VIPAR Heavy Duty Names Truck-Lite, ECCO as Strategic Partners
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By oliviarosesmith
Planning a summer road trip in my Jeep and part of the route runs through some pretty remote wildlife areas — think deer, maybe elk depending on elevation. Never had a close call yet but I'd rather be prepared than find out the hard way at 60mph.
Been going back and forth on whether to upgrade the stock bumper before I go. A few things I'm weighing:
Does a heavier aftermarket bumper actually help in an animal strike, or is it more about looks/winch mounting for most people? Front vs rear — is front the priority if I'm mainly worried about wildlife on the road? Anyone dealt with insurance/deer strikes and wish they'd had better protection beforehand? Budget isn't unlimited so trying to figure out if this is a "nice to have" or something I'll actually regret skipping. Would love to hear what setups people are running, especially if you've done a similar trip or actually hit something with stock vs. upgraded bumpers.
Trip's about 3 weeks out so I've got a little time to sort parts and get them installed before I leave.
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By Counterman
TalkRev launched PartsNow.ai, an AI-assisted platform designed to help fleets, owner-operators and repair shops find and purchase heavy-duty truck parts more efficiently. The company said the system uses AI-driven chat, voice interaction and visual recognition to identify parts and connect users with a network of distributors.
AI Tools Streamline Parts Identification
According to TalkRev, the platform allows users to search for parts in multiple ways:
Describing the issue or component Uploading a photo of the part or vehicle VIN Speaking directly with an AI agent The system then identifies the part and provides availability and pricing from its distributor network.
“Too many mechanics spend their day on the phone calling suppliers just to buy a brake disc or a turbocharger,” said Manna Justin, CEO of TalkRev. “You tell us what you need—type it, say it, or upload a photo of the broken part or the truck’s VIN—and our AI identifies the exact component and sources it from our network of distributors.”
Integrated Purchasing and Distributor Network
link hidden, please login to view said it aggregates inventory from a network of distributors, with a catalog of more than 50,000 parts. Users can complete purchases through a single checkout process, with PartsNow handling the transaction. The company said this approach allows distributors to reach customers without building their own e-commerce systems. Voice and Mobile Interaction
The platform also supports phone-based interaction, where users can describe an issue and receive follow-up questions from the AI agent. TalkRev said the system then sends a text message with product details, pricing and a link to complete the purchase.
Steve Fultz, president of PartsNow.ai, said the platform is designed to reduce time spent searching for parts and improve access to inventory.
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By elizabeth
Heavy-duty trucks require strong components, and a Used Ford F 250 Super Duty Transmission is a great option for maintaining performance without overspending. These transmissions are designed to handle tough workloads and are inspected to ensure durability and efficiency. Choosing a used unit helps reduce costs while keeping your truck reliable for daily or commercial use. It’s important to check compatibility with your specific model for proper fit and function. With correct installation and maintenance, a used transmission can deliver consistent performance, making it a practical solution for drivers who rely on their trucks for demanding tasks.
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By Counterman
The Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG), an under-40 community of the Auto Care Association, announced its 2026 Next Step Program scholarship recipients for YANG programming at Auto Care Connect. The Next Step Program offers young automotive aftermarket professionals an opportunity to establish lasting involvement in the auto care industry.
The scholarship recipients will experience and engage in YANG programming at
link hidden, please login to view and Spring Leadership Days, part of Auto Care Connect week, all taking place May 11-14 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. 2026 Next Step Program Scholarship Recipients
Tiffany Auyeung, Genuine Parts/NAPA Shelby McLean, CRC Industries Dina Nikocevic, Parts Authority Samantha Schearer-Higdon, Schearer’s Sales & Service Inc. Joseph Pedorenko, TERREPOWER Scholarship Benefits and Networking Opportunities
The scholarship covers the entire cost to attend the 2026 Auto Care Connect week and provides access to networking opportunities for each of the scholarship recipients. The Next Step scholarship recipients can participate in up to 25 meetings and network with more than 450 veteran industry leaders during this three-and-a-half-day program. “Next Steppers” will experience up-close how the association and various aspects of the industry work.
YANG Programming at Auto Care Connect
The
link hidden, please login to view programming at Auto Care Connect is tailored to young professionals in the auto care industry to facilitate building connections with peers, learning from industry experts and coming together as one collective industry by sharing the best of ideas and solutions for today’s automotive aftermarket industry challenges. This in-person event provides industry-focused programming opportunities to enhance leadership skills and knowledge of the industry. The post
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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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