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By Counterman
MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and Epicor announced an application deadline extension for the 2023 Channel Excellence Award.
The award was established in 2019 to celebrate innovation and collaboration between suppliers and channel partners that drive aftermarket growth. The new deadline is Feb. 8.
The selection committee includes well-known leaders, analysts and educators from the aftermarket who will review applications and select the winner. Committee members represent all major levels of the aftermarket including repair shops, distributors and suppliers to ensure a broad perspective.
The 2023 Channel Excellence Award winners will be announced during the Vision Conference on April 12 in Chicago.
The 2023 MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Channel Excellence Award selection committee includes:
Chris Gardner, MEMA Aftermarket Rick Guirlinger, Schwartz Advisors Tim Hardin, Epicor Tony Molla, TM Consulting John Passante, The Organizational Development Group Joe Pomaranski, Pomaranski Consulting The 2022 Channel Excellence Award winners were NGK AutoZone which, together, shared market research and applied point-of-sale data and other information to develop an oxygen-sensor program that grows market share, reduces inventory requirements, and lays the foundation for future shifts in market demand.
The application and additional information on the Channel Excellence Award can be found by clicking
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By NAPA
Not every vehicle matches the concept its designers and engineers intended. What might have been a stellar idea on paper may have gone wrong in production. Sometimes the court of public opinion is more accurate, and the public has shown these cars to be real turkeys or duds.
Our list of worst cars includes the familiar, the forgotten and the unloved. However, time can be a redeemer, as even some of the awful ones are now collectors.
DMC DeLorean link hidden, please login to view
With its space-age design, brushed stainless-steel outer body panels and gull-wing doors, the
link hidden, please login to view promised to live up to its early 1980s hype. What should have been a strong competitor to the Porsche 911 and Chevrolet Corvette turned out to be an absolute dud. Poor build quality, a sticking throttle, suspension issues and a wonky speedometer led to a tremendous slowdown in the manufacturing process. They only produced three model years before the company shuttered. The main reason why anyone remembers the DeLorean is its significant role in the “Back to the Future” movie franchise. Today, the DeLorean is a collectible, largely due to its Hollywood exposure.
Ford Taurus
When it was released in 1986, the Ford Taurus revolutionized the midsize sedan market with its front-wheel-drive layout and sharply improved quality standards. Through its second generation, the Taurus remained one of the industry’s top sellers. But in 1996, this all went downhill.
The oval design, along with the circular headlights, rounded body panels and oval rear window, were too much of a contrast to the previous generation, causing the Taurus to lose its best-seller status to the Toyota Camry. As a result, Ford hurried its next makeover, bringing out a new and much less controversial design just four years later.
link hidden, please login to view Pontiac Aztek
What were they thinking? The 2001-2005 Pontiac Aztek is one vehicle that simply shocks. On the one hand, it is one of the worst looking cars ever, with a weird front fascia, strange lighting elements, odd rear side windows and a tricky tailgate. On the other hand, the 3.4-liter pushrod V6 engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission was a sluggard. Somehow, Pontiac built this turkey car for five years before dropping the model. After another five years, the brand itself was canceled. Oddly thanks to the hit TV show “Breaking Bad” there has been a resurgence in collecting surviving Azteks in good condition.
Subaru B9 Tribeca link hidden, please login to view
It was supposed to be a ground-breaking vehicle for Subaru, its first model with an available third row. Instead, the Subaru B9 Tribeca was heavily criticized for its triangle grille and rounded body panels. The two-part name was off-putting, with some calling it the “benign Tribeca” due to its polarizing design. Two years after its 2006 release, Subaru refreshed the vehicle and dropped the B9 appellation. The Tribeca continued for seven more years before succumbing to slow sales.
Nissan Juke link hidden, please login to view
Credit Nissan with pushing the styling envelope in recent years with several models, including the boxy Cube, the Murano CrossCabriolet drop-top SUV and the Juke. Not since Ford built the Edsel Corsair has so much ugliness been released by one manufacturer. The 2011-2017 Nissan Juke was known for its design drama, including bulges, swells and sharp angles. It’s as if the designers married a rally racer with a utility vehicle and added provocative lighting elements to give it an insectoid appearance.
