Quick Hits …
(A few short items to get us started this week)
• Autopromotec has been rescheduled to May 22-28, 2022 in Bologna, Italy. The event had originally been slated for May 26-29, 2021.
• Registration is now open for the 73rd annual AWDA Conference. The face-to-face event will take place Nov. 3-5 in Las Vegas. A virtual AWDA+event will take place Nov. 16-19. All companies must register by Aug. 7 to participate in the AWDA One-on-One meetings.
• According to the latest SEMA Market Report, the specialty-equipment market set a new retail sales record in 2019 of $46.20 billion — an increase of roughly 4%.
• SEMA Market Research on July 7 forecast specialty-equipment market retail sales to decrease 12% in 2020, largely attributable to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. However, the association noted that companies are optimistic about industry sales moving forward. By the fourth quarter of 2020, nearly 50% of industry businesses expect their sales to be the same as or even better than 2019.
• MontAd Media in a July 8 report noted that June 2020 In-Market consumer audience demand for the following auto parts categories matched or exceeded June 2019 numbers: shocks and struts, fuel pumps, chassis – DIFM, performance shocks and struts. Click here for more information on the firm’s Auto-Aftermarketing In-Market Reports.
• We offer aftermarket professionals seeking work the opportunity to get the word out through a free Job Mart listing in The Greensheet. This provides job seekers with a chance to let the industry know they are looking for new opportunities through a short write-up in an upcoming issue of the newsletter. If you or somebody you know is interested in a Job Mart listing, contact mvincent@autocareweek.com for additional information.
• Job Mart: Layne Gobrogge
• Job Mart: Rick Clay
Collision Repair Coalition Formed, Advocates For Vehicle Data Access
A group of collision repair industry stakeholders has launched an organization called the Consumer Access to Repair (CAR) Coalition. The group is calling on Congress to expand consumer control over personal vehicle data in order to preserve and protect consumer choice, transparency and affordability in the post-collision repair market.
In a July 1 letter to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, CAR asked Congress to examine issues related to secure and transparent ways to expand consumer choice over vehicle data.
The coalition’s letter is a response of sorts to a June 3 letter from OEMs seeking a five-year federal preemption on any state taking action on the sharing of telematics data. The effort for new “Right to Repair” legislation in Massachusetts was cited.
“ … a ballot initiative being pushed by outside parties in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts would force motor vehicle manufacturers to allow outside parties to be granted real-time, bi-directional access to vehicle data, including a consumer’s driving data,” the Alliance for Automotive Innovation (Auto Innovators) wrote in its letter to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
“This controversial initiative, which is expected to be on the ballot in November, is not just about getting data from a vehicle; it is about mandating real-time, two-way access,” Auto Innovators wrote. “Proponents of the initiative not only want to receive data from a vehicle but also want to be able to send data, including software, to uniquely designed critical vehicle systems — even while a car or tractor-trailer is driving down the roadway. Not only does this initiative pose cybersecurity, personal safety and privacy risks to the owner of the vehicle, but it also endangers others on the nation’s roadways.”
Auto Innovators is calling on Congress to reaffirm existing statutory authority and enforcement guidance from the U.S. Department of Transportation when it comes to addressing motor vehicle safety and cybersecurity risks, “including misuse of vehicle data that could be used by stalkers to prey on their victims.”
Further, Auto Innovators wants Congress to establish a five-year preemption regarding access to telematics data so that legislators and NHTSA can work on a long-term solution “to ensure that new cybersecurity, privacy and public safety risks are not created.”
CAR is opposed to any federal preemption. The organization is asking Congress to review relevant issues and protect consumer choice.
“Consumer choice/control and safety are not and should not be considered mutually exclusive. By controlling access to their vehicle-generated data, consumers will be better positioned to protect their private information,” CAR wrote in its letter to Congress. “Allowing OEM exclusive control access and sharing of this data will inhibit consumer choice and allow it to potentially exploit the data for its own enrichment through targeted advertising, promoting their own products and services, or even selling it.”
