Counterman

MAHLE Aftermarket Inc. is continuing its call for entries for the company’s inaugural “MAHLE: The Choice of Champions” technician promotion. Eligible participants have until Aug. 31 to compete in this exclusive sweepstakes for the chance to win a custom-built Vaughn Gittin RTR Spec 5 Mustang or a Casey Currie custom Jeep. The lucky winner will leave with the keys to one of these grand-prize builds during a special onsite awards ceremony AAPEX in Las Vegas on Nov. 1-3. “Considering the events of recent years, we are looking forward to the excitement of ‘The Choice of Champions’ promotion in 2022,” said Jon Douglas, president, MAHLE Aftermarket North America. “Our customers depend on MAHLE to provide a full range of solutions for their automotive repair needs, including gaskets, filters, pistons and rings. In appreciation of the challenges they have faced recently, this promotion is a great opportunity for them to participate for a chance to win one of the incredible custom-built vehicles. The year is already started off on a high note and we look forward to seeing everyone at AAPEX 2022.” To be eligible for entry, candidates must be employed by or own a business whose primary function is automotive repair. The program is open to residents of the 48 contiguous United States and the District of Columbia. Registrants will be qualified to receive one entry into the grand-prize sweepstakes each time they purchase $100 worth of MAHLE-, Clevite- and Behr-branded products throughout the duration of the program. Four finalists will be randomly selected from all entries to receive a trip for two to AAPEX 2022 in Las Vegas, Nov. 1-3. All the Team MAHLE legends, including “The King,” Richard Petty, will be on hand when the grand-prize winner is determined, and she or he will have the opportunity to select between the customized Vaughn Gittin RTR Mustang or Casey Currie Jeep. In addition to the four finalist trips to Las Vegas and the grand prize, thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise from Team RTR, Casey Currie Motorsports, Petty’s Garage and MAHLE will be awarded throughout the program in the form of “swag bags” via random selection each month. “The ‘MAHLE: The Choice of Champions’ promotion is one way of showing our gratitude to the automotive technicians who are essential to our industry,” said Ted Hughes, director of marketing, MAHLE Aftermarket North America. “We are also privileged to have worked closely with #TEAMMAHLE members Vaughn Gittin Jr., Casey Currie and Petty’s Garage to build two custom vehicles designed exclusively with the ‘real champions,’ in mind: our loyal customers.” Complete information about the “MAHLE: The Choice of Champions” promotion, including entry instructions and official rules, terms and conditions, can be found online at www.mahlechampions.com. The post ‘MAHLE: The Choice of Champions’ Technician Promotion Underway appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

PRT Heavy Duty will be presenting a complete line of shock absorbers for heavy-duty applications in Booth 1641 at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) ‘22. HDAW ’22 takes place Jan. 24-27 in Grapevine, Texas. The PRT brand will be presenting leading coverage of 100% gas-charged shocks that cover more than 4,600 OE references for trucks, trailers, buses, commercial vehicles, motorhomes, pickups and cargo vans. One of the highlights is a dampening solution that fits a wide range of cement mixers. “We are more than happy to present this huge portfolio of HD applications at HDAW 2022,” said Bruno Bello, director of global category and marketing at PRT. “PRT Heavy Duty is synonymous with performance, technology and leading coverage.” PRT Heavy Duty is a brand of ADD USA group, one of the largest manufacturers of shock absorbers in the world. For more information, call 770-238-1611 or visit www.prtautoparts.com. The post PRT Heavy Duty Will Be Exhibiting At HDAW ‘22 appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In January, Momentum USA released new part numbers for its AmeriBRAKES line of brake pads. The part introductions add coverage for late-model vehicles such as the Ford Transit 150, 250 and 350 (2020-2021); Volkswagen Jetta (2019-2021); Audi A3 Quattro (2020); and Mercedes-Benz C300 (2015-2021). “AmeriBRAKES brake pads are 100% manufactured and distributed in North America, allowing Momentum to be a consistent manufacturing and supply source regardless of global conditions,” the company said. “Each pad is expertly designed, formulated and engineered to deliver the best braking for all makes and models.” AmeriBRAKES brake pads are designed using 100% copper-free formulations that meet and exceed 2025 regulations, according to the company. For more information, visit ameribrakes.com or call 866-272-8330. The post Momentum Releases New Part Numbers For AmeriBRAKES Line appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Advance Auto Parts has teamed with Shell to provide savings on gas to motorists through Advance’s new Speed Perks Gas Rewards loyalty program. For every $50 spent at Advance store locations or online at AdvanceAutoParts.com, Speed Perks members will receive 5 cents off per gallon on any single gas purchase at participating Shell stations. The more Speed Perks members spend at Advance, the more they save on gas. For example, members who spend $250 at Advance are now rewarded with savings of 25 cents per gallon on any single trip to the pump. Motorists can sign up for Speed Perks on Advance’s website or mobile app. Existing Speed Perks members are automatically enrolled in the program. “Saving at the pump is always top of mind for motorists,” said Jason McDonell, Advance’s executive vice president of merchandising, marketing and eCommerce. “In fact, we found that fuel savings was an often-requested benefit from our Speed Perks members. By teaming up with Shell on Speed Perks Gas Rewards, we’re helping motorists advance at the pump and on the road in 2022 and beyond.” Speed Perks members can check their points balance, member status and gas rewards balance online at AdvanceAutoParts.com or Advance’s mobile app. Combining Speed Perks Gas Rewards and the Fuel Rewards program can help Fuel Rewards Gold-status members save an additional 5 cents per gallon and Silver-status members save 3 cents per gallon on each fill-up, according to Advance. When Speed Perks members first link their account to a new or existing Fuel Rewards account, they will be rewarded with 25 cents off per gallon on their next fill-up at Shell in addition to any rewards accumulated through purchases at Advance. “For 10 years, Shell and the Fuel Rewards program have helped consumers save money at the pump through member discounts, convenience store rewards, affiliate offers and much more,” said Greg Lemen, Shell’s director of loyalty partnerships. “With Advance’s concentration of retail stores near Shell stations, we believe this is an offering that benefits all motorists. We are thrilled to be part of Advance’s enhanced Speed Perks loyalty program, which combines savings on quality automotive aftermarket parts and Shell’s patented formula of high-quality fuels.” The launch of Speed Perks Gas Rewards will be supported by paid media, including a commercial starring NASCAR Cup Series drivers and Team Penske teammates Ryan Blaney, who is sponsored by Advance, and Joey Logano, sponsored by Shell. Speed Perks points are redeemable at Advance stores and participating Carquest locations nationwide. Gas Rewards can be applied on fill-ups of up to 20 gallons. The post Advance Unveils Speed Perks Gas Rewards With Shell appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

