with no impact to back-of-cab packaging, a key advantage for vocational customers and truck equipment manufacturers. A new wastegate actuator also improves braking performance and gradeability with greater power for high altitude conditions. New engine ratings of up to 1,900 lb.-ft of torque enable greater downspeeding capabilities for the right combination of power and efficiency. 

  • Wisconsin woman named Shop-Ware’s Future Tech of the Trade winner

    Wisconsin woman named Shop-Ware’s Future Tech of the Trade winner

    Shop-Ware, a cloud-based shop management platform for independent auto repair shops, recently announced Kaitlyn Schave of Wisconsin as the winner of the Future Tech of the Trade – VISION Experience Giveaway.

    In partnership with automotive podcast Changing the Industry, Shop-Ware’s giveaway will send one automotive apprentice on an expense-paid trip to attend the VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo, one of the most respected and sought-after training events in the automotive business. This year’s conference takes place this week in Kansas City.

    Schave was nominated by her employer, Angela Mitchell, owner of TenPin Motors in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, where she works as an apprentice technician. She originally entered the industry because she wanted to work on her own vehicles but knew she needed more knowledge and hands-on experience. According to Mitchell, Schave has demonstrated a willingness to take on larger projects and actively seeks mentorship while still owning the work.

    Cavan Robinson, VP of operations at Vehlo, parent company of Shop-Ware, added, “Kaitlyn is a great example of the kind of talent that will carry this industry into the future. Her dedication and drive make her so deserving of this honor as a ‘future tech of the trade.’ We can’t wait to see how she benefits from this unique experience.”

    By attending the VISION event, Schave hopes to strengthen her technical skillset, build greater confidence in her abilities, and invest in her long-term career growth. She says that a great repair tech is someone who learns from others and is “confident but not cocky – someone who isn’t afraid to ask for guidance but doesn’t hand off responsibility.”

    “Our industry’s future depends on the people entering it today,” said Rob Hough, EVP of the Aftermarket division at Vehlo,. “This program is about investing in the future and giving back in a meaningful way by supporting apprentices who are committed to learning, growth, and craftsmanship, and helping them access world-class training that can shape their careers.”

    The VISION Experience Giveaway program is designed to give back in a meaningful way by supporting apprentices who are committed to learning, growth, and craftsmanship. The selection committee consisted of representatives from Shop-Ware, Changing the Industry, the VISION event, and independent repair shops. Judging criteria was based on demonstrated passion for the trade, commitment to professional growth, and alignment with community values.