Counterman

ost of our workdays are spent typing and mouse-clicking our way through hundreds of parts requests and catalogue prompts, and we rely heavily on computers for most aspects of our daily operations. Think of the last time your store’s internet or server network went down. Catalogue and inventory information, ordering and receiving functions, invoice printers, driver dispatch and order tracking, and even time clock access are all crippled when the plug gets pulled. Chaos ensues, and if there is no backup plan in place, work grinds to a halt. Depending on corporate policy, you may even have to close the doors until you are back up and running. Even when our computers are running at peak efficiency, the quality of the information we feed into the system has the potential to create a snowball effect of errors, wasting time, personnel resources, inventory dollars, and, ultimately, disappointing our customers. The phrase “garbage in, garbage out” dates to the early days of the computing industry and is a simple way of recalling that no matter how far information technology has progressed in the past 75 years, we still need to capture the correct information to begin that automated process successfully. It all begins with the customer. We rely on them to present us with the basic vehicle and diagnostic information required to catalogue the correct parts, but once we take control of the process, we still need to maintain the integrity of that information. Asking the right questions, following relevant prompts, and verifying options that differentiate similar products lead to successful sales and reduce the number of returns. When you call the parts department at your local OEM dealer, their initial reply is often to ask for the last eight digits of the VIN. That (relatively) simple bit of information serves to eliminate a lot of these errors, identifying the vehicle and all its individual options. It eliminates multiple questions that must be asked (and correctly answered) to lead the parts specialist to the appropriate listings. This reduces the margin for error, but certainly does not eliminate it altogether. Just as a customer might misquote their vehicle descriptors, the customer may misread or misspeak the VIN information, or the parts specialist might write it down incorrectly. It is also a good practice to keep accurate notes (on paper) to keep track of previous calls and orders. These notes also may help your coworkers get up to speed if they need to take over for you with a customer, so legible handwriting counts! Complete notes will help refresh your memory in the event of a comeback or complaint, and may come in handy if you are asked to explain what went wrong with a particular transaction. I prefer to repeat a customer’s information back to them, showing that they have my full attention and confirming that what I think I heard is what they believe they asked for. They should not have to repeat themselves, but confirmation is critical at this point in the process. It is certainly better than getting through an entire transaction before realizing the customer who just told you they drive a “Cherokee” is now busy loading their parts order into the back of a GRAND Cherokee! Incorrect information anywhere within the conversation can skew the results, and guessing at vehicle identification or options is a recipe for returns. Occasionally, we can skip through irrelevant screen prompts, or even bypass the computer altogether when we know something by heart, but when in doubt, ASK THE QUESTION! We may not be able to prevent our customers from guessing at critical answers, or even from giving us inconsistent information, but we are able to limit the amount of “garbage” that we feed into our computer on our customer’s behalf. When we do encounter a legitimate catalog error, we shouldn’t just blame the computer. In these cases, the “garbage out” is the result of an error (likely made by another human) that was fed into the database. The computer is just repeating the answer it was programmed to give based on the information requested. It is important to report these errors so that the catalogue provider can investigate the error and make any necessary corrections quickly. The post Incorrect Catalog Search Results May Be Your Fault appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

As an industry, the aftermarket is unique and fortunate to have a robust, well-documented set of industry-specific data standards. If you’ve been in the automotive aftermarket since breakfast, you know there are data requirements about the products you sell and the vehicles they fit that are different from anything you’ve seen in any other hard goods industry. Year, Make, Model, Aspiration of the Engine or the Bed Length of your pick-up truck are all critical data to selecting the correct automotive replacement part of one type or another. You can imagine that without standardized reference data and widely agreed-upon data formats, there would be chaos, and little use of digital automation to exchange updates in catalog fitment files. Yet, that was the case in the aftermarket until late in the 20th Century. ACES© (the Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard) is over 25 years old and continues to evolve and expand in response to the growing industry requirements. ACES© is completely unique in the world of technical standards. It is not derived or maintained by any private commercial entity such as Red Hat or Microsoft. And it is not governed by a pseudo-government body such as the International Standards Organization (ISO) or the United Nations. The technical design, the supporting reference data, the administration, governance, and worldwide marketing of ACES© is all conducted under the watchful eye of the Auto Care Association and the Technology Standards Committee. Over the years, hundreds of volunteers have served on the committee and contributed their expertise to what is ACES© today. Nothing about developing a standard was easy. Each company represented around the table would like for the final solution to reflect their business choices and minimize the disruption to their legacy technology. Like any industry standard, ACES© is “the best bad idea” that all the participants could swallow at the time. If the solution is slightly disagreeable to everyone, it’s probably the right thing to do. In recent years, the Auto Care Association has invested tremendous resources in taking ACES© beyond its original scope and function. Because trading partner relationships are international, ACES© added vehicle reference data for Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and many other countries in Latin America. Because component manufacturers don’t limit their product assortments to light-duty vehicles only, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, off-road, farm and agriculture, lawn and garden and many types of powersports vehicle were added. The charge was, “if a spark plug or diesel fuel injector fit it … there need to be ACES© vehicle codes to describe the application.” Recognizing that the needs of HD trucks are unique and important to the fleets and businesses that operate them, a major effort was undertaken to incorporate the needs of the Heavy-Duty segment of the aftermarket in the standards. However, there are challenges and issues with the current industry data standards that the Tech Standards Committee is actively addressing under the volunteer leadership of Marc Pappas, CIO of Federated Auto Parts, and Luke Smith, IT Director at AutoPartSource. Briefly, these top-three challenges are data quality and accuracy, data latency or timeliness, and adoption (always more). Accuracy and consistency in catalog data files are essential to providing a good customer experience and maximizing sales. Many brands regard their content as a competitive advantage and an opportunity to differentiate their products. But Eric Lough, VP of Customer Connectivity at All Star Auto Parts, says, “Accurate ACES© files are table stakes and the minimum requirement for a brand. There are plenty of opportunities to express your unique value proposition in product-specific attributes and description fields.” Auto Care has recently added a Catalog Data Assessment tool to the VIP portal. This offers any registered user a way to validate the format of their ACES© data files and ensure there are no illogical records that overlap or duplicate another. With the help of the Auto Care Catalog