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  • Study: ‘Fleets are shifting from reacting to issues to preventing them’

    Study: ‘Fleets are shifting from reacting to issues to preventing them’

    The J. J. Keller Center for Market Insights has released its sixth annual State of Fleet Management study, revealing a growing shift among fleet managers toward prevention, early detection and real-time visibility to address ongoing safety and compliance challenges.

    The study highlights how fleet managers are balancing regulatory complexity, operational demands and cost pressures while working to reduce risk across their operations, according to J.J. Keller.

    Key fleet manager concerns included:

    • Effectively managing preventative maintenance to avoid breakdowns or accidents
    • Staying up to date on changing regulations 
    • Ensuring training results in fully qualified and compliant drivers
    • Knowing quickly when a driver is non-compliant
    • Identifying repair needs before breakdowns or incidents

    “Fleets are shifting from reacting to issues to preventing them,” said Daren Hansen, senior compliance expert at J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. “With tighter margins and higher risk, there’s a clear focus on catching problems early, whether that’s identifying non-compliant drivers or addressing maintenance needs before they lead to breakdowns or violations.

    “Small gaps in compliance, training or maintenance can quickly turn into major issues. A structured safety and compliance program helps fleets stay ahead of risk and operate with greater confidence.”

    The survey identified what fleet managers considered the most important aspects of vehicle maintenance. Responses included:

    • 43% said effectively tracking, planning, and scheduling routine vehicle maintenance
    • 43% said knowing when a repair is needed before a breakdown or accident occurs
    • 30% said easily tracking vehicle inspections, knowing when they are done, by whom, what needs to be done as a result, etc.
    • 26% said knowing quickly when a vehicle or trailer is damaged or non-compliant
    • 21% said impact of vehicle preventative maintenance on the company’s bottom line
    • 20% said easily knowing who, when, and where a vehicle or trailer was damaged
    • 19% said tracking the quality and thoroughness of vehicle inspections to address issues with incomplete/rushed inspections
    • 17% said easily tracking the status of repairs
    • 12% said Kknowing when it makes financial sense to outsource maintenance to a third party

    The full study is available as a free download.

  • Chrysler recalls some Ram 2500 pickups

    Chrysler recalls some Ram 2500 pickups

    A new recall is aimed at numerous pickup truck produced by Chrysler.

    The is recalling some 2023-2026 Ram 2500 pickup trucks. A software error in the powertrain control module may improperly allow the vehicle speed to exceed the tire speed rating. Chrysler’s recall notice said this can result in a loss of vehicle control. Loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.

    This recall affects 12,736 vehicles.

    Dealers will update the powertrain control module software. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 4. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 800-853-1403. FCA’s number for this recall is 43D.

  • JD Power Study: Aftermarket providers seen as less expert than dealers

    JD Power Study: Aftermarket providers seen as less expert than dealers

     Cost and affordability are playing an increasingly important role in the aftermarket service experience, according to the JD Power 2026 U.S. Aftermarket Service Index (ASI) Study, released recently, as customers hold onto their vehicles longer and maintenance needs shift toward more complex repairs.

    Year-over-year changes in customer satisfaction across the three segments examined in the index are mixed, with improvement in quick oil change (+4 points on a 1,000-point scale) but declines in tire replacement (-3) and full-service maintenance and repair (-7).

    Index results show that aftermarket providers are perceived as more convenient than dealers, particularly in speed of service. Even among same-day dealer visits, fewer than one in five (17%) dealer service customers have work completed within an hour, compared with 52% of tire replacement customers and 49% of full-service maintenance and repair customers at aftermarket providers.

    This speed advantage reinforces why customers continue to choose aftermarket providers primarily for convenience and prior positive experiences. At the same time, a growing share of customers also cite lower costs as a factor, pointing to rising price sensitivity and underscoring the need for aftermarket providers to continue emphasizing both speed and value. 

    “Affordability is playing an increasingly important role in the aftermarket service experience, but delivering on the fundamentals remains critical,” said Lisa Nguyen, manager of OEM Solutions at JD Power. “Index data shows that aftermarket providers are largely executing where it matters most, with the majority of impactful key performance indicators (KPIs) completed more than 70% of the time and the top two — the service advisor being completely focused on customer needs and providing helpful guidance — exceeding 90% completion rates across segments. At the same time, there are clear opportunities to improve. Areas like facility cleanliness and comfort continue to lag, and more consistent customer engagement through immediate greetings and post-service follow-up can further elevate the experience and differentiate providers.”

