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Tag: Newsletter 2nd Article

  • Recalls: Jeep for rear hinge cover; Ford for moonroof issue

    Recalls: Jeep for rear hinge cover; Ford for moonroof issue

    Two automakers recently issued recall notice, one for a rear hinge cover problem, the other for issues with a pickup truck’s moonroof.

    Jeep

    Stellantis is recalling some 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S vehicles. The company said a rear hinge cover may have been built with insufficient design tolerances. This can cause the hinge cover to not be properly clipped into position and detach from the vehicle. If a hinge cover detaches, it may create a road hazard for other vehicles. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair or replace the hinge cover at no cost to owners under NHTSA Campaign ID 26V141.

    Ford

    In its most recent of numerous recalls, Ford Motor Company is recalling some 2025-2026 Maverick pickup trucks. The company says a moonroof glass panel may not have been bonded correctly to the moonroof frame. This could result in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. A detached glass panel may become a road hazard. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the moonroof glass at no cost to owners under NHTSA Campaign ID 26V157.

  • Sun acquires 23 DAS locations in Colorado and Arizona

    Sun acquires 23 DAS locations in Colorado and Arizona

    Sun Auto Tire & Service has entered Colorado through the acquisition of 23 locations from DAS Drive Automotive Services.

    The acquisition establishes Sun Auto’s first locations in Colorado, creating a strong presence in the greater Denver market while strengthening the company’s network in Arizona and expanding the Sun Auto Network’s coverage across the Southwest.

    “We’re excited to welcome these respected brands and their teams to the Sun Auto Network,” said Chief Operations Officer Chris Ripani. “Each of these businesses has built strong relationships in their communities by delivering dependable service and taking care of customers the right way. That commitment aligns perfectly with the values we look for in every partnership.”

    As part of the Sun Auto Network, guests will gain access to the broader advantages of the network, including leading national tire brands, digital vehicle inspections, expanded service capabilities and a nationwide warranty backed by more than 575 locations across the country. The locations will also benefit from shared operational resources, advanced training programs and integrated technology systems designed to support technicians and deliver a consistent, high-quality service experience.

    According to the company, this acquisition reflects Sun Auto’s continued focus on sustainable growth through partnerships with well-established operators who share the company’s commitment to service quality, team development and long-term community relationships.

    With more than 575 locations nationwide, the Sun Auto Network continues expanding access to trusted tire and automotive services while supporting the teams and communities that power its growth, said a statement from the company.

  • 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.”

  • 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.

  • Brooklyn-based SJ Express celebrates 30 years of providing roadside assistance

    Brooklyn-based SJ Express celebrates 30 years of providing roadside assistance

    SJ Express, a trusted name in mobile truck repair Brooklyn and the greater New York City area, marks more than three decades of providing round-the-clock roadside assistance and fleet maintenance to commercial vehicles throughout the Tri-State region.

    Since 1991, SJ Express has been a provider for diesel mechanic NYC services, earning a reputation for fast response times, expert diagnostics, and reliable repairs that keep trucks, buses, and heavy equipment moving, according to a statement from the company. Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the company dispatches certified mobile mechanics directly to breakdown locations across Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

    SJ Express specializes in a comprehensive range of mobile truck repair services including engine diagnostics and repair, brake system service, electrical troubleshooting, transmission repair, hydraulic systems, air conditioning service, DOT inspection preparation, and preventive maintenance programs for commercial fleets.

    The company has built long-standing relationships with fleet operators, owner-operators, trucking companies, and construction firms who depend on minimal downtime. With a fully equipped fleet of service vehicles and a team of ASE-certified technicians, SJ Express delivers shop-quality repairs at any location — whether on the highway shoulder, at a loading dock, or in a fleet yard.

    SJ Express also provides emergency roadside assistance NYC for unexpected breakdowns, tire blowouts, fuel delivery, jump starts, and lockouts. Their rapid dispatch system ensures a technician is typically on-scene within 60 minutes throughout the NYC metro area.

  • Paccar Parts opens distribution center in Calgary, Alberta; 3rd in Canada

    Paccar Parts opens distribution center in Calgary, Alberta; 3rd in Canada

     PACCAR Parts is pleased to announce the opening of its new Parts Distribution Center (PDC) in Calgary, Alberta. As the company’s third Canadian distribution center, the Calgary PDC is strategically located to optimize delivery speed and parts availability for dealers, customers and TRP stores across Western Canada.

    Spanning 180,000 square feet, the Calgary facility can stock up to 40,000 part numbers.

    As the 21st location in PACCAR Parts’ global distribution network, the facility expands the company’s total warehouse space to more than 4.0 million square feet (372,000 square meters).

    “Our new Calgary PDC demonstrates our dedication to providing dealers and customers with the highest level of parts availability and delivery performance,” said Bryan Sitko, PACCAR vice president and general manager of PACCAR Parts. “Its strategic location strengthens our network and ensures we continue to deliver unmatched value and exceptional support across Canada.”