General Motors is launching a new online parts marketplace, making its catalog of 45,000 repair and maintenance parts more convenient for Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac owners, the company announced. The newly available parts catalog includes oil filters, engine and cabin air filters, batteries, brake pads, accessory belts, cooling hoses and windshield-wiper blades, among other parts. “Building on General Motors’ investment in digital commerce, GM’s online parts store combines the most convenient aspects of online shopping and physical retail into one experience,” the automaker said in a news release. Customers can choose home delivery or pick up their order at one of more than 800 participating dealers, where staff is available to answer questions. Parts purchased through GM’s online store are eligible for Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC rewards programs, earning customers points that can be used to pay for parts, accessories or certified service at participating dealers. “Making our parts available online marks another step in transforming the ACDelco and GM Genuine Parts brands,” said GM Customer Care and Aftersales Global Vice President John Roth. “Our premium parts are engineered with exceptional quality to provide assurance to our customers. The launch of this trusted online sales channel extends that peace of mind to the parts-buying experience.” GM forecasts that online sales of parts and accessories will make up a $40 billion total addressable market by 2030, and it anticipates significant revenue growth from its expanded e-commerce effort. GM launched online accessory sales in 2015 and sells all of its 5,000 accessory products online. GM plans to offer parts, accessories, digital products delivered over-the-air and subscriptions through a single digital storefront. For example, customers may use the store to purchase upgrades such as improved capabilities for the Super Cruise advanced driver-assistance system and personalization themes for in-vehicle screens. “We are placing software and digital services at the center of every part of our business,” GM Chief Digital Officer Edward Kummer said. “The future of GM retail lies at the intersection of digital and physical e-commerce. Whether it’s selling parts or vehicles, GM will meet our customers where it’s most convenient for them.” The parts-and-accessories online store is built on one of three platforms that form the foundation of GM’s digital-commerce transformation. In the future, in partnership with dealers, GM’s digital retail platform will allow customers to shop, purchase and finance electric vehicles entirely online, with the option to transition to an in-store experience at any point in the process, the company noted. GM also is extending its subscription-services platform to support new recurring revenue opportunities with forecasts to grow that business. These initiatives ladder up to the $20 billion to $25 billion in annual software and services revenue opportunities that GM announced at its Investor Day in October 2021. The post General Motors Launches Online Parts Marketplace appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In a recent Deloitte survey, 69% of Americans indicated that the internal-combustion engine (ICE) is their preferred powertrain for their next vehicle purchase. As part of its 2022 Global Automotive Consumer Study, Deloitte surveyed more than 26,000 consumers in 25 countries to explore opinions regarding a variety of critical issues impacting the automotive sector, including the development of advanced technologies. Deloitte conducted the survey from September through October 2021. The United States led the way in terms of consumer interest for ICE vehicles. In Southeast Asia, 66% of consumers said they prefer ICE powertrains over EVs for their next vehicle purchase, while 58% of survey respondents in China and India shared the same sentiment. The survey found that consumer interest in battery electric vehicles is highest in South Korea (where 23% of respondents said they intend to buy one), China and Germany, while Japanese consumers prefer hybrid electric vehicles. In the 2022 study, four key trends continued to emerge, according to Deloitte: Willingness to pay for advanced technologies remains limited.Interest in electric vehicles is driven by lower running costs and better experience.In-person purchase experiences are still preferred by many.Personal vehicles continue to be the preferred mode of transportation. To download the full report, visit the Deloitte website. The post Deloitte Survey: 7 In 10 Americans Prefer ICE Vehicles appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Visitors to the Akebono booth at AAPEX 2021 in Las Vegas got the opportunity to test their knowledge of Akebono products by answering a series of trivia questions. The contest was designed to bring awareness to the company’s more than 40 year years of OEM, OES and aftermarket expertise in North America, and even challenge its closest followers. “A special thanks for all that visited our AAPEX 2021 booth and participated in our contest,” said Edward Gerhardt, marketing and data service manager, Akebono Brake Corp. “It was great to be back in-person and congratulations to all of the winners with prizes awarded totaling $2,000. Some of the questions were obviously true, but we were being a bit tricky, because even the more obscure questions were also true. “The contest was a great way for us to engage with the AAPEX attendees, and give everyone an opportunity to learn something about our past, present and future.” The true/false trivia questions (ALL TRUE) are listed below: Akebono Aftermarket sells ceramic disc brakes under three brand names: ProACT, EURO and Akebono Performance.Akebono Performance and EURO ceramic brake pads meet 2021 low-copper regulations today and have met the criteria for this specification for more than 15 years.Akebono has been an original-equipment manufacturer of brake pads in North America for over three decades and in total found as original equipment on more than 400 models in the United States.Akebono was the first company to manufacture copper-free ceramic brake pads on a production vehicle in North America.The 760-horsepower 2021 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 comes equipped with Akebono friction front and rear. Grand Prize Prize: $500 reward card, Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 diecast and Akebono prize pack. Winner: Anonymity requested (But if you see a repair shop in Georgia with lots of Akebono swag and big grins, they might be the one!) First Place Prize: Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 diecast and Akebono prize pack Winners: Michele L. – Kearney, NebraskaPaul T. – Auburn, Washington Runner-up Prize: Prize pack with a slew of Akebono-branded swag Winners: Chris B. – St. LouisDavid W. – Hilliard, OhioDee S. – Monrovia, CaliforniaJeff H. – Oxnard, CaliforniaLou A. – ChicagoMerle G. – Las VegasMichael C. – Vista, CaliforniaMitch K. – NashvilleMo S. – Lake Bluff, IllinoisNick T. – Kent, WashingtonTyler E. – Tigard, OregonWilliam G. – Simi Valley, California Sign up for the Akebono newsletter or follow the company on Facebook, to keep track of what’s in store for 2022. The post Akebono Announces Winners Of AAPEX Trivia Contest appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

FCS Automotive recently announced the release of 82 new numbers, including 51 complete strut assemblies, 11 shock absorbers and 20 bare strut assemblies. All of these units are in stock and ready to ship. “FCS remains committed to be first-to-market with new numbers, while providing the most comprehensive market coverage in North America – well-beyond our nearest competitor,” FCS said in a news release. “Many of these numbers are not available from the competition.” The new numbers account for more than 31 million vehicles on the road in the United States and Canada. Popular applications covered include the Acura RDX, BMW X5 Series, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester, Toyota Camry, Volvo XC90 and more. As a global supplier in more than 40 countries, FCS products are always produced to meet strict OE quality processes backed by extensive in-house testing and IATF16949 and ISO14001 certifications, according to the company. For more information about FCS products, call 866-708-4554 or visit www.fcsautoparts.com. The post FCS Introduces 82 New Part Numbers appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Whenever a shopper finds a product they need on DormanProducts.com, they now instantly can see which nearby stores have that part in stock, using a new real-time inventory tool announced by Dorman Products. To use the new functionality, visitors to DormanProducts.com can search for a product using either vehicle year, make and model; keywords; VIN; OE number; or visual-hardware drilldown. When they find what they need, they can scroll down on that product description’s page to the updated “Where to Buy” section. There they can view on a map