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Army Veteran Patrick Smith Joins KYB Aftermarket Team
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By Counterman
RBR Truck Parts, with three locations in Texas, recently joined
link hidden, please login to view. Founded in 2018, RBR Truck Parts LLC is a heavy-duty parts distributor serving the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. The company provides aftermarket parts for all truck makes and models. RBR caters to owner-operators, local fleets, service centers and municipal accounts. It offers high-quality products to keep their customers’ vehicles running efficiently. Strategic Location in a Major Trucking Hub
The Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex is home to 8.5 million people across more than 200 cities. It is a major hub for the trucking industry. RBR’s Hutchins, Texas, location sits near Interstate 45, just 250 miles north of Houston. Houston ranks among the nation’s largest ports. RBR also operates near a large rail/container yard and major warehouse operations. This allows the company to serve the region’s trucking needs effectively. Its heavy-duty network connection strengthens its position in this critical market.
Product Selection and Facilities Support Growth
RBR serves a diverse customer base throughout North Central Texas. The company stocks a wide selection of aftermarket truck parts. These include engine components, suspension parts, brake systems, wheels and tires, filters, fluids and accessories. The Hutchins location includes a 14,000-sq.-ft. showroom and warehouse. A 5,000-sq.-ft. facility in Duncanville and a 7,000–sq.-ft. branch in Fort Worth support operations. Owner Rony Santos and general manager Cesar Perez lead the RBR team.
Partnering with Power Heavy Duty for Continued Success
“RBR Truck Parts is a well-established business known for honesty, integrity, and their strong ties in the community,” said Jim Pennig, vice president of business development,
link hidden, please login to view Heavy Duty Family of Companies. “They are dedicated to growing their business with quality parts from Power Heavy Duty’s network of supplier partners, and we look forward to supporting them with great programs and true group value.”
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By APF
When selecting parts for a car repair, it pays to know the differences between original and aftermarket parts. Whenever possible, get estimates for both.
Choosing between original and aftermarket car parts — and even used parts of either type — is all about squaring your priorities with your budget.
You’ll have different options depending on the part and the shop. And the best choice will depend on whether you’re trying to keep repairs cheap, restore your car’s appearance after a wreck or soup up your ride.
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Before we get into that, here are the key differences:
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts match those that came with your car, and are of the same quality as its original parts. They’re also the most expensive. Aftermarket parts are cheaper, and made by other manufacturers — often several, giving you more options. Used parts may have a bit of wear and tear, but should be inspected or rebuilt to ensure they’ll work. These are the cheapest option. Choosing between aftermarket and OEM parts
Your decision will depend on the type of repair and the quality and price of the parts. Always look for parts that come with a warranty, even if they’re OEM, so you’ll be protected in case they fail.
Auto body repairs
Some aftermarket parts may be OK for
link hidden, please login to view, but others won’t be as good, says Michael Calkins, manager of technical services at AAA. “There’s a lot of variation in quality.” For example, he says, aftermarket parts often don’t have the same level of rustproofing as original parts, fit and finish don’t match, or panels don’t align properly. If OEM parts are used in auto body repair, the car should look and work exactly as it did before the damage, because everything will match up. OEM parts are also crash-tested, unlike many aftermarket parts.
Aftermarket parts come at varying price points and levels of quality, but because they are cheaper, insurance companies often prefer them. If you want OEM parts but are dealing with an insurer that wants the shop to use aftermarket parts, ask to pay the difference.
“There’s also the option of used parts, depending on the age of the vehicle,” Calkins says. “It may be cheaper than an aftermarket part but still have all of the original quality.”
Mechanical repairs
A used part, whether it’s OEM or aftermarket, can really save money on repairs under the hood, so long as it’s inspected first and warrantied. And some aftermarket companies reverse-engineer their products to be even better than OEM versions.
For example, many car buffs will tell you that you can get heavy-duty shocks and struts or brake pads that are made of stronger materials. Scan some reviews online, or talk with your mechanic if you’re not sure whether an aftermarket part could be an upgrade.
Adding some extras
If you’d like to modify your ride by adding something like a backup camera or back-seat TV screen, you’ll probably be looking for aftermarket parts. Certain aftermarket upgrades could increase
link hidden, please login to view. This is especially true for improvements like a better sound system or alloy wheels, rather than mechanical repairs. Who provides OEM or aftermarket parts?
The options you’ll have for parts depends on the nature of the repairs and what type of shop you take your car to:
Dealership repair shops will offer only OEM parts — they have no reason to offer a cheaper product from a competitor link hidden, please login to view may be able to offer you a choice between OEM and aftermarket parts Independent garages that specialize in your type of vehicle will likely have both, but with quicker access to OEM parts, including used OEM parts, which can really save you Auto body shops can offer both, but if your collision repair is part of an insurance claim, the insurer will likely prefer aftermarket parts to save money Depending on the job, the cost of OEM versus aftermarket parts varies. Whenever you’re given the choice, ask to see estimates for both so you can weigh your options.
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By Counterman
PRT announced the latest additions of new aftermarket products to its portfolio of complete strut assemblies and shock absorbers. PRT said the 18 products represent more than 10 million vehicles in new coverage.
The company added several significant models to its portfolio. These include the Toyota Yaris, Ford Escape and Volkswagen Touareg. PRT also introduced products for new applications like the 2023 Hyundai Kona. Pickup truck coverage includes the GMC Sierra and Honda Ridgeline.
Models Include Passenger Cars, SUVs and Trucks
The expanded coverage targets a wide range of popular vehicles. These include sedans, SUVs and pickup trucks.
link hidden, please login to view said the updates help meet ongoing demand in the market. New Aftermarket Products Now Available in the U.S.
