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Tag: Newsletter 4th Article

  • ASE opens annual training survey

    ASE opens annual training survey

    The ASE Training Managers Council (ATMC) invites all auto and truck service professionals to participate in its annual training benchmarks survey.

    Those who complete the entire survey are eligible to enter for a chance to win a $250 Snap-on Tools certificate or one of several Amazon gift cards. 

    The ATMC conducts an annual survey to establish training benchmarks within the automotive service and repair industry. The survey is designed to establish a series of metrics to help the industry recognize trends, provide a comparison standard and align the offerings of training providers with the needs of training consumers. Survey data will help automobile, truck and collision repair training departments navigate forward through the changes taking place in the industry.

    Survey results must be submitted by March 20. The survey results will be compiled and presented at the ATMC Conference in Ann Arbor, Michigan, April 14-16 and then posted on the ATMC website.

    Auto and truck service professionals interested in taking part in the survey should click here.

  • NAPA parent company plans to split into 2 companies

    NAPA parent company plans to split into 2 companies

    Genuine Parts Company recently announced it plans to separate the company into two independent, publicly traded companies, one comprising its Automotive Parts Group (“Global Automotive”) and the other comprising its Industrial Parts Group (“Global Industrial”).

    The transaction is targeted for completion in the first quarter of 2027.

    Genuine Parts Company is the paretn company of NAPA, which has 6,000 stores in the U.S.

    “Genuine Parts Company has a proud history of evolving with our markets for nearly a century,” said Will Stengel, chair-elect and chief executive officer. “Over the past decade, we established leading global footprints in attractive geographies, simplified our business mix and accelerated strategic investments to advance and differentiate our business. Creating two focused, independent companies sharpens customer and market alignment, increases clarity and speed, simplifies operations and enables disciplined, business-specific investments to unlock long-term value.”

    The business separation is the result of a comprehensive strategic and operational review of market opportunities, in-flight initiatives and business structure considerations across Global Automotive and Global Industrial, according to a statement from the company.

    Pursuing the separation is expected to create two, scaled market leaders, better able to execute their respective strategies by:

    • Creating dedicated platforms that improve operating clarity and execution speed at each company to deliver greater customer value and long-term shareholder returns
    • Establishing separate management teams with tailored expertise, strategies and decision-making authority to better address customer needs
    • Providing enhanced financial flexibility to enable strategic investments that accelerate profitable growth, improve productivity and extend market leadership positions
    • Allowing each business to design capital structures and capital allocation strategies aligned with specific business objectives, while targeting investment-grade credit metrics at each company
    • Enabling each business to attract a long-term investor base through a clear, compelling and differentiated investment profile

    There are no changes to the GPC executive team. The company names, executive teams and Boards of Directors for Global Automotive and Global Industrial will be announced at a later date.

  • Diesel USA Group joins VIPAR Heavy Duty

    Diesel USA Group joins VIPAR Heavy Duty

    Diesel USA Group Inc., a long established leader in diesel engine products and services, has joined VIPAR Heavy Duty, bringing seven additional U.S. locations to the network. 

    Diesel USA Group provides a comprehensive portfolio of diesel engine products, including turbochargers, fuel systems, exhaust and emission components, electrical parts, filtration products, and charged air products. The company also offers high value technical services, such as machining, diagnostics, DPF cleaning, component repair, remanufacturing, and full service parts distribution. 

    Jerry Mabis, corporate liaison at JASPER Holdings Inc., explained that Diesel USA joined VIPAR Heavy Duty to leverage its long‑standing position as a central distributor of fuel‑injection, turbocharger, and engine‑related fuel‑system component product lines. 

    “In evaluating the opportunity, we recognized the value‑added benefits of aligning with VIPAR Heavy Duty’s established network and expanding access to complementary product lines. As we looked at our existing relationships with leading suppliers within the VIPAR Heavy Duty family, it became clear that joining as a stockholder would deliver significant mutual benefit,” said Mabis.

    Diesel USA Group serves a diverse customer base across industries that rely on gas and diesel engine systems. Its market reach extends nationwide through locations in Louisville, Kentucky.; Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Crown Point, Indiana.; and Fontana, California. These facilities enable the company to deliver fast, reliable products and technical expertise to commercial fleets, consumer diesel drivers, and equipment owners demanding trusted performance and support.