Assessment tool, it is simple to send your trading partners the best representation of your brand the first time. All the ACES© rules and Best Practices are available online. It is an open-book exam that every user should “Ace” (see what I did there). ACES© training documentation is available at academy.autocare.org and in-person classes are offered through the University of the Aftermarket. Latency of catalog data refers to the time (and lost sales) between when a new product is engineered, manufactured, and first added to a catalog application file, and when resellers, websites and electronic catalog providers are able to process sales for the part. It is common for the delay between a new vehicle addition to the standard and when it can be sold to be 3-4 months or more. The current method of updating the vehicle reference tables is by way of a complete refresh where 98% of the records are unchanged from the previous version. A similar practice is followed when the complete catalog file is distributed by brands to trading partners. Exchanging “Net Change” files did not catch on previously because the technology to accurately manage changes was not widespread. But, the Sandpiper project, announced last year, holds the promise of making new data available through a web service in near real-time. If Auto Care makes new vehicle data available to users through an online service, catalog updates can be managed in much smaller parcels and distributed through the chain faster. The potential to make additional sales and reduce unproductive inventory is measured in the billions of dollars industrywide. The third major challenge is as old as the standards. Adoption of a new method to share data requires the confidence and vision to recognize the benefits and manage the challenges. A major program group told me that their rubber products supplier had yet to send any belt or hose applications for any non-automotive vehicles or equipment – even though the vehicles have been in the ACES© tables for two years. For years, major retailers and eCat providers said, we’ll never get rid of paper catalogs and fitment guides until ALL the applications are in the ACES© tables. With contributions by Power Systems Research, Experian and others, the Off Highway and Equipment tables are largely complete. The common reason given for why a vendor doesn’t send the catalog data now is that legacy data needs to be converted and resources need to be diverted from other projects. It occurs to me that the first brand to make Off Highway and Equipment an ACES© priority will own the market segment. Retailers and other customers want to use their integrated electronic catalog for all the parts available from their suppliers – not just light-duty cars and trucks. Waiting “for the standards to be finished” is not a strategy for success. Competitors looking for an opportunity to grab marketshare would be wise to look at all the products in their Distribution Center and ask, “what more could we sell if these were included in our ACES© files”? To remain relevant and valuable, the industry standards will continue to evolve and grow. They will never be finished. Since adoption is a multi-year proposition, time is of the essence and further delay is costly. The post Aftermarket Data Standards – Beyond ACES appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

hatever happened to engine colors? Every manufacturer had their own specific hue. Orange, blue, red, gold…there were lots of options. Purists get serious about it too. If you’re going to pop the hood at a car show, the color better be right. At the risk of sounding partial to the classics, I’m going to say I miss those days. The majority of the engine blocks were clearly visible, and air cleaners, brackets, braces and pulleys all had a nice finish, only to be topped aesthetically on performance models with chrome-plated air cleaners or valve covers. Under the hood, there was something nice to look at, adding incentive to clean and degrease the engine on a regular basis. If you were from my generation, when you got a new (used) car, one of the first things you did was clean the engine and engine compartment. Having a clean mill under the hood was just an extra way to take pride in your car. Open the hood on today’s cars and you get plastic, then more plastic. Finished in less-than-exciting flat black, with the occasional glimpse of an aluminum cylinder head, there’s just not as much to get excited about when it comes to cleaning your engine. But, is it important? You bet. There are plenty of theories surrounding whether or not it can affect the performance, and even question if a clean engine will run cooler. The fact is neither is true. I always think my cars run better after waxing them, but I know that’s scientifically impossible, so I chock that up to the car’s “soul.” I’ve never experienced a situation where a dirty engine makes it run worse. Engines just don’t care. Some might argue that layers of grease and grime can prevent heat dissipation from the engine, and while you could probably prove that scientifically, in practice, it makes no difference. If there is reality to that, it would be in such minor fractions of a degree that it simply wouldn’t matter. Where it does matter is that leaks, both coolant and oil, are the primary contributors to a dirty engine. The fluids themselves build up and coat the engine, as well as other parts of the car depending on the severity of the leak, and this creates many problems. One, it makes it difficult to find the source of the leak. As a technician, there are times when an engine is so dirty, you have to clean it first before you can pinpoint a leak. The other consequence is these fluids getting onto other components. Oil wreaks havoc with rubber, and can soften coolant hoses, engine mounts, belts, weatherstrips and even electrical connector weather seals. Finally, the oil buildup traps dirt and before you know it you can have a thick layer of oily, greasy grime that will come off in huge chunks. A little dust never hurt anything, but it’s amazing how much “stuff” comes up off the road and settles in the engine compartment. Dirt, rocks, asphalt, leaves, you name it, it will find a way in. The problem with debris is that it can fall into the engine when replacing things like spark plugs or valve cover gaskets, or even when doing something as simple as the air filter or adding oil. There’s a lot of damage that can occur if this happens. The final benefit to cleaning your engine is it allows you to evict any rodents that may be residing in one of the many cozy spots under the hood, just waiting to chew their way into an expensive repair. So, when your customer asks about cleaning an engine, not only can you give them good reasons, but you can offer them solutions and know-how to ease their concerns about the often-told story of cleaning an engine and experiencing a no-start situation afterward. With a few simple precautions, they won’t have any trouble. My starting point begins with access. On most vehicles today, there’s almost always a plastic cover on the top of the engine, which I might mention hides a lot underneath, and the engine is often dirtier than you realize. I remove all of these covers, and if the vehicle has a lower engine cover, I remove these as well, since they’ll just hold everything you clean off the engine. The first step in the cleaning process belongs to compressed air and a blow gun. Large amounts of debris such as leaves or the occasional mouse nest can be sucked out with a shop vac, or just grabbed out by hand and thrown away. But a blow gun will take care of all of it. I’m always sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask, then I work my way from top to bottom of the engine and compartment, blowing out all dust and debris, focusing on areas that typically trap a lot, such as around the spark plugs and intake manifold. As I work my way down, I blow debris off the frame, suspension and body parts that are accessible, and also off the top of the transmission, since it will trap a lot. Finally, I blow out the radiator and condenser fins (which by the way CAN affect engine temperature and A/C performance). You’d be surprised how much dirt comes out of these. With the bulk of the debris removed, it’s time for degreaser. The first step here is to cover any electrical components that will be affected by water, such as the alternator and distributor, if equipped, as well as the intake duct for