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The Group’s Larry Pavey: ‘Achievement Requires Collaboration’
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By Counterman
The Automotive Service Association, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation have sent a letter to Congress reaffirming their commitment to a 2014 national agreement on automotive Right to Repair.
The organizations represent the nation’s independent repair facilities, auto body shops and leading automakers, respectively.
In the letter, the organizations reaffirm their agreement on the 2014 memorandum of understanding, “and commit that independent repair facilities shall have access to the same diagnostic and repair information that auto manufacturers make available to authorized dealer networks.”
In an attachment to the letter, the organizations reiterate: “There shall be available for purchase by owners of motor vehicles and by independent repair facilities on fair and reasonable terms the same diagnostic and repair information, including service manuals and technical repair updates, that a manufacturer makes available to its authorized dealers through the manufacturer’s internet-based diagnostic and repair information system or other electronically accessible repair information system.”
In
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Access to diagnostic and repair information – Independent repair facilities shall continue to have access to the same diagnostic and repair information that auto manufacturers make available to authorized dealer networks. This applies to:
Telematics data needed to diagnose and repair a vehicle if not otherwise available; All vehicle technologies and powertrains, including gasoline, diesel, fuel-cell, electric battery, hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric powertrains. Education and training – A pledge to work together on education and training programs so mechanical and collision repair facilities are fully aware of exactly where and how to obtain repair information,including:
Directly through an automaker’s repair website; Shared access points like www.OEM1Stop.com; Via third-party information providers, software and tools. Future advancements – As vehicle technologies and the corresponding demands on repairers evolve, the commitment ensures a level playing field and a forum to discuss future repairer needs as they develop.
Repairers and Automakers ‘In Lockstep’
As state legislatures and Congress consider automotive Right to Repair laws, including the REPAIR Act, the parties noted: “…independent repairers and automakers are not at odds on automotive data access, but rather in lockstep on this fundamental principle: Consumers should have choice when it comes to repair options and the ability to have their vehicle serviced in well-equipped shops by well-trained technicians anytime, anywhere, anyplace.”
The organizations note that independent repair facilities perform 70% of post-warranty vehicle repairs today, while automakers’ own certified collision networks are comprised of shops that are more than 70% non-dealer owned.
“Automakers support Right to Repair, and today’s independent auto repair market is working well with lots of competition,” said John Bozzella, president and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. “Auto repairers across the U.S. have access to the same repair and diagnostic information provided to auto dealers. It’s not just automakers who say this. It’s the Federal Trade Commission. And with today’s agreement; it’s also the thousands of independent auto repairers and small businesses in all 50 states who together with automakers have once again made this fundamental commitment to customers.”
In the letter, the organizations note that the Federal Trade Commission “has rightfully placed a focus on the repair options available to consumers for all the products they purchase – far beyond just automobiles.” The agency has highlighted automotive repair “as a model for other industries to follow.”
“Consumers should absolutely be able to choose quality repairs, performed in accordance with the specific procedures detailed by the vehicle engineers,” said Amber Alley, chairman of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists, and manager of Barsotti’s Body and Fender in San Rafael, California. “They should have the right to be able to do so in an independent repair facility that has invested in the training, equipment and skillset development to meet the rigorous demands of sophisticated, modern vehicles. This expectation is achievable, and consumer options for repairs are not limited by automakers; quite the contrary. Consumers should have the right to a proper and safe repair, and this agreement reinforces the commitment that the entire industry will have the ability to train, equip their facilities, and perform repairs as intended by the vehicle engineers.”
‘Agreement Falls Short’
In a statement, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers called the agreement “a step in the right direction to ensure that consumers are protected.” However, the pact “falls short of all the protections necessary to ensure consumer choice now and into the future for all parties, not only signatories of the pact.”
“As a transportation industry, we believe that we have one opportunity to pass federal legislation and that legislation must include the ability to prioritize and protect consumers’ access to both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicle repair and maintenance through all iterations of vehicle technology on the road today and to come,” MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers added.
The association asserted that Right to Repair legislation must include:
All vehicles in operation – light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty Access to telematics and diagnostics data beyond that available just through the OBD II port An enforcement mechanism The ability for independent repair shops, using bi-directional communication, to update vehicles and parts to the latest software Addressing the risk of repair monopolies Language to protect consumers’ access to both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicle repair, maintenance and parts of their choosing through all iterations of vehicle technology on the road today and to come “The agreement does advance the conversation around right to repair and consumer choice, but if automakers and repair shops are prioritized over consumers, fair competition and a free market would not be realized,” the association said. “As a key stakeholder in protecting consumers’ rights and an essential part of the value chain, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers must be a part of the conversation.
MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers welcomes the opportunity to work with all parties to align on a federal solution that reflects the principles of consumer choice and a free market, includes the expertise of the supplier community, has a mechanism for real enforcement and prioritizes consumers, their safety and their economy – and the innovative industry we serve. The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act (H.R. 906) addresses these needs, and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers continues to support this bill that addresses the above concerns and creates a repair ecosystem that puts consumers at the center.”
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By Counterman
The Michigan Automotive Parts Association (MAPA) has selected Ken Wendling, retired from Standard Motor Products and living in Chesaning, Michigan, as the recipient of its 2023 MAPA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Created in 2010, the MAPA Lifetime Achievement Award was created to honor the excellence of individuals in the automotive aftermarket who have made significant impacts in the industry and/or the association. The recipient must have had an extensive career in the industry, contributed significantly to the automotive aftermarket in Michigan and made accomplishments within their local community.
Wendling has been a longtime member of MAPA and made sure Standard Motor Products (SMP) had input with this organization, which is committed to ongoing training for all industry professionals at every level. Wendling always made sure to sponsor and attend MAPA Industry Day.
Over the years, Wendling helped recruit big names to sit on MAPA Industry Day panels, such as Eric Sills, president and CEO of SMP. When asked to be on the panel, Wendling always indicated he would find someone more qualified than himself.
Teaching the Next Generation
Early in his career, Wendling taught an automotive class at a local high school for apprentice techs and was a frequent automotive radio-show guest, helping callers to diagnose his/her automotive problem and guide them down the correct “do-it-yourself” repair path.
In addition to his sales territory, Wendling traveled the country for SMP training Firestone technicians on how to diagnose and repair auto and truck air-conditioning systems. He also put in place the Professional Technician Hands on Training, which was launched in Lansing, Michigan.
When hiring employees, Wendling spent two weeks with each employee giving the new hire his undivided attention teaching them about the industry, SMP and the technical side of the business.
Wendling had everything in his office that you would find today in a company training department: cut-away samples of product, tools and more. Employees often completed hands-on training in his driveway on one of his or his neighbor’s cars. Once in a while, they would work on a neighbor’s farm tractor.
Wendling often states he is proud of the fact that he completed, in one year, more technician seminars than anyone at SMP – 81. These were all technician classes conducted in the evenings on top of his regular territory-manager responsibilities.
Wendling spearheaded the Auto Wares Tech Expo “Jeopardy” and “Top Gun” contests for many years, writing much of the material and hosting as Alex Trebek.
Keeping Things Cool
Wendling was known for performing hands-on air-conditioning check lanes, often starting at 7 a.m. and not finishing until after 8 p.m.
At these events, he would work with the individual jobber stores and promote the free A/C check lane on local radio stations like WWJ in Detroit.
At some events, there would be almost a mile-long line of vehicles waiting for their free A/C check-up. If the car only needed a small refrigerant top-off, he would perform that service after diagnosing the vehicles. If the cars needed more service, he would have a deal set up with local repair facilities to perform the more major work at a discount. In Michigan, these check lanes are legendary, MAPA says.
Illustrious Career at SMP
As soon as Wendling was old enough to hold a wrench, he started working on bicycles, and then minibikes, snowmobiles, motorcycles and cars. While still in school, he started work in the automotive aftermarket at Gold & Sons Automotive. After a few years, David Gold’s father asked Wendling to manage Gold & Sons Automotive Parts Store.
Wendling started at SMP in June 1980 during the start of the automobile electronic revolution with electronic ignition, computers and small lightweight automotive air-conditioning systems with different types of refrigerant. While a territory sales manager, Ken was named Territory Manager of the Year for five of his eight years and was inducted into the Inner Circle Sales Club. He then moved to zone sales manager and was named Zone Manager of the Year eight times.
In 2006, Wendling became regional sales manager for the eastern half of the United States. In 2009, he was promoted to national sales manager and then vice president warehouse distribution sales in 2013. Even though Wendling retired in 2018, he continued with special projects for the company until 2021.
Wendling served SMP for 41 years.
Wendling always managed “hands-on” and never was afraid to work alongside you – never afraid to get his hands dirty. He always had an ear at the street level, even when his career elevated to senior positions. He helped Standard Motor Products make relevant, “real-world” decisions. There was not an industry event that he did not attend, MAPA says.
He was one of the original Northwood University Leadership attendees. He was the recipient of the Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award from Northwood University in 2017 during Industry Week in Las Vegas.