what stores near them have that part available, as well as get directions and click to call. “We are always looking for ways to make it easier for repair shops and DIYers to finish a job. With this new capability, it’s now incredibly easy to find our full range of products,” said Steve Gisondi, Dorman’s vice president of marketing. “You can quickly search our tens of thousands of parts and components on a computer or smartphone, and find where they’re available near you, without the hassle of having to call around to multiple locations.” This industry-first capability is made possible through a strategic relationship between Dorman and Epicor, a global leader of industry-specific enterprise software. By leveraging Epicor channel connectivity among leading parts-distribution businesses across North America, the Dorman website now connects directly with store-inventory systems at a variety of retailers and distributors to let users know if parts are in stock at specific locations, according to the company. “Dorman is one of the automotive aftermarket’s most innovative suppliers, so it’s no surprise they are on the leading edge of solutions that bring increased access and convenience to the industry’s end-users,” said Tim Hardin, senior vice president and general manager of Automotive at Epicor. “We are very proud to have played a role in enabling this important new solution for Dorman and the many parts distribution businesses that offer Dorman’s products.” Dorman parts and components are stocked by hundreds of retailers and distributors throughout North America. Real-time inventory is available now on DormanProducts.com for most of Dorman’s largest retail partners, and new partners and locations are continuously being added. For more information, visit the “Where to Buy” page on DormanProducts.com. The post Dorman Website Now Features Real-Time Store Inventory appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Auto-Wares Group of Companies has named its 2021 Supplier of the Year award winners, recognizing six companies for outstanding performance and collaboration through the past year. The awards were presented at the Auto-Wares Group of Companies year-end sales meeting. More than 300 people attended the virtual meeting. BBB Industries received top honors, being named overall 2021 Auto-Wares Supplier of the Year. The BBB team delivered outstanding performance in all categories, including sales, field support, marketing, fill rate and technology, despite all the challenges 2021 brought us. “It’s a real honor to accept this award on behalf of the entire BBB team,” said Kim Nolan, BBB’s SVP of sales – traditional. “It was a year that presented some unique challenges for everyone, and we couldn’t be more pleased to receive this coveted award for the outstanding efforts of our entire team. A special thank-you to the entire Auto-Wares organization for supporting BBB and embracing our products and programs in all the product categories we supply. You push us to be better and for that we are grateful.” Other Auto-Wares supplier award winners included: Rising Star Supplier of the Year – SunsongData & Technology Supplier of the Year – DormanSales & Marketing Supplier of the Year – DRiVRep of the Year – Cindy Ford, SMP; Corbin Coons, DRiV; Patrick Mulrooney, NA Williams Auto-Wares leadership and stores and sales teams voted on the awards. “Auto-Wares could not be more proud in awarding the Supplier of the Year award to BBB industries for their continued hard work and dedication to the aftermarket and Auto-Wares, and congratulations to all of this year’s award-winning suppliers.” Tim Stone, director of product at Auto-Wares. The post Auto-Wares Announces 2021 Suppliers Of The Year appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Fisher Auto Parts has acquired Allied Auto Parts, with 13 locations in Massachusetts and two locations in Rhode Island. “The primary rationale for selecting Fisher Auto Parts was the cultural fit of our two organizations. We operate in similar styles and share compatible philosophies,” said David Reid, SVP and COO of Fisher, and Michael Borr, president of Allied. “Colleagues who have been acquired by Fisher have spoken very highly of them, especially about their commitment to their employees. Fisher will help us compete with the larger players who continue to force out smaller players through economies of scale, purchasing power, vendor influence, technology and a skilled, specialized workforce.” Borr will stay on following the acquisition to continue to help grow the business. Since 1955, Allied Auto Parts has supplied the highest-quality auto parts and paint products, along with professional service and competitive pricing, to automotive professionals and do-it-yourselfers. The company started out with stores in Dorchester and Norwood, Massachusetts, and has grown to 16 locations. With a motto of “Everything Automotive,” Allied Auto Parts and its parent company, Norwood Motor Parts, celebrated their 65th anniversary in 2020. The post Fisher Auto Parts Acquires Allied Auto Parts appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Continental has introduced a new line of powersport fan assemblies for direct replacement on popular ATVs and UTVs. The new fan-assembly range includes four models offering specific applications on the Polaris RZR and Sportsman Scrambler and Can-Am Outlander Renegade and Maverick. Although cooling-fan assemblies are a critical part of the engine cooling system, they typically have very little protection on ATVs and UTVs. Exposure to harsh terrains and extreme climates, as well as debris and foreign objects, make ATV cooling fans a high-risk failure part. Continental ATV cooling fans are engineered and built for dependable performance in rugged off-road conditions and a wide range of weather elements, according to the company. “Off-road recreational vehicles is one of the fastest-growing segments in the motorsports industry, which is still considered to be in its infancy,” said Christina Bergstrom, senior product manager. “Due to the high incidence of replacement, we expect a very strong market demand for our new line of Continental powersports cooling-fan assemblies.” For more information, visit continentalaftermarket.com or contact [email protected]. The post Continental Introduces Powersport Fan Assemblies appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Now there’s a way to ensure more reliable power from EcoBoost-powered 2.3-liter engines with the introduction of MAHLE Motorsport’s 4032 alloy Ford EcoBoost 2.3L PowerPak Plus Piston kit. Designed for heavy-duty applications in which the OE cast piston has been known to fail, MAHLE Motorsport has introduced a 4032 alloy option that not only adds much-needed strength, but also allows for a tighter piston to wall clearance for quieter cold startup, according to the company. MAHLE Motorsport’s 2.3L PowerPak kit is loaded with value-added features for reliable power production for any 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, according to MAHLE. To help correct problems associated with the OE cast piston, MAHLE Motorsport manufactured this kit with a thick slipper-skirt-style forging and an enhanced OE crown design with increased radius for improved strength. Other special features include a heavy-duty 0.200-inch wall thickness; H13 tool steel wrist pins; and a hard anodized top ring groove that is ideal for extreme-duty applications. The pistons are engineered with thick 0.235-inch top and 0.200-inch second ring lands. The pistons are designed for OE 149.3-millimeter-length connecting rods and OE 22.5-millimeter wrist pins and an OE 32.8-millimeter compression height. Valve pockets and depth accommodates both the 2-liter and 2.3-liter OE EcoBoost heads with a 9.5:1 compression ratio. The new PowerPak Plus kit is available in 87.51-millimeter (No. 197937145) and 88-millimeter (No. 197937165) bore sizes and includes a nitrided steel 1.2-millimeter top, 1.2-millimeter second, 2.8-millimeter oil-ring set. The pistons are coated with MAHLE’s unique GRAFAL anti-friction skirt coating and phosphate to prevent microwelding and pin galling. For more information, visit www.mahlemotorsports.com, or call MAHLE Motorsport toll-free at 888-255-1942. The post MAHLE Introduces Ford EcoBoost 2.3L PowerPak Plus Piston Kit appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Meet “the Marble family.” Mrs. Marble drives a two-year-old BMW, which she takes to the dealership for all maintenance and repairs. Since the pandemic hit, she’s been working from home entirely, saving her vehicle from the wear and tear of a 30-mile daily commute. Traditionally, Mrs. Marble hasn’t supported the independent automotive aftermarket at all. But, she picked up a new hobby during the pandemic: car detailing. And her husband, who drives a 10-year-old Ford F-150, has decided not to purchase a new truck due to inventory shortages and skyrocketing prices on the showroom floor. Instead, Mr. Marble has been tackling delayed maintenance needs such as new brakes and a coolant flush. On top of that, the Marble family bought a new camper, which they’ve taken on 20 road trips since the pandemic started. Then there’s “Hailey.” Although she’s been working from home and driving less during the pandemic, the extra time at home inspired her to restore her 1966 Mustang that’s been sitting in the garage. Meanwhile, “Charles,” who lives in New York City (and previously didn’t own a vehicle), bought a car during the pandemic, because he can’t stand the prospect of using mass transit due to fears of being exposed to COVID. Nathan Shipley, executive director, industry analyst, for The NPD Group, used these fictional but “very real” examples to show how the pandemic has spurred major changes in consumer behavior – many of which have benefited the automotive aftermarket in a big way. During a presentation at AAPEX 2021 in Las Vegas, Shipley shared NPD Group data showing that the automotive aftermarket gained nearly 4 million new retail buyers in 2020. “That’s a big number,” Shipley said. “Those are folks who had not bought anything on the DIY side of the aftermarket prior to 2020, and all of a sudden magically appeared and were engaged with us as an industry.” Looking back, the whys behind the boom in DIY sales have become crystal clear: more time at home; a windfall of discretionary cash from stimulus checks, child-tax credits and (for some) extended unemployment benefits; an aversion to airplanes and public transportation; and cabin fever, which drove sales of RVs and boats to record levels. As Shipley discussed The NPD Group’s 2022 outlook for front-room retail sales in the automotive aftermarket, he noted a number of “mixed signals” on the horizon. On the positive side, the job market remains strong in the aftermath of the 2020 recession; COVID-inspired activities such as camping, boating and road trips are showing no signs of slowing down; and the new- and used-car marketplace is pushing consumers to keep their older vehicles on the road longer than planned. “There are more cars on the road now than ever,” Shipley added. “Scrappage rates are down. VIO is up. The average [vehicle] age is trending older because of what’s happening with new cars. Those are all nice tailwinds for the aftermarket.” However, there are a number of pandemic-era tailwinds that could become headwinds for the aftermarket in 2022 – notably the absence of stimulus payments and the expiration of the eviction moratorium, expanded unemployment benefits and student-loan forbearance. Shipley believes that many consumers likely will be surprised by a smaller-than-usual tax refund, because “they just don’t understand the mechanics” of the child-tax-credit payments that showed up in consumers’ bank accounts in 2021. And, while Shipley said he expects miles driven to return to 2019 levels this year, rising gasoline prices remain the ultimate wild card. At press time (Jan. 7), the average price of gasoline was $3.303 per gallon nationwide, according to AAA. “We can go back years … and there’s a direct correlation between gasoline prices and miles driven, notably when we get to gasoline-price thresholds of $3.50 a gallon, $4 a gallon,” Shipley added. “That’s when we start to really see – at least historically – major behavior changes as it relates to driving. So this has crept back into the conversation.” NPD’s data modeling for 2022 calls for U.S. aftermarket retail sales to pull back 5.7% from 2021 – a year in which sales were up nearly 8% compared to 2020. However, the 2022 forecast anticipates that aftermarket retail sales will be 8.5% higher this year than they were in 2019. “This is a bullish forecast,” Shipley said. “This is suggesting that 2021 was the peak, and things are going to keep trucking right along,” assuming there are no new sales-triggering events such as additional stimulus packages. He added: “I think the big takeaway is that the fundamentals of this industry are very, very strong. We should feel very, very good about where we’re at as an industry. But, overall, we expect things to settle in just below where they were in 2021.” The post NPD Group Bullish On Retail Aftermarket For 2022 appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

AASA’s president and CEO, Paul McCarthy, recently announced multiple promotions within the association in recognition of hard work, professional development and dedication to the automotive aftermarket. Ben Brucato, a 20-year industry veteran, has been promoted to vice president of engagement. Brucato has led multiple teams, including marketing, sponsorships and membership, during his time with AASA. He is lead over the Overseas Automotive Council, Modern Industry eXpertise Council and Marketing Executives Council, and specializes in member acquisition, engagement and retention. Megan Gardner, with more than two decades of marketing and automotive-industry experience, has been promoted to senior director of sales and marketing. Gardner oversees the AASA marketing team, is lead over the OE Service Council, owns sponsorship and marketing responsibilities and supports government advocacy efforts. Elizabeth Goad, with more than 10 years of tenure with AASA, has been promoted to senior director of events and meetings. Goad executes more than 90 events annually, including conferences, webinars and council meetings, and leads AASA and MEMA‘s activities as co-owner of AAPEX, which is one of the world’s largest aftermarket gatherings. “We are honored to announce these promotions to kickoff 2022,” McCarthy said. “These three team members continuously exude qualities of strong leaders that contribute to a healthy and successful organization. Ben, Megan and Liz have worked diligently to connect members to what matters and have helped make AASA and the automotive aftermarket a better place for all of our members.” For more information on AASA, click here. The post AASA Announces Multiple Promotions appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

I get “flop sweats” when I panic. One of my worst cases was when working the front counter at a tire dealer. We had just inspected a Ford Taurus with a broken passenger-side spring and about 75,000 miles on the clock. The customer dropped off the car in the morning complaining of a knocking noise and notchy steering. I was on the phone with the customer at 9:30, getting approval on the recommended work. The estimate I wrote was for four struts, two springs and front upper strut mounts. I spent extra time finding parts, looking up labor times and calculating the out-the-door price. Then the customer asked, “Is there a less expensive option?” That’s when the flop sweats started. It got worse after he asked, “Can I get away with just replacing the fronts?” I quickly pulled out my calculator and rewrote the estimate on the fly for just the front struts, springs and upper mounts. After giving him the price, he asked if it would be half that price if he did only one side. My manager could see the sweat on my face and tapped me on the shoulder. “Tell the customer you will call him back in 10 minutes with an accurate estimate because you need to talk to the technician.” He told me that the only way the shop would do the job was to do it the right way. He explained that if we did just the front struts, it would make the vehicle unstable. Replacing only one strut would make the car unsafe and impossible to align. He said the customer would be unsatisfied if we did not do both front and rear struts. He might complain about a steering pull tomorrow, uneven tire wear in a month or that he could not control the vehicle. “If the customer does not buy something from us today, we will not go out of business. But, if they buy something unsafe, it could