• In 2016, the demand for new-entrant automotive technicians was 75,900; however, there were only about 38,830 auto-tech graduates that year, according to a new report from the TechForce Foundation. The report also shows that auto-tech postsecondary completions have been declining — down 1,829 completions in 2016 when compared to 2012.
• Valvoline Inc. franchisee Henley Pacific SF LLC has acquired four quick lubes in the San Francisco area that are now operating as Valvoline Instant Oil Change service centers.
• Bolt On Technology reports that its users have taken over 15 million photos with Mobile Manager Pro.
• Ceramic Pro, which specializes in vehicle paint protection technology, has agreed to report product installation details to Carfax. This will allow vehicles that have installed Ceramic Pro products to be identified on Carfax Vehicle History Reports and the myCarfax mobile app.
• Bosch is partnering with the Integrated Supply Network (ISN) to bring Bosch’s new automotive diagnostic tools, the ADS 325 and ADS 625, to market. The partnership includes a hyper-targeted digital campaign, including paid search and social media.
• Caliber Collision Centers collected a record 4.30 million meals in the form of cash and food items during the Seventh Annual Rhythm Restoration Food Drive to feed at-risk children over the summer months. The proceeds will help 53 regional food banks replenish and stock their pantries at a time when demand is highest for families with children who don’t have access to school lunches.
• Tint World Automotive Styling Centers (Roca Raton, FL) has revamped its franchise opportunity website.
• The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and its official publication, AutoInc. magazine, are now accepting entries for the annual “Top 10 Websites” contest. The deadline for entries is Aug. 1.
• The Automotive Maintenance & Repair Association (AMRA)/Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) Fall Technical Committee Meeting will take place Aug. 29-30 at the OLC Education & Conference Center on West Higgins Road in Rosemont, IL. Click here for more information.