    Some key findings of the 2026 index include: 

    • Aftermarket providers still combat a perception of less expertise than dealer service: Despite consistently strong performance in fixing issues correctly the first time, with segment averages above 95% over the past five years and annual outperformance versus dealer service on this metric, aftermarket providers still face a clear perception gap. Customers continue to trust them less than dealers, particularly in their perceived ability to maintain peak vehicle performance and handle complex repairs. In the full-service maintenance and repair segment, trust scores in these areas average 6.07 and 5.89 (on a 7-point scale), compared with 6.31 and 6.20 among dealer customers.
    • Advisor communication and responsiveness can make or break satisfaction: Two service advisor measures were added to the ASI this year, with aftermarket providers performing well on both: the advisor being completely focused on customer needs (the most impactful index KPI) and clearly communicating when the vehicle will be ready before service begins. For example, among tire replacement customers, satisfaction is 861 when customers feel the advisor is fully focused on their needs but drops sharply to 566 when they believe this is not the case. Aftermarket providers also slightly outperform dealers in setting service timelines up front, with dealers achieving this just 80% of the time3.
    • Usage of and preference for text message communication continues to rise: Across all three segments, more customers report communicating with their service advisor via text message compared with last year, with texting now more common than phone calls in the tire and oil change segments. More than half of customers across all segments now prefer texts for service updates, and aligning with that preference meaningfully impacts satisfaction. Among customers who prefer texts and receive them, satisfaction is 854 but dips to 840 when they receive a phone call instead. Text messaging also enables advisors to share photo and video multi-point inspection results, more than doubling the likelihood that customers will approve recommended work, yet the industry shows no meaningful improvement in providing this documentation.

    Index Rankings 

    Goodyear Auto Service ranks highest in the full-service maintenance and repair segment with a score of 846. Tuffy Tire and Auto Service Centers (843) ranks second and Christian Brothers Automotive (834) ranks third. 

    Express Oil Change and Tire Engineers ranks highest in the quick oil change segment for a fourth consecutive year, with a score of 854. Take 5 (833) ranks second and Jiffy Lube and Valvoline Instant Oil Change (823) rank third, in a tie.

    Meineke Car Care Centers ranks highest in the tire replacement segment with a score of 856. Pep Boys (850) ranks second and Discount Tire (847) ranks third. 

    The U.S. Aftermarket Service Index (ASI) Study, now in its seventh year, measures customer satisfaction with aftermarket service facilities, providing a numerical index ranking of the highest-performing facilities in the U.S. aftermarket. Performance in three segments—full-service maintenance and repair; quick oil change; and tire replacement—is based on the combined scores for seven factors that comprise the vehicle owner service experience. These factors are (in alphabetical order): ease of scheduling/getting vehicle in for service; fairness of charges; service advisor courtesy; service advisor performance; service facility; time to complete service; and quality of work. Franchise dealers and aftermarket service providers can use ASI to identify where to close gaps to capture more service customers and increase their revenue share in a growing market of aging vehicles and higher service spending.

    The 2026 study is based on responses from 10,572 vehicle owners.

    For more information about the U.S. Aftermarket Service Index (ASI) Study, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/automotive/us-aftermarket-service-index-asi-study.

  • Christian Brothers Automotive breaks ground for new training center in Katy, Texas

    Christian Brothers Automotive breaks ground for new training center in Katy, Texas

     Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA) recently broke ground on its new Mark A. Carr Technology & Training Center in Katy, Texas, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s long-term commitment to its people, franchisees and the future of the automotive repair industry, according toa statement from the company.

    The groundbreaking represents the next step following the company’s 2025 announcement of the $12 million investment, bringing the vision for a centralized, best-in-class training hub closer to reality. Projected to open in early 2027, the nearly 14,000-square-foot facility is named after CBA’s founder and will serve as a national center for hands-on technical instruction, leadership development, and guest-service excellence.