put us out of business.” Looking back, I was more concerned about the customer walking out of the shop without buying anything than doing the job the right way to make the vehicle functional and safe. I was looking for approval for my ego and not approval for a sound repair. All or Nothing Shocks, struts and springs do not operate independently. The condition of one corner of the suspension affects all the corners of the vehicle when driving straight or cornering. At low speeds, it might not be as noticeable, but it still happens. At higher speeds and cornering forces, the inability to control the movement of the suspension and body in one corner can change the contact patch for all the corners. During a panic situation, an unbalanced suspension with worn ride control can alter the contact patch to the point where the vehicle oversteers, understeers or can’t stop. The stability-control system measures the effectiveness of its correction in real time. How effective the correction is depends on the condition of the contact patch of the tires. What influences the health of this contact patch is the tire’s condition (construction, traction and even inflation) and the condition of the chassis components like the struts. The computer does not assign a value to the condition of the contact patch and there are no parameters (PIDs) in the programming for most systems. The corrections and the effectiveness are measured by the sensors in a high-speed feedback loop. A stability-control system will never set a malfunction light if the condition of the contact patch crosses a set threshold. But, as the condition of the chassis and tires diminishes, the corrections become less effective and more actions will be needed to bring a vehicle under control. These stability-control sensors are essentially blind to the condition of the state of the ride control and suspension. The software and sensors can’t diagnose a strut that has lost its gas charge or if a spring is weak. It just sees the results as data coming from the sensors. To the algorithms in the software, it could be a patch of ice or an over-loaded car. But, the reality is that it could be a worn out strut and a spring with a missing coil. Basically, if the suspension is not up to snuff, the correction by the system will take longer. This results in longer stopping distances or, in some cases, the vehicle ending up on its roof. For example, the most basic stability and ABS correction is a panic stop in a straight line. When the driver mashes the brake pedal, weight transfers to the front tires, loads the front suspension and causes the springs to compress. How much the springs compress is influenced directly by the condition of the shocks or struts. When the springs compress, the contact patch of the tires changes due to the weight and geometry of the suspension. The rear suspension is even more interesting. When the weight loads the front tires, the rear spring expands, which makes the contact patch of the rear tire smaller. If the shock or strut is unable to control the rebound of the spring, additional weight is transferred to the front, which nosedives even more. Applied to the front counter at your shop, it means that you should never sell just one strut, shock or spring. Also, you should be very careful selling just front or rear ride-control units. This approach might get the customer back on the road, but not in a safe vehicle. So, what did the customer do with his Taurus? After calming down and wiping the sweat from my brow, I explained why we recommended replacing all four struts. He finally understood and decided to replace all four struts and both front springs. The moral of the story: Stand by your recommendations. You’re not doing your customers any favors by recommending a less expensive part or repair. The post Don’t Back Down When Recommending Ride Control appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

AMN/Counterman and Babcox Media are thrilled to kick off the nomination process for our third-annual “Women at the Wheel” celebration! For our May 2022 cover story, Women at the Wheel, we will be profiling some of today’s top female professionals leading the charge in the automotive aftermarket. We are looking for candidates from the executive level to the counter pro to the shop owner who make a difference through innovation, business acumen or serving as a role model in the automotive aftermarket. Click here to nominate a woman in your professional community who creates that spark. We can’t wait to share your stories. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, Feb. 4, 2022. The post Nominations Now Open For 2022 ‘Women At The Wheel’ appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Roger McCollum, chairman and CEO of NA Williams, began his long career in the automotive aftermarket at Ken Tool Co. in Akron, Ohio, where he served in a variety of sales and management positions, eventually advancing to national sales manager. He joined NA Williams Co. in 1984 and currently serves as chairman and CEO of the manufacturer’s rep firm. This past November, the Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) presented its Outstanding Leadership Award to McCollum. Leader of the Year is bestowed upon an aftermarket professional who has contributed to the industry in a unique and significant way. In nearly 45 years of dedication to the automotive aftermarket, starting with his first job at a local parts store when he was a college student, McCollum has distinguished himself as one of the industry’s top leaders and most committed advocates. McCollum joined N.A. Williams in 1984, after several years with other aftermarket companies. Over the years, he has held management roles of increasing responsibility and served as the company’s president from 1997 to 2017. He was elected CEO in 2007 and chairman of the board in 2014, and currently serves in both positions. McCollum has directed and integrated several mergers and acquisitions which have greatly expanded, diversified and strengthened the company’s business. McCollum has a long and varied history of volunteer service in the aftermarket, including positions on the Auto Care Association Board of Directors and Government Affairs Committee. He has also been active in AWDA with a term as Rep Advisor on the Board or Governors, as well as AWDA’s Manufacturers Advisory Council. McCollum has previously served on the Auto Care Association Events Committee and Manufacturers’ Representative Council. Currently, McCollum serves as chairman of the Auto Care Association Audit Committee; Vice Chairman of its Political Action Committee (ACPAC) and is a member of the Auto Care Association Nominating Committee. Importantly, McCollum has encouraged and supported the volunteer activities of many NA Williams personnel over the years. McCollum also serves on the Automotive Aftermarket Association Southeast (AAAS) Board of Directors and the AAAS Employee Benefit Fund Board of Trustees. In addition, he serves on the Board of Trustees of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation and its Executive and Contribution Committees and chairs the foundation’s Grant Review Committee. In this “AMN Drivetime” video/podcast with host Bill Babcox, the two CEOs talk about McCollum’s drive to serve others. McCollum says he doesn’t see the volunteering he does in the industry as philanthropy. Philanthropy is something one does at church or in one’s community, he says. Giving back to this industry is something we should all be taking action on McCollum says. “I see it as a responsibility. I think all of us owe something back to the business where we earn our livelihoods,” he said. Reflecting back on the host of well-known, influential mentors McCollum has learned from over the years, McCollum said he has been fortunate to work around some really brilliant people who took the time share their knowledge with him, especially as a young professional starting out. “The thing that helped me the most in those early years was, I learned how to be humble, and in my case, I had a lot to be humble about. My most successful sales technique was to just be a young kid who doesn’t know anything, who is looking for a break, and, I found that older people like to help young people. It’s just a natural part of life.” Babcox and McCollum went on to talk about a number of other compelling topics, including