“Consumers can also see tremendous cost-savings through choosing real-time data sharing,” the coalition wrote. “While independent repair shops and parts manufacturers routinely access vehicle data during a repair or claim, the data being generated in real-time have enormous consumer benefits if they can be shared with these entities in the same way they are being shared with the OEM. Relaying real-time diagnostics and operational data to a repair shop will allow a consumer to be alerted that a vehicle is in need of a checkup or replacement parts before it suffers a breakdown or malfunction.”
CAR also plans to advance policy designed to address rising costs in collision repair, to highlight automotive design patent abuses, and to prevent steering techniques and first notice of loss from OEMs, which directs consumers to dealers first, limiting repair choices, according to the coalition.
The coalition’s members include LKQ Corp., Allstate, the Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) and the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA). For additional information, visit carcoalition.com.
The Greensheet Q1 2020 Financial Reports Chart
Each quarter, Auto Care Week/The Greensheet tracks key financial data from a number of companies publicly traded in the United States and Canada, and doing business in the North American auto care industry. We compile those top-line and bottom-line results for you to see at a glance how these companies fared. The listing is organized by increase/decrease in net sales. Click here to view The Greensheet Q1 2020 Financial Reports Chart.
Automotive Parts Headquarters Announces New Leadership Structure
Jesse Westrup has joined Automotive Parts Headquarters (APH) as its new COO, tasked with leading the company’s merchandising, inventory, pricing and distribution teams. Westrup reports to President and CEO Corey Bartlett.
With this addition, Dennis Gregory has taken on the role of executive chairman. Since 2008, Gregory has been APH’s COO and CFO. In his new role, Gregory will lead the company’s strategic development, as well as guide its growth initiatives.
John Bartlett will continue his more than 50 years of leadership at APH in the newly created position of chairman emeritus, where he will nurture key customer and supplier relationships, explore new growth opportunities, and mentor company leaders.
“John led APH to become an industry leader with a strong commitment to its customers, employees and suppliers. We look forward to drawing on his experience and wisdom for many years to come,” said Corey Bartlett. “The opportunities ahead of us are very exciting, and I look forward to working with our entire leadership team to prepare for our next 100 years.”
Saint Cloud, MN-based APH is a third-generation, family-owned aftermarket auto parts distributor and store group that is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. APH operates Auto Value parts stores and BENCO Equipment locations across Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Michigan. The company employs 1,200 people.
Valvoline Quick Lubes’ Same-Store Sales Rose 7.2% In June
On July 7, Valvoline Inc. provided a business update noting that its Quick Lubes segment recorded a 7.2% increase in systemwide same-store sales (SSS) when compared to the same period in 2019. SSS for company-owned shops rose 10.4%, while SSS for franchised stores grew 5.0%.
Valvoline also stated that its Quick Lubes business experienced a “significant” sequential improvement in systemwide SSS compared to May 2020, attributable to increased transactions and tickets, as well as new customer growth.
“The non-discretionary nature of our preventative maintenance products and services and strong customer-focused execution are powering our results as miles driven continues to improve,” CEO Sam Mitchell said. “While we continue to closely monitor recent COVID-19 trends, I remain encouraged about the outlook for the balance of the fiscal year given the same-store sales performance in June and the planned increase in marketing spending beginning in July.”
Valvoline’s update also noted a 33% increase in overall sales when compared to May 2020, with lubricant volume up 32%. Additionally, shipments in its core North America business were ahead of pre-pandemic levels for each week in June, attributable to improved performance in both retail and installer volumes.
GB Auto Grows Portfolio By 32 Shops
GB Auto Service has acquired Sun Devil Auto Service/Sun Auto Service, giving GB Auto a total of 164 shops. Formed in late 2017, GB Auto is a provider of vehicle maintenance, auto repair and tire replacement services across multiple western U.S. markets, including San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Dallas and Houston. Among its brands are BRAKEmax Tire & Service Centers, Tire Works Total Car Care, Ramona Tire & Service Centers, Evans Tire & Service Centers and Driver’s Edge Complete Tire & Auto Service.
