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Tag: Newsletter 4th Article

  • New Alabama Fausak location has 8 service bays

    New Alabama Fausak location has 8 service bays

    Sun Auto Tire & Service recently announced the opening of a new Fausak Tires & Service location in Mobile, Alabama. This new development follows just a few months after the acquisition of the long-time Mobile staple.  The strategic greenfield serves to further grow the company in the Gulf Coast region, joining existing Fausak locations in Mobile as well as Delta World Tire locations in Mississippi and Louisiana.

    This new Fausak Tires & Service facility features over 10,500 square feet of space with 8 service bays. The facility is equipped with the equipment to handle tire installations and repairs, wheel balancing, alignments, brakes, shock and strut replacements, oil changes, battery replacements, and more.

    Founded in 1962, Fausak Tires has been a trusted name in the Mobile community for more than 60 years. Built on a foundation of community-minded service and a commitment to doing quality work, the business has earned a loyal customer base across the Gulf Coast. Now part of the Sun Auto Tire & Service family, Fausak Tires continues to serve guests with the same familiar team – now backed by expanded resources and operational support to enhance the customer experience and carry the legacy forward.

    Sun acquires Martin’s Automotive; has 22 bays

    Sun Auto Tire & Service recently announced the acquisition of Martin’s Automotive, a large 22-bay facility in Terrell, a growing community in the eastern portion of the Dallas-Fort Wprth Metroplex.

    Martin’s Automotive has been serving Kaufman County since 2001 and is top-rated in the community for quality automotive repair.

    “Martin’s Automotive is a great new addition to our team”, said Regional Vice President Steve Powell. “Growing our footprint to serve the Metroplex will allow us to continue serving an ever-growing market and keep delivering quality service to our neighbors.  It’s even better for our guests, as this local facility is now backed by the national resources and commitment of the Sun Auto Tire & Service Network.”

  • Bendix: ‘Technicians are the backbone of trucking’

    Bendix: ‘Technicians are the backbone of trucking’

    Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems salutes all professional technicians during this the sixth annual National Technician Appreciation Week, now through Saturday.

    Sponsored by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and its Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), this year’s observance follows the ATA TMC fall meeting and the TMCSuperTech National Technician Skills Competitions – held Sept. 14-18 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

    “Technicians are the backbone of trucking,” said Nicole Oreskovic, Bendix vice president of sales and marketing. “They’re working at all hours, in every condition, helping to make sure vehicles and drivers can do their jobs safely. Vehicles not properly and regularly maintained contribute to increased downtime, the ripple effects of which reach every part of daily life. The responsibilities technicians handle are demanding and central to the industry, and their contributions merit acknowledgment year-round.”

    Bendix once again served as a sponsor of the TMCSuperTech competitions, supporting two skill stations focused on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and brakes, respectively – where technicians demonstrated their knowledge through written exams and hands-on challenges.

    Sponsors of this unique program help fund the TMC’s ongoing efforts to burnish the image of professional technicians and attract new talent to the field through scholarships, outreach, and high-visibility programs. Bendix’s continued involvement underscores its commitment to supporting the professionals who keep commercial vehicles operating safely and reliably.

    In addition to its sponsorship role, Bendix said it has built a decades-long record of providing education and support to technicians. As new technologies reshape commercial vehicles and expand the skills technicians need, Bendix delivers resources that help vehicle operators and their maintenance teams stay prepared.

    Its in-person Brake School is one of the industry’s longest-running training programs, blending hands-on sessions with virtual instruction to offer practical tools and up-to-date knowledge. Available 24/7 since its launch more than a decade ago, the Bendix On-Line Brake School consists of more than 120 courses covering braking and active vehicle safety systems, with options to customize learning plans for fleets and track technician progress.

    Additional resources include:

    ·         On-site demonstrations and troubleshooting education – Direct instruction from Bendix experts to help technicians address on-the-ground challenges.

    ·         B2Bendix.com Document Library – Service data sheets, operating manuals, product training documents, installation instructions, and more.

    • Knowledge Dock– Blogs, podcasts, and Tech Tips for ongoing insights.