    “Diesel USA Group’s decades long commitment to technical excellence, deep industry expertise, and strategically located facilities significantly strengthen our network’s ability to support customers nationwide. By adding their proven capabilities in diesel engine products, diagnostics, and remanufacturing, we are expanding both the depth and reach of the solutions we can offer to end-users,” said Joe Meyer, vice president of Business Development for VIPAR Heavy Duty.

    Founded in 1950 by World War II veteran Lloyd A. Bailey, Diesel USA Group began as Diesel Injection Service Company in Louisville, Kentucky. Bailey’s technical expertise and early involvement in the post war diesel service industry — including his participation in the first meeting of the Association of Diesel Specialists (ADS) in 1956 — helped shape the company’s trajectory and the industry at large.  

    In 2019, Diesel USA Group was acquired by JASPER Holdings, Inc., parent company of Jasper Engines & Transmissions. The company continues to operate as an independent brand within JASPER’s ESOP structure while retaining the leadership team that has guided its long term growth. 

  • Automotive diagnostics companies announce collaboration

    Automotive diagnostics companies announce collaboration

    Repairify’s diagnostics brands, asTech and BlueDriver, and Opus IVS recently announced their intent to combine in order to accelerate innovation across the automotive diagnostics industry.

    The combination brings together complementary technologies, deep technical expertise, a strong talent pool, and a shared commitment to helping repairers confidently and efficiently service today’s increasingly complex vehicles, according to a statement from the organizations.

    As automotive technology evolves and demand for accurate diagnostics and ADAS calibrations grows, the combination of Repairify’s diagnostics brands and Opus IVS creates a more robust foundation for delivering innovative solutions with expanded coverage and capabilities, the companies said.

    “Diagnostics and calibrations are becoming central to every repair,” said Srisu Subrahmanyam, CEO of Repairify. “By bringing together asTech’s remote service excellence, Opus IVS’s advanced hardware engineering and software platform capabilities, and BlueDriver’s broad mechanical repair presence, we can innovate faster and deliver more value to our repairer customers. Following the close of the transaction, our talented, collective diagnostics leadership teams will remain intact, with Brian Herron as the CEO of the diagnostics business comprised of asTech, Opus IVS, and BlueDriver.”

    “asTech and Opus IVS share a vision for helping diagnose, calibrate, and repair the most complex vehicles,” Herron added. “Together, we are beginning the next chapter of innovation and the future of vehicle repair. Our north star has been and will remain our commitment to enabling our repair customers to grow their business by delivering services and diagnostic technology so they can take on the most complex vehicle repairs. This combination will accelerate our ability to deliver solutions the repairers, while still maintaining the focus and expertise that our collective customers have come to expect.”

    asTech, Opus IVS, and BlueDriver will remain distinct brands within the combined diagnostics organization and will continue to support their current products and customers. Over time, the businesses plan to integrate capabilities, deliver new innovations that expand our customers’ diagnostic capabilities, increase access to technology, and streamline workflows for the industry, the companies said.

    The proposed transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals.

  • University of Aftermarket Foundation has $900k in scholarhsipsn available

    University of Aftermarket Foundation has $900k in scholarhsipsn available

    The University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF) will award a record amount of automotive, heavy duty and tire industry scholarships. 

    Interested students may submit applications by the March 31 deadline at the foundation’s Aftermarket Scholarship Central websites at AutomotiveScholarships.com and HeavyDutyScholarships.com.

    Hundreds of scholarships totaling more than $900,000 will be awarded for the 2026-27 academic year to students enrolled in four-year and two-year colleges as well as ASE/NATEF certified automotive, collision and heavy-duty/diesel post-secondary programs. This record-setting amount includes scholarships for students planning a wide variety of automotive careers, including service and repair, engineering, supply chain, finance, IT/cybersecurity and other fields of study.

    The foundation’s websites are streamlined, mobile-ready portals with easy navigation and a simplified online application process for students interested in careers in the motor vehicle aftermarket. By completing a single application online, students will be considered for multiple scholarships for which they are eligible. The websites allow applicants to view the details of all scholarships available and continue to update their application until the March 31 deadline.