Sun Devil Auto Service, which does business as Sun Auto Service outside the Phoenix market, got its start in 1978. It has 32 locations in Arizona, Texas and Nevada.
“We are looking forward to investing in Sun Auto’s growth and continuing its terrific success, including the addition of more than [a dozen] new greenfield locations in the very near future,” GB Auto CEO Frank Kneller said in a July 1 announcement.
Capstone Headwaters, a middle-market investment banking firm, advised Sun Devil Auto Service on the transaction.
“This transaction symbolizes both the strong outlook and interest in automotive aftermarket services. … We are proud to have this landmark transaction represent the first closing for our newly formed Vehicle Aftermarket Group, as we continue to serve this exciting sector,” said Capstone Headwaters Managing Director Paul Louie.
GB Auto is a portfolio company of the Greenbriar Equity Group.
“The automotive aftermarket is a key area of focus for Greenbriar due to its size, channel structure and defensive characteristics, which create a diverse set of investment opportunities,” said Matt Burke, director at Greenbriar. “This acquisition is the 12th for GB Auto over the last two years and reflects the continued execution of our strategy to build the leading independent aftermarket service provider in the western U.S.”
Tenneco Hires Key Executives
Tenneco Inc., on back-to-back days last week, announced the hiring of Kevin Baird for the reestablished role of COO (effective Aug. 3) and Matti Masanovich as the company’s new CFO (effective Aug. 10).
Baird is the president and CEO of Guardian Industries’ Guardian Glass business, a producer of high-performance glass for architectural, transportation and technical applications. Baird has been with Guardian since 2008 when he joined the company as CEO of SRG Global, its automotive trim business.
Prior to that, Baird served on the operations team at Cerberus Capital Management, a private equity firm, and as the CEO of Qualitor Inc., an automotive braking systems supplier. He began his career at Federal-Mogul, where he spent more than 15 years in operations and management.
“The reestablishment of the COO role brings further global experience and support to our team’s performance focus on margin expansion and cash generation,” said CEO Brian Kesseler. “Kevin’s unique background and skillset, including global hands-on experience in some of our business segments, makes him an ideal business partner and will enable him to quickly contribute to improved operating results.”
Tenneco’s new finance chief Masanovich was the CFO of Superior Industries International, a supplier of light-vehicle aluminum wheels for OEMs and the aftermarket. Prior to that, he was the senior vice president and CFO of General Cable Corp. Masanovich’s background also includes time with International Automotive Components (IAC) as vice president and controller.
Masanovich will succeed interim CFO Ken Trammell, who will remain with Tenneco for a time to facilitate the transition to Masanovich.
“On behalf of the entire Tenneco team, I want to thank Ken Trammell, our outgoing interim CFO and longtime Tenneco executive team member, for his leadership and contributions over the years, but especially during the current market challenges our company and industry are navigating,” Kesseler said.
Hopkins Adds GPC Veteran As Senior VP Of Operations
J. Scott Mosteller has joined Hopkins Manufacturing Corp. as its senior vice president of operations. Mosteller was the corporate vice president of supply chain for the Genuine Parts Company (GPC). He worked for GPC for 13 years, including time in a newly acquired business in Australia and as the president of Rayloc. Prior to GPC, Mosteller owned his own sourcing and distribution consulting firm. His background also includes time as the COO of Simpson Performance Products.
Mosteller now is responsible for all supply chain, manufacturing and distribution operations for Hopkins, including those in Emporia, KS; Edgerton, KS; Miami, OK; Juarez, Mexico; Ningbo, China; and Blenheim, Ontario. This includes managing inventory investment and optimizing costs across the system.
Fisher Auto Parts Launches ‘Vision 2020’ Promotion
Now through Sept. 30, Fisher Auto Parts professional installer customers can win a variety of prizes — including Apple watches, Polaris off-road vehicles and (the grand prize) a Chevrolet Silverado or a boat — in the company’s “Vision 2020” promotion.