the continued value of brand reputation and the fragility of brands. “I think brands are as important today as they have ever been,” said McCollum. “You have to make sure that the image that you’re upholding speaks to what the expectations are of the customers. When that deteriorates it’s tough to get it back.” Watch the episode Listen to the podcast The post NA Williams CEO Roger McCollum On ‘AMN Drivetime’ (VIDEO) appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Roger McCollum, chairman and CEO of NA Williams, began his long career in the automotive aftermarket at Ken Tool Co. in Akron, Ohio, where he served in a variety of sales and management positions, eventually advancing to national sales manager. He joined NA Williams Co. in 1984 and currently serves as chairman and CEO of the manufacturer’s rep firm. This past November, the Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) presented its Outstanding Leadership Award to McCollum. Leader of the Year is bestowed upon an aftermarket professional who has contributed to the industry in a unique and significant way. In nearly 45 years of dedication to the automotive aftermarket, starting with his first job at a local parts store when he was a college student, McCollum has distinguished himself as one of the industry’s top leaders and most committed advocates. McCollum joined N.A. Williams in 1984, after several years with other aftermarket companies. Over the years, he has held management roles of increasing responsibility and served as the company’s president from 1997 to 2017. He was elected CEO in 2007 and chairman of the board in 2014, and currently serves in both positions. McCollum has directed and integrated several mergers and acquisitions which have greatly expanded, diversified and strengthened the company’s business. McCollum has a long and varied history of volunteer service in the aftermarket, including positions on the Auto Care Association Board of Directors and Government Affairs Committee. He has also been active in AWDA with a term as Rep Advisor on the Board or Governors, as well as AWDA’s Manufacturers Advisory Council. McCollum has previously served on the Auto Care Association Events Committee and Manufacturers’ Representative Council. Currently, McCollum serves as chairman of the Auto Care Association Audit Committee; Vice Chairman of its Political Action Committee (ACPAC) and is a member of the Auto Care Association Nominating Committee. Importantly, McCollum has encouraged and supported the volunteer activities of many NA Williams personnel over the years. McCollum also serves on the Automotive Aftermarket Association Southeast (AAAS) Board of Directors and the AAAS Employee Benefit Fund Board of Trustees. In addition, he serves on the Board of Trustees of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation and its Executive and Contribution Committees and chairs the foundation’s Grant Review Committee. In this “AMN Drivetime” video/podcast with host Bill Babcox, the two CEOs talk about McCollum’s drive to serve others. McCollum says he doesn’t see the volunteering he does in the industry as philanthropy. Philanthropy is something one does at church or in one’s community, he says. Giving back to this industry is something we should all be taking action on McCollum says. “I see it as a responsibility. I think all of us owe something back to the business where we earn our livelihoods,” he said. Reflecting back on the host of well-known, influential mentors McCollum has learned from over the years, McCollum said he has been fortunate to work around some really brilliant people who took the time share their knowledge with him, especially as a young professional starting out. “The thing that helped me the most in those early years was, I learned how to be humble, and in my case, I had a lot to be humble about. My most successful sales technique was to just be a young kid who doesn’t know anything, who is looking for a break, and, I found that older people like to help young people. It’s just a natural part of life.” Babcox and McCollum went on to talk about a number of other compelling topics, including the continued value of brand reputation and the fragility of brands. “I think brands are as important today as they have ever been,” said McCollum. “You have to make sure that the image that you’re upholding speaks to what the expectations are of the customers. When that deteriorates it’s tough to get it back.” Watch the episode Listen to the podcast The post NA Williams CEO Roger McCollum On ‘AMN Drivetime’ (VIDEO) appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Roger McCollum, chairman and CEO of NA Williams, began his long career in the automotive aftermarket at Ken Tool Co. in Akron, Ohio, where he served in a variety of sales and management positions, eventually advancing to national sales manager. He joined NA Williams Co. in 1984 and currently serves as chairman and CEO of the manufacturer’s rep firm. This past November, the Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) presented its Outstanding Leadership Award to McCollum. Leader of the Year is bestowed upon an aftermarket professional who has contributed to the industry in a unique and significant way. In nearly 45 years of dedication to the automotive aftermarket, starting with his first job at a local parts store when he was a college student, McCollum has distinguished himself as one of the industry’s top leaders and most committed advocates. McCollum joined N.A. Williams in 1984, after several years with other aftermarket companies. Over the years, he has held management roles of increasing responsibility and served as the company’s president from 1997 to 2017. He was elected CEO in 2007 and chairman of the board in 2014, and currently serves in both positions. McCollum has directed and integrated several mergers and acquisitions which have greatly expanded, diversified and strengthened the company’s business. McCollum has a long and varied history of volunteer service in the aftermarket, including positions on the Auto Care Association Board of Directors and Government Affairs Committee. He has also been active in AWDA with a term as Rep Advisor on the Board or Governors, as well as AWDA’s Manufacturers Advisory Council. McCollum has previously served on the Auto Care Association Events Committee and Manufacturers’ Representative Council. Currently, McCollum serves as chairman of the Auto Care Association Audit Committee; Vice Chairman of its Political Action Committee (ACPAC) and is a member of the Auto Care Association Nominating Committee. Importantly, McCollum has encouraged and supported the volunteer activities of many NA Williams personnel over the years. McCollum also serves on the Automotive Aftermarket Association Southeast (AAAS) Board of Directors and the AAAS Employee Benefit Fund Board of Trustees. In addition, he serves on the Board of Trustees of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation and its Executive and Contribution Committees and chairs the foundation’s Grant Review Committee. In this “AMN Drivetime” video/podcast with host Bill Babcox, the two CEOs talk about McCollum’s drive to serve others. McCollum says he doesn’t see the volunteering he does in the industry as philanthropy. Philanthropy is something one does at church or in one’s community, he says. Giving back to this industry is something we should all be taking action on McCollum says. “I see it as a responsibility. I think all of us owe something back to the business where we earn our livelihoods,” he said. Reflecting back on the host of well-known, influential mentors McCollum has learned from over the years, McCollum said he has been fortunate to work around some really brilliant people who took the time share their knowledge with him, especially as a young professional starting out. “The thing that helped me the most in those early years was, I learned how to be humble, and in my case, I had a lot to be humble about. My most successful sales technique was to just be a young kid who doesn’t know anything, who is looking for a break, and, I found that older people like to help young people. It’s just a natural part of life.” Babcox and McCollum went on to talk about a number of other compelling topics, including the continued value of brand reputation and the fragility of brands. “I think brands are as important