    ·         Bendix Tech Team (1-800-AIR-BRAKE) – An expert group providing real-time technical support, training guidance, and product troubleshooting. The team forms the heart of Bendix’s education programs, along with the company’s field-tested sales and service professionals and veteran field technical support team.

    “At Bendix, we build safety systems and support the people who maintain them,” Oreskovic said. “Technicians help make the difference between technology on paper and safety on the road. Our role is to provide the resources that help them do that job with confidence.”

  • Sun Auto & Tire makes acquisitions in North Carolina and Arkansas

    Sun Auto & Tire makes acquisitions in North Carolina and Arkansas

    Sun Auto Tire & Service recently announced a pair of acquisitions in Arkansas and North Carolina, which the company said are strategic additions aimed at strengthening its network targeting two existing markets.

    Sun Auto acquired Jackson Auto Worx in Winston-Salem North Carolina and Hindsman & Son Tire and Service in Russellville, Arkansas. Ters of the deal were not disclosed.

    Founded in 1976 by Lee Jackson, Sr. and Julian Stith, Jackson Auto Worx has been a trusted repair provider in Winston-Salem for nearly 50 years. Its addition to the Sun Auto Tire & Service Network strengthens the company’s foothold in the Piedmont Triad, linking the Piedmont Tire Service location in King with multiple Tire Max locations across the metro area. The acquisition further adds to Sun Auto’s presence in Central North Carolina, enabling operational efficiencies and expanding brand visibility across the Greensboro–Winston-Salem corridor, according to the company.

    “For almost 50 years, Jackson Auto Worx has been part of Winston-Salem,” said Lee Jackson, Jr. “Joining Sun Auto ensures our customers will keep receiving the personal service they value, backed by the resources of a national network. We’re proud of what we’ve built and excited to see the next chapter under Sun Auto’s leadership.”

    Sun Auto also acquired Hindsman & Son Tire and Service in Russellville, Arkansas. Established in 1987 by Tommy Hindsman, the company has been serving the Russellville community for nearly four decades. Under the leadership of Sam and Kellie Hindsman, the business has become a staple in the Arkansas River Valley.

    By adding Russellville, Sun Auto strengthens its presence in Arkansas by filling a strategic gap between existing Plaza Tire Service locations throughout North Arkansas. This facility provides tire distribution capability, market visibility, and additional operating leverage—reinforcing Sun’s ability to serve guests seamlessly across the state while honoring the legacy of a respected family business.

    “After nearly four decades of serving the River Valley community, deciding to sell was not easy,” said Sam and Kellie Hindsman. “But we believe Sun Auto is the right step forward for our family, our employees, and our loyal customers. We are deeply grateful for the trust and support our community has shown us, and we are confident that Sun Auto will continue to deliver the same exceptional service and care our guests expect.”

    “Both acquisitions demonstrate how we continue to execute on our strategy of adding density in key markets where we already have strong brand presence,” said Chris Ripani, chief operating officer of Sun Auto Tire & Service. “By building scale in places like the Piedmont Triad and central Arkansas, we increase efficiency, unlock synergies across our network, and preserve the strong community relationships established by these local operators while providing even more value to guests of the Sun Auto Tire & Service Network.”

    Sun Auto Tire & Service is a national network of more than 500 neighborhood tire and service shops.

  • Stellantis plans $41 million distribution center north of Atlanta

    Stellantis plans $41 million distribution center north of Atlanta

    Automaker Stellantis recently announced it plans to spend more than $41 million to build a new Mopar Parts distribution center (PDC) in Forsyth, Georgia.

    Located about 60 miles south of Atlanta, the nearly 422,000-square-foot facility will further strengthen the company’s U.S. parts distribution network, supporting dealers and customers of the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Alfa Romeo and FIAT brands throughout the Southeastern United States.

    The facility will feature a 16,000-square-foot AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system. The AutoStore system uses 66 robots designed to retrieve parts from a high-density grid of bins, transporting them to processing stations where employees prepare final shipments. This next-generation automation enhances order processing speed, accuracy and inventory control while reducing the physical footprint required for storage, according to a statement from the company.

    The new Georgia facility will support about 90 UAW-represented jobs.