Customers automatically earn entries for signing up for “Vision 2020.” Rebates also are earned based on purchases made from July 1 to Sept. 30 on promotional lines and will be compared to last year’s purchases over the same time period for possible increased rebates. Promotional rebate incentive reward certificates are calculated automatically.
Trico Debuts New Fram Oil Filters
The Trico Group has launched a new line of oil filters: Fram Titanium, a super-premium, high-flow synthetic oil filter designed to provide protection for as many as 20,000 miles; and Fram Force, a premium, synthetic-blended oil filter designed to provide protection for as many as 15,000 miles. These new oil filters are full-vehicle-coverage programs and are currently available at all Advance Auto Parts stores.
CRP Names Director Of Engineering
CRP Industries (Cranbury, NJ) has hired industry veteran PT Muldoon as the company’s director of engineering, responsible for all engineering activities and initiatives in the development of new automotive opportunities with OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers, as well as the improvement and expansion of current products and product lines.
Prior to joining CRP, Muldoon was the director of new product development – electronics remanufacturing for BBB Industries, where he led the company’s Detroit technical center. Muldoon also spent two years as vice president of operations/engineering for the Electronics Remanufacturing Company in Walled Lake, MI, where he was responsible for engineering and test-cell development and all production operations.
VP Racing Fuels Extends Partnership With IMSA
San Antonio-based VP Racing Fuels has announced that its Stay Frosty coolant line is now the “Official Performance Coolant” of the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). This represents an expansion of the existing VP Racing Fuels and IMSA relationship through the conclusion of the 2027 season.
VP became the “Official Fuel Supplier” of IMSA in 2014. The company extended that relationship in 2017 with the signing of a long-term agreement that included IMSA representation at VP-branded gas stations and convenience stores and on VP products sold through local and national retail and wholesale distribution channels.
Sparta Evolution Adds Sales, Marketing Manager
Yoni Kellman is now the national sales and marketing manager for Sparta Evolution (Kent, WA), a designer and manufacturer of brake systems for motorsports and high-performance street applications. Kellman was the national sales and marketing manager for SuperPro USA. His background includes time as a marketing manager for Motovicity Distribution and national sales and marketing manager for DBA USA/Disc Brakes Australia.
Energy Suspension Hires Sales, Marketing Manager
Dennis Grau, former senior director of sales – North America at K&N Engineering, is now the sales and marketing manager at Energy Suspension (San Clemente, CA), a manufacturer of polyurethane products and automotive suspension technology. Grau’s background includes time as the director of sales for Exide Technologies and the North American sales director for Bendix and Gabriel.
Professional Installation Option Added To Tuffyproducts.com
Tuffy Security Products customers can now schedule professional installation services through Buy It Installed when purchasing vehicle storage products at Tuffyproducts.com. By clicking the “Buy It Installed” button during the check-out process, customers can find local installers and schedule service appointments within 24 hours after the merchandise has shipped. Installation can take place at a customer’s home or office.
“This new partnership with Buy It Installed is an ideal solution for consumers who rely on e-commerce, yet desire do-it-for-me service,” said Chip Olson, marketing director for Tuffy. “Some of our cargo management offerings, such as our portable lock boxes, do not require any installation. Even though our other vehicle-specific items — such as the enclosures, truck bed drawers and under-seat lockboxes mount to existing original equipment points with no drilling requiring — we’re very pleased to now be able to offer Buy It Installed service to give our customers this added installation convenience.”
VOXX Buys Majority Of Directed’s Automotive Aftermarket Business
VOXX International Corp., an automotive and consumer electronics manufacturer and distributor, has acquired the aftermarket vehicle remote start and security systems (RSS) and connected car solutions (CC) businesses of Directed LLC and Directed Electronics Canada in a deal valued at approximately $11 million.
Directed’s RSS business includes the following brands …
• Viper.
• Autostart.
• AstroStart.