“These continuous product launches aim to broaden our application range across the North American aftermarket,” said Bruno Bello, director of global marketing at PRT. “The new items are available in the U.S. and ready for shipment!”
In March, PRT announced the latest additions to its portfolio of complete strut assemblies and shock absorbers in the North American Aftermarket. The 27 new products represent more than seven million vehicles in new coverage.
The launches include models like the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Challenger and Suzuki SX4, in addition to brand new applications including the Chrysler Voyager and Pacifica 2023, as well as the Ford Transit 250 and 350 HD 2023, among others.
Contact PRT or Visit Online for Details
For more information, call 1-770-238-1611, visit
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By Counterman
Automotive Parts Headquarters (APH) recently hosted its annual conference with 500 attendees. Store owners, managers, sales representatives, suppliers and support staff came together.
Held under the theme “Say Yes,” the event spotlighted 2024 accomplishments.
link hidden, please login to view also recognized APH outstanding team members who made significant contributions to the company’s success. Leadership Presented Awards to APH Outstanding Team Members
An awards banquet was a major highlight of the conference. APH leadership personally honored top performers across multiple categories.
CEO Corey Bartlett presented the awards with key leaders. These included Jim Gruber, general manager of BENCO Equipment; Lonnie Kocmick, president of Refinish Supply Co.; Jason Vogel, president of APH Stores; Tim Gardner, vice president of stores, western division; and Rick Lease, vice president of stores, eastern division.
APH’s store operations team and support center staff selected the recipients after thorough evaluations.
CEO Commends ‘Say Yes’ Spirit and Team Dedication
“We are delighted to celebrate our outstanding team members who truly embody the ‘Say Yes’ spirit,” said Bartlett.
“Their exceptional dedication to supporting their teams and customers has been essential to our success in 2024. We are proud to honor them and share in their achievements with our industry partners.”
Store Manager of the Year Among APH Outstanding Team Members
The evening’s top honor went to Matthew Shupick, who earned the 2024 Store Manager of the Year award. He has managed the Eagle Butte, South Dakota, location since 2015.
“Matthew quickly demonstrated his leadership skills, rising to manager in record time,” said Gardner. “He is genuine, down-to-earth and has made a lasting impact on both his team and his community. Driven by a strong sense of duty, Matthew’s commitment to his team’s success and the community that raised him is truly inspiring.”
Additional Award Winners Recognized
In addition to Shupick,
link hidden, please login to viewhonored several other standout contributors: Impact Player of the Year: Doug Thompson, Minot, North Dakota Outside Sales Representative of the Year: Tony Serr, Aberdeen, South Dakota BENCO MVP of the Year: Shane Zahn, Bismarck, North Dakota Refinish Supply Co. MVP of the Year: Tim Christensen, Sioux Falls, South Dakota Counter Sales Representative of the Year: Mike Schenk, New Glarus, Wisconsin Driver of the Year: Don Vanderberg, Sioux Falls, South Dakota Regional Manager of the Year: Derek Goblirsch, Southern Minnesota Support Person of the Year: Kris Stelling, St. Cloud, Minnesota Annual Conference Reinforces Team Spirit and Growth
APH emphasized that the annual conference strengthened the company’s collaborative culture. It showcased both the achievements of APH outstanding team members and the teamwork behind APH’s ongoing growth.
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By Counterman
SmartParts has announced the launch of DR!VE+ in North America at the 2025 NEXUS Business Forum in Abu Dhabi. This marks a major step in its global expansion. The launch follows strong growth in 2024 for the exclusive global aftermarket brand for NEXUS members worldwide. The first phase of the North American aftermaket expansion will introduce a 13,700-part Chassis range, with additional product lines to follow. DR!VE+ will serve as the unified brand for NEXUS North America members. SmartParts also introduces a new DR!VE+ battery range, reinforcing its commitment to a comprehensive aftermarket offering.
NEXUS Accelerates North American Aftermarket Expansion
To capitalize on growing market opportunities, NEXUS said it decided 18 months ago to speed up the deployment of the DR!VE+ brand. The aging car parc and transformation of the aftermarket are driving demand. The first phase of the North American aftermarket expansion will focus on the Chassis range, offering 13,700 part numbers. A roadmap will introduce multiple additional product lines over the next 18 months.
“This joint initiative marks a key milestone in the history of NEXUS North America,” said Robert Roos, president of APSG and NEXUS North America.
2024 Growth and 2025 Plans for SmartParts
SmartParts welcomed over 20 new
link hidden, please login to viewmembers and increased revenue by 50% in 2024. This success expands its reach to more than 80 members and customers in 50 countries, the company said. SmartParts aims to further increase its turnover in 2025. The company added it will fast-track expansion into North America, India and Asia. New DR!VE+ Battery Range to Meet Market Demand
SmartParts is unveiling its all-new DR!VE+ battery range at the NEXUS Business Forum. The lineup targets both light vehicles and heavy-duty applications. It is segmented into four categories—DR!VE+ Platinum (AGM), DR!VE+ Performance (EFB), DR!VE+ Essential (SLI), and DR!VE+ Access (Commercial Vehicles only). This range includes 61 part numbers, covering 99% of market demand and catering to older vehicles, hybrid models and commercial applications.
Future Growth and Global Expansion
The
link hidden, please login to view portfolio expanded by more than 1,100 part numbers in 2024. This brings the total to over 11,000 part numbers. SmartParts will continue expanding the range in 2025. The company remains committed to strengthening its position as the global aftermarket brand exclusive to link hidden, please login to viewmembers. “2024 has been an exceptional year for SmartParts,” said Pascal Popis, CEO of SmartParts. “With sales more than doubling compared to last year, this growth reflects the strong commitment of NEXUS members, the power of the DR!VE+ brand and the dedication of our team.”
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