Follow Us
Subscribe
TRENDING

Tag: Newsletter 4th Article

  • NAPA donates $500,000 for TechForce scholarships

    NAPA donates $500,000 for TechForce scholarships

    In addition to celebrating this year’s supplier award winners at the 2026 Partnership Event, NAPA surprised TechForce Foundation with a $500,000 donation.

    “This marks a meaningful milestone in our commitment to strengthening the workforce and addressing the technician shortage,” said Huffaker. “NAPA is proud to support the next generation of technicians and invest in the future of our industry through our partnership with the TechForce Foundation.”

    The longstanding partnership between NAPA and TechForce Foundation has included numerous scholarships, workforce development campaigns, and a shared mission to grow the next generation of automotive technicians.

    Scholarships the organizations have partnered on include:

    “It was such an incredible surprise that NAPA presented TechForce Foundation with this additional contribution. It’s one thing to say you support the skilled trades; it’s another to put your money where your mouth is and make a huge impact on the lives of future techs and industry,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “This significant investment will enable TechForce to bolster its work helping students to pursue a technical career, from accessing schools, scholarships, wraparound services, apprenticeships and jobs. It truly shows their commitment and leadership to championing the skilled technician workforce.”

  • Program that trains future technicians receives 3 Freightliner Cascadias

    Program that trains future technicians receives 3 Freightliner Cascadias

    Freightliner, a brand of Daimler Truck North America recently announced a donation of three Fifth Generation Freightliner Cascadias to Be Pro, Be Proud, a workforce development initiative led by the Associated Industries of Arkansas and dedicated to building interest in careers in transportation, manufacturing, construction and utility. The donations were announced in Nashville, Tennessee March 17 at the annual meeting of the American Trucking Association’s Technology and Maintenance Council. 

    Be Pro. Be Proud. provides training for people seeking to become professional technicians.

    “We’re honored to further support Be Pro, Be Proud’s mission to help pave a pathway of professional development for the nation’s skilled trades,” said Greg Treinen, vice president, on-highway market development at DTNA. “This valuable work is helping to create a pipeline of talent for a variety of industries while providing young people career opportunities in not only Arkansas, but also across the South and the U.S..”

    Freightliner and its dealer partner, Doggett Freightliner, have a history of supporting Be Pro, Be Proud that first began in 2015 with the low-cost lease of a Freightliner M2 Sport Chassis to transport their first 40-foot training trailer. In 2019, Freightliner and Doggett expanded their support with matching cash donations to enable Be Pro, Be Proud to acquire a Fourth Generation Cascadia capable of moving a then-new 53-foot training trailer with two slides that expanded to provide more than 1,000 sq. ft. of training space. In 2026, the organization will receive three all-new Cascadias to haul additional mobile workshops. 

    “We are both humbled and grateful for the support of an industry giant like Freightliner and can’t thank them enough for helping enable our goal of reaching students throughout the country to stoke their interest in the high-demand technical professions we promote,” said Andrew Parker, Executive Director of Be Pro Be Proud. 

    The Fifth Generation Cascadia went into production in 2025 and builds on a 20-year legacy of serving North American fleets safely, efficiently and profitability. Drivers for Be Pro, Be Proud will benefit from the latest advancements to the highly aerodynamic form factor and engine technologies, industry-leading features of the Detroit Assurance Suite of Safety Systems and business intelligence tools that will provide clear insights into the performance of their trucks. 

    To learn more about Be Pro, Be Proud, visit their beprobeproud.org.

  • Survey: Preventive maintenance a priority in times of uncertainty for logistics firms

    Survey: Preventive maintenance a priority in times of uncertainty for logistics firms

    New survey data from Tech.co has revealed that nearly a quarter (22%) of U.S. logistics businesses are prioritizing vehicle upkeep, at a time when major unforeseen disruptions have caused a spike in operational pressure – 

    Vehicle Maintenance Prioritized to Offset Major Unforeseen Disruptions 

    • 22% of U.S. logistics businesses prioritized vehicle upkeep in February (a 3% percentage point increase from January to February 2026)
    • 30% of U.S. logistic businesses said major unforeseen disruptions had caused a spike in operational pressure
    • Among firms prioritizing vehicle upkeep, 70% are focusing on preventative maintenance

    New survey data by Tech.co has revealed that nearly a quarter (22%) of U.S. logistics businesses are prioritizing vehicle upkeep, at a time when major unforeseen disruptions have caused a spike in operational pressure.

    Tech.co said it has been tracking operational pressure within the logistics industry since April 2025 by monitoring levels of freight demand, issue severity and business stance across surveyed logistics firms.

    This ‘Operational Pressure Index’ reached its highest figure (44) in February , highlighting a recent spike in operational pressure felt across U.S. logistics businesses.

    Tech.co’s findings show that 30% of logistics businesses said major unforeseen disruptions caused a spike in operational pressure.

    Severe weather could have also contributed to such a significant jump in this metric, as ‘Storm Fern’ encompassed the South and Northeast of the U.S. in January, disrupting the freight market.

    Tech.co said 70% of U.S. logistics firms that are prioritizing vehicle upkeep have been focusing on preventative maintenance as their top vehicle upkeep measure in February.

    The survey’s top five vehicle upkeep measures currently being implemented U.S. logistics businesses include:

    1. Preventative maintenance (70%)
    2. Addressing mechanical issues (52%)
    3. Upgrading/replacing components (51%)
    4. Ensuring safety compliance (49%)
    5. Improving fuel efficiency (40%)

    Tech.co also found fleets face more issues related to unforeseen disruptions including:

    • Vehicle upkeep expenses: Vehicle upkeep rose by 3 percentage points from January to February, and has remained the top priority while harsh weather damaged trucks and forced companies to spend more on maintenance.
    • Labor challenges: February saw a rise in poor working conditions as drivers were subjected to harsher driving conditions and potentially longer hours due to unpredictable delays.
    • Higher insurance costs: More road accidents have raised the price of insurance

    Tech.co’s editor, Jack Turner, said “The latest data from Tech.co’s research shows preventative maintenance is now a top priority for 70% of logistics firms. This signals a transition from reactive crisis management to strategic preservation.

    With the industry currently volatile, we’re seeing companies are taking steps to invest now and protect themselves in the future. The move is an essential one, as companies look to maintain some semblance of control where they can, in the face of ever more challenges and disruption to the supply chain.

  • 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.

    ‍

  • 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.”