• Automate.
• Avital.
• Clifford.
• Directed.
• Python.
Analog and digital products include security, remote start and combined systems directly hardwired into vehicles, as well as systems with data bus interface modules. The transaction also includes a line of accessories.
Directed’s CC products are sold under the Viper and Directed brands.
The deal includes inventory; accounts receivable; information technology systems; intellectual property such as patents, trademarks, domain names and copyrights; and certain fixed assets. Additionally, VOXX International — following a yet-to-be-completed agreement with Nutek Corp. in exchange for 25% of the newly formed subsidiary — will assume roughly $4.20 million in trade payables and claims, as well as certain obligations in Canada related to the retention of employees and real estate leases.
Management expects the deal to add approximately $50 million in net sales on an annualized basis, provided there is no further deterioration in the economy tied to the coronavirus pandemic.
“I have known the Directed team for years, having competed against them at every turn, and we could not be happier in adding their brands, customers and team to the VOXX family,” President and CEO Pat Lavelle said in a July 6 statement. “This is a natural fit for both companies, with far-reaching synergies and opportunities to leverage platforms and talent to improve the customer offering, learn from each other and enhance value. The engineering talent we are adding is exceptional, and we already see areas for cross-over, sharing best practices and leveraging their skillsets for other technological breakthroughs.”
Lavelle added: “Our balance sheet remains strong, and we expect to recoup the cash outlay for this transaction within the next two quarters. Thus, this is an acquisition that essentially will pay for itself on a cash basis in the near-term, following the sale of inventory and collections, and significantly strengthen our customer value proposition.”
New Study Analyzes Automotive E-Commerce Conversion Rates
Site speed is the most significant factor driving an automotive e-commerce site’s conversion rate, according to the new Conversion Rate Optimization Case Study from Hedges & Company (Hudson, OH), a digital marketing agency serving the automotive aftermarket, OEM parts and powersports industries. Its research shows that roughly 50% of a site’s conversion rate is influenced by site speed.
Using statistical analysis and predictive modeling, Hedges found an average conversion rate of 0.50% for automotive websites that load in 8 seconds. Websites that load in 5 seconds doubled that conversion rate to 1.00%, while sites that load in 3 seconds had a 1.80% average conversion rate.
The agency’s research also showed that site speed had a similar impact on the conversion rate for customers shopping on their phones.
User experience and trust signals had a 5% to 15% effect on a site’s conversion rate, according to Hedges. “User experience includes the site’s functionality, such as navigation or site search,” the agency reported. “It looks at the accuracy and completeness of product information. It includes trust signals and whether the company publishes a street address or badges indicating secure and protected transactions. It can be the look and feel of a website: Does it look contemporary or outdated? These are the factors that impact a user’s experience and comfort level with a website.”
Product prices and shipping cost had a 5% to 15% effect on a site’s conversion rate. “Pricing looks at overall competitiveness and how it fits into the market,” Hedges stated. “If a site carries popular brand-name products and at average or minimum advertised price (MAP) pricing, the impact is neutral. If prices are higher, it can reduce the conversion rate.”
Market segment affected 5% to 15% of a site’s conversion rate, according to Hedges. “This addresses the market you sell in and the competitive landscape,” the agency wrote. “If a business sells in a very competitive, crowded market segment, or serves a market segment with fewer direct competitors, the conversion rate will be impacted.”
Email marketing affected as much as 5% of a site’s conversion rate. “This looks at whether a website had a well-managed email marketing program. The data showed customers who visit a website after receiving an email converted to buyers twice to 10 times higher than the average shopper,” Hedges stated. “Well-managed email marketing increases user engagement and conversion rate; however, if email marketing is overdone, it has minimal impact on the conversion rate.”
More details on Hedges’ Conversion Rate Optimization Case Study can be found here.
Canada Night At AAPEX Is Canceled
AIA Canada has canceled the 2020 edition of Canada Night at AAPEX because of “ongoing uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 restrictions and concerns for the health and safety of participants,” the association announced July 6. The need for companies to reassess travel expenses and sponsorship dollars in the wake of the financial cost of measures to control the pandemic also played a part in AIA Canada’s decision.
