NAPA Partners With UAF to Offer $50K in Scholarships
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By APF
The automotive aftermarket industry could be on the verge of one of its biggest shakeups in years.
According to a Bloomberg report, O'Reilly Automotive has submitted a cash offer for the automotive parts division of Genuine Parts Company, a business that analysts believe could be valued at more than $10 billion. While neither company has confirmed the negotiations, the report suggests a decision on the future of the business could come before the end of the summer. Genuine Parts could ultimately sell the division, pursue a spinoff, or retain the business if it determines that is the better long-term strategy.
For the automotive aftermarket, the implications could be significant. Genuine Parts is best known as the parent company of NAPA Auto Parts, one of North America's largest distributors of replacement parts for professional repair facilities, fleets, and do-it-yourself customers. Combining that network with O'Reilly's extensive retail and commercial operations would create an even larger player in an already competitive industry.
A transaction of this size could influence everything from supplier relationships and distribution networks to pricing, inventory availability, and competition with other major retailers such as AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts. Independent repair shops may also be watching closely to see whether any ownership changes affect commercial programs, delivery networks, or parts availability.
At this stage, the report remains based on anonymous sources familiar with the discussions, and there is no guarantee a deal will ultimately be completed. Additional bidders could emerge, or Genuine Parts could decide to pursue a different strategic direction.
What do you think?
Should O'Reilly acquire Genuine Parts' automotive business? Would this strengthen competition or reduce consumer choice? How could this affect NAPA stores, independent repair shops, and DIY enthusiasts? If you're in the automotive industry, what impact would you expect on pricing and parts availability? Join the discussion below and share your thoughts on what could become one of the largest automotive aftermarket deals in recent history.
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view has recognized Truck-Lite and ECCO as its latest suppliers to earn the VIPAR Heavy Duty Strategic Partner (VSP) designation. The two companies, both part of Clarience Technologies, join a group of suppliers that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting the organization’s distributors, fleets and strategic initiatives across the heavy-duty aftermarket. “Truck-Lite and ECCO bring exceptional value to our distributor network through their commitment to innovation, safety, and service,” said Larry Griffin, vice president of program management for VIPAR Heavy Duty. “Their strong support of fleets, investment in data quality, and product offerings that extend across key international markets align closely with our strategic priorities. We are pleased to welcome them as Strategic Partners.”
Designation Criteria and Program Support
Truck-Lite and ECCO earned the designation by meeting key criteria established by
link hidden, please login to view, including active support of fleets through the organization’s National Accounts Program. The companies also contributed product content to PARTSPHERE PIM®, VIPAR Heavy Duty’s product information management system, and delivered comprehensive product programs that serve both VIPAR Heavy Duty and Power Heavy Duty distributors. “We are honored that Truck-Lite and ECCO have been recognized as VIPAR Heavy Duty Strategic Partners,” said Brian Olsen, executive vice president and president, Visibility Solutions, at Clarience Technologies. “This designation reflects our shared commitment to supporting distributors and fleets with innovative, high-quality solutions. We value our partnership and look forward to continued collaboration to deliver value across the heavy-duty aftermarket.”
Benefits of VSP Designation
Suppliers that earn the VSP designation benefit from enhanced visibility and engagement opportunities, including special recognition and priority positioning at the IMPACT Conference. They also receive expanded branding across distributor touchpoints and increased networking and collaboration with the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies team and distributor members.
Truck-Lite and ECCO join the VSP group alongside Baldwin Filters, Donaldson Company, East Penn, Grote, Prestone, Tectran and Tramec.
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By Counterman
NAPA announced the promotions of
link hidden, please login to view to Vice President, Procurement & Sourcing, link hidden, please login to view to Vice President, Commercial Products, and link hidden, please login to view to Senior Vice President of Pricing and Procurement. These leaders will take on expanded responsibilities across the NAPA merchandising organization, reinforcing the company’s commitment to building deep internal talent and strengthening its product and supplier strategy. Pérez brings two decades of experience leading P&Ls across the automotive aftermarket, retail and consumer products industries. She most recently served as Senior Director of Category Management at NAPA, where she led a portfolio spanning brakes, undercar and heavy duty, driving growth through sourcing strategy and supplier partnerships. Prior to NAPA, she held merchandising leadership roles at HD Supply, SPANX and The Home Depot.
“Cristina has played a pivotal role in transforming category management and sourcing at NAPA Auto Parts. Her strategic mindset, deep merchandising expertise, and ability to build high-performing teams have strengthened our capabilities and positioned us for continued growth. This promotion recognizes both her leadership and the meaningful impact she has made across our organization,” said Danny Huffaker, SVP, Product & Marketing,
link hidden, please login to view. Griffiths has been with NAPA for four years, growing from Director of Category Management to Senior Director, Underhood, where she onboarded strategic brands to diversify the NAPA portfolio. In her new role, she will lead the category team responsible for Hard Parts and Applied Parts, including Brakes and Undercar. Prior to NAPA, she held senior category management roles at White Cap.