the air cleaner, or any exposed air filter. I use plastic disposable grocery store bags for this. Keep in mind two things here. One, most things are sealed up, and it’s not uncommon to have water splash up when you drive in the rain. Cars are built to handle this. But two, this is just incidental water splashing and nothing is meant to have pressurized water sprayed at it, sealed or not, so as long as you cover electrical components, and don’t spray directly at any of them, you won’t have a problem. Just be careful with high-pressure power washers. Now it gets simple. I put cardboard under the car to collect the drippings that are about to occur, then spray the engine, as well as surrounding components with degreaser, and let it soak. It’s always a good idea to read the instructions for the degreaser to beware of any damage it could cause to anything such as the vehicle paint. After the degreaser has had time to soak, I use a cleaning brush to scrub the excessively dirty areas, and, in some cases, a scraper may be required when there’s a lot of buildup. I tend to use a second application of degreaser, and let it soak, then scrub some more before rinsing it off. Then, I remove the cardboard and put a large plastic tub underneath to catch the big clumps of grease that may wash off. When rinsing things, I use light spray around electrical components, and limit the full force of the hose nozzle to the block, heads and intake, or anywhere there’s serious grease removal. A final trick I use is to hook up the hose to hot water, when possible. If you have a utility sink, you can get adapters that allow you to do this. Hot water makes a huge difference in cutting through the grease, but you’ll use a lot of it, so if you’re at home, I never start the job just before someone needs a shower, or you might end up in a different type of hot water. With everything cleaned up, remove all the protective plastic coverings, blow off any excess water that’s puddled up anywhere, reinstall any covers you removed, and you’ve just done your car a favor. Why wait for the occasional customer who asks about cleaning their engine? Spring cleaning is good under the hood, too. Latex gloves, dust masks, safety glasses, engine degreaser, cleaning brushes, a blow gun, hose nozzle, plastic tub, absorbent mats and shop rags are all great supplies you likely have in stock. Finish it off with some microfiber towels and a spray detailer to wipe any surround paint surfaces, just in case any solvents splash out. The post How To Properly Clean An Engine appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Like many product lines in our inventories, brake pads are often dual or even triple lined. To service a wide variety of vehicles and customer types in a dynamic market, it has become a necessity to offer various price points on one of the most critical safety items we offer. Price is only one of the criteria we should be using to determine the most appropriate product for the customers’ needs, but it is the one that seems to get the most attention. Too often, price is quoted as shorthand for quality, and we present a good/better/best option based on their price points. Rather than presenting the features and benefits of each product, we often gloss over the “how and why” in favor of the “how much.” When we present items in this manner, we commoditize them, leading the customer to believe there is very little difference between the products, aside from the amount of money they are going to spend today. Often, the value derived from improved performance and longer lifespan of the better-quality product exceeds the difference in price between it and the lesser-priced equivalent. For brake pads, the composition of the friction material is the first area where quality really counts. Beyond the basic “semi-metallic” vs. “ceramic” terminology lies a complex chemistry of elements that created a slab of material that is expected to provide excellent stopping power in all driving conditions without squealing or leaving dusty residue on your customers’ wheels. Premium brake friction material is often designed with specific applications and usage in mind. The friction formulation of a “ceramic” pad intended for a commuter sedan will be different than a ceramic pad intended for a police pursuit vehicle, or even a full-size truck that is used commercially. The entry-level pad manufacturer may take a more “universal” approach, with the friction material providing average performance across a wide range of appli-cations, but underperforming in critical areas where a premium pad would give better longevity and quality of service. Beyond the friction material, the backing plate is another area where you get what you pay for. Galvanized, E-coated or powder-coated backing plates have better corrosion resistance than those plates treated with a simple coat of paint. When corrosion creeps between the pad material and the backing plate, a phenomenon known as rust-jacking can weaken the bond between materials, leading to pad delamination. Premium pads also are more likely to feature an attached shim, which can help reduce the vibrations that cause squealing. NVH complaints are also commonly caused by reusing existing pad retaining hardware, or eliminating it altogether. Unfortunately, I have seen more than a few instances of poorly-stamped or thickly painted backing plates preventing the pad and hardware all fitting correctly into the caliper bracket. Some folks resort to grinding or filing away the edge of the backing plate, creating another path for corrosion down the road. Worse yet, others entirely omit the stainless hardware clips, resulting in a clunk or rattle with every pedal application. It continues to baffle me that some entry-level (and even mid-grade) pad pack-ages still do not include hardware, even though they are a critical part of a complete disc brake job. Electronic brake pad wear sensors are an increasingly common design feature, either molded directly into the friction material, or clipped into the backing plate of one or more pads. In my own opinion, the ideal premium brake pad set should include friction material purpose-built for the intended application, a good quality shimmed and coated backing plate, the necessary installation hardware, electronic wear sensor (if equipped), and any included warranty should be commensurate with the intended service life of the pads. When it comes to premium products, it is often these “extras” that people don’t consider when comparing them to lesser brands. Application-matched friction materials, manufacturing and design features that ensure a long and trouble-free service life, as well as the convenience of having all the necessary components collected into one package, saves the customer time and labor initially, and over the (longer) life of the product, actually provides more value per mile than lesser competitive products. The post The Hidden Expense of Inexpensive Brake Pads appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

PRT announced the launch of 59 new complete strut assemblies for the North American market. The launch includes application coverage for Nissan Frontier, Toyota Highlander and Mercedes E-Class models, in addition to brand-new applications, such as the Dodge Durango 2022, the Ram ProMaster City 2022, and the Mazda CX-9 2022, among others, according to PRT. “As an OE supplier, our company is always committed to premium quality, top performance and innovation, so we are continually launching new applications for the Aftermarket. These new items are in stock and ready to ship!” said Bruno Bello, director of global marketing. For more information, call 1-770-238-1611, visit www.prtautoparts.com or follow @prtautoparts. The post PRT Launches 59 New Complete Strut Assemblies appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Standard Motor Products, Inc. (SMP) announced the release of its 2023 Corporate Sustainability Report that it said highlights SMP’s commitment to being a good corporate citizen with a focus on increasing its sustainability profile. The report provides insight into SMP’s initiatives, future goals and achievements in relation to its business, employees, communities and other stakeholders, according to the latest press information. Eric Sills, Chairman and CEO of SMP, commented, “On behalf of our entire SMP family, I am pleased to share with you our 2023 Sustainability Report. SMP continues to enhance our sustainability efforts, and we