Paul McCarthy Sees ‘Opportunity and Upside’ in ADAS
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By Counterman
Autel U.S. announced that its Autel Academy ADAS Training Program has received accreditation from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR).
ASE and I-CAR Accreditation
The ASE and I-CAR accreditation confirms that Autel’s instructor-led training program meets the requirements for technician training and development as defined by these organizations. ASE and I-CAR are widely recognized as benchmarks in automotive service and education, and their endorsement signals that Autel’s curriculum delivers industry-relevant instruction aligned with current technological demands.
Matt Shepanek, vice president of credential testing programs at ASE, emphasized the significance of the accreditation process, noting that it delivers meaningful value for both training providers and the industry. “Accreditation provides training organizations with recognized credibility, ensures their curriculum aligns with current industry standards, and verifies that they are maintaining high-quality instruction, facilities, and resources,” said Shepanek. “Autel successfully met all of these criteria, and we are pleased to recognize them as an ASE-accredited training provider.”
ADAS Calibration Training Program
link hidden, please login to view link hidden, please login to view launched its ADAS calibration training program in 2023 at its U.S. corporate headquarters in Port Washington, New York. The program combines structured classroom instruction with hands-on experience in a dedicated training bay, allowing technicians to work directly with ADAS calibration equipment and real-world vehicle scenarios. The classroom portion delivers a foundational understanding of ADAS theory, including system architecture, sensor types, OEM calibration requirements, and workflow best practices. Hands-on training reinforces this foundation as technicians perform static and dynamic calibrations on vehicles in a controlled, real-world environment.
The program also emphasizes diagnostic strategy and troubleshooting to help technicians identify and resolve common calibration issues encountered in shop settings. Topics include alignment variables, target placement errors, environmental factors, and system fault conditions.
Following strong demand,
link hidden, please login to view has expanded its training footprint to additional locations, including Michigan, Missouri, California, and Florida, making advanced ADAS education more accessible to technicians across the country. Technician Certification Assessment and Continuing Education Credits
To further enhance the program, Autel will introduce a third day of training to its current two-day course. This additional day will include a technician certification assessment, enabling participants to demonstrate mastery of the curriculum.
Successful completion will provide technicians with ASE and I-CAR continuing education credits, reinforcing both their technical competency and professional credentials.
“We are proud to have our ADAS Training Program recognized by ASE,” said Chris Gutierrez, Product and Training Director – ADAS, Autel North America. “This accreditation validates the depth and quality of our curriculum and our hands-on approach. Our goal is to ensure technicians leave our program well prepared to perform accurate ADAS calibrations with confidence and consistency in real-world shop environments.”
Technicians and ADAS Systems
For technicians, this training represents an opportunity to build expertise in one of the fastest-growing and most technically demanding areas of automotive service. ADAS systems directly impact vehicle safety, and improper calibration can lead to system malfunctions or compromised performance.
Through Autel’s ASE and I-CAR-accredited program, technicians gain the confidence to perform precise calibrations, reduce liability risks, increase shop efficiency, and position themselves as trusted specialists in advanced vehicle technology.
With this accreditation, Autel continues to strengthen its role as a trusted partner for repair shops, technicians and industry professionals seeking reliable tools and comprehensive education in ADAS technologies.
For more information or to book your class today, click
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view appointed Jeff Paul executive vice president, effective Jan. 1, 2026, following a vote by the VIPAR Heavy Duty Board of Directors. The promotion was first announced by president and CEO Chris Baer to the network’s heavy-duty aftermarket distributors at the company’s IMPACT Conference in October. “Jeff and I have worked together for 23 years, and in that time, he has consistently demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment, drive, and integrity. He is among the most principled and capable leaders I have had the privilege to work with. Jeff’s future within this organization is extremely bright, and our organization is fortunate to have him to guide the ship in future years,” said Baer.
Leadership Scope and Distribution Strategy
Paul most recently served as vice president of marketing and sat on the executive management team. He oversaw data and market research, marketing strategy, corporate branding, corporate communications, public relations and corporate event management.
In his new role, Paul’s responsibilities expand to long-term organizational objectives, development and maintenance of strategic relationships, and oversight of innovation and expansion efforts tied to aftermarket distribution and supplier strategies. He will also provide executive oversight for major initiatives, including the reconstruction of the National Accounts program.
“Jeff has started his journey, and we have a comprehensive timeline that will guide us to a smooth transition 24 months from now,” said Baer.
Digital Platforms and Data Strategy
Paul has led major digital and data initiatives for
link hidden, please login to view, including the PARTSPHERE PIM & DAM and the Nucleus Knowledge Center, supporting product data quality and supplier connectivity across the supply chain. He has also led the IMPACT Conference program, with a focus on distributor and supplier engagement. Industry Engagement and Governance
Paul serves on multiple industry boards and committees, including the AWDA Board of Governors, CVSN Board of Directors, MEMA Heavy Duty E-Commerce Committee and the Joint Operating Committee for Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW). His involvement aligns with market trends in heavy-duty aftermarket distribution, data standards and e-commerce.
“I’m grateful to our Board of Directors and to Chris for their confidence and support,” said Paul. “I look forward to expanding my contributions as we continue to strengthen our family of companies and our impact across the industry, delivering true group value for our stockholders, members, and supplier partners. And, I’m proud to do this work alongside an exceptional team whose dedication continues to move our organization forward.”