    The Georgia investment builds on Stellantis’ broader transformation of its parts distribution network. In July, the company announced a $388 million investment to create a Metro Detroit Megahub, its largest PDC project to date, and earlier this year celebrated the opening of a $64 million PDC in East Fishkill, New York.

  • ASE offers free webinar on Fuel Trim

    ASE offers free webinar on Fuel Trim

    The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence offers the free webinar “Fuel Trim: Teaching Essential Skills for Engine Performance”Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 4 p.m.

    Instructors from ATech Training will present this online webinar to learn how to master short term (STFT) and long term (LTFT) fuel trim analysis for effective engine diagnostics. The webinar covers:

    • Air-fuel ratio fundamentals
    • Sensor operation
    • Fuel trim interpretation
    • OBD-II scan tool usage
    • Troubleshooting common fuel trim issues

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

    Click here for more information or to register.

  • ASE announces 5 tests to be discontinued as of Dec. 31

    ASE announces 5 tests to be discontinued as of Dec. 31

    The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence recently announced the discontinuation of several tests as of Dec. 31.

    The tests affected are:

    • Test E1: Truck Equipment Installation and Repair
    • Test E2: Electrical/Electronic Systems Installation and Repair
    • Test E3: Auxiliary Power Systems Installation and Repair
    • Test P4: General Motors Parts Consultant
    • Test X1: Undercar Specialist Exhaust Systems

    Both certifications and recertifications for these five tests will be retired at the end of 2025 and will no longer be available, according to a statement from ASE..

    “Those individuals who want to be certified or recertified in these test areas should act now and definitely no later than Dec. 31,” said Matt Shepanek, vice president, credential testing programs for ASE. “ASE is constantly being asked by industry partners to create new credential tests. By retiring some of the lower volume tests, we will be able to free up resources to work on some of these new requests.”

    ASE said it is committed to ensuring that all impacted users and systems are notified accordingly.

    “Along with transportation industry leaders, we continuously evaluate the need for new and existing certifications to best serve consumers and industry,” said Dave Johnson, ASE president and CEO. “As part of that ongoing review, we are also in the process of updating some automotive series tests and we will be adding new certifications focused on today’s advanced vehicle safety and security systems.”

  • AAA honors Best in Repair and Service Providers of Excellence Winners

    AAA honors Best in Repair and Service Providers of Excellence Winners

    AAA recently announced the winners of its Service Providers of Excellence and the Best in Auto Repair awards for 2025.

    These awards recognize the top AAA Service Providers and AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across the country. A panel of AAA experts reviewed nominations for both awards.

    These outstanding partners have consistently achieved high member satisfaction, provided excellent service, and made significant contributions to their communities, according to a statement from AAA.

    Service Providers of Excellence 
    Gold Winners 
    Falcon Towing Gardena, California 
    Angelo’s Towing & Recovery Kirby, Texas  
    Excell Road Service Wheeling, Illinois
    Riverside Auto & Towing Chauncey, Ohio  
    Silver Winners  
    Golden Bear Towing, Inc. Chino, CA 
    Hooked On Towing Ontario, California  
    Bayside Roadside Services Los Angeles, California  
    RBS Towing Ramona, California   
    Bronze Winners  
    DeFalco’s Instant Towing, Inc. Chatham, New Jersey  
    I-10 Towing and Recovery  Montclair, California   
    C&D Towing  El Cajon, Connecticut   
    Montana City Towing Montana City, Montana

    Best in Auto Repair 

    Gold Winners 
    Faulkner Subaru Harrisburg Harrisburg, Pennsylvania   
    DeFalco’s Automotive & TowingSurfside Beach, South Carolina  
    Roy Foster’s Automotive Reno, Nevada  
    Cloverdale Automotive & TiresCloverdale, California
    Silver Winners  
    Hansen Motor Company Brigham City, Utah  
    DeBoer’s Auto North Hamburg, New Jersey
    Xpertech Auto Repair  Englewood, Florida  
    Fortier’s Auto Sales & ServiceFall River, Massachusetts 
    Bronze Winners  
    Nick Chevrolet Inc.Tarentum, Pennsylvania
    Leon’s Car Care Center Eureka, California  
    Stroup’s Garage Inc Yeager Town, Pennsylvania 
    Brown’s Tire, Towing, and Auto Care Center, Inc. Shepherdstown, West Virginia  
  • TN college changes to off-road diesel; becomes Kubota TECH campus

    TN college changes to off-road diesel; becomes Kubota TECH campus

    The Tennessee College of Applied Technology will transition its Diesel Powered Equipment Technology program to Off-Road Diesel Technology and become an official Kubota TECH campus to meet the needs of the geographical populations it serves at its Dickson campus.