“This has been a hard year for the aftermarket — one where we’ve all had to make difficult choices,” AIA Canada President J.F. Champagne is quoted as saying. “Cancelling Canada Night is not a decision we took lightly. But, at the end of the day, we have to do what is best for the health and safety of our members and our industry.”
The event was scheduled for Nov. 3. Plans are in the works for Canada Night’s return to AAPEX in 2021, the association stated.
Virtual ‘Aftermarket 101’ Scheduled For July 28-29
The University of the Aftermarket will host a virtual “Aftermarket 101” course July 28-29. The program is designed to help employees better understand how the light-vehicle aftermarket is structured and operates. Participants will hear from each level of the supply chain and learn about industry trends from industry experts. To register, visit universityoftheaftermarket.com, click “Course Calendar” and scroll down until you see “Aftermarket 101.”
YourMechanic Partners With National Fleet Management Company
Merchants Fleet, a national fleet management company, is now partnering with the mobile auto service provider YourMechanic . The move expands Merchants’ mobile maintenance services. The pact calls for YourMechanic to provide contactless vehicle repair at a driver’s home or the fleet’s lot.
Merchants’ staffers review all repairs and charges are incorporated into its billing process. Additionally, Merchants’ fleet clients have visibility and access to maintenance data via customized dashboards and real-time reports using the fleet management software TotalView.
Mobile Tire Service Provider Expands Texas Operations
The mobile tire service provider Zohr has expanded its operations to the Houston market. This is part of a nationwide expansion effort. Zohr currently does business in Texas, Kansas and Missouri.
With Zohr, consumers choose their tires and book appointments online. The company’s technicians then travel to a client’s home or office to deliver and install the new tires. Zohr also offers fleet services for businesses.
Dealer Tire Taps Hunter For Automatic Tire Recommendation Technology
The Hunter Engineering Company has announced a partnership with Dealer Tire, a Cleveland-based company that manages replacement tire and parts programs for more than 8,000 auto dealerships across the United States.
Participating Dealer Tire customers can generate automatic tire recommendations for motorists using Hunter’s unmanned inspection technology, Quick Check Drive and Quick Tread Edge. As vehicle owners drive through Hunter’s unmanned inspection systems, tire recommendations are generated and sent to dealership service advisers.
Nexen Extends ‘Next Level’ Promo
Nexen Tire America has extended its “Nexen Next Level” promotion to the third quarter with lower minimum tier requirements. Now through Sept. 30, Nexen Tire dealers can earn rewards after purchasing 70 tires instead of 100 tires. Additionally, the company is offering “Double Dollar” payouts for select tires throughout the quarter.
The program also offers a quarterly volume bonus as well as an annual true-up, which provides additional rewards for dealers. For more information, visit nexentirenextlevel.com.
TIA To Resume Training This Month
After canceling several training courses because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Tire Industry Association will resume Automotive Tire Service (ATS), Commercial Tire Service (CTS), Earthmover Tire Service (ETS) and Farm Tire Service (FTS) training courses starting this month.
Advanced Hands-On ETS classes will take place July 21-23 and Aug 11-13 in Garner, IA. The courses provide students with training, using service trucks, hydraulic tools and other equipment that can aid them in servicing tires.
A Certified ETS Instructor class is scheduled for Aug. 3-7 in Garner, IA. The course combines classroom and hands-on training and certifies attendees as instructors so they can return to their shops and certify their technicians at the 300 level.
Certified CTS Instructor classes will take place Sept. 15-18 in Garner, IA and Dec. 8-11 in Tampa, FL. The courses cover aspects of medium- and heavy-truck tire service and teach attendees how to instruct a 300-level Certified Technician course in the field.