“Laura is an exceptional leader who has played a critical role in advancing our category management capabilities at NAPA Auto Parts. Through strong cross-functional collaboration and trusted supplier partnerships, she has helped build a more strategic and customer-focused organization. This promotion recognizes her leadership, her results, and the meaningful impact she continues to have across our business,” said Huffaker.
Portera joined GPC nearly four years ago as Vice President of Finance before moving over to NAPA where he has spent the last three years, first as Vice President of Corporate Development and then as Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis. He most recently served as the Vice President of Pricing and Procurement. His recent outstanding achievements include successfully navigating the First Brands bankruptcy and launching the new direct import program for NAPA rotors, the company said. Prior to GPC and NAPA, he had a successful 10-year career at FedEx, which included roles in SEC reporting, FP&A, Treasury and an international expat leadership assignment.
“Will has been a steady and trusted leader within our organization, bringing clarity, discipline and strategic thinking to some of our most complex challenges,” said Jamie Walton, EVP, Merchandise & Stores, NAPA. “This promotion reflects the significant impact Will has made at NAPA and our confidence in his continued ability to drive value for our customers and supplier partners.”
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By NAPA
The Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing season returned to competition Saturday, April 18th, at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, MO. Kasey Kahne Racing’s
link hidden, please login to view No. 9 team arrived at the reconfigured 3/8‑mile “Diamond of Dirt Tracks” eager to get the car back in motion after a three‑week regroup, with progress to prove.
Teams of each of the 43 cars taking part in the ninth race of the season set sights on the win and the The Diamond Classic’s $12,000 payday.
No. 9 driver, Daison Pursley, showed early speed, posting a 13.275-second lap in Hot Laps, fourth‑quickest in practic, and running a 13.628-second qualifying lap for fifth in his group.
Pursley started P2 in the first Heat Race of the night and jumped to the lead during the first lap, coming out of turn 4 and down the front stretch to the flagstand. Pursley kept the lead throughout the 8-lap race. The win marked Pursley’s first Heat Race victory of the 2026 season and punched his ticket to the Dash. In the Dash, the NAPA Auto Parts No. 9 slipped from third to fourth, lining the team up to start outside the second row of the A-Main.
Fireworks and pyrotechnics signaled the start of the 30-lap Diamond Classic. Pursley raced into third position for the first six laps. After an early caution, Pursley chose his position back by way of the choose cone and was challenged into turn one by Sye Lynch (No. 42), ultimately being shuffled into fourth by the No. 42 and No. 13 of Tanner Holmes. The track’s renovation brought the track banking all the way to the wall, producing even more high‑banked, door‑to‑door racing. Pursley kept heavy pressure on P3 of Holmes, finishing less than a car length behind the No. 13 and just outside of the podium. Kerry Maddsen (No.55) started on the pole and dominated, leading every lap to claim his first High Limit Racing victory.
Pursley’s fourth-place finish left crew chief Jarrett Martin encouraged; he noted the team learned every time they were on the track and made the right adjustments from the Dash to the Diamond Classic.
Weather threatened nearby Lakeside Speedway in Kansas on Friday, forcing the cancellation of that program due to tornado warnings. That event will not be made up at this time. The next High Limit Racing event is Tuesday, April 21st, at Eagle Raceway in Eagle, Nebraska, and will be broadcast nationally on FS1.
Start / Finish: 4 / 4
Points Standing / Total: 8th / 456 pts. (-137)
Next Race: Tuesday, April 21, Eagle Raceway, Eagle, NE
How to Watch or Listen: 9:00 p.m. ET on FS1
NAPA:
link hidden, please login to viewDaison Pursley: link hidden, please login to view
Kasey Kahne Racing: link hidden, please login to view The post
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By Counterman
The University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF) is celebrating 40 years of funding scholarships, grants and ongoing educational programs to help develop a strong, knowledgeable industry work force.
To commemorate the special occasion, UAF is conducting a 40th Ruby Anniversary fundraising campaign that will run throughout the year, culminating with a celebration on Oct. 31 in Las Vegas. Roger McCollum, MAAP, UAF chairman and Rick Schwartz, UAF marketing committee chair announced the campaign at last week’s MEMA Vision Conference and encouraged support from industry members.
“Over the past 40 years, the University of the Aftermarket Foundation has made an indelible mark on our industry by annually funding hundreds of scholarships for deserving young people who have gone on to successful careers in the aftermarket,” said Schwartz. “We thank everyone who has championed the UAF mission since 1986 and ask all industry members to support the Ruby Anniversary Campaign so that UAF and its work can continue for the next 40 years and beyond.”
To support the
link hidden, please login to view 40th Ruby Anniversary campaign and attend the special reception held on Oct. 31, 2026 at The Venetian Las Vegas, visit link hidden, please login to view. “Reaching this major milestone would not have been possible without all those who volunteer their time and resources to ensure a bright future for the aftermarket,” said McCollum. “By supporting the Ruby Anniversary Campaign today, you can make a lasting impact by helping young people who aspire to enter our industry or continue their professional development.”
Contributions to the UAF 40th Ruby Anniversary
link hidden, please login to view are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law and count toward UAF lifetime status. UAF is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. To learn more, apply for a scholarship or grant, or make a donation, visit link hidden, please login to view. The post
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