Stellantis to Invest More Than $41 Million in Distribution Center
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By Counterman
The
link hidden, please login to view (AACF) announced that more than $70,000 was raised during the Independent Midas Dealers Association (IMDA) Convention & Trade Show 2026, held April 19 to 21 in Savannah, Georgia, as Midas celebrated its 70th anniversary. This marked the second consecutive year AACF was the event’s official charity. Support from Midas and IMDA members highlights the commitment within the aftermarket industry to care for its own.
Midas and IMDA Support for AACF
“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from Midas and the IMDA community in welcoming AACF back for a second year,” said John Kairys, executive director of AACF. “The opportunity to be part of this event and connect directly with franchisees, leadership and partners is invaluable. It speaks volumes about the culture of this organization and the genuine commitment to supporting one another across the industry.”
AACF Booth, Donations and Prize Drawings
Throughout the event, IMDA members, franchisees, suppliers and corporate partners visited the AACF booth to learn more about the foundation’s mission, contribute donations, and participate in prize drawings. The event also provided a platform for AACF leadership to connect directly with those who make up the Midas network.
Kairys joined Jeff Genuario, incoming IMDA president, and Adam Stranik, outgoing IMDA president, on stage to share the foundation’s impact and highlight real stories of individuals and families supported through AACF. “As we celebrate 70 years of Midas, it’s important to recognize the people behind our success,” said Genuario. “Supporting AACF allows us to extend that commitment beyond the shop and into the lives of our teammates and their families when they need it most.”
Stranik added, “The automotive aftermarket is built on strong relationships, and
link hidden, please login to view plays a critical role in supporting those within our industry facing unexpected hardship. We’re proud to continue this partnership and to see the incredible generosity of IMDA members make a real difference.” Funds to Support Aftermarket Professionals and Families
The funds raised during the event will directly support aftermarket professionals and their families facing life-changing challenges such as medical emergencies, natural disasters and catastrophic events.
“The generosity shown throughout this event speaks volumes about the character of this industry, and partnering with AACF allows us to extend that support beyond the shop and into the lives of those who need it most,” said Lenny Valentino Jr., Midas president and COO. “Our commitment doesn’t end here,” he continued. “We’ll continue supporting AACF and the people who depend on it today and always.”
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By Counterman
Schaeffler’s Vehicle Lifetime Solutions division announced the launch of repair solutions for Stellantis vehicles with an EMR3 axle.
The company explained that until now, when electric vehicles such as the Opel Mokka or Peugeot 208e experienced issues with the electric motor, reduction gearbox, or peripheral components of the power electronics, the only option was an expensive replacement of the complete e-axle. With the Schaeffler E-Axle RepSystem-M, the Schaeffler E-Axle RepSystem-G, and the Schaeffler Vitesco E-Axle PEU KIT, distributors and workshops now have access to repair solutions for the EMR3 axle, which is found in many Stellantis vehicles.
Repairing the e-axle: now also for Stellantis vehicles
The Schaeffler E-Axle RepSystem-G and E-Axle RepSystem-M, which are now available, enable workshops to repair the gearbox unit and the electric motor of the EMR3 axle. The kits contain bearings and seals specifically assembled for this application in original-equipment quality, as well as detailed repair instructions.
Complementing these, the Schaeffler E-Axle Repair Tool supports technicians in the contact-free disassembly and assembly of the rotor and stator. This allows workshop staff to carry out the repair with minimal physical effort and without having to work against the strong magnetic forces of the rotor. The tool also prevents any damage from occurring during the process.
“The workshop receives everything from a single source: the required spare parts, the repair instructions developed by our REPXPERT specialists, and the optimal tool for safe installation,” said Stephan Niese, director of global product management for e-mobility at Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions.
New: solution for the power electronics
The Schaeffler Vitesco E-Axle PEU KIT will be available at the end of February. PEU stands for Power Electronics Unit, which is responsible for converting and controlling electrical energy.
“Failures of the PEU are caused by damage to supply lines or connecting parts – for example, as a result of animal bites,” said Niese. “Up to now, there have been no spare parts available for such damage around the EMR3 axle. A defective coolant hose could lead to replacement of the entire axle. With our new kits, workshops can now carry out these simple repairs around the PEU themselves.”
The first of the two available Schaeffler Vitesco E-Axle PEU KITs contains, among other things, a hose connector and clamps for repairing the cooling circuit. The other kit includes the shielding plate, screws, the signal wiring harness, and a sealing element, allowing these components to be replaced in the event of damage. As with the Schaeffler E-Axle RepSystems, these kits also come with detailed repair instructions that include all essential information required for OE-accurate installation – including bolt tightening sequence and torque specifications.
All core modules of the EMR3 axle covered
With the Schaeffler E-Axle RepSystem-M and G, as well as the Schaeffler Vitesco E-Axle PEU KIT, the
link hidden, please login to view division now offers repair solutions for all three core modules of the EMR3 axle: motor, gearbox, and power electronics. “The EMR3 has been used in Stellantis vehicles since 2019, and these vehicles are now mostly out of warranty and increasingly appearing in independent workshops. With our solutions, these workshops can now repair defective e-axles instead of replacing them completely,” Niese said.
The Schaeffler E-Axle RepSystems and the power electronics solution for Stellantis cover more than half a million vehicles registered worldwide.