A Certified ATS Instructor class is slated for Dec. 8-11 in Detroit. The course provides instruction on the recommended procedures for servicing modern automobiles and light trucks. Those who pass the class are qualified to teach the 300-level Certified ATS Technician course in the field.
For more information, visit tireindustry.org/training.
Lithia Reports Strong Recovery In June Service, Body, Parts Sales
Lithia Motors on July 7 reported “significant improvements” across all business lines in June compared to the results previously reported for April and May. In particular, same-store service, body and parts sales were down only 3% in June.
It’s worth noting that the recovery trend in service, body and parts sales reflected two more production days in 2020 compared to the same period last year.
Lithia on June 2 reported that same-store service, body and parts sales declined 27% in May, which management referred to as “signs of recovery.”
As of March 31, 2020, Medford, OR-based Lithia operated 189 dealerships representing 30 brands across 20 states.
Spray-Gun Maker Joins Collision Repair Industry Scholarship Program
Cincinnati-based Anest Iwata — a manufacturer of engineered solutions for air compressors, vacuum pumps, and spray and finishing equipment — has joined the Blazing Trails Scholarship Fund established last year by Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes and Larsen Motorsports. The initiative seeks to address a talent shortage in the collision repair industry by providing financial aid to prospective automotive technicians.
Anest Iwata will provide scholarship recipients with spray guns to use while in school and after graduation.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of the Blazing Trails Scholarship Fund and not only support the industry’s effort to recruit talent but be able to work directly with the schools and the educators to help train future techs and painters on how to properly use our equipment and perfect their craft,” said Nicolle LouAllen, director of marketing for Anest Iwata.
Click here for more information about Blazing Trails.
Stertil-Koni Names Midwest Regional Sales Manager
Heavy-duty vehicle lift company Stertil-Koni (Stevensville, MD) has named Carl Boyer as its Midwest regional sales manager. His territory includes Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and parts of Wisconsin.
Boyer was a shop equipment specialist at Stertil-Koni, focused on expanding the company’s product line and customer base in the heavy-duty equipment field. As such, he was responsible for product sourcing, sales, new business development and managing relationships with customers.
Boyer and his wife will be relocating to northern Indiana.
Job Mart: Layne Gobrogge
Layne Gobrogge — a successful, sales-driven marketing professional with experience in the automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket — is seeking a position with a manufacturer or distributor. Track record of generating top-line sales growth through effective strategic market planning, product management, new product introductions and new channel development. Career of building long-term customer relationships through effective marketing communications and unique marketing programs. Recognized leadership skills based on integrity; demonstrated strong relationship management and marketing capabilities; characterized as entrepreneurial, creative, and high energy. Email layne.gobrogge@gmail.com.
Job Mart: Rick Clay
Rick Clay, product manager, is seeking a position with an automotive, commercial vehicle parts or industrial electrical controls manufacturer/supplier. Work experience includes a broad expertise in product planning, development, pricing, competitive analysis and market research with automotive, commercial vehicle aftermarket and OE parts manufacturers, as well as an electrical controls distributor. Email: rjc927@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/rickjclay | Phone (419) 450-4913
Uni-Select Canada: Senior Merchandising Director, Automotive
We are now looking for a team member responsible for guiding product and merchandising strategies and functions to ensure the achievement of objectives related to key performance indicators, sales, gross margins, inventory, service levels and overall profitability. … (more) … Click here to find out more.
People Watching 7/13/20
• Former UnderCover Inc. President David Wells is now the chief sales officer for Smash Innovations, a CRM software firm. Wells was an executive vice president at Truck Hero from 2016-’19.
• Rebeca Olavarrieta of Roco 4×4 is returning to the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network to serve another two-year term on the select committee. She will be joined by new members Allison Chisenhall Harding of Vintage Air, Cora Jokinen of Torq-Masters Industries and Natalie Simon of the Ford Motor Company.
• Ben Knaus of Hellwig Products is returning to the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network to serve another two-year term on the select committee. He will be joined by new member Scott Lowe of High Xpectations.