  • ASE instructors conference in Dallas July 20-23; registration open

    ASE instructors conference in Dallas July 20-23; registration open

    The 16th annual ASE Instructor Training Conference is July 20-23, 2026, at the Embassy Suites Frisco in north Dallas, Texas.

    ASE said the conference provides automotive, collision, and truck instructors nationwide with more than 20 hours of technical update training and networking opportunities.

    Registration fees vary by attendee type.

    Instructors from ASE-accredited programs pay $825, while staff from non-accredited programs pay $925. Family members and industry colleagues from partner companies can attend for $525, which includes meals and networking activities.

    ASE said the conference represents the largest automotive instructor training event in the nation, bringing together educators to stay current with industry developments and connect with peers across the profession.

    For more information, visit the ASE Foundation website.

  • HD Repair forum announces program details

    HD Repair forum announces program details

    Details for the 2026 HD Repair Forum, taking place at the Music City Convention Center in Nashville, March 18 and 19, were released recently.

    Highlights of the two-day program include presentations from economist Dr. Christopher Thornberg, Beacon Economics, Pro Spot, Bee Line, KPA, Bendix, 3M, PPG, and more.

    The two-day conference will host presentations, panel discussions, and educational breakout sessions that will feature collision repair industry and US economic data and trends, OSHA compliance, new vehicle technology, welding and rivet bonding and a deep dive into industry challenges. Collision repairers, insurers, equipment manufacturers, service providers, and educators should plan to attend this event to not only stay informed of the latest trends but to make connections with the leaders in the heavy- and medium-duty collision repair markets.

    This year’s event will be co-located with the American Trucking Association’s annual TMC meeting. Both meetings will take place in the Music City Convention Center with minimal overlap. Reciprocal opportunities exist with discounts on both events and a single hotel room block.

    HD Repair Forum advisory board member, Jamie Prince, President & Owner at Ace Truck Body & Trailer Repair in Georgia said, “The HD Repair Forum has benefited my business in many different ways. The networking opportunities with the peers and leaders in the collision industry has been a top contributor. However, the education for our technicians and estimators has been a close second.” 

    For more information on this year’s program, go to hdrepairforum.com/agenda

    For direct access to registration go to na.eventscloud.com/hdrf2026

    The HD Repair Forum is the only event dedicated to heavy-duty, medium-duty, and commercial vehicle collision repair.

  • College of Southern Idaho opens $15 million Transportation Technology Center

    College of Southern Idaho opens $15 million Transportation Technology Center

     The College of Southern Idaho (CSI) recently celebrated its new Transportation Technology Center. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held, at the new facility, located at 255 North College Road in Twin Falls. 

    Classes began in the new $15 million facility Tuesday.

    The Transportation Technology Center will house the college’s Heavy Equipment Ag Technology and Diesel Technology programs. The 28,000 square foot building will also support industry and workforce training in the transportation sector and will allow for expanded dual credit collaboration with the Twin Falls School District. 

    “The completion of this new facility has given us the ability to bring our diesel-related programs together under one roof.” said CSI President Dr. L. Dean Fisher. “It provides a state-of-the-art lab space for those students as well as our dual credit students, which further strengthens our relationship with the Twin Falls School District and their commitment to training the next generation in these in-demand careers.”

    The building replaces a smaller one, which had limited enrollment for the past 10 years.

  • SEMA scholarships ‘break down barriers and create opportunities for the next generation’

    SEMA scholarships ‘break down barriers and create opportunities for the next generation’

    The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is now accepting applications for the 2026 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, an initiative designed to help students and emerging professionals launch successful careers in the automotive industry.

    Through the scholarship program, eligible students may receive awards of up to $5,000 to support their education at accredited universities, colleges, and vocational or technical schools in the United States and Canada. SEMA also offers loan forgiveness awards of up to $2,000 for employees of SEMA-member companies who have completed a qualifying program of study and are actively repaying student loans.

    “The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund exists to break down barriers and create opportunities for the next generation of aftermarket professionals,” said Joe Escobar, SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs. “By investing in both students and existing employees alike, we are building a stronger talent pipeline, fostering career growth, and securing the future of our industry.”

    The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is designed to promote career development and create access to opportunities in the automotive aftermarket. As part of this initiative, scholarship recipients are invited to attend the SEMA Show, where they can gain industry insight, connect with industry leaders, and explore career pathways firsthand.

    Scholarship applications are open to high school seniors and college students in the United States and Canada who demonstrate a passion for working in the automotive industry. All disciplines are welcome.

    Those interested in applying for a loan forgiveness award must be employed by a SEMA member business, demonstrate passion for an automotive career, possess a degree or certificate from a college, university, or career tech school in the United States or Canada, and have a minimum of $2,000 in outstanding student loans.

    Applications are open through April 3, 2026, at www.sema.org/scholarships.