remain committed to our initiatives to ensure positive sustainability change within our organization and all the communities in which we operate.” Highlights of this report include: The development of additional powertrain-neutral safety and electrical products for the vehicles of today and tomorrow, including battery electric and hybrid electric vehicles Enhancement to its social programs including an additional focus on employee training and development initiatives Alignment of SMP’s commitment to standardized sustainability reporting with global applicable laws and regulations Reductions in Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions working towards SMP’s stated goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 The post SMP Releases 2023 Corporate Sustainability Report appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Westar Distribution LLC, a leading aftermarket supplier of engine & transmission mounts and air suspension components announces the release of 40 new Air Suspension Components, Engine & Transmission Mounts, Torque Strut Mounts, and Center Support Bushings servicing in excess of 35,000,000 vehicles in operation today in the US & Canada covering Acura, BMW, Dodge Truck, Ford Sport Utility, GMC Trucks, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Lexus, and Toyota vehicles. These newly released items are all in stock and ready for immediate shipment. For more information contact [email protected] or visit the company online. The post Westar Releases New Mounts, Suspension Components appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Mevotech announced the addition of 188 new part numbers, expanding its TTX, Supreme and Original Grade product catalogues. Extending up to the 2023 vehicle model year, this release covers domestic and import passenger vehicles, pickup trucks, vans, SUVs and EVs. The new part numbers include control arms for newer 2023-2021 Ford F-150 and F-150 Lightning models from Mevotech’s flagship TTX and Supreme lines. “These components are designed with exclusive features for improved part service life and increased overall durability,” Mevotech said. The company also announced the introduction of TTX steering idler and pitman arms, featuring three new part numbers applicable to a wide range of popular 2023-1999 GM light- and medium-duty pickup trucks, vans and SUVs. “These parts are engineered with patented technology and designed as enhanced alternatives for vehicles often used in a working role,” added Mevotech. The post Mevotech Expands Coverage with 188 New Part Numbers appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In the case of cordless lights, there is a lot more, starting with more light! The light comes from Light Emitting Diode, or LED, technology. When they were first invented, LEDs were a revolutionary development of electrical science, affecting virtually every aspect of our lives. Now LED lights are everywhere, and we’re all familiar with them, even in our homes, but the automotive industry has reaped the benefits as much as, if not more than, any other industry. Just like a diode, LEDs allow current flow in only one direction. When current, or electron flow occurs, photons are released. Photons are tiny particles of electromagnetic radiation that are released as the electrons jump between atoms, and they’re emitted in the form of electromagnetic waves. This is where the visible light comes from. Certain wavelengths are visible to the human eye, which we perceive as light. Specifically, these wavelengths are those between 400 and 700 nanometers, and it’s in this range that LEDs emit photons. Different wavelengths are seen by us as different colors. To control and obtain the different wavelengths that appear to us as different colors, LED output is controlled by altering the semiconductor material inside, which controls the energy of electron flow, the wavelength, and, ultimately, the color. Early on, LEDs in automobiles were a type of LED called a through-hole LED, referring to the fact that their connectors went through holes in a circuit board for mounting. These were primarily used for warning indicators, such as an oil warning light or alarm indicator since they weren’t powerful enough for anything else. Over time, as technology was able to produce brighter white light, they began to see use in cordless lights. Through-hole LED were used for many years in lights, and worked well, but the most significant advance was the development of surface mount devices (SMDs) and chip on board (COB) technology. SMDs were smaller with a much thinner profile, had as many as three LEDs on one chip and could be soldered directly to a circuit board. These made compact designs possible with multiple LEDs for extremely bright work lights. Then came COB technology which could fit nine or more LEDs on one chip, offering the highest light-to-energy ratio. Both types are very effective with light output, and both still commonly used. For an auto technician, cordless lights have replaced the traditional “trouble” light, and in addition to the advantages of an LED light, there are many other technology-based features we can take advantage of. If headlamps are your game, there’s a new technology of adaptive light beams that automatically adjusts intensity and focus to provide the necessary light output for the job at hand. Who thought that word was just for cruise control? White light is what we use the most, but since LED technology produces different colors, there’s a couple that are useful to us and are included in many lights. Ultraviolet light is used for leak detection, so it’s a useful option to have. Ultraviolet is unique because it’s a photon wave that’s just outside the visible light spectrum, but it’s easy to think of it as a color because it does give off a visible purple hue. Red is the second color that’s becoming more popular, especially in headlamps. Why? Red has always been known to preserve night vision, and we all know there are never enough hours in the day! Here’s a feature I really like: The device finder. It’s just like when you lose your TV remote, only better. Nobody likes to lose tools, but especially not a light. You’ve got extra 10mm sockets and you expect those to disappear in the occasional black hole, but losing your light can ruin your day. I’d rather hit a button before pulling a car out, just to know my light is under a pile of tools versus under the hood. Have you ever heard of CRI? It stands for Color Rendering Index, and it’s a measurement of the ability of a light source to reveal the color of objects in contrast to natural light. In other words, do they appear the same as they would under natural sunlight? Light sources have a huge effect on how we perceive colors, and while we don’t care so much what color brake pads really are, it’s a unique feature for body and paint technicians. CRI is measured from 0-100, and anything under 80 is considered poor; over 90 is considered good. So, a high CRI in a shop light is valuable when comparing colors. A common use is for comparing paint chips to a body panel, but it’s very much a “thing” in home refinishing, too. If you’re trying to decide on that perfect color for your addition or match one when you can’t remember the color, a high CRI light will show you the true colors. Here’s another term that may strike you as unusual: Ingress Protection. If you’ve never heard of it, you’ve seen it for sure. It’s the IP rating that’s called out on most lights. The IP code is an international code which classifies the degree of protection against dust and liquids for electrical equipment. The rating consists of two numbers, e.g., IP65 (a common rating.) The first number indicates ingress protection against solid objects, ranging from 0-6, and is basically related to the physical object size, including things like hands, all the way to small dust particles. Zero is no protection, six is the highest level available meaning it is dust tight. The second number indicates resistance to liquids and includes classifications from dripping water all the way up to immersion and high-pressure jets. This ranges from 0-9, nine being the highest rating. This is an important rating to look for when shopping for a light, since we all know when you’re under a car, dripping liquid automatically seeks out the most inconvenient places to drip, such as your eyes, your mouth or your work light. Cordless lights are the way to go. Cordless lights plus today’s technology equals some of the most useful tools you’ll own. The post Less Is More With Cordless Work Lights appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