    The Off-Road Diesel Technology (ODT) program will focus on tractors, equipment, and even diesel-powered lawn mowers. Additionally, students enrolled in the ODT program will have the opportunity to gain Kubota TECH certifications before graduating with their diplomas, making them more marketable upon graduation.

    Those additional Kubota TECH certifications through NC3 include Product Delivery Inspection (PDI) and Assembly; Maintenance Procedures; Engines; Electrical; Preventative Maintenance Inspection; Hydraulics; and Brakes, Steering, Suspension (BSS).

    TCAT Dickson President Laura Travis is pleased about the new offering at the main campus.

    “We are thrilled to bring the Off-Road Diesel Technology program to our community,” Travis said. “The program gives students the chance to gain real-world skills and earn industry credentials that lead to good careers. It’s an exciting opportunity to help individuals build strong futures while meeting the growing demand for skilled technicians.”

    As an official Kubota TECH campus, Kubota delivered three new pieces of equipment to TCAT Dickson including a tractor, side-by-side, and lawn mower for students to use as learning tools. Later this year the campus should receive a skid steer and could potentially receive a mini excavator for additional training opportunities. Kubota will continue to replace those pieces of equipment, so students are always exposed to the newest technology.

    Recent graduates of the diesel program praised the opportunity to work on Kubota equipment and earn certifications from the company.

    Owen White, a recent graduate of the diesel program said, “I liked having the Kubota equipment here to work on. It’s good to have something to look at while you are learning about it.”

    “The Kubota TECH part is great. They have good hydraulic knowledge. There is a lot of hydraulics on this equipment. Everything is starting to run off HST (Hydro Static Transmission). You can take this knowledge and apply it to other areas,” recent graduate Jathan Hicks said.

    White and Hicks were two of a group of five students to be the firsts to complete Kubota TECH certifications on TCAT Dickson’s campus.

    “Having these extra certifications from Kubota TECH gives these students more ammunition and more opportunities in the workforce,” Diesel Instructor Tommy Yarbrough said.

    Students who earn the Kubota TECH certifications will have the opportunity to complete Kubota Universities Registered Level training program which ultimately introduces them to the Kubota Advanced and Master Level Technician Pathway.

    That benefit for graduates of the program will also greatly impact Kubota dealerships who will have access to contact and hire individuals from the database who are trained and ready to meet their workforce needs from day one without having to spend extra time completing on-the-job training.

    “Our programs are nimble to the community needs,” Dr. Levi Mayer, Vice President of Academics and Compliance at TCAT Dickson said. “We see a greater need for Off-Road Diesel Technology at our Dickson campus. Our Clarksville campus will continue to maintain the Diesel Powered Equipment Technology program,” Mayer added. The primary focus of the Clarksville program will continue to be large commercial semi-trucks, large recreational vehicles, and specialty commercial vehicles like waste disposal and fire trucks.

    For additional information on the new Off-Road Diesel Technology and Kubota TECH certifications available at the main campus in Dickson, or existing Diesel Powered Equipment Technology program offered at the Clarksville location, visit tcatdickson.edu.

  • Belden’s opens ninth texas location in San Antonio; acquires iowa shop

    Belden’s opens ninth texas location in San Antonio; acquires iowa shop

    GreatWater360 Auto Care recently announced the opening of its newest Belden’s Automotive & Tires location in San Antonio, Texas.

    The company said this milestone marks a strategic expansion in the company’s presence across Texas and brings the total number of Belden’s locations to nine.

