The Group’s Larry Pavey: ‘Achievement Requires Collaboration’
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By Counterman
NEXUS Automotive International’s global event, the NEXUS Business Forum, took place at the SwissTech Convention Center in Lausanne, Switzerland, between March 31 and April 2. The forum gathered 300 companies and more than 700 attendees from 96 countries.
It included the fourth edition of NEXUS Climate Day, “The Future is Ours” plenary session, and more than 3,000 speed-dating meetings that created new business opportunities and strengthened relationships within the N! Community. NEXUS CEO Gaël Escribe issued the “Lausanne Appeal,” urging the N! Community to embrace greater collaboration, particularly in unpredictable times, to achieve success and contribute positively to the overall automotive aftermarket industry.
“The Future is Ours” plenary session: unprecedented discussion with aftermarket associations
During “The Future is Ours” plenary session, NEXUS Automotive International hosted a roundtable bringing together, for the first time, leaders from influential aftermarket associations such as Bill Hanvey from the Auto Care Association and Chris Gardner from MEMA, representing the United States; Frank Schlehuber from Clepa and Sylvia Gotzen from Figiefa, representing Europe; and Wilson Ni of the Chinese Automotive Intelligence Society. During the session, the leaders of these organizations shared their insights into the short- and medium-term challenges that are redefining the industry.
Beyond identifying trends, they established a framework for cross-functional collaboration designed to advance the aftermarket ecosystem, turning regional concerns into a collective drive for progress.
“The Wise Guys” session: leaders share perspectives on the market’s evolution
A major highlight was “The Wise Guys” session including Arnd Franz, CEO of Mahle; Neil Fryer, vice president and general manager, global aftermarket, for PHINIA; Todd Hertzler, regional president, MA North America, Bosch; Cedric Dackam, president and general manager, automotive aftermarket, MANN+HUMMEL; Randy Buller, co-founder and chairman, The Parts Authority; and Gaël Escribe, NEXUS Automotive International’s CEO. This platform featured key industry players who shared perspectives on the market’s evolution.
In a display of strategic transparency, these leaders examined short- and medium-term challenges redefining the ecosystem. By establishing a framework for cross-functional collaboration, they turned individual concerns into a collective drive for progress and reinforced the N! Community’s role across the industry.
NEXUS Climate Day: from competitive advantage to value creation
The fourth
link hidden, please login to view Climate Day convened more than 300 participants to develop tangible solutions and share best practices. The event brought together sustainability specialists, suppliers and members of the N! Community, representing the entire NEXUS value chain. Panel discussions and proof-of-concept (POC) projects developed by Bosch, MANN+HUMMEL, SKF and TotalEnergies provided concrete guidelines for embedding sustainability within the industry. Escribe appealed for the foundation of an alliance to structure battery repair in Europe and territories where the EV car parc will generate major maintenance soon.
While individual efforts within the industry are taking shape, forming alliances across ecosystems can create the only answer to this major challenge: a collaborative approach.
Redesigned award ceremony
The annual
link hidden, please login to view award ceremony named DRiV as Supplier of the Year and Goldwagen as Member of the Year. In the heavy-duty category, Europart & Wijlhuizen were both recognized as Members of the Year. Individual honors went to industry leaders: Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia from GSF was awarded Man of the Year, while Elodie Luce from TotalEnergies and Hasmeet Kaur from MANN+HUMMEL were both awarded Woman of the Year. North American partners Randy Buller from Parts Authority and Robert Roos from The Pronto Network were recognized with a Leadership Excellence Award and NEXUS Commitment Excellence Award.
ElringKlinger and MANN+HUMMEL shared Growth Champion in the Strategic Supplier category, while Purflux Group took the award for Preferred Supplier and ZF for Heavy-Duty. The bilstein group was named Customer Experience Champion.
NEXUS leadership on value creation and collaboration
“This Business Forum reflects the growing maturity of NEXUS and the new stage we are entering,” said Escribe. “We are becoming a group fully structured around high-value creation for our supplier partners, members, and the wider aftermarket ecosystem, in a context defined by transformation, growth, and collaboration. The 2026 NEXUS Business Forum has acted as a catalyst for building a more resilient aftermarket of tomorrow.”