AAPEX Education Online is back for another year. This time it’s been expanded to provide attendees with even more critical information that directly affects them and the entire global automotive aftermarket, AAPEX said. Join AAPEX every month from May until October for this free series. This month, attendees hear from a panel of shop owners on what they want from their suppliers and how the industry can offer support. Plus, you can participate in the live Q&A. What the Automotive Aftermarket Supply Chain Can Learn From Shops, and How the Industry Can Provide Shops what they Need to Succeed Thursday, May The post AAPEX Web Training Series Set to Begin This Month appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Bumper to Bumper member Crow-Burlingame announces the appointment of Richard Webster as vice president of company stores. With a journey spanning nearly three decades within the company, Webster’s advancement from a dedicated store manager to district manager, then regional manager, and now vice president is a testament to Crow-Burlingame’s commitment to fostering internal talent and promoting professional growth, the company said. “I am pleased to announce that Richard Webster is stepping into the Vice President of Company Stores role,” said Fletcher Lord III, Crow-Burlingame’s CEO. “Webster’s wealth of experience in automotive industry and store operations will be a tremendous asset to Crow-Burlingame.” In his new capacity, Webster will be at the helm of overseeing all facets of Crow-Burlingame’s company-owned stores, “ensuring operational efficiency, and steering the stores through evolving market challenges, while upholding the company’s core values and customer-centric approach,” the company said. Webster’s promotion comes at a time of strategic realignment with Crow-Burlingame, as Tom Singleton, the vice president of store operations, transitions to vice president of strategic initiatives. Singleton’s wealth of knowledge and guidance will continue to be invaluable, further leading the charge on strategic initiatives for the company, Crow-Burlingame said. “We are extremely fortunate to have Tom Singleton remain with us as he takes on the VP of Strategic Initiatives role,” Lord added. “His depth of experience and insights will be instrumental in driving strategic vision with our company-owned stores.” Singleton expressed excitement about the transition and his allegiance to Crow-Burlingame’s 100-plus years of success. “While my role may change, my dedication to Crow-Burlingame remains in my heart, I look forward to working closely with Richard and the team to drive our stores forward.” Webster echoed Singleton’s statements, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity and excitement for the future. “I am honored to take on this new role and lead our company stores into the next chapter,” Webster said. “With Tom’s guidance and the support of our dedicated team, I am confident that we will continue to care for our customers’ everyday needs.” The post Crow-Burlingame Names Richard Webster VP of Company Stores appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

HELLA has introduced the all-new HELLA BLADE LED 6” Series Auxiliary Lights, now available exclusively to the US and Canadian markets. Designed to meet the toughest demands of the most challenging off-road conditions, the HELLA BLADE Series combines powerful illumination with innovative features for the ultimate driving experience. HELLA BLADE’s innovative LED position light produces an intense 8,500 lumens driven by six powerful, 6000k LED modules ensuring exceptional visibility and off-road performance. The unique design and versatility of the LED position light, equipped with white and amber option modes and razor-sharp contours, elevates the HELLA BLADE Series to a whole, new level above the competition. Key Features and Benefits: High-quality, robust construction: featuring an aluminum housing and robust, fiberglass fastening brackets to ensure durability and reliability after install. Multi-voltage compatibility: 12 V and 24 V makes the HELLA BLADE suitable for a wide range of vehicles. Electromagnetic compatibility (ECE R10 EMC): Ensures seamless integration and operation. Flexible installation options: The 19.6-inch-long cable facilitates easy mounting on various vehicle locations, including bodywork, roof, roof bars, radiator grille, or bumper. HELLA BLADE Stone Shield Caps: designed specifically for use with HELLA BLADE 6” driving lamps, emit a translucent light pattern highlighting the HELLA logo, adding a touch of elegance to your vehicle. Winner of the AAPEX New Product Showcase 2023: Reaffirming HELLA’s status as a legendary innovator in automotive lighting and design. Learn more about the HELLA Blade 6” Series or other products available from HELLA. The post Hella Blade 6˝ Series Illuminates Off-Road Adventures appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In the U.S. we call them wrenches – in England they’re spanners. Yet regardless of their name, the tool that uses a closed socket format, rather than a typical open head to turn a nut or bolt is indispensable to most vehicle repair procedures. A ratchet incorporates a reversible ratcheting mechanism which allows the user to pivot the tool back and forth to turn its socket instead of removing and repositioning a wrench to do so. Although there’s evidence of earlier claims, the invention of the ratchet is credited to J.J. Richardson in 1863. It was one of the most significant tool advancements of all time with the speed and efficiency it added to a mechanics job. Other common methods of driving sockets include pneumatic impact wrenches, hydraulic torque wrenches, torque multipliers and breaker bars. View Downloadable Diagram The post Ratchet Basics appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

MEMA’s Brake Manufacturers Council (BMC) will host its 2024 Summer Meeting at Brake Weekend in Naples, Florida, on May 31, 2024. The event, sponsored by Link Engineering, promises engaging discussions on industry trends, regulatory updates related to brake materials and emissions, and the future of maintaining and repairing braking systems, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers said. Agenda highlights include: Regulatory Updates: Dive into discussions on brake materials and emissions, including the BMC Brake Wear Emissions sub-committee’s CARB discussions and updates on the Euro 7 standards. Innovations in Braking: Explore insights on braking system maintenance and repair for electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Supply Chain Strategies: A session dedicated to understanding and mitigating global supply chain risks. The meeting is open exclusively to MEMA BMC member companies, allowing multiple employees from a member company to participate. It’s a unique opportunity to learn from and network with leaders in the braking industry, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers said. Eligibility to join the BMC is extended to established North American firms of good repute and sound financial condition, as well as members of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and/or MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers. For more information about the meeting, joining the BMC or to apply, visit mema.org/bmc, or contact Susan Pase at [email protected]. The post MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers’ BMC to Host Summer Meeting appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), a 501c3 supporting people in the automotive aftermarket industry and their families during the hardest moments of their lives, announced the first-ever AACF Humanitarian Award, generously sponsored by NEXUS North America. This prestigious award aims to “recognize and honor outstanding individuals, companies, associations or groups within the automotive aftermarket industry who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to improving the lives of others through humanitarian efforts,” according to AACF. The AACF Humanitarian Award seeks to highlight those who embody compassion, selflessness and a profound sense of social responsibility. Nominees should have significantly contributed to positive change within their communities, whether locally, nationally, or globally. Nominations for the AACF Humanitarian