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By Counterman
Driven Distribution Group (DDG), a warehouse distributor of automotive aftermarket hard parts, consumables and accessories, acquired Battery Service Corporation (BSC), based in Bensenville, Illinois.
link hidden, please login to view is backed by HCI Equity Partners, a private equity firm headquartered in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1962, BSC is a second-generation, family-owned battery specialist serving large commercial fleets and the heavy-duty and marine markets.
Distribution Strategy and Coverage
BSC will combine with Chicago Parts and Sound (CPS) of Elk Grove, Illinois, to expand battery coverage and enhance service capabilities across a broader market. The integration is expected to leverage DDG’s buying scale to support competitive wholesale pricing and provide warranty support with national coverage through Battery Distributors of America.
Leadership Commentary
“Battery Service Corporation (BSC) has been part of our family for generations, and while ownership is changing, our values and commitment remain the same. Selling to the
link hidden, please login to view marks an important milestone, but it is not a goodbye. My brother Tom and I will remain involved to ensure continuity, supporting our people, and help drive future growth opportunities for our team and our customers,” said Donald Baker Jr. “We are honored to build upon the strong legacy Battery Service Corporation has established over the past several decades,” said Joe Minogue, senior vice president. “BSC has earned the trust of its customers through quality products and exceptional service, and our focus is to preserve those values while continuing to invest in growth, service capabilities, and long-term partnerships.”
Market Impact for Aftermarket Supply Chain
The transaction adds regional battery expertise and commercial fleet coverage to DDG’s platform, aligning with supplier strategies focused on consolidation and expanded service radius. Combining BSC with CPS increases DDG’s Midwest footprint and is intended to streamline inventory management, fulfillment and last-mile delivery for aftermarket distribution in the Chicago area and surrounding markets.
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By Counterman
From strategic expansions to key network collaborations, the distribution landscape in 2025 was marked by growth and industry momentum. Here’s a look back at the biggest distribution stories covered by AftermarketNews in 2025.
Advance Auto Parts continued its nationwide footprint expansion,
link hidden, please login to view across key U.S. markets to better serve professional installers and DIY customers. Auto Parts Headquarters and Automotive Supply expanded their presence,
link hidden, please login to view to enhance service capabilities and regional coverage for independent repair facilities. Automotive Parts Headquarters honored standout partners by recognizing its
link hidden, please login to view, celebrating excellence in distribution and supplier collaboration. B&R Auto Group boosted its network with the
link hidden, please login to view, strengthening service coverage and inventory reach in key markets. Fisher Auto Parts deepened its Midwest footprint with the acquisition of
link hidden, please login to view, providing enhanced support for local installers and fleets. Fisher Auto Parts accelerated growth in Pennsylvania, completing additional acquisitions to expand service capabilities for regional customers and repair shops.
Federated Auto Parts welcomed SSF Imported Auto Parts to its distribution network,
link hidden, please login to view and nationwide reach. Landon Auto Parts announced its acquisition by Auto-Wares Group, ensuring continuity of service while gaining the
link hidden, please login to view link hidden, please login to view. National Auto Parts Warehouse celebrated major operational milestones, reporting ambitious growth achievements that underscore its
link hidden, please login to viewin parts distribution. NPW honored leading supplier partners during its 12th Annual
link hidden, please login to view in Miami, recognizing key contributors to its distribution success. The Group National Conference brought members, suppliers and partners together, offering networking, training and strategic collaboration opportunities that
link hidden, please login to view of the independent distribution community. These distribution milestones reflect an industry in motion: growing networks, enhanced collaboration and continued commitment to serving the needs of automotive professionals nationwide.
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By Counterman
O’Reilly Auto Parts has opened a new 550,000 square foot distribution center in Stafford County, Virginia, marking another expansion of the company’s North American supply network. The company said the facility will strengthen service across the Mid-Atlantic region.
“This new DC is an important step in serving more people in this area of the country,” said Brent Kirby, president of
link hidden, please login to view. “We want to ensure they always experience our unmatched auto parts availability. If a retail customer is in the middle of fixing their car or a professional customer is making a repair for their client we know having the right parts when you need them is essential.” O’Reilly Facility Supports Jobs and Career Growth
The new facility already employs more than 225 team members, with additional hiring planned. According to Stafford DC manager C. Jones, the site also reflects O’Reilly’s emphasis on internal advancement.
“Several of our managers, including me, relocated to the area to lead work in this new facility, advancing our careers alongside the company’s growth,” Jones said. “Those promote from within opportunities are available to everyone who comes on board, works hard and dedicates themselves to learning more.”
Automation and Safety Shape Distribution Operations
The distribution center combines automation technology for dense parts storage with traditional material handling systems. O’Reilly said hazardous materials are stored in sealed, separate areas to protect employees and the surrounding community.
Expanding the O’Reilly Distribution Network
The Stafford facility becomes part of O’Reilly’s broader network of 32 large distribution centers across the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Additional projects are underway in Lakeland, Florida, and Fort Worth, Texas.
“With all the growth that’s happened since our company’s founding with one store in 1957, what’s so exciting to me is that most of our growth is still ahead of us,” said CEO Brad Beckham. “This is our latest step in providing the best service to more people in more places.”
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