• NASTF is seeking volunteers from the heavy-duty OEM world to assist in ensuring that NASTF’s service information links are up to date. This comes as the organization plans to release a full website overhaul in 2020. Those interested in assisting NASTF with developing and maintaining its heavy-duty resources can contact Holly Wolfe at hwolfe@nastf.org.
• A bill (HB 130) has been introduced in the Virginia General Assembly seeking to abolish the state’s motor vehicle safety inspection program.
• Ascot Supply Corp. (Newnan, GA) — an equipment, tools and supplies company servicing the tire industry —has announced Pennsylvania-based Eastern Tire Supplies as its newest distributor.
• Automotive Parts Distributors reports that more than 750 people participated in its training offerings in 2019 held at locations across Alberta (Calgary, Edmonton and Lloydminster) and in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. These numbers don’t include participants in online courses offered through the company’s programs. APD is based is Red Deer, Alberta.
• Icahn Automotive has announced a rebranding of Alfred State College of Technology’s technical training facility. The investment is part of Icahn Auto’s “Race to 2026” technician recruitment initiative. Alfred State’s automotive technology program is NATEF master certified and draws students from across the Northeast.
• Standard Motor Products (SMP) plans to award two female students with $5,000 scholarships in the inaugural “SMP Women in Auto Care Scholarship” competition. Students can enter by visiting SMPWIACScholarship.com. The deadline to apply is March 31.
• Valvoline Inc. has announced the opening of a franchised quick-lube center in Jacksonville, FL — the company’s first shop in the Jacksonville area.
• Victory Lane Quick Oil Change is poised to open its first shop in Arizona later this month. The franchised shop is located northeast of Phoenix in Payson.
• Sullivan Tire (Norwell, MA) has opened a wholesale location in Concord, NH. It is the company’s 14th wholesale location.
• VIP Tires & Service, which has 59 locations across New England, has donated $20,720 to five school districts in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The donations came from the company’s “Oil Changes for Education” initiative.