Award will open mid-June, providing an opportunity for industry members to nominate deserving candidates who have made an impact. The deadline for nominations is February 1, 2025. “We are thrilled to introduce the AACF Humanitarian Award in partnership with NEXUS North America,” said Jon Owens, national sales manager for Epicor Software and president of the board of AACF. “This award represents a meaningful way to celebrate those in our industry who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others. We encourage everyone to nominate individuals or organizations who exemplify the spirit of humanitarianism.” The selection process for the AACF Humanitarian Award will be rigorous, AACF said, with nominees evaluated based on their demonstrated impact and commitment to humanitarian causes. The award recipient will be announced at a special ceremony during Connect 2025, bringing well-deserved recognition to their exceptional contributions. “On behalf of NEXUS North America and NEXUS Automotive International, I want to share our excitement to have this opportunity to support the AACF organization for this new, outstanding Humanitarian Award. We are honored to play a role in this initiative,” said Robert Roos, president Pronto Network & NEXUS North America. To submit a nomination or learn more about the AACF Humanitarian Award criteria, visit https://www.aftermarketcharity.org/humanitarianhero starting mid-June 2024. The post AACF Announces Inaugural AACF Humanitarian Award appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The inaugural High Performance Expo (HPX), the business and consumer show of the North Carolina Motorsports Association (NCMA), will be held from June 3-5, 2025, at the Charlotte Convention Center, followed by area-wide enthusiast activities. The event will bring together all segments of the racing and performance community for the first time in the heart of the auto racing industry. This first-of-its-kind event is focused on the automotive aftermarket and is meant for professional race teams, manufacturers of new cars and high-performance parts, retail performance shops, industry experts and enthusiasts. HPX 2025 is the gateway to the next level in the world of high-octane racing and automotive performance. “The High Performance Expo will be a car-centric playground showcasing the best of auto racing and the automotive aftermarket like no other,” said Greg Walter, NCMA chairman of the Board, and executive vice president and general manager of the Charlotte Motor Speedway. “There is no better place to hold this annual event than Charlotte, North Carolina, home of auto racing and a community rich in history and passion for modifying and racing the automobile.” “The North Carolina racing industry has long wanted to design an experience like HPX to more easily connect our industry and our passionate fans,” said Scott Lampe, vice chairman of NCMA and CFO of Hendrick Motorsports. “HPX 2025 will celebrate this great industry through the lens of our unique community, bringing a level of authenticity featuring VIPs, drivers, celebrities and experts, which can only be done in one place – Charlotte.” Additional details including speakers, sponsors, seminars, displays and enthusiast activities will be released in the coming months. The post High Performance Expo to Debut in Charlotte appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Advance Auto Parts and Worldpac, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Advance, concluded its 2024 Supplier & Training Expo (STX) with record-breaking participation from repair shop owners, auto technicians, supplier partners and other attendees. Nearly 3,400 registrants attended STX, which was hosted in Nashville, April 24-28, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Attendees participated in three days of automotive training totaling 24 hours of class time, a supplier expo, keynote speakers and networking, before a celebratory event at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Walk of Fame Park in downtown Nashville, featuring a concert by multiple-time award-winning country music group, Little Big Town. Snapshot of STX 2024: 2,390 repair shop owners, service writers, technicians and students attended training courses, including 138 students from Lincoln Tech in Nashville and multiple schools from the Metro Nashville Public School system (attendance sponsored by Worldpac); 392 training classes (from beginner to master-tech level) performed on topics such as EV high-voltage and hybrid systems, ADAS technologies and diagnostics, plus business and financial management for repair shops; 80 business management classes52 hands-on classes with full vehicles or portions of vehicles in class 203 classes focused on emerging technologies Sessions were led by nearly 180 instructors from Worldpac Training Institute, Carquest Technical Institute, global supplier partners and OEs, with instructors hailing from the United States, Canada, England, Germany and Denmark; and More than 160 global supplier partners participated in the expo, including premier-level supporters: Denso, Bosch, AC Delco, AP Exhaust Products, LIQUI MOLY and Motorcraft “It’s an 18-month effort to make STX happen, so first, a big thank you to everyone at Advance, Worldpac and our incredible supplier partners who worked tirelessly to make it happen,” said Bob Cushing, Advance’s executive vice president, professional and president of Worldpac. “This is a critical event for our industry – our seventh STX – as we bring together shop owners and their team members from across North America for quality training. Shop owners who invest in the future of their teams to attend STX are ahead of their peers. We’re all energized after this week thanks to the high energy our customers and suppliers bring to each STX event and we’re already looking forward to STX 2026.” The post Advance Auto Parts, Worldpac Wrap Up STX 2024 appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The HDA Truck Pride community recently united in Grapevine, TX, for its Annual Meeting to celebrate a successful year, marked by substantial member expansion and engagement with the addition of over 130 new locations across North America. It also served as a platform for collaboration and fostering positive change for the rest of the year ahead, according to HDA Truck Pride. The week commenced with a charitable “Toss Up For Love and Hope” Cornhole Tournament to raise funds for Kids Matter International, an organization committed to empowering children in the Grapevine area by providing essential items like clothing, shoes, books, and backpacks, along with educational initiatives, fostering hope for a brighter tomorrow. Tina Hubbard, president & CEO of HDA Truck Pride, set the tone for the meeting with an inspiring anecdote, “The Story of the Baby Elephant and the Rope.” The narrative illustrates how past experiences or perceived limitations can sometimes hinder progress, emphasizing the importance of breaking free from self-imposed constraints to achieve greater success, Hubbard emphasized. “Together, we can ‘Be The Change’ needed to help each other break the ropes that are holding us back. And that is why HDA Truck Pride is committed to transforming the commercial vehicle aftermarket into a community that inspires people and businesses to realize their full potential,” Hubbard said. HDA Truck Pride said it “remains at the forefront, launching new resources and programs that not only bolster the network’s competitiveness and expansion within the market but also enhance accessibility and prominence among national fleets. Additionally, this plays a pivotal role in the recruitment and retention of talent across all facets of the business.” As the week progressed, enthusiasm for the “Be The Change” mantra prompted action and collaboration between members and suppliers throughout engagement sessions that “delved into critical issues vital to our industry fostering valuable exchange on challenges such as supply chain disruptions, regulatory shifts, the evolving dynamics of talent acquisition and retention, the expansion of online sales channels and effective strategies for digital commerce,” HDA Truck Pride said. “With the generous backing of HDA Truck Pride supplier partners, notably platinum supporters – Grote, Bendix, and DriV – alongside the unwavering commitment of the entire HDA Truck Pride member network and industry attendees,” HDA Truck Pride said they rallied together for several philanthropic opportunities over the course of the week. As a result, the HDA Truck Pride community raised $35,000 in support of Kids Matter International, protecting future generations to come. “2023 was a pivotal year for our community, full of new engagement opportunities and growth,” said Hubbard, “As we gaze ahead at the evolving landscape of the trucking industry and its challenges, the HDA Truck Pride network stands poised, ready to ‘Be The Change.’ What barriers will we break next?!” The post HDA Truck Pride Recaps 2024 Annual Meeting appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Schaeffler was recently recognized as a top global supplier of 2023 by General Motors during the automaker’s annual Supplier of the Year event in Miami, Florida. This is the fourth time Schaeffler has been honored with this award. Emphasizing shared values between GM and global suppliers, the rigorous selection process distinguishes those who align closely with GM’s principles. These values, rooted in performance, innovation, cultural alignment, and commitment to GM’s ambitious goals, serve as the foundation of the selection criteria. “Receiving this prestigious award from General Motors is a testament to our relentless dedication to delivering outstanding quality and performance,” said Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG. “We are honored to be recognized as a top global supplier and look forward to further advancing our partnership with GM in the pursuit of automotive excellence.” Photo from left: Pratik Shah, Schaeffler Key Account Manager; Klaus Rosenfeld, Schaeffler CEO; Peter Layer, GM Purchasing, Executive Director of Chassis Propulsion Structures; Jon Jameson, Schaeffler Sr. Vice President Global Key Account Manager; Allen Pervo, Schaeffler Key Account Manager Jon Jameson, Senior Vice President and GM Global Key Account Manager, Schaeffler added “At Schaeffler, we are immensely proud of our continued partnership with General Motors. This recognition underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence, driving us to exceed expectations in every aspect of our collaboration.” The selection process is guided by the GPSC Priority Wheel, which prioritizes the customer in every aspect of supply chain decision-making. The framework’s core values of safety, inclusion and relationships serve as the foundation for other priorities such as sustainability, innovation, execution, resilience, and profitability. “We’re honored to partner with these top suppliers who have made notable contributions to our transformation. Together, we’re pushing boundaries, pioneering new technologies and redefining what’s possible,” said Jeff Morrison, vice president, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, General Motors. “Their innovation and support are critical to helping us deliver the world-class vehicles our customers have to come expect.” The post Schaeffler Recognized as General Motors 2023 Top Global Supplier appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In business, as in life, mistakes WILL happen. How you respond will make the difference in whether your customer will remain loyal and continue to do business with your store. Customer relations are easy as long as things go well – when they don’t, you and your team have the opportunity to shine or look like the proverbial pile of…well, you know. Let me underscore this with a recent experience I had at a global coffee chain. I love heading out to the coffee house with my wife, Marlene, to grab a cold brew or blended beverage. While we are hanging out there, we’ll plan trips, discuss an upcoming event – this has been our “date night” routine for many years. You see, this chain had pioneered the “third place” experience, where customers and non-customers alike are welcomed to their stores. People could experience some great tunes, meet with friends or business associates, work on homework, read a book, and sip on a tasty beverage. In the post-Covid world though, I worry that the customer experience has suffered. We recently endured a visit to our nearby location that gave me pause. From that experience I began to consider our clients’ and your store’s interactions with your customers and the fragile nature of the relationship. I began to recognize the creep of “Customer Experience Decline” (let’s call it CED) that can occur if you take your eyes off the ball, like this coffee chain has. Back to the coffee house: we ordered two blended beverages and a water, three drinks total. Marlene’s drink and the water came up first, then several minutes went by. After waiting patiently, I decided to head back to the counter, where the staff found creative ways to ignore my presence with world-class ease. Drinks zipped through the blender and were handed off to the drive-through attendant. I wondered when I would see mine. Perhaps the drink label they affixed to the cup didn’t print, so I bided my time and waited. Finally, my drink was delivered to the counter, where its maker hollered my name. Keep in mind, I was standing right in front of her. Before she scampered away, I asked, “Could you help me to understand the reason my drink took five minutes longer than my wife’s?” The look on her face was priceless, as though I had asked a question worthy of a Mensa exam! Pausing a moment, she responded, “We are shorthanded,” an answer you hear far too often today. Still, I thought, why did I see eight other drinks processed before mine was delivered? I pursued the first question again, with the same answer, this time delivered without a smile. Again, trying to understand, I asked the question a different way. Her next response absolutely floored me: she glared at me as though I’d fallen off a turnip truck, raised her hands to the side of her head, palms up and then just shrugged. Essentially, she communicated nonverbally, “I really don’t care! Here’s your drink, now go away!!” For a coffee chain that had built its reputation of being a welcoming location, outstanding interactions with their guests and building a sense of community had fallen to a simple act of indifference to a loyal customer’s request. Handling Customer Challenges How are challenges handled at your store? Does your staff have the same passion to care for your clients that you do? Have you kept an eye on things, one of the many things a parts professional is responsible for on a daily basis? Are you aware that, according to a study commissioned by the White House Office of Consumer Affairs, 75% of customers leave a business due to apathy, also known as indifference? The good news of that staggering figure is that if we can control our behavior and our team, we can eliminate 75% of the reason a customer would stop buying from us! All we need to do is to provide exceptional customer service and experience! Let’s look at five simple ways you, your counter pros and anyone who interacts with a customer can meet and exceed your customers’ expectations. Listen You’d be surprised how often we miss the mark. The counter is busy, the phone is ringing, parts drivers need your signature, the computer is slow and the customer is standing in front of you. With all the distractions, how do you make sure things don’t fall through the cracks with the customer? Stay engaged, keep your eyes on them, focus and ask questions. Write or type the information down and, most importantly, review the requests with them before the leave the store. Don’t rush! I am sure you and they alike would rather wait an extra minute or two so you can make sure all their requests are noted and handled, rather than them showing up to pick the car up and learning that your team missed the oil change or state inspection they needed! Be Present Being present is pretty simple – tune into the customer, whether you’re in-person or on the phone. It’s really off-putting when a person (often the advisor) disengages from a conversation to answer a question coming from the background, or worse, laughs at something that might be out earshot of your customer. Ask Questions This one is even easier. By listening (highlighted in the first bullet point), your team will be armed with the information needed to ask the right follow-up questions. Your customer, your techs and you, as the owner, are all relying on the advisor who is at the tip of the spear to get it right. When we listen, ask the right questions and write the answers down, everyone in the process can participate in ensuring the job is done completely