    “This training center is about far more than a building – it’s about investing in the long-term success of our team members and franchisees,” said Michael Suttle, chief development officer of CBA. “Breaking ground is an exciting moment because it reflects years of listening, planning and commitment to creating meaningful career paths and elevating the skilled trades.”

    Designed to support technicians at every stage of their careers, the center will offer end-to-end education, from entry-level apprenticeship support to advanced coursework in evolving vehicle technologies including electric vehicles (EV), hybrid and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The facility will feature multiple classrooms, vehicle-accessible learning spaces and a fully equipped advanced shop with original equipment-level (OE) tools and diagnostics, enabling the CBA team to deliver in-house, hands-on training at a scale uncommon in the independent automotive repair industry.

    By expanding training capacity beyond the limits of its current corporate facilities, CBA will be able to increase the frequency, accessibility and impact of its technical and service-focused programs, supporting improved technician productivity, shop performance and service consistency across its growing national footprint.

    The Katy campus also represents the first phase of a broader, long-term vision for the company. CBA said it plans to relocate its corporate Support Center from Houston’s Energy Corridor to the same site, creating a unified headquarters designed to support continued system growth and collaboration.

  • AAPEX registration opens; held Nov. 3-5 in LasVegas

    AAPEX registration opens; held Nov. 3-5 in LasVegas

    The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) has announced that attendee registration for AAPEX 2026 is open.

    AAPEX is an annual business-to-business tradeshow that brings the $2.3 trillion global automotive aftermarket together—including suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and independent repair shops, among others.

    AAPEX 2026 will be held at the Venetian Expo and AAPEX Forum in Las Vegas from Nov. 3-5. The show is co-produced by two of the most prominent associations in the automotive aftermarket: Auto Care Association and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers.

    The show theme this year is “Where the industry gets real.” That theme recognizes that while the show strives to foster a novel and entertaining atmosphere, the thousands of exhibitors and tens of thousands of attendees make the global trek to AAPEX from more than 120 countries for one primary reason: to get business done. 

    “AAPEX is a defining event for the automotive aftermarket because it’s a venue for business networking that drives tangible outcomes,” said Auto Care Association Vice President of Trade Shows and Community Engagement Mark Bogdansky. “That’s our North Star for organizing the show every year: make it easy for attendees and buyers to find what they need and meet their business goals.”

    AAPEX 2026 includes:

    • The new AAPEX Forum will host the opening reception and general sessions
    • 550,000 square feet of exhibit space covering 1,400-plus product categories
    • 2,500+ exhibitors across 5,500 booths
    • Educational sessions addressing real-world challenges
    • Redesigned mini stages hosting spirited debates, face-to-face demos and free sessions
    • Student programs and the second annual student competition for aspiring auto technicians
    • Hands-on training led by subject matter experts, in Joe’s Garage and surrounding conference rooms, covering requested topics, such as shop management, workforce development, diagnostics, ADAS, and EV service, among others

    The show will also welcome an entirely new section in iFlex at AAPEX for the first time. This section is dedicated to quick lube operators from International Fast Lube Expo (iFlex), which AAPEX and Preventive Automotive Maintenance Association (PAMA) jointly announced earlier this year.

    Registration and hotel accommodations

    Aftermarket professionals interested in attending may register here. The registration fee to attend AAPEX 2026 is $50 until June 26. After that deadline, the registration fee grows to $75 until Sept. 25, and $100 thereafter.

    Training sessions are priced at $150 each. Buy two sessions and get one free; buy four sessions and get two free.

    Qualified vocational students, along with members of the media, are eligible to register for a complimentary pass to AAPEX.

    AAPEX strongly recommends attendees make secure hotel reservations as soon as possible using onPeak, the official AAPEX housing partner. Shuttle services to and from the show are readily available.

  • New Ohio Peterbilt dealership has 25 service bays

    New Ohio Peterbilt dealership has 25 service bays

    Ohio Peterbilt is proud to announce the Grand Opening Celebration of its newest, state‑of‑the‑art full‑service dealership in Etna, located approximately 20 miles east of downtown Columbus. The celebration will take place on Wednesday, July 29 at 1:00 p.m.

    Headlining the event are Heavy D and Diesel Dave, stars of the hit television series Diesel Brothers, who will appear as special guests during the celebration. A select group of customers will have the opportunity to participate in an exclusive meet‑and‑greet with the well‑known duo.