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By Counterman
The Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, presented its 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award in Honor of Martin Fromm to Bill Long, President and CEO of MEMA. The award was presented by AWDA Chairperson Ashlee Arnold on November 2nd at AWDA’s 2025 Annual Conference in Las Vegas.
AWDA’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have, over the course of many years, distinguished themselves through their unselfish commitment to, and high level of performance within, the motor vehicle aftermarket industry. The award is named in honor of former AWDA President Martin Fromm.
Few individuals in the motor vehicle aftermarket have left a mark as deep, enduring, and far-reaching as Bill Long. Over the course of a career spanning more than 40 years, Bill has not only led respected organizations and industry initiatives—he has helped shape the direction, reputation, and long-term health of the aftermarket itself. From his earliest days delivering parts in high school to his current role as President and CEO of MEMA, Bill Long has exemplified what this award was created to honor: a life’s work defined by integrity, leadership, service, and impact.
Bill’s leadership journey began with a foundational understanding of the aftermarket’s front lines and evolved into senior executive roles across every corner of the supply chain. At Echlin/DANA, where he spent over two decades, Bill built his reputation as a principled leader with an operational mindset and a strategic vision. He would go on to lead North American Operations at Proliance International and later serve as a consultant and advisor through Long Strategies LLC—always staying close to the people and companies that define this industry.
In 2012, Bill joined MEMA, where he first led the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) division before rising to lead the entire organization. Today, MEMA represents one of the most critical sectors of the American economy—vehicle suppliers—through four divisions: AASA, the Heavy-Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), the Association for Sustainable Manufacturing (MERA), and the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA). Under Bill’s leadership, MEMA has strengthened its voice in Washington, D.C., expanded its impact across all vehicle segments, and become a more unified force for progress across the supply base.
A hallmark of Bill’s career has been his deep commitment to advocacy. He has helped elevate the aftermarket in national conversations, building strong relationships with lawmakers and regulators to ensure industry perspectives are heard on issues ranging from vehicle data access and diagnostics to sustainability and workforce development. He has played a visible and consistent role in advancing Right to Repair, including vocal support for the REPAIR Act. He also served on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Association Committee of 100, offering guidance and strategic insight on behalf of one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the nation.
Bill’s belief in people and education has also been a defining thread. He has supported professional development across every level of the industry, and his leadership helped bring about “Leadership 3.0: The Global Aftermarket,” a pioneering education program developed in partnership with Northwood University and the University of the Aftermarket. His efforts have helped build future leaders, prepare companies for change, and ensure that learning and mentorship remain central to the aftermarket’s success. For these contributions, he has been recognized with both the MEMA Triangle Award—bestowed only when an individual’s service is deemed truly extraordinary—and Northwood’s Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award.
Outside of the boardroom, Bill’s passion for motorsports has mirrored his professional values: community, innovation, and a love of the industry. He has held executive positions with NASCAR, the IndyCar Series, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and continues to support grassroots racing today. His work in this space earned him the Jack Arute Sr. Excellence in Motorsports Award.
Bill Long is, in every sense of the word, a backbone of the motor vehicle aftermarket. He has built organizations, led people, driven advocacy, and left an indelible legacy. He has done so with humility, consistency, and a tireless commitment to making the industry stronger, smarter, and more united.
For his decades of distinguished service, his contributions to business, education, and advocacy, and his enduring impact on the people and progress of our industry, Bill Long is a truly deserving recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in Honor of Martin Fromm.
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By Counterman
Gold Eagle Company announced a new licensed collaboration with Valvoline Global Operations (VGO).
Effective July 1, Gold Eagle Company became the exclusive licensee of Valvoline and Max Life branded automotive performance and preventative maintenance chemical additives for the Do-it-Yourself (DIY) consumer market.
Exclusive Deal Expands Collaboration with Valvoline
link hidden, please login to view manufactures and distributes STA-BIL fuel stabilizers, 303 cleaners and protectants, HEET Gas-Line Antifreeze, and Hot Shot’s Secret performance fuel and oil treatments and lubricants. More than 30,000 retail stores carry these products, including Walmart, Auto Zone and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Gold Eagle earned selection through a comprehensive evaluation process. The evaluation focused on delivering consumer-centric automotive solutions. Gold Eagle emphasized its commitment to quality, shared values, and experience in developing products that maintain vehicle performance and longevity.