and accurately every time. Don’t Make Excuses! Mistakes will happen. If it really is your fault, don’t try to hide behind an excuse or try to give a complicated reason for the issue. Just say, “We made a mistake and we’ll make it right.” Remember to choose your words wisely though, so as not to give away the farm. In most cases, the customer understands that everyone is human, and won’t put the screws to you. Say I’m Sorry Remember my coffee shop story? I was literally blown off and figuratively given the middle finger. The likelihood that I’ll grace that store’s doors again is slim at best. To be honest, a simple apology for the wait would have sufficed and disarmed my frustration, along with letting me know how valuable my business is. A well placed “I’m sorry” goes a long way. Conclusion You have many roles as a counter professional, but it all starts with setting the tone as a leader, training your team on what you expect. Occasionally inspecting their work and consistent review of your store’s culture will go a long way toward ensuring your customers KNOW that YOU care about them, their cars and the experience they receive each time they head to your shop. Don’t let something as controllable as indifference alienate loyal clientele. The post Do You Suffer From CED? Good News – It’s Curable appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

B’laster Holdings announced the B’laster brand will be expanding into the refrigerants category with a lineup of products created to service and maintain both R-134a and R-1234yf automotive A/C systems. The B’laster A/C line is now available in retailers across the U.S., the company said. Features and benefits of the B’laster Refrigerants, according to B’laster Holdings, include: Smart Clips allow users to charge by temperature and provide an easier, more accurate way to determine when an AC recharge is complete. Charging an automotive AC system using temperature helps the user avoid overcharging the system. The Safe-Seal formulation permanently repairs micro leaks in both metal and rubber components found in an AC system. The stop leak technology is not reactive with oxygen or humidity because it is not a polymer-based stop leak so it won’t clog your AC system and is safe for use with RRR service machines. Safe-Seal circulates along with the refrigerant in the vehicle’s AC system, sealing micro leaks proactively before they become larger leaks over time. B’laster works with real mechanics to design its product offerings, so users get the perfect pairing of a professional-grade product with DIY package technology. “B’laster has created some of the best automotive care products in the market since 1957,” said Marketing & Product Manager, Morgan Pollen. “With decades of experience to build on, we’re excited about the new technology we’ve developed and incorporated into the B’laster A/C product line. We pride ourselves on being innovative and offering products that both professionals and DIYers can use.” The post B’laster Holdings Launches B’laster Refrigerants Line appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Genuine Parts Company (GPC), global distributor of automotive and industrial replacement parts, announced it acquired Motor Parts & Equipment Corporation (MPEC), effective April 30, 2024, for its U.S. Automotive business. MPEC, founded in 1938 and based in Rockford, Illinois, is the largest independent owner of NAPA Auto Parts stores in the U.S., operating 181 locations across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, according to GPC. “We are pleased to announce the completion of this strategic acquisition, which aligns with our initiative to own more NAPA stores in priority markets,” said Will Stengel, president & CEO-elect of GPC. “We appreciate our long-standing partnership with MPEC’s Executive Chairman, Joseph Hansberry, and welcome our new MPEC teammates to GPC and NAPA. We are excited to work together to deliver solutions and value to our customers.” The post GPC Acquires Largest US NAPA Independent Store Owner appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Schaeffler Group USA has expanded its parts offerings for vehicles in the United States and Canada, adding over 70 new parts to the INA, LuK and Schaeffler Bearings portfolios in the first quarter of 2024. These additions expand application coverage to an additional 30 million vehicles in operation, the company said. New LuK products include 9 different Clutch Kits, including traditional LuK RepSets and RepSet DMFs. The newly released Clutch Kits provide coverage to many common vehicle applications, including various Toyota, BMW and Volkswagen models, accounting for 4.3 million vehicles in operation, the company said. Specifically, LuK 16-126, for Toyota Tacoma 2016-2021 applications, provides coverage for over 1.3 million vehicles in operation, the company said. The Schaeffler Bearings product portfolio has expanded its offering to include 36 new part numbers, including Hub Assembly and Hub Assembly Kits, providing coverage for over 30 million vehicles in operation. With this expansion, Schaeffler said it provides a broader selection of single bearing components, as well as WheelSets for a more comprehensive repair solution. The Schaeffler Bearings product expansion includes various EV applications for Tesla and Polestar, showing Schaeffler’s “unwavering commitment to innovation and enhanced engineering capabilities,” the company said. WH13371, for Polestar, Polestar 2 2021-2023, and various Volvo applications, provides coverage for over 400K+ vehicles in operation, according to Schaeffler. The product line expansions of Schaeffler’s three brands in 2024 builds upon those released in 2023. The new products support many types of vehicles, including internal combustion, hybrid and fully electric vehicles under the LuK, INA and Schaeffler Bearings & Seals brands. For information, visit Schaeffler Group USA. The post Schaeffler Group USA Expands Product Portfolio appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

he Automotive Communications Council announced speakers for its upcoming conference, May 21-23, in Cleveland, OH. While the complete agenda will be released soon, ACC provided this sneak peek at some of the thought leaders who will share their knowledge on the latest trends, strategies and innovations in automotive communications. While the complete agenda will be released soon, ACC provided this sneak peek at some of the thought leaders who will share their knowledge on the latest trends, strategies and innovations in automotive communications. · Matt Buckholtz, CEO, MotoRad · Peter Bulmer, Founder and CEO, Turnkey Media · Kathleen Long, Chief Revenue Officer, RepairPal · Jacki Lutz, Content Director, Auto Care Association · Steffanie Martin, Executive VP, MBE Group · Lauren McCulough, Founder & CEO Tromml · Chris Messer, VP/Group Publisher, Endeavor Business Media · Stacy Miller, VP, Communication, Auto Care Association · Catherine Wasner, Founder & Lead Consultant, The Next Page Themed “Backstage Pass,” this event “promises to take you behind the scenes of the automotive aftermarket industry, showcasing the latest innovations, strategies, and insights from leading experts in the field,” ACC said. The post ACC Provides Sneak Peek into Conference Speakers appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

TechShop’s Tool Time Podcast Series highlights tool and equipment trends, combined with an educational focus on technology that brings solutions to shop owners and techs as they address the growing complexity of vehicle repair. In this episode, Nadine Battah and Eric Garbe sit down with CTA Tools’ Alex Borghard and Alberto Roldan to discuss the specialty tools their company offers. It’s important to stay current, or even ahead of demand in the industry, and Alex Borghard tells the hosts about the challenges of doing so. “As anyone who works in the automotive industry knows, it’s constantly changing,” explains Borghard, VP of marketing and business development for CTA Tools. “Whatever products we might sell today, there is a very strong chance that in 10-15 years from know, those products will no longer be in demand because the vehicles may no longer be on the road. That gives us the challenge to really stay on top of things and know what is in demand today and might be down the road. Click for more Tool Time Podcasts The post Tool Time Podcast: CTA Tools appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article