American Tire Distributors Appoints Todd Pearce as CFO
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view announced that American Truck Parts LLC, a full-service heavy-duty truck and trailer service and parts provider based in Porterville, California, has joined the Power Heavy Duty network. American Truck Parts offers in-house service capabilities, including a full-service truck and trailer service department, flywheel resurfacing, driveline services, hydraulic hose fabrication, mobile truck repair and machine shop services. Located near major freeways in California’s Central Valley, the company supports a diverse customer base across on-highway, off-highway, industrial and agricultural applications, serving fleets and owner-operators in one of the nation’s most active agricultural regions.
Leadership and staff
Owner and president Brandon Tharp leads a staff of 12 including four technicians, two counter staff and one outside sales representative.
“Our vision is to continue building a strong, reliable parts and service operation that our customers can depend on day in and day out,” said Tharp. “We’re focused on expanding our parts inventory, growing our service capabilities, and strengthening our presence throughout the Central Valley. At the same time, we want to stay true to our roots providing honest service, building long-term relationships, and continuing the legacy our family has built in this industry.”
Roots in Central Valley trucking
Tharp purchased the business in 2025, but is no stranger to the trucking and heavy-duty parts industry.
The roots of American Truck Parts are closely tied to a long-standing Central Valley trucking and heavy-duty tradition. The Tharp family’s involvement in trucking dates back to 1935, when E.M. “Gene” Tharp began his career in commercial hauling. Over the decades, the family’s operations expanded into truck sales, service and parts, ultimately leading to the formation of American Truck Parts in 1979. From there, after a series of acquisitions, American Truck Parts became available as an independent business opportunity.
Today, American Truck Parts continues that legacy as an independent operation focused exclusively on parts and service, while remaining connected to generations of industry experience.
Network perspective
“American Truck Parts and their broad service capabilities, strong regional presence, and commitment to supporting mixed-vocation customers make them an excellent fit for our growing network,” said Joe Meyer, vice president of business development for the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies. “The Tharp family legacy provides a strong foundation, and Brandon’s leadership brings fresh perspective and momentum that position the business well for long-term success.”
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By Counterman
A customer walks up to the counter and asks for a specific brand.
Another wants the lowest price.
A third just needs it now.
Those demands, all of which must be met, are carefully considered by distributors. What winds up on the shelf is the result of constant evaluation, competing priorities and calculated decisions.
As Mike Mohler, executive vice president and chief purchasing officer for the
link hidden, please login to view, puts it, “It’s (something) we grapple with on a daily basis.” The Four Pillars Behind Every Decision
At the distributor level, brand selection starts with what Mohler calls “the four pillars.”
First comes cost. “I need to have a competitive acquisition cost… but I need to think about total cost.” That includes everything from freight to handling to overall profitability.
Next is logistics. A supplier has to deliver product in a way that fits the distributor’s operation, not just offer a good price.
Then comes category management. The goal is simple in theory and difficult in practice. Stock the right part, in the right place, at the right time, in the “right brand.”
Finally, there is data. Clean cataloging, strong product information and insight into how parts move all factor into the decision.
If a brand cannot support all four areas, Mohler says it is unlikely to make the cut.
The Customer Is Driving More Than Ever
But even if all those pillars are met, the real test is the customer. Today’s shops have numerous suppliers at their disposal; ready and waiting for a chance to deliver the required products via the desired brands.
“If they want an oxygen sensor from Bosch, we’ve got to be the guy to get them that. If they want an air fuel ratio sensor from Denso, we’ve got to be the guy to get them that,” said Mohler. “We’re carrying SKUs in multiple brands because our customer demands it.”
Distributors also have to account for a wide range of customers.
“We’ve got people that want to pay for a $500 brake job. We’ve got people that can’t afford a $500 brake job, and that’s fine.”
That drives a tiered strategy. Premium brands, mid-tier lines and opening price point options all have a role.
As Mohler points out, “that lower price point necessarily means we have to sell much more to be able to make the same dollars.”
Data Is Replacing Guesswork
All of these decisions continue to evolve as distributors respond to changing demand, new technologies and ongoing market pressure.
“We have a more eclectic and more demanding customer base than we’ve ever had,” explained Mohler. “They now can pick and choose what branding they want. We have to become experts in reading minds, and we use data and all the best thinking to try to figure that out.”
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By Counterman
PRT, a brand of the ADD Group, announces the arrival of new applications for light vehicles. The launches include strategic models across North America, such as the Ford Bronco, Volvo V60, Subaru CrossTrek, Volkswagen Jetta, Nissan Rogue and Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, among others.
The new items include complete strut assemblies and shock absorbers, representing over 25 million vehicles in new coverage.
PRT products are produced under the strictest OE quality processes required by the main automakers, according to the company. “PRT continues to strengthen its position in North America, bringing OE quality, premium performance, advanced technology and leading application coverage. The new products are available in the U.S. and ready to ship,” explains Bruno Bello, director of global marketing at
link hidden, please login to view. For more information, call 1-770-238-1611, visit
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By Counterman
PRT, a brand of the ADD Group, announces the arrival of new applications for light vehicles. The launches include strategic models across North America, such as the Ford Bronco, Volvo V60, Subaru CrossTrek, Volkswagen Jetta, Nissan Rogue and Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, among others.
The new items include complete strut assemblies and shock absorbers, representing over 25 million vehicles in new coverage.
PRT products are produced under the strictest OE quality processes required by the main automakers, according to the company. “PRT continues to strengthen its position in North America, bringing OE quality, premium performance, advanced technology and leading application coverage. The new products are available in the U.S. and ready to ship,” explains Bruno Bello, director of global marketing at
link hidden, please login to view. For more information, call 1-770-238-1611, visit
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By Counterman
TERREPOWER, formerly BBB Industries, announced a significant expansion of its North American Electric Power Steering (EPS) program. The company’s EPS product technology is designed to simplify repairs for technicians nationwide.
The expanded EPS offering introduces 60 new applications covering model years 2013 to 2025. Total coverage is more than 257 SKUs for 60 million vehicles in operation (VIO), with 76 more SKUs covering 21 million VIO scheduled for a July launch.
The company said the EPS advancement also strengthens TERREPOWER’s position in sustainably manufactured steering components and underscores its commitment to providing OE-level steering solutions.
“This innovation is a game changer for repair environments,” said Tim Connolly, senior director of product management for undercar and NSP at
link hidden, please login to view. “We’re removing a major barrier to EPS service, while providing a high-quality, sustainable alternative to OE replacement at a more affordable cost.” TERREPOWER’s EPS Solutions
As EPS becomes the dominant steering technology across modern vehicles, demand for reliable aftermarket solutions continues to accelerate. TERREPOWER’s expanded offering is available nationwide and supported through partnerships.
In terms of benefits, the company’s EPS offering provides:
Availability: More than 257 EPS SKUs available for same-day pickup or delivery Coverage: Fits 60+ million vehicles on the road today Value: OE-level performance at a fraction of dealership cost Warranty and support: Backed by a warranty and nationwide support “EPS is here to stay, and the industry is shifting quickly,” said Andrew Wilson, product manager, EPS, at
link hidden, please login to view. “More than 50 percent of vehicles today are EPS-equipped, and by 2028, roughly 25 percent of steering repairs are expected to involve EPS systems. TERREPOWER is ensuring the aftermarket is ready.” The post
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