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MEMA’s MiX Networking Group Launches Certification Program
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By Counterman
Over the past couple of months, MEMA has been building on momentum to try and get the REPAIR Act passed the organization said. Now, it’s announcing the next step in a campaign called the “At Home REPAIR Campaign,” asking aftermarket suppliers to get involved.
“Members of Congress will be back at home frequently in April, May, June, and July. These recesses provide the perfect opportunities to meet with legislators and urge them, face-to-face, to pass the REPAIR Act in 2024,” MEMA said.
MEMA’s goal: Suppliers schedule in-person legislator meetings and facility visits during these recesses to advance the REPAIR Act.
This is after MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers completed their Washington D.C. fly-in to try and build momentum behind the REPAIR Act, also known as H.R. 906.
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By Counterman
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link hidden, please login to view announced the launch of its 65th-anniversary fundraising initiative. Running through July 1, 2024, the campaign aims to raise $65,000 through 1,000 donations of $65 each. This impactful effort highlights the industry’s commitment to taking care of its own, the AACF said. From sudden illness and death to natural disasters, the foundation has provided assistance to industry professionals and their families during their darkest hours. As AACF celebrates its 65th year of service, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide financial support and resources to those in the automotive aftermarket industry in need, the organization said.
In honor of this milestone, AACF is calling upon automotive aftermarket industry professionals, as well as compassionate individuals eager to lend a helping hand, to join forces in raising $65,000. By
link hidden, please login to view, supporters can contribute to a fund that offer vital assistance during a time of greatest need. “Over the past 65 years, AACF has remained unwavering in its commitment to supporting members of the automotive aftermarket community during their most challenging moments,” said Joel Ayres, AACF executive director. “As we embark on this historic fundraising initiative, we are inspired by the generosity and compassion of our supporters. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of those facing adversity, demonstrating the industry’s unwavering dedication to taking care of its own.”
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By Counterman
Australian clutch manufacturer Clutch Industries is launching two versions of its UniClutch system in the United States.
UniClutch and UniClutch Sport will be the first iterations of the system to launch in the United States.
UniClutch’s dual-core technology significantly boosts torque capacity without compromising drivability, according to the company.
“Its one-of-a-kind, patented and adaptable design fits a multitude of vehicles, simplifies inventory management, expedites clutch replacement time, and lessens common installation problems,” Clutch Industries said in a news release.
Compared to UniClutch, UniClutch Sport offers 15% more torque capacity and a sport-tuned pedal feel for more serious enthusiasts, the company noted.
“We’re thrilled to introduce UniClutch to the United States after seeing strong early success in the Australia market,” said Brad Davis, CEO of Clutch Industries. “Auto repair shop feedback has been very positive, especially from technicians praising a faster and easier installation process. It’s also been our experience that shops can carry 20 times less inventory without impacting their ability to service any vehicle. We feel confident that UniClutch has the potential to redefine the performance clutch market with this revolutionary design.”
Clutch installation typically is an expensive, complicated and lengthy process. UniClutch’s sealed design eliminates the need for flywheel machining, while the Flex Fit technology and pre-alignment allows for hassle-free “bolt-on” installation in minutes. The patented modular technology adapts to different engines and transmissions, greatly reducing installation times and empowering technicians to quickly service a wider range of vehicles.
“For parts distributors, UniClutch’s patented Flex Fit technology will be transformative in inventory management, simplifying thousands of product variations to just a few,” Clutch Industries said. “This creates a solution for the complex ordering process for distributors, avoiding the challenges faced by an ever-changing supply chain. With UniClutch, parts distributors can provide consistent service to customers with a better return on investment.”
A unique QR code found on every UniClutch contains manufacturing and performance specifications for each unit.
At launch, UniClutch will retail exclusively at select NAPA Auto Parts stores across the United States and is available for purchase online via
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By Counterman
Genuine Parts Co. (GPC) reported full-year 2023 sales of $23.1 billion, a 4.5% year-over-year increase.
Net income was $1.3 billion, or $9.33 per diluted share, an increase of 12.3%.
Full-year net sales in the Automotive Parts Group, which includes NAPA Auto Parts, were $14.25 billion, up from $13.67 billion in 2022.
Fourth-quarter automotive sales were up nearly 1% to $3.5 billion.
While GPC’s international automotive businesses posted positive sales growth in local currency, the U.S. automotive segment saw a dip in sales, GPC President and COO Will Stengel noted during the company’s Feb. 15 conference call.
“In North America, while results fell short of our expectations, we remain focused on our strategic initiatives and continue to make solid progress,” GPC Chairman and CEO Paul Donahue said during the call. “We’ve undertaken a comprehensive review of the NAPA business to identify key issues, and we have taken action to improve the performance at NAPA. We are confident we are focused on the right initiatives to positively impact our performance in the quarters ahead.”
Coinciding with the release of its full-year and fourth-quarter 2023 financial results, GPC said the company is launching a global restructuring “to better align the company’s assets and further improve the efficiency of the business.”
The restructuring includes a voluntary retirement offer in the United States, along with “a rationalization and optimization of certain distribution centers, stores and other facilities,” according to the company.
Through the restructuring, GPC said it expects to realize approximately $20 million to $40 million of savings in 2024, and approximately $45 million to $90 million on an annualized basis. The company also expects to incur costs of approximately $100 million to $200 million related to the restructuring efforts in 2024 and will report the restructuring costs as a non-recurring expense.
“The primary objective of the global program is to continue to simplify and streamline our operations consistent with our overall business strategy,” Stengel explained during the conference call. “When we simplify, we increase the speed of local service, deliver operational productivity, improve the efficiency of our teams and reduce our overall cost to serve.”
Stengel noted that the restructuring initiative “is a similar playbook to our previous GPC program implemented in fall 2019 that delivered positive results.”
“Aspects of the restructuring are already in flight, and some will take place in the months ahead,” Stengel added.
Focus on NAPA
Stengel talked at length about efforts to revitalize GPC’s NAPA Auto Parts business.
GPC has identified three areas of improvement for NAPA: improving fill rates in key product categories, “operational rigor in our stores” and capitalizing on commercial growth opportunities, Stengel explained.
Adjustments to “certain key suppliers to improve fill rates” boosted fourth-quarter “category trends,” Stengel said, adding that “we’re encouraged by the positive momentum.”
“Second, our in-store service levels measured by on-time delivery to customers have significantly improved as a result of increased focused on last-mile operating disciplines,” Stengel said.
Stengel noted that efforts to improve commercial sales growth are “ongoing.” GPC recently appointed Tom Skov to the newly created role of executive vice president, sales & store operations, North America.
“He’s an automotive-parts expert and has a deep understanding of our customers field sales and store operations,” Stengel asserted. “We’re excited for the strong leadership Tom will bring to our sales and store operations field teams.”
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By Counterman
The VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies announced that industry veteran Candy Daume has joined its team as a new program manager.
Daume will be working with the company’s supplier partners to refine and develop parts-purchasing programs for its distributor network, VIPAR noted.
Daume has more than 25 years of heavy-duty aftermarket experience, including experience as COO of a large distributor with responsibility for multiple locations and nearly 100 employees.
“We’re excited Candy is joining our team and the wealth of experience and expertise she brings to our organization,” said Larry Griffin, VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies’ vice president of program management. “She will be instrumental in serving our VIPAR Heavy Duty and Power Heavy Duty distributors, as well as our supplier partners, through development of innovative programs to ensure our network’s continued success.”
Daume is a graduate of Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois.
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