    The new dealership is located about 20 miles east of Columbus.

    This new Etna facility represents the next level of what a Peterbilt dealership should be, according to a statement from Ohio Peterbilt. The 82,000-square-foot facility features a full-service shop with 25 service bays, a central parts distribution center, office and retail space, and driver-focused amenities designed to keep fleets moving and reduce downtime. With convenient access near the Interstate 70 corridor, the Etna dealership is positioned to serve customers throughout Central Ohio and the Midwest.

    “Our Etna location is more than just a new dealership, it’s a destination,” said Mike Crawford, Vice President of Ohio Peterbilt. “We’re excited to officially open our doors and celebrate with our customers, partners, and the community. Having Heavy D and Diesel Dave join us makes this event even more special, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to see what this facility has to offer.”

  • Volvo’s new D13 engine designed to meet 2027 emissions standards

    Volvo’s new D13 engine designed to meet 2027 emissions standards

    Volvo Trucks North America has introduced a new engine designed to meet the 2027 emissions standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency while continuing to deliver the performance, efficiency, and reliability fleets depend on. The new engine reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by over 80 percent compared with current standards, delivering the power to support cleaner operations without compromising capability, according to a statement from the company.

    TIn a statement, Volvo said the new D13 engine takes all the best learning from Volvo’s previous D13 platform, Volvo’s most produced engine in the world, with aftertreatment technology that has been refined over more than a decade in commercial use. It meets emissions requirements in all 50 states, giving fleets the flexibility to operate across every U.S. market without modification whether they are running highway routes, regional haul, or vocational operations.

    “This engine is our most powerful, fuel-efficient engine ever and delivers on every front for our customers: lower emissions, strong performance and compatibility with the fuels and systems fleets already use,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America. “The 2027 standards build on technology the industry knows well, and we have aligned our production, supply chain and dealer network so customers have what they need from day one.”

    More power where it counts
    Volvo’s new engine offers expanded horsepower and torque options, with ratings up to 540 horsepower and 1,950 lb.-ft. of torque, giving customers added flexibility to spec the right engine for demanding applications.

    Engine braking performance has also been enhanced, delivering up to 630 braking horsepower to provide stronger downhill control and improved drivability for heavy loads and steep grades.

    Built for fuel efficiency across the job
    Fuel efficiency is a key focus of the new platform. The engine is designed to support improved fuel economy for regional haul and vocational customers, while continuing to deliver strong efficiency for long‑haul highway operations. System refinements are aimed at lowering total fuel consumption without adding complexity to daily operations.

    The engine is compatible with renewable diesel (R100) and biodiesel blends up to B20, giving fleets added flexibility as alternative fuel options become more widely available.

    Cleaner engine, same durability
    The EPA’s 2027 regulations target further reductions in NOx and particulate matter to improve air quality and public health. Volvo’s new engine is designed to meet the EPA’s 35‑milligram NOx standard and comply with emissions requirements in all 50 states.

    Rather than introducing an entirely new system, Volvo’s approach builds on aftertreatment technology that has been in commercial use for more than a decade, supporting durability, serviceability, and uptime. The next generation engine follows Volvo’s current D13 engine that is already one of the most efficient powertrains in the truck industry. The all-new in-house developed engine will save even more fuel in a wider range of user applications and segments.

    What fleets can expect
    The new engine will be available across all Volvo truck models and has been developed in parallel with Volvo’s production operations, dealer network, and service infrastructure to support the transition when the EPA 2027 standards take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. Volvo said it continues to align training, parts availability, and service readiness to support customer adoption and long‑term operation.

  • GreatWater 360 acquires Andy’s Tire & Auto Service in Illinois

    GreatWater 360 acquires Andy’s Tire & Auto Service in Illinois

    GreatWater 360 Auto Care has acquired Andy’s Tire & Auto Service in Alton, Illinois, expanding its footprint to 153 locations throughout the Midwest and Texas, and 47 locations in Illinois.

    Founded in 1974, Andy’s Tire & Auto Service has built a long-standing reputation in the Alton community for full-service automotive repair, tire expertise, and customer service. The shop will continue operating under its existing name with its current team in place.