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By Counterman
Now is the time for counter professionals to get up to speed on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
These systems have quickly become one of the fastest-growing segments in the aftermarket. During a recent media conference call, Chris Gardner, senior vice president of programs and technology at
link hidden, please login to view, shared new findings from the organization’s updated ADAS outlook report. The projections, now extended through 2035, show stronger and faster growth than initially anticipated. “The ADAS replacement component market will reach around a billion dollars by 2029,” Gardner said. “That’s one year earlier than what we had reported in our earlier study.”
The original study, published in 2022, sparked high interest across the industry. In response, MEMA released an updated version of the report titled
link hidden, please login to view, three months ago. The new study offers a more detailed 10-year view of calibration and component replacement trends, along with a breakdown of growth across collision and mechanical channels. Mechanical Repair Takes Center Stage
Historically, collision repair shops dominated ADAS calibration work, driven by accident-related sensor and camera replacements. However, the MEMA study now shows a major shift underway, especially for mechanical repair segments.
“There’s tremendous growth there,” Gardner said. “It’s a clear picture of the tremendous business opportunities for our members in the ADAS space.”
According to the report, the collision segment will see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% through 2035. But mechanical repair will outpace that significantly with a 13.5% CAGR. Combined, the two segments reflect an overall CAGR of 9.5%.
Turning Point Expected by 2031
One of the most critical takeaways from the study is when mechanical ADAS work will match and then surpass collision repair.
“By 2031, the ADAS replacement component market for mechanical repairs will equal collision,” Gardner explained. “And then going forward after 2031 will exceed the collision market.”
This forecast represents a clear opportunity for automotive parts counter professionals. As mechanical shops take on more ADAS service, the demand for replacement sensors, brackets, cameras and calibration tools will continue to rise. Counter pros who understand these systems and stock the right parts will be best positioned to support their customers and grow their business.
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By Counterman
MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association (MEMA) announced the retirement of its esteemed president and CEO, Bill Long, to be effective January 3, 2026. Under Bill Long’s visionary leadership, MEMA has seen significant growth and transformative changes that have solidified its position as a leading association in the industry.
“Throughout his tenure, Bill Long has been instrumental in fostering innovation, advocating for industry interests and strengthening
link hidden, please login to view role in shaping the future of motor and equipment manufacturing through some of the most challenging and transformative times in automotive history. His leadership, dedication and expertise have earned him widespread respect and admiration from colleagues and industry partners alike during his more than 40-year career,” said MEMA Chairman Kurk Wilks, president and CEO of MANN+HUMMEL.
In conjunction with Bill Long’s retirement, the link hidden, please login to view Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul McCarthy as the new president and CEO, effective January 3, 2026. Paul McCarthy brings a wealth of industry experience and a deep commitment to advancing MEMA’s mission. With his remarkable leadership skills and extensive industry knowledge, the MEMA Board is confident that in Paul McCarthy, they have selected the right leader to drive the association forward and take it to another level, building upon the strong foundation laid by Bill Long.
Paul McCarthy has been an integral part of MEMA’s leadership team, contributing significantly to its success as MEMA’s senior vice president of strategy and president of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. In his almost three decades in our industry, he has extensive experience in all of MEMA’s member segments: original equipment, commercial vehicles and the aftermarket. His vision for MEMA will enhance our value of member-centricity and our objectives of a powerful supplier voice, strong industry advocacy, innovation and excellence.
“I am deeply honored to have served as MEMA’s president and CEO and am proud of what we have achieved together,” said Bill Long. “I have full confidence in Paul McCarthy’s ability to lead MEMA into a bright and successful future.”
Paul McCarthy added, “I am excited to take on this new role, champion the supplier industry I am so passionate about and lead the talented team at MEMA. Together, we will serve our members and drive a growing, profitable, innovative and influential vehicle supplier community. We seek to be an association that is vital to our members’ success, protects suppliers and helps our members see the road ahead in a time of change.”
As MEMA embarks on this new chapter, the MEMA board extends its heartfelt gratitude to Bill Long for his exceptional service and contributions to the vehicle supplier community during his 13-year tenure at MEMA and his six years as president and CEO, and we look forward to the dynamic strategic vision of Paul McCarthy to lead us forward. The post
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By Counterman
Hunter Engineering has introduced a website that breaks down sophisticated ADAS procedures and terminology into easy-to-understand topics, as a means to help simplify the ever-complicating conversations around ADAS.
Available for free to access and use, Hunter’s interactive ADAS Learning Tool works on touchscreen tablets or desktop computers. Designed to assist counter workers or allow customers to explore on their own, the tool succinctly answers many of the why, when and how questions both shops and consumers have regarding ADAS calibrations,
link hidden, please login to view explained. “ADAS has received plenty of attention the past several years, but comparatively little of it deals with talking to actual vehicle owners,” said Tommy Maitz, Hunter director of marketing. “This learning tool will help shops have more informative and effective conversations with their customers about which systems are included on their cars, and the need for calibrations.”
The tool begins by separating ADAS procedures into four main categories – camera, radar, ultrasound, internal – and provides brief overviews and images for each type to aid with in-person discussions. From there, a user can examine the color-coded vehicle image to learn about the specific functions and locations of ADAS components, and when calibrations would be recommended or required.
Also included on the page are extensive lists of the names OEMs use for the ADAS systems across their models, color-coded to locations on the image. Although the names vary widely across the dozens of OEMs, the functions usually fall into one of the four main categories, Hunter said.
“While shops generally know much more about ADAS than their customers at this point, there’s still some confusion and uncertainty when they talk to them,” Maitz said. “This tool is a quick and easy way for everyone to understand the concepts and get on the same ADAS page.”
For more information, visit
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