today as they have ever been,” said McCollum. “You have to make sure that the image that you’re upholding speaks to what the expectations are of the customers. When that deteriorates it’s tough to get it back.” Watch the episode Listen to the podcast The post NA Williams CEO Roger McCollum On ‘AMN Drivetime’ (VIDEO) appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Roger McCollum, chairman and CEO of NA Williams, began his long career in the automotive aftermarket at Ken Tool Co. in Akron, Ohio, where he served in a variety of sales and management positions, eventually advancing to national sales manager. He joined NA Williams Co. in 1984 and currently serves as chairman and CEO of the manufacturer’s rep firm. This past November, the Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) presented its Outstanding Leadership Award to McCollum. Leader of the Year is bestowed upon an aftermarket professional who has contributed to the industry in a unique and significant way. In nearly 45 years of dedication to the automotive aftermarket, starting with his first job at a local parts store when he was a college student, McCollum has distinguished himself as one of the industry’s top leaders and most committed advocates. McCollum joined N.A. Williams in 1984, after several years with other aftermarket companies. Over the years, he has held management roles of increasing responsibility and served as the company’s president from 1997 to 2017. He was elected CEO in 2007 and chairman of the board in 2014, and currently serves in both positions. McCollum has directed and integrated several mergers and acquisitions which have greatly expanded, diversified and strengthened the company’s business. McCollum has a long and varied history of volunteer service in the aftermarket, including positions on the Auto Care Association Board of Directors and Government Affairs Committee. He has also been active in AWDA with a term as Rep Advisor on the Board or Governors, as well as AWDA’s Manufacturers Advisory Council. McCollum has previously served on the Auto Care Association Events Committee and Manufacturers’ Representative Council. Currently, McCollum serves as chairman of the Auto Care Association Audit Committee; Vice Chairman of its Political Action Committee (ACPAC) and is a member of the Auto Care Association Nominating Committee. Importantly, McCollum has encouraged and supported the volunteer activities of many NA Williams personnel over the years. McCollum also serves on the Automotive Aftermarket Association Southeast (AAAS) Board of Directors and the AAAS Employee Benefit Fund Board of Trustees. In addition, he serves on the Board of Trustees of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation and its Executive and Contribution Committees and chairs the foundation’s Grant Review Committee. In this “AMN Drivetime” video/podcast with host Bill Babcox, the two CEOs talk about McCollum’s drive to serve others. McCollum says he doesn’t see the volunteering he does in the industry as philanthropy. Philanthropy is something one does at church or in one’s community, he says. Giving back to this industry is something we should all be taking action on McCollum says. “I see it as a responsibility. I think all of us owe something back to the business where we earn our livelihoods,” he said. Reflecting back on the host of well-known, influential mentors McCollum has learned from over the years, McCollum said he has been fortunate to work around some really brilliant people who took the time share their knowledge with him, especially as a young professional starting out. “The thing that helped me the most in those early years was, I learned how to be humble, and in my case, I had a lot to be humble about. My most successful sales technique was to just be a young kid who doesn’t know anything, who is looking for a break, and, I found that older people like to help young people. It’s just a natural part of life.” Babcox and McCollum went on to talk about a number of other compelling topics, including the continued value of brand reputation and the fragility of brands. “I think brands are as important today as they have ever been,” said McCollum. “You have to make sure that the image that you’re upholding speaks to what the expectations are of the customers. When that deteriorates it’s tough to get it back.” Watch the episode Listen to the podcast The post NA Williams CEO Roger McCollum On ‘AMN Drivetime’ (VIDEO) appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

KYB is making it easier for professional technicians to earn rewards for purchasing and installing KYB shocks and struts. The updated KYB Excel-Gold Rewards Program offers professional technicians the ability to earn unlimited rewards throughout 2022. Each user will receive a KYB Excel-Gold Prepaid Mastercard and have access to a dedicated dashboard that will show real-time updates on their claims, payout dates and amounts. Professional technicians who have received a KYB Excel-Gold Prepaid Mastercard from previous KYB promotions are already registered and can continue earning by uploading qualified invoices. For a limited time only, new registrants will receive a $10 sign-on bonus when they join the KYB Excel-Gold Rewards program. Throughout 2022 Professionals will earn funds for purchasing and installing featured KYB products. During the first quarter of 2022 KYB will reward technicians with $5 for every KYB Excel-G Strut and Strut-Plus Assembly installed. Products featured by KYB and the rewards schedule will be updated quarterly. The reloadable KYB Excel-Gold Prepaid Mastercard will be used for all future KYB service-provider promotions. Professional technicians and service writers can learn more about KYB Excel-Gold and begin earning rewards at www.kyb.com/earn. The post Service Providers Can Earn All Year Long With KYB Excel-Gold appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has kicked off a yearlong celebration of its growth and many milestones achieved since its founding in 1972 by industry leaders who sought to recognize competent professional technicians and the repair facilities where they are employed. For half a century, ASE has worked to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals, becoming the renowned independent nonprofit organization striving to uphold and promote high standards of vehicle service and repair. From its initial offering of four automobile tests in 1972, ASE today offers 57 tests and certifications from automobile and medium-heavy truck to transit and school bus, collision repair, parts, military and others. More than a quarter of a million individuals currently hold ASE certifications in these areas of the transportation industry. ASE recently unveiled a special logo in recognition of its 50th anniversary and encourages industry organizations to feature the commemorative logo as a way to show their support of ASE. Throughout the year, ASE will share historical information, conduct special programs and showcase ASE-certified service professionals and the essential work they perform to keep America’s vehicles safe and on the road. The post ASE Kicks Off 50th-Anniversary Celebration appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