    A complete list of scholarships offered by UAF and affiliated organizations is featured on the websites with links to information outlining each organization’s scholarship details, eligibility requirements and awards. To be considered for as many scholarships as possible, UAF urges applicants to read the individual pages thoroughly to ensure they include the proper information required by each organization with their application.

    “We encourage all those who are interested in applying to visit the website soon to complete and submit their applications in advance of the March 31 deadline,” said Mike Buzzard, AAP, trustee and chairman, UAF scholarship committee. “The UAF scholarship program will have another record year in 2026. We will be awarding more scholarship funds than ever so the recipients can get the education and training they need to begin a successful automotive or heavy-duty career.”

    To receive information, reminders and updates about the UAF scholarship program, interested parties can text their name and email address to 720-903-2206. To learn more about the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, visit UofA-Foundation.org.

    Since 1986, the University of the Aftermarket Foundation has funded millions of dollars of scholarships, grants, research and ongoing educational programs to help develop a strong, knowledgeable aftermarket work force. The foundation encourages industry support, including donations for the purpose of honoring or memorializing individuals or otherwise recognizing special events, to help ensure the continued availability of training and education that strengthen the industry.

  • NY automotive instructor leads new slate of ASE Education Foundation officers

    NY automotive instructor leads new slate of ASE Education Foundation officers

    The ASE Education Foundation has announced its new officers and board members for 2026.

    The foundations new officers are:

    • Chair Brian LaCroix, automotive instructor at Capital Region BOCES Career and Tech School in Albany, New York
    • Vice chair Jim Sennett, manager of automotive repair programs for the American Automobile Association (AAA)
    • Treasurer Lisa Vassallo, technical training operations manager at BMW of North America
    • Secretary Drew Jablonowski, director of technical education, field support and customer experience at DRiV Incorporated
    • Past chair is Dwayne Myers, president and CEO of Dynamic Automotive

    Eight new individuals have joined the board in 2026 including: Kristin Conte of Ford Motor Company, Matt Crumpton of NAPA Auto Care, Jeff Gaskill of Snap-on Tools, Kyle Grisham of Christian Brothers Automotive, Brent Kindred of Wisconsin Automobile and Truck Dealers Association Foundation, Jared Monroe of Columbia Area Career Center in Columbia, Missouri, Fred Mora of Gulf States Toyota and Jeff Peevy of I-CAR.

    Reelected to an additional term on the board are Jenny Kovacs of C. Harper Ford, Joe Oleson of FedEx Freight and Jared Ricart of Ricart
    Automotive.

    “On behalf of the ASE Education Foundation, I extend our gratitude to these officers and board members for their generous commitment of time and expertise,” said Mike Coley, president of the ASE Education Foundation. “Their knowledge will play a crucial role as we confront the technician shortage and pursue important initiatives in the coming year. We are grateful to all foundation board members, past and present, for their dedication and steadfast support of the ASE Education Foundation and the future of the transportation industry.”

  • PACCAR Parts offers TRP Diagnostic Pro for all makes, models of trucks

    PACCAR Parts offers TRP Diagnostic Pro for all makes, models of trucks

    PACCAR Parts recently announced the launch of the TRP Diagnostic Pro for all makes and models of commercial trucks across the U.S. and Canada. This new tool is built for service shop professionals, fleets, and technicians who desire expedited diagnostic results.

    The TRP Diagnostic Pro is preloaded with all-makes diagnostic software that allows service providers to efficiently perform routine maintenance and repairs. Additionally, the tool is a means to enhance all-makes service capabilities and expand parts-related opportunities at dealerships.

    The TRP Diagnostic Pro equips users with access to fault codes, wiring diagrams, and detailed step-by-step instructions that streamline the diagnostic and repair process. Key features including live data, forced regeneration, bi-directional testing, and system resets allow technicians to achieve faster repair times, reduce customer downtime, and complete more jobs in less time.

    The TRP Diagnostic Pro is available in two kit variations. The first option provides diagnostic software loaded onto a durable laptop with a rugged weather-resistant carrying case. The second kit option features just diagnostic software, intended for users who already own compatible hardware to maximize their existing investments.

    Both kit options include a Diesel Decoder, which enables compatible Bluetooth devices to serve as a powerful all-makes heavy duty diagnostic tool. Users simply connect the device to any make or model of truck to view and clear fault codes, receive detailed repair information, and download vehicle health reports.