• Gary Hoover is now director of sales for National Tire Distributors (NTD), a large tire, wheel and accessories distribution company in Canada. Hoover was the director of business development for OK Tire Canada. His background also includes time as a regional sales manager with Giti Tire.
• The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has announced the election of Jim Pangle from Fountain Tire as board secretary, as well as the reelection of Mike Wolfe from Southeastern Wholesale Tire as board treasurer. Both appointments are effective Nov. 2.
News Briefs 7/13/20
• Nominations are now open for three new AAPEX awards: the AAPEX Service Adviser of the Year, AAPEX Shop Owner of the Year and AAPEX Technician of the Year. The purpose is to recognize the essential services that these industry professionals provide to keep the motoring public on the road, even during times of crisis. Nominations are due Friday, July 31.
• The Auto Care Association has extended the submission deadline until July 31 for the “Mort Schwartz Excellence in Education Award” and “Auto Care Career & Education (ACE) Award.”
• Turn 14 Distribution has added American muscle car components from Street Legal Performance (SLP) to its line card.
• 4 Wheel Parts is introducing a new line of 4WP Factory wheels for Jeeps, truck and 4x4s.
• Refaccionaria Del Sol, a member of the Automotive Distribution Network, has become the first auto parts distributor in Mexico to upgrade to the Epicor Vision distribution management system. Refaccionaria operates six locations in Mexico: San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora and three in Mexicali, Baja California.
• Worksport Ltd. (formerly Franchise Holdings International) has moved its production in China to a larger facility, featuring more factory space and room for growth. Worksport makes tonneau covers for the international light-truck market.
• Race Winning Brands’ piston companies — Diamond, JE and Wiseco — are now stocking Total Seal piston rings in Europe for upgrades to piston orders.
• Valvoline Inc. has launched a new brand campaign titled “The Original Motor Oil” that emphasizes its status as the petroleum industry’s first U.S. trademarked motor oil brand. The initiative includes TV, social media and digital elements. For more information, visit Valvoline.com/original.
• Northwood University reports that its “Rapid Relief” flood recovery campaign exceeded its $250,000 goal for June. The assistance will be used to help Northwood open its doors for the first day of classes Aug. 24.
• The Automotive Service Councils Educational Foundation (ASCEF) has awarded $18,250 in scholarships to 33 high school seniors planning to enroll in academic or technical training in the automotive service field. It marks the largest amount the foundation has awarded to date. To view a list of scholarship recipients, visit asc-ef.org/scholarships.
• Preferred Components Inc. (PCI) has launched a new website that includes an online parts lookup, new product announcements and trade show information.
• Spanesi Americas has revamped its website. New features include the addition of heavy-duty equipment, installation examples, a list of global OEM approvals, downloadable brochures and equipment specifications.
Event & Trade Show Briefs 7/13/20
• AAPEX organizers on July 7 debuted a new AAPEX TV video addressing health and safety guidelines for show attendees and exhibitors. Presenters include Paul McCarthy, president and COO of AASA; Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association; Jaime Miranda, vice president of hotel operations for the Venetian Resort; and Lisa Witherell, director of show cleaning and meeting services for the Sands Expo. AAPEX is scheduled for Nov. 3-5 in Las Vegas. Visit aapexshow.com for registration and additional event information.
• The Auto Care Association offers a free webinar on building new partnerships targeting the independent aftermarket in China and other emerging growth markets. The presenter is Bill Russo, founder and CEO of Automobility Limited, a strategy and investment advisory firm based in Shanghai. Russo also is the automotive committee chair of AmCham, also based in Shanghai. Click here to access the webinar.
• Dale Hopkins, vice president and chief information officer for the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, will deliver the Customer Spotlight presentation at the virtual AASA Technology Conference taking place Sept. 28-30. Click here for more information about the event.
• The Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) and MacKay & Company will present a webinar Wednesday, July 15, on the current state of the commercial vehicle industry, including the percentage of operational supplier capacity as business picks back up amid the coronavirus pandemic. Click here for more information about the event.
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