Inside, motorcycle-inspired gauges, funky colors and striking cloth seating fabric were not welcome highlights. Notably, the Juke was a hoot to drive, with an available 6-speed manual gearbox. Thus, its “worst car” designation is truly in the eye of the beholder.
Worst Cars
Whether you own a classic or a turkey car, you should protect it against the outside elements with a
link hidden, please login to view. Preserve your car from the harsh winter weather or just cover it up to shield it from glares. Check out all the
link hidden, please login to view available on link hidden, please login to view, or trust one of our 17,000 link hidden, please login to view for routine maintenance and repairs. To learn more about your favorite car brands, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local link hidden, please login to view. Photo courtesy of
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By NAPA
Losing traction in the snow is no one’s idea of a good time. Even in areas not known for abysmal snowstorms, winter can create icy and hazardous road conditions that drivers must be prepared to deal with. Luckily the solution of adding snow chains for tires used on vehicles that need to brave the wintery roads. Adding
link hidden, please login to view for cars can be a workable solution to get you where you need to go when the roads are not your friend — but they can also be a pain. Knowing when you should be putting chains on tires can help you get out of a slippery situation, but you have to know what you’re doing first. Here’s how to tell if it is time to use snow tire chains on your vehicle. Technically Speaking
While tire chains are legal in all 50 states different
link hidden, please login to view regulate chain usage in different states. Even Hawaii has a law on the books for tire chains (only if you are driving on on Mauna Kea though). Before you invest in a shiny new pair, make sure you know whether chains are allowed, permitted or even required in some cases. Generally, a chain “requirement” means you must have them in your vehicle if you want to pass certain checkpoints that pop up in inclement weather. Some go as far as requiring tire chains to be installed when road conditions reach a certain point with fines and penalties for non-compliance. Places where chains are permitted usually come with some disclaimer that restrict their usage, so make sure you know the law and follow it. There may even be different tire chains laws for passenger vehicles versus commercial trucks. Most tire chain laws are meant to help protect the roadway surface from damage caused by using chains without enough snow coverage. Leaving snow chains on tires when the conditions don’t warrant it can also damage your tires. The other important factor to consider is whether your vehicle is suitable for chains. You can find chains for most tire sizes, but there must be enough clearance for them to fit on without causing damage to the body, undercarriage or brakes. Make sure to check clearance around the front tires with the steering wheel turned fully to each side to make sure nothing rubs. If clearance is tight you may want to consider
link hidden, please login to view, which sometimes have a lower profile. Consult your owner’s manual for tire chain specifications and allowances. Be Prepared link hidden, please login to view
Because chains are something you will likely need to take on and off at least once per trip, and because the conditions surrounding their use are usually cold, soggy and snowy, it’s best to practice installation first, ideally when the weather is still nice. Without driving the car anywhere,
link hidden, please login to view and take them off a couple of times to get the hang of it so that when you do eventually need them, you aren’t stuck fumbling and trying to figure out how to get them on with freezing fingers. Also, if you’re carrying car tire chains, pack a safety vest as well. There’s a good chance you’ll have to pull onto the side of the road at some point to adjust or remove them, and if it’s snowing, visibility will be low. Using Chains For Tires Under The Right Conditions
Tire chains for cars should only be used if there is a layer of snow or ice on the road. Using chains on bare pavement can cause substantial damage to both your tires and the road itself. If you turn onto a road that’s clearly been plowed and salted, pull over and remove the chains.