    “The addition of Andy’s not only brings a valued location to our network but also aligns with our recent focused expansion into the southern Illinois and greater St. Louis market,” said Scott Anderson, President & COO of GreatWater 360 Auto Care. “We’re excited to support the team as they continue to grow and serve the Alton community.”

    Concentrating on markets where it already has a foundation, GreatWater continues to build density while supporting local teams with the tools, training, and operational resources needed for long-term success.

    “This acquisition reflects GreatWater’s disciplined approach to growth — partnering with legacy shops that align with our core values,” added Anderson. “Supporting the Andy’s team as they continue delivering high-quality, community-focused service is a natural fit with our teammate-first approach.”

  • Pete Store acquires 92-year-old family-owned dealership in PA and DE

    Pete Store acquires 92-year-old family-owned dealership in PA and DE

    The Pete Store, a four-time Peterbilt North American Dealer of the Year and one of the largest privately owned Peterbilt dealer groups in North America, recently announced the acquisition of G.L. Sayre, a family-owned Peterbilt dealership with locations in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania and New Castle, Delaware. 

    The two locations have re-opened as The Peterbilt Store – Philadelphia and The Peterbilt Store – Wilmington. The Conshohocken location will continue to offer new and used truck sales, along with parts and service. The New Castle location will continue providing parts and service, with truck sales to be added in the near future. Both facilities will retain their existing teams and their long-standing commitment to local customers, now backed by The Pete Store’s broader East Coast network and resources. 

    The acquisition strengthens The Pete Store’s Mid-Atlantic presence and extends coverage into the Philadelphia market, one of the most active freight regions in the country. Within a one-day drive of approximately 40% of the U.S. population and served by major corridors including I-95, I-76, and I-476, the region is a critical hub for fleets moving goods throughout the Northeast and beyond. 

    “These two locations strengthen our ability to support fleets up and down the East Coast,” Arscott added. “With every Pete Store location, customers benefit from consistent service, deeper parts inventory, and the technical support to keep their trucks on the road.” 

    Founded in 1934, G.L. Sayre has served the Mid-Atlantic region for 92 years as a family-owned Peterbilt dealership with a strong local presence. 

    “G.L. Sayre has built something special over nearly a century of serving this region,” said Jeff Arscott, president of The Pete Store. “Our job is to honor what the Sayre family created and continue investing in the service, parts, and support that customers in this market depend on every day.” 

    The acquisition brings The Pete Store’s network to 33 locations across the Eastern U.S.

  • Hofmann’s monty 3850 makes heavy-duty tire changing easier, safer

    Hofmann’s monty 3850 makes heavy-duty tire changing easier, safer

    The Hofmann monty 3850 heavy-duty tire changer provides service professionals with a powerful and versatile solution designed to simplify and streamline heavy-duty tire service across a wide range of commercial vehicles.

    “The Hofmann monty 3850 was designed to give technicians maximum control, safety and productivity when servicing heavy-duty tires,” said Leandro Camargo, product manager for Hofmann. “From its remote operation to its secure hydraulic chuck and patented tooling, this machine makes complex tire changes faster and easier and is an essential addition for any shop servicing heavy-duty vehicles.”

    Engineered and manufactured to handle the demands of modern fleets, the monty 3850 allows technicians to work with certainty on heavy-duty tube-style and tubeless tires commonly found on buses, tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles. The machine also accommodates off-the-
    road (OTR) wheel assemblies up to 59 inches in maximum diameter, expanding service capabilities without compromising safety or efficiency.

    A specialized remote control enables a single technician to oversee all tire-changing operations from a safe distance, improving workflow while reducing physical strain. At the core of the system is a self-centering, four-jaw, hydraulically operated chuck that grips wheels securely to help prevent
    accidental unclamping during service.

    The monty 3850 also features an all-in-one, patented bead breaker and mount/demount head assembly, designed to enhance productivity and tackle even the most challenging tire applications with ease.

    “With its robust design, advanced safety features and ability to handle a diverse range of tire and wheel assemblies, the monty 3850 sets a new standard for heavy-duty tire service equipment,” said Camargo.

    To learn more about the Hofmann monty 3850 heavy-duty tire changer and other Hofmann wheel service products, visit https://hofmann-equipment.com/us.