Companies Leverage Strengths for New Consumer Offerings
A news release from
link hidden, please login to viewexplained how the collaboration with Valvoline leverages both companies’ strengths. Gold Eagle brings success in developing accessible, high-quality automotive additives and cleaners. link hidden, please login to view brings expertise in producing high-performance lubricants with strong brand equity. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our strengths, so we are very excited to announce this agreement to bring to consumers the innovative products they need and want,” Gold Eagle Company chief operating officer/chief marketing officer, Matthew Banach, said, “With our advanced manufacturing capabilities, robust supply chain and formulary expertise we will hit the ground running so look for new product announcements soon.”
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By Counterman
NEXUS Automotive International presented Federated Auto Parts with the Milestone Achievement Award.
This award recognizes Federated’s 40th anniversary in the aftermarket industry. NEXUS gave the honor during the recent NEXUS Business Forum in Abu Dhabi.
“We greatly appreciate NEXUS Automotive International for recognizing Federated’s 40th anniversary milestone with this esteemed award,” said Sue Godschalk, CEO of Federated Auto Parts.
Global Collaboration Leads to Milestone Achievement Award
Godschalk said the company values the partnership with NEXUS and the Automotive Parts Services Group (APSG).
“By working in partnership with NEXUS, the Automotive Parts Services Group, including
link hidden, please login to view, is able to learn from a global community of aftermarket suppliers, distributors and innovation providers, and share practical, sustainable solutions with members to help them in their local markets.” NEXUS Business Forum Hosts Award Presentation
link hidden, please login to view link hidden, please login to view link hidden, please login to view took place April 8-10 in Abu Dhabi. The event brought together over 700 aftermarket professionals from around the world. More than 85 suppliers and approximately 215 member companies participated. Jeff Koviak, CEO of the Automotive Parts Services Group, accepted the award on behalf of Federated. 40 Years of Federated
Federated Auto Parts was established in 1985. The company was founded by the late Art Fisher. Fisher Auto Parts and Westwood Auto Parts became the first two Federated members. Three additional WDs became members throughout 1985—Automotive Jobbers Supply in April, and Warehouse Inc. and Auto Distributor in December. Today, Federated has more than 80 members located throughout the United States, Canada, the Bahamas and Mexico.
A yearlong celebration will include special programs, promotions and events for
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By Counterman
The Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, presented its 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award in Honor of Martin Fromm to Sue Godschalk, president of Federated Auto Parts. The award was presented by AWDA Chairperson Ashlee Arnold on Nov. 3 at AWDA’s 2024 Annual Conference in Las Vegas.
AWDA’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have, over the course of many years, distinguished themselves through their unselfish commitment to, and high level of performance within, the motor vehicle aftermarket industry. The award is named in honor of former AWDA President Martin Fromm.
Starting 52 years ago at the bottom and working her way up to the very top of the organization, Godschalk began in the aftermarket in the inventory control department and this year will go on to become CEO of Federated Auto Parts. She has experienced great success in an industry that has been traditionally dominated by men.
Like many small business leaders, Godschalk wears numerous hats including managing financials, people, meetings, payments, rebates and much more. She’s a consensus builder who listens, contributes, pushes hard for what she believes in and then implements the plan better than nearly anyone else.
Godschalk leads through servant leadership, collaboration and by putting the time in until the job is done. Like all great leaders, she seeks professionalism over popularity. She doesn’t seek the limelight and accomplishes far more than nearly everyone else, and for years has been able to set new standards working alongside her husband Herb.
Godschalk had great mentors in Larry Pavey, Rusty Bishop and Art Fisher, as well as all of the Federated membership. Her team has benefited from being around such a highly capable person who is the perfect combination of a productive manager, worker bee, and intelligent team player.
Great plans can often fail without excellent execution and Godschalk works the plan as well as anyone and deserves credit for all of her successes both personally and professionally. While working long hours, she finds time to support her church as the lector and the secretary of the parish council. She also loves to cook and entertain, and in high school, she was even a starter on her basketball team and the captain of their cheerleading squad.
The independent aftermarket has a world-class “cheerleader” and an expert “player” in award winner Sue Godschalk.
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