Wendling is a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus, working for the organization on many fundraising projects. Since retirement, he helped to completely renovate St. Michael’s Catholic Church, his home parish.
Since retirement, Wendling helped a nephew completely renovate an old farmhouse, including raising the house to add a 9-foot basement underneath, and removing the roof to create 16-foot cathedral ceilings. In retirement, Wendling also has been driving tractors or whatever is needed on family farms.
On Sept. 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian devastated southwest Florida. With a truck load of tools, he and his wife, Shirley, headed to Florida and helped many homeowners rebuild. They did everything from drywall, electrical and plumbing to hauling many truckloads of debris to the scrap yard.
A Family Man
Ken and Shirley Wendling live in Chesaning, Michigan, and have two children and two grandchildren. Their son, Jason, also is in the automotive business and is the lead salesman at a GM dealership. Their daughter, Kristen, and her husband, Dan, live in Allendale with children Kennadi and Owen. Kristen is an elementary-school teacher and Dan is a lead project engineer.
Ken Wendling is a lifelong member of St Michael’s Catholic Church, Maple Grove, and was an altar boy growing up. He was a little league baseball coach when son, Jason, was growing up, from the time Jason could play at age 5 until he was in high school.
Ken and Jason love to snowmobile in the winter, and summer is Harley-riding time. Motorcycling is a family affair. Today, you’ll most likely find Ken and Shirley Wendling sitting in the bleachers (sometimes three to four times per week on the west side of the state) watching granddaughter Kennadi running track, and grandson Owen playing basketball, football, baseball and swimming.
And still today, if you ask Wendling about the automotive aftermarket, he will tell you what he’s said for many, many years: “I love selling new parts for used cars!”
The MAPA Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Ken Wendling during MAPA Industry Day 2023 on Wed., Sept. 13, at the Crowne Plaza Lansing West hotel in Lansing, Michigan. Rich Violette and Darrell Liddell will present the award.
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By Counterman
Advance Auto Parts, the “Official Auto Parts Retailer of NASCAR,” received the 2022 Marketing Achievement Award at the NASCAR Industry Awards Reception during NASCAR Champion’s Week in Nashville.
In its third season as an official partner, Advance has demonstrated its commitment to grassroots racing, supporting drivers and tracks in local communities across the United States and Canada. The entitlement partner of the Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series (NAAPWS), Advance most recently partnered with the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Combine, developing new storytelling opportunities and helping to livestream the event for the first time in program history.
“Advance Auto Parts is very honored to receive this award,” said Jason McDonell, executive vice president of merchandising, marketing and e-commerce at Advance. “Since becoming a partner of NASCAR, our team has been focused on supporting grassroots racing through programs like Advance My Track Challenge and the Drive for Diversity Combine. As the official auto parts retailer of NASCAR, we look forward to our continued partnership, leading programs that advance local racing while serving as the auto parts provider of choice for race fans.”
For a second season, Advance promoted the “Advance My Track Challenge,” focusing on local racetracks and communities to raise awareness of and celebrate grassroots racing. Through a consumer voting program, the organization awarded Jennerstown Speedway a $50,000 prize, distributing 6,000 tickets to local Advance stores for free admission to the speedway’s celebration event. The program generated more than 220,000 impressions on NASCAR.com and NASCAR social media channels.
“Since becoming an official partner, Advance Auto Parts has been a big supporter of grassroots racing, raising awareness of local racing communities and providing young drivers with the opportunity to showcase their talent,” said Michelle Byron, vice president, partnership marketing at NASCAR. “After recently wrapping the 2022 Advance Auto Parts Drive for Diversity Combine, we’re thrilled to see what’s next as they continue to find creative ways to grow their presence in the sport.”
After introducing a new brand campaign in June with its No. 1 fan Ed Vance, Advance hosted Ed at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway and captured live content with him throughout the weekend. In a matter of months, Ed quickly began to be recognized at tracks, becoming a staple character among race fans.
Closing out the year, Advance served as the primary sponsor of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Combine, continuing to expand its presence in the sport. Advance was on-site throughout the event, capturing content as drivers prepared for and participated in the combine. Through its sponsorship, the company gave NASCAR the ability to evaluate additional drivers for the combine as the league also selected additional winners compared to previous years.
This is the first time Advance has been awarded the NASCAR Marketing Achievement Award. Previous winners include Anheuser-Busch, Comcast; Coca-Cola; Fox Sports and NBC Sports; Mars, Incorporated; Mobil 1; and Toyota.