By Hannah Nokes and Maggie Z. Miller From a business perspective, the turbulent year of 2021 will be remembered for “The Great Resignation,” when record numbers of employees left their jobs. But when it comes to the worldwide problem of talent shortages across many industries, perhaps employers haven’t seen anything yet. New Year’s resolutions of retaining top employees or finding the right talents when recruiting may be even more difficult to achieve. In a survey conducted in the fall of 2021 by LumApps in collaboration with CMSWire, 71% of U.S. participants said the pandemic made them rethink what they want out of their career, and 63% have considered a new career in the past year. All that data fuels concerns among many employers that the talent shortage will continue to be a major problem in 2022. Everest Group’s 2022 Key Issues Study shows companies’ No. 1 constraint now is “finding enough talent to run the business.” The talent crunch, along with the trend for many companies to move from 100% remote work to a hybrid model or back to a fully in-person model, is causing business leaders to reconsider what keeps their teams happy and productive. Many are asking: How can we keep employees invested in and passionate about our brand in this new hybrid environment? One key to keeping the best employees on board may lie in how well companies give them the opportunity to put their own skills and interests into action toward making a difference in the world. In the LumApps/CMS poll regarding “The Great Reflection” among workers, among the reasons cited are heightened demands for flexibility and inclusivity in the workplace, more career growth and companies that walk the talk about corporate social responsibility. Indeed, employees’ special gifts and passions for social issue involvement contribute toward helping their company’s overall impact efforts and also to employees’ fulfillment. In the LumApps/CMS poll, 76% of respondents said they’re looking for corporate social responsibility and 73% want to choose employers with a reputation for supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. Just as businesses have unique abilities and resources to solve problems for their communities, their employees have their own set of talents that can add a rich dimension to the company’s social-impact profile. Unleashing those talents can be as simple and informal as assigning appropriate roles to your employees for a volunteer project. If there’s a photographer on the team, for example, have them take photos at the event. Have a group that loves to haul things in their pickup trucks? Put them in charge of collecting the cans from your office locations for your food drive. Over time, of course, you can become more intentional and strategic about how you use your employees’ skills. We conduct an employee survey or focus group with our client teams to identify employee interests such as public speaking, strategic planning, committee leadership, budget planning and more. Effectively leveraging these skills and interests helps extend our client’s impact footprint in the community, even with limited formal staff resources. Employees, especially the younger workforce, are looking for a deeper meaning in their work and to feel as though they are contributing to something impactful. Millennials are especially vigilant about researching and weighing the values and cultures of companies they want to work for. Gen Z is following suit, looking for authentic commitments from their employer to take action to solve the world’s problems. This is worth the effort: Recent statistics on corporate social responsibility show that 95% of employees believe businesses should benefit all stakeholders, including the communities in which they operate, and 70% say they wouldn’t work for a company without a strong purpose. Employers are understanding that social impact is a critical component to an effective business strategy. In today’s connected and interdependent world, employees increasingly demand that businesses and their suppliers take part in creating solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. It’s time to fire up those special talents and passions to build engagement and loyalty. About the Authors Maggie Z. Miller and Hannah Nokes are ForbesBooks co-authors of “Magnify Your Impact: Powering Profit with Purpose” (www.magnify-impact.com). They also are co-founders of Magnify Impact, a company that helps business leaders create effective social-impact strategies. Miller has developed social-impact solutions with hundreds of company leaders globally. Previously, she founded an international nonprofit organization to provide microcredit loans for thousands of women in Peru. Nokes has led corporate social responsibility for global corporations and founded an impact collaborative of companies in Austin, Texas. The post How To Sidestep ‘The Great Resignation’ appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Vehicle recalls are critical to the safety of our customers, our families and our delivery drivers each time they get behind the wheel. When the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or a vehicle manufacturer determines that a safety risk is present in a vehicle, a recall is issued, alerting vehicle owners to the potential danger. From there, it’s up to the manufacturer to come up with a solution to the problem, and to make that solution available to vehicle owners free of charge. Recalls cover a wide range of faults, and some are more obvious than others. One of the most well-known and wide-reaching modern safety recalls is the current Takata airbag recall, affecting more than 67 million vehicles in North America. Defective airbag inflators in Takata-equipped vehicles can cause injury or death when they explode during deployment. Other recalls have become the stuff of legend, like the Ford Pinto’s “exploding” gas tank in the 1970s, or the Toyota Camry and Mazda 6 models that were infested with spiders in the 2010s … yes, SPIDERS! Whatever the cause, once a safety issue is identified, it’s quickly made public to the consumer. Even if the manufacturer doesn’t have a remedy yet, registered owners are notified that a problem potentially exists in their vehicle. This interim notice gives the consumer a prompt heads-up that a problem has been identified, explains the nature of the recall, and reassures them that they will be notified when a solution is available. In the meantime, manufacturers may issue warnings not to operate the vehicle, or to carry passengers, if the defect is severe. Some manufacturers involved in the Takata recall have issued warnings to their customers advising them not to drive the vehicle until recalls have been completed. Recalls can affect a vehicle at any time in its lifecycle, but for new vehicles, recalls must be completed before the initial retail sale. For vehicles with critical recalls, the manufacturer also may issue a “STOP SALE” directive, in which affected vehicles on dealership lots are not sold until the recall repair is performed. There is no federal law governing the sale of “open recall” USED cars, but most states have statutes against car dealers offering these vehicles for sale. Private sales are not restricted. Manufacturers work closely with NHTSA and state motor vehicle departments to identify and contact owners of affected vehicles. In New York, our annual safety and emissions inspection certificate includes a notification of any open recalls found for the VIN being inspected. The open recalls don’t affect the outcome of the inspection, but it’s a convenient way of notifying owners of their safety status. When a recall remedy is available, the consumer can arrange with their local dealership to have the repair performed free of charge. In some instances, if a consumer has previously paid to have a repair performed, and that condition later becomes a recall, the manufacturer may reimburse the cost of the prior repair. Sounds like yet another good reason for our customers to hold on to their receipts! While vehicle recalls don’t really affect the aftermarket, product recalls of consumer goods are a common occurrence. Tires, fire extinguishers and child safety seats are all categories that have been subject to recalls in recent years. Aftermarket manufacturers also may determine that a batch of their product does not meet their minimum standards, or a design or manufacturing defect poses a possible safety risk. In these cases, the manufacturer will issue a bulletin “recalling” certain part numbers or production runs of their product. Additionally, some aftermarket parts like tires and wheels, brake hoses, mirrors and lighting are required to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, as issued by NHTSA. When these products are identified, the affected merchandise usually is returned for credit to your DC, and then sent back to the manufacturer for analysis and/or disposal. Recalls sometimes can be difficult for the general public to understand. We all give our fair share of advice over the counter, but we are NOT lawyers, and this article does not constitute legal advice. If your customers want more information about a vehicle recall, or to check the recall status of their vehicle, they can access the manufacturer’s website, or reach out to NHTSA at Safercar.gov with their VIN. NHTSA also has Safercar mobile apps available for iPhone and Android users. The post Recalls Are A Fact Of Life In The Auto Industry appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article