    Customer service and support for the TRP Diagnostic Pro will be provided by Diesel Laptops, a provider of diesel diagnostic software, hardware and training for commercial trucks and off-highway vehicles.

    “The TRP Diagnostic Pro complements our all-makes product line and is designed to empower service professionals and truck owners to accelerate the diagnostic and repair process,” said Mike Sharpe, PACCAR Parts Director of TRP. “With flexible kit options and convenient integration with existing hardware, the TRP Diagnostic Pro delivers value and efficiency, helping reduce downtime and get trucks back on the road faster.”

    The kits can be purchased from Kenworth and Peterbilt dealers, as well as TRP stores and Online Parts Counter.

  • New from Milwaukee: 366-piece master mechanic hand tool set in Packout drawers

    New from Milwaukee: 366-piece master mechanic hand tool set in Packout drawers

    Milwaukee has introduced a collection of hand tools, wrenches and ratchets in its signature Packout tool box system. The 366-piece set includes:

    • 242-piece set with 1/4”, 3/8”, & 1/2” drive metric and SAE ratchet and socket set in a four-drawer tool box
    • 60-piece metric and SAE combination wrench set with a four-drawer tool box
    • 64-piece hand tool set with four-drawer tool box
    • Packout dolly

    The set is available online for $3,999.99.

  • Kentucky tech college’s diesel program receives AED accreditation renewal

    Kentucky tech college’s diesel program receives AED accreditation renewal

    Elizabethtown Community and Technical College’s diesel technology program has maintained AED Foundation Accreditation for its construction equipment repair and agriculture equipment repair pathways.

    First earning the accreditation five years ago, the program continues to meet the rigorous industry-specific national standards and fully prepare students to succeed in high-demand equipment service careers, according to a statem,ent from the college based in Elizabethtown, Kentucky.

    “We are pleased that Elizabethtown Community and Technical College continues to demonstrate its commitment to academic excellence and continuous improvement through the process of accreditation,” said AED Foundation President Brian McGuire. “Your accreditation signifies to equipment industry stakeholders that your school continues to meet rigorous industry-specific national equipment technical standards. It further signifies to current and prospective students that your program provides the best in diesel-equipment technical education as defined by the industry it serves.”

    The AEDF is the non-profit foundation for the heavy equipment industry and is the sister organization to Associated Equipment Distributors, the international trade association for equipment distributors, manufacturers, and service providers. 

    Jay Rodes, a member of the program’s advisory board and president of Wilson Equipment Company, said reaccreditation speaks directly to the quality and consistency of ECTC’s diesel technology program.

    “Your work developing the next generation of diesel technicians makes a real difference, not just for our industry, but for every employer who depends on skilled, reliable people coming out of your school. We see the impact firsthand, and we appreciate the effort, standards and pride … instructors put into the program,” Rodes said.

    To date, the AEDF has accredited 103 college programs. Four of those programs are in Kentucky, with two at ECTC and two at Ashland Community and Technical College.

    “Our entire faculty is thankful for the support of the AED Foundation and our employer partners, which helps us to continuously improve our program and make a greater impact for students,” said ECTC Diesel Technology Program Coordinator Joe Valora. “Agriculture and construction equipment repair are incredible industries, and we are very proud that our graduates earn good wages in careers they truly enjoy.”

    Students completing an accredited program earn a certificate and the title of AEDF Certified Technician, signaling that they have met the industry’s highest training expectations.

    To learn more about ECTC’s diesel technology program, visit ectc.us/diesel or call 270-769-2371.

    Enrollment is now underway for classes that begin Jan. 12.

  • Ram issues recall for airbag problem

    Ram issues recall for airbag problem

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced a recall of certain Ram vehicles due to a safety risk with the airbag inflators,.

    Included in the recall are certain:

    • 2019 Ram 1500 Classic
    • Ram 3500
    • 2019 to 2020 Ram 2500 trucks

    A total of 1,879 vehicles are included in the recall

    The defect could cause the right and left side curtain airbag inflators to rupture, sending sharp metal fragments flying in the cabin.

    Owners are excepted to be notified beginning Thursday.

    Dealers will replace one or both side curtain airbags as needed.