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By Counterman
The 2022 AWDA Aftermarket Challenge is underway and the program groups are all in, according to Bob Egan, chairman of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.
The annual campaign is supported by program groups, aftermarket suppliers, manufacturers’ representatives and other industry organizations to raise funds for scholarships and programs that strengthen the aftermarket through education. The following organizations have committed to participation in the 2022 Challenge to date.
Program distribution groups
Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Automotive Parts Associates Automotive Parts Services Group Federated Auto Parts The Pronto Network Aftermarket suppliers and manufacturers’ reps
AIT/Trakmotive AMS Automotive AP Emissions Technologies Bosch CARDONE Industries Cloyes Gear and Products Dash4 Brake Parts Dayco Products Delphi Technologies/Borg-Warner Dorman Products East Penn Manufacturing Elite EXTRA Enersys Epicor Software FCS Automotive First Brands Group GB Remanufacturing Global Parts Distributors Grote Industries GSP North America Hirsig-Frazier Company Holstein Parts IAP/DuraGo ISC Industries KYB Americas Lisle Corporation Litens Aftermarket Mevotech Motorcar Parts of America N.A. Williams Company NTN Bearing Corp. Plews & Edelmann Powerstop Premium Guard Siggins Standard Motor Products Tasco Unity Automotive Winhere Brake Parts ZF Aftermarket “The program groups were the first to step up and support this year’s AWDA Aftermarket Challenge and many aftermarket suppliers and reps have already offered their support,” said Egan. “We thank these fine organizations and invite all industry members to support the 2022 Challenge. The future of the aftermarket depends on the next generation of automotive professionals, and that makes our mission of funding scholarships and educational programs extremely important. Together we can make a real difference.”
To support the challenge, contact UAF Executive Director Jennifer Tio at [email protected]. To learn more about the University of the Aftermarket Foundation and its available scholarships, or to make a donation, visit
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By Counterman
In our 2022 Distribution Preview in
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Here’s our Q&A with Larry Pavey, CEO of the Automotive Parts Services Group.
CM: What are your thoughts about the business environment for the automotive aftermarket in 2022?
LP: We believe that the business environment will be outstanding in 2022. As the overall economy continues to improve, we expect driven miles to grow and an increased focus on vehicle safety and repair. With personal-vehicle use increasing, inspection programs being reinstated and fleet miles growing, there will be many positive influences that provide continued growth for the aftermarket. In addition, the price of new and used cars creates incentive to invest and repair current vehicles. While aftermarket prices may have increased, we still provide tremendous value to consumers on repair versus a vehicle purchase.
CM: Our industry’s technical skills gap (and tech shortage) has been labeled as a huge challenge. But there are some great long-term opportunities for young people in the automotive aftermarket right now, especially in the area of emerging technology, which is going to require that “next-level” tech. How can we better put our industry in the spotlight, and get young students excited about automotive?
LP: Our industry has an identity crisis. Today’s vehicles have more cool technology than any other product I can think of, and our industry should be a magnet for young people who love tech. Every aftermarket company, large and small, should alter their communication strategy to promote the technical aspects and potential that the aftermarket offers. As an industry, we need to focus on rebranding, from maintenance and repair to diagnostics and calibration, and share the opportunities we have for the best and the brightest. To communicate this effectively, we need to work together and embrace the future, where tech companies like Google, Apple and Amazon will be mobility companies offering career opportunities in many areas. Positioning the vehicle as the largest and most important technology in everyone’s life will be key.
CM: What do you feel is the greatest threat facing the automotive aftermarket right now?
LP: The greatest future threat to the aftermarket is having the competency to repair vehicles and satisfy customers. The two biggest obstacles are adequate information and technician competency, and they are interrelated. Winning the battle for data access is key to be able to repair vehicles regardless of technician proficiency. Without access to repair data, the aftermarket will not be able to meet consumers’ needs for parts and repair, especially as the electrification and complexity of vehicles increases. The shortage of technicians and changes in required competencies will be challenging, even if all the data for diagnostic and repair procedures is available. Evolving technology also will impact the ability of shops to afford the variety of equipment required to perform repairs. Fortunately, we are seeing some shared services in remote diagnostics, but there are still tremendous challenges to deliver the outstanding service that consumers are accustomed to.
CM: What phrase describes your “words to live by?”
LP: When you don’t know what to do, do what is right.
CM: What is your best icebreaker at a networking reception?
LP: At my age, it has become, “How are your parents?”
CM: What is your dream car, or favorite vehicle you’ve owned?
LP: When I was young, I had a ‘67 Mustang that is still my favorite car ever.
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