    GreatWater said its growth traditionally involves investing in existing locations and teams, but this new facility highlights GreatWater’s ability to create successful growth through different paths with multiple ground-up locations opened in SanAntonio under the Belden’s name.

    “This is a slightly different approach for us, but we are always open to building a site in the right market, under the right brand,” said Jim Dykstra, CEO at GreatWater 360 Auto Care. “While we typically invest in existing high-performing shops with teams and clientele in place, we also know how to launch a new facility with the same success. That confidence comes from the market opportunity, the team, and the reputation a brand like Belden’s has in their community.”

    Belden’s Automotive & Tires has been a respected name in the San Antonio area for over 45 years, known for customer-centric service, technical expertise, and a team-first culture. The Potranco location will carry forward those values while offering customers a state-of-the-art facility, advanced diagnostics, and the same high-quality service delivered by certified technicians, according to the company.

    “The Potranco team may be in a brand-new building, but that team has long been a part of the Belden’s family—they’re people who care deeply about their work, their customers, and their community. The shop is set up for success.” said Dykstra.

    In addition, GreatWater 360 Auto Care recently acquired Cars, Trucks & Vans, a full-service shop in Davenport, Iowa. This acquisition strengthens GreatWater’s presence in the Iowa market and underscores its commitment to supporting high-integrity, locally rooted repair businesses.

    A local staple in the community for over 25 years, Cars, Trucks & Vans has served Davenport drivers with dependable repair, maintenance, and diagnostic services. Known for its straightforward approach, friendly service and strong community focus, the shop will continue operating under its well-established name, with its existing team in place—now supported by the resources and training that come with joining the GreatWater network.

    This acquisition marks GreatWater’s fourth location in Iowa and continued growth across eight states. With every new location, the company said it reinforces its unique approach: invest in existing shops that customers know and trust while equipping them with upgraded tools, training, and operational support.

  • California car dealers turn to apprenticeships for technicians

    California car dealers turn to apprenticeships for technicians

    California’s new car dealers are working with an apprenticeship organization to recruit and develop new automotive service technicians.

    The California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) Foundation is partnering with Automotive Apprenticeship Group (AAG) to provide a path to instruction and training to potential techs, then matching them with California auto dealerships for employment. Though the apprenticeships are for anyone with an interest, they have been especially attractive to people 18 to 30 years old for whom college was not an option or a preference, according to a statement from the two organizations.

    The apprenticeship available through the CNCDA Foundation is a two-year program where apprentices accepted into the program are compensated at a competitive wage and with no out-of-pocket expenses. They learn and develop skills through on-the-job training at local dealerships, discovery-based e-learning, and hands-on technical training and practice.

    Upon completion of the program, the apprentices earn a national certification from the U.S. Department of Labor. Access to all necessary tools and a computer are provided to all apprentices. Each apprentice is supported by a dedicated AAG career manager who provides guidance and support during their apprenticeship.

    A recent CNCDA survey indicates there is a statewide shortage of about 5,000 technicians among California dealerships. The technician shortage is the result of an aging workforce with many technicians retiring, and a lack of young people entering the field – often due to a misperception that technicians earn low wages and have limited opportunity for advancement. Experienced technicians, according to the survey, earn $100,000 to more than $200,000 annually once fully certified.

    For participating auto dealerships, the solution is completely turnkey – AAG manages apprentice recruitment, conducting of candidate interviews, orientation, pre-apprenticeship training, payroll and compensation, insurance, mentoring and ongoing career coaching, as well as the education and training for each apprentice.

    “For a young adult or anyone who is career-minded, being an auto technician is a career that can support a person for the rest of their life,” said Kim McPhaul, president of the Foundation. “Our apprenticeship program will connect career-minded people – such as recent high school graduates or those currently working in unrewarding jobs – with opportunity to work in a field where motivated, skilled people are sorely needed. The key to addressing the technician shortage is to take a wholistic approach to the challenges of identifying, vetting, teaching, hiring, and retaining good, long-term, committed career technicians.”

    While just ramping up in California, several apprentices have already enrolled in the program and are paired with dealerships. 

    Anyone interested in exploring the apprentice program can find out more here.