It always pays to be
link hidden, please login to view, but chains require a whole new level of attention and care. Snow chains for car, truck and SUV applications all work the same way to increase grip but there are limitations. When on, the car should not be driven above 30 miles per hour and you have to be mindful of curbs when parking. On two-wheel drive vehicles, chains must be attached to wheels on the drive axle, but ideally you get them on all four. If installed only in the front there will be a tendency to oversteer and a tendency to understeer if they’re only in the back. Four-wheel drive vehicles should have chains installed on all tires. Once the tire chains are installed drive a block or two and tighten them again. Some vehicles with selectable driving modes may need to be in the appropriate mode when using snow chains, so check your owner’s manual just in case. Once you get to an area of clear roadway, take off the chains. The aggressive traction that make tire chains so effective can also cause increased tire wear, so only keep them on when you need them. Though they can be cumbersome, snow chains make a real difference in winter weather when you need to get somewhere without mother nature’s permission, but only if they’re being used safely and effectively. Otherwise, you’ll just be spinning your wheels. Once you are done using your snow chains inspect them for any breaks, corrosion, or physical damage before putting them away. Give them a good spray with WD-40 so they will be ready for next season.
Check out all the
link hidden, please login to view available on link hidden, please login to view or trust one of our 17,000 link hidden, please login to view for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on tire chains for cars, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your link hidden, please login to view. Photo courtesy of
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By Counterman
Arnold Motor Supply and several aftermarket channel partners raised $40,000 leading up to the company’s 32nd golf and leisure event.
Proceeds from the fundraiser have been donated to
link hidden, please login to view, a foundation helping children with life-threatening medical challenges. ”Tori’s Angels changes the lives of children and families across Iowa and beyond,” said Eric Johnson, managing partner at Arnold Motor Supply. “The son of one of our team members was accepted as the foundation’s 89th sponsored child. Alongside our valued channel partners, we were able to raise enough to help approximately eight more families.”
Tori’s Angels pays for all medical and travel expenses not covered by insurance. Each child is supported from the date of acceptance until his/her 19th birthday.
Channel Partners Recognized
Arnold Motor Supply also recognized key channel partners during its annual event.
BBB Industries received the Vendor of the Year award for the outstanding value BBB brings to the stores and distribution centers.
“We partnered with BBB on a new category this year and saw immediate results,” said Brad Edwardson, vice president of business development at Arnold Motor Supply. “Once inventory was in place, the BBB team kicked off extensive training and forty-two scheduled days of fieldwork. We couldn’t ask for anything more from a partner.”
The company named Brian Bouwkamp and Craig Johnson of The Heartland Group as Reps of the Year. The Heartland Group represents Rotary wheel-service products and related automotive and industrial equipment.
“Our sales pros have the utmost confidence in Brian and Craig,” Edwardson said. “Their customer service on the selling and support side is why we’ve seen triple-digit growth in that category.”
Arnold Motor Supply created a new award this year to recognize partners working alongside the company as it expands its store locations and distribution points. Arnold named Russ Wilshusen of Schnair Sales the Agency Partner of the Year for always going above and beyond, including helping with new-store setups.
“It doesn’t matter the job, Russ jumps in to help,” Johnson said. “He’s everywhere we need him to be and we appreciate his constant dedication to our company.”
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By Counterman
Let’s face it: Competition is fierce in the automotive aftermarket.
In major metropolitan areas, it’s not uncommon to see an AutoZone across the street from an O’Reilly Auto Parts that’s next door to an Advance Auto Parts or NAPA Auto Parts store (or some combination of these four chains in close proximity to each other).
The Big Four retailers spend large sums of money trying to differentiate themselves through marketing – and they’re pretty darn good at it. Anyone who has listened to a baseball game on the radio likely has at least three jingles committed to memory:
“O-O-O-O-Reilly!” “NAPA Know How” “Get in the Zone – AutoZone!” Advance might not have an indelible jingle (yet), but the retailer hit a home run with its “DieHard Is Back” mini-movie/commercial, which aired Oct. 18, 2020, during a FOX NFL telecast.
Recently, I stumbled upon an absolute gem of a commercial on YouTube. Posted in 2011, it’s a 30-second spot for NAPA, featuring an expressive counter pro who knows what he’s good at – and what he isn’t good at. You can watch it here:
My favorite aspect of the commercial is the counter pro’s facial expressions – he really sells it. And the customer goes from lying on a hospital gurney to grooving in the store in a heartbeat.
If you have a favorite parts-related TV commercial or marketing campaign, let us know at [email protected]
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