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By Counterman
The Auto Care Association, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, CAR Coalition, CVSN, PAMA and NFIB support the “Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair” (REPAIR) Act 2025.
Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced this bipartisan, bicameral bill.
The bill ensures that consumers can repair their vehicles freely, safely and affordably.
The Impact of Automaker Restrictions
As vehicles modernize, automakers block independent repair shops and aftermarket suppliers.
They impose arbitrary restrictions on who can access repair data. This forces Americans into exclusive, more expensive repair networks.
As a result, American drivers face higher repair bills with fewer repair choices. Independent repair shops, parts manufacturers, and aftermarket service providers struggle with automaker restrictions. These barriers complicate routine repairs and maintenance. A recent survey shows that 84% of independent repair shops view data access as a top issue.
Support from Industry Leaders for the REPAIR Act 2025
“The
link hidden, please login to view applauds Senators Luján and Hawley for introducing the commonsense, bipartisan REPAIR Act 2025,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “Thanks to their leadership, federal right to repair protections gain ground in both chambers of Congress. We commit to protecting nearly 300 million drivers and 900,000 technicians who depend on the $500 billion auto care industry. We’ll work together to turn the commonsense REPAIR Act 2025 into law.” Promoting Consumer Choice and Freedom
“Americans deserve a car repair market that promotes choice and protects access to affordable and safe repairs,” said Justin Rzepka, executive director of the CAR Coalition. “As the right to repair movement strengthens, we’re thrilled to have the leadership of Sens. Luján and Hawley. The REPAIR Act 2025’s introduction in the Senate is a huge milestone. This bill brings us closer to empowering consumers with the freedom to choose safe and cost-effective solutions.”
Protecting the Aftermarket Industry
“We thank Senators Luján and Hawley for introducing this important, bipartisan legislation to protect vehicle owners,” said Paul McCarthy, president,
link hidden, please login to view. “The REPAIR Act ensures aftermarket suppliers can continue to deliver innovation, parts, and tools for safe, affordable vehicle repair. This bill protects consumer choice, maintains a level playing field, and strengthens businesses and jobs in our vital industry.” Strengthening Supply Chains and Competition
“CVSN thanks Senators Luján and Hawley for protecting America’s supply chains by keeping trucks and fleets on the road,” said Kristen Kellogg, senior director, government affairs, CVSN. “Giving drivers the freedom to choose where they repair their vehicles strengthens competition. It supports a resilient supply chain and ensures fair access to repair.
This legislation is a win for consumers, independent repairers, and businesses across the U.S.”
NFIB’s Support for Competitive Auto Repair
“NFIB applauds Senators Luján and Hawley for leading the Senate on this important bipartisan bill,” said Andrea McGee, principal, federal government relations, NFIB. “The REPAIR Act maintains competition in the automotive industry. Almost 90% of NFIB members voted in support of right to repair, making it one of their top priorities. NFIB thanks Senators Luján and Hawley for their dedication to this issue.”
PAMA’s Call for Consumer Protection
“PAMA commends Senators Luján and Hawley for taking this important step to cement consumer choice,” said Justin Cialella, government affairs committee director for the Preventative Automotive Maintenance Association. “This legislation comes at a critical juncture. Automakers continue to impose barriers that restrict our ability to repair vehicles.”
Public Support for Right to Repair Legislation
Independent repair shops and other members urge Congress to pass automotive right to repair legislation. Consumers agree – 75% of American drivers support right to repair solutions like the REPAIR Act 2025.
House Reintroduction and Growing Support
This milestone follows the bill’s recent reintroduction in the House of Representatives.
Reps. Neal Dunn (R-FL-02) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-03) lead the effort with more than 20 bipartisan cosponsors.
Call to Action for the REPAIR Act 2025
Join us in calling on Congress to advance the REPAIR Act 2025 today at link hidden, please login to view.
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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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By Counterman
Valvoline announced the launch of its new passenger car motor oil formulas for both the U.S. and Canada. The company said these formulas surpass the updated International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) GF-7 standards, which formally went into effect on March 31.
Valvoline added that its current ILSAC GF-6 certified synthetic
link hidden, please login to view motor oils already meet all requirements of the new ILSAC GF-7 specification. The company said its engine lab in Ashland, Ky. allows Valvoline to perform critical engine sequence tests that help define industrywide performance requirements every five to seven years. “These days, everything seems to move just a little bit faster, and our engines have to work even harder to keep up with the pace of our busy lives,” said Dr. Michael Warholic, senior global technology director at Valvoline Global Operations. “By helping car owners maintain their vehicles’ performance and longevity, Valvoline’s dedication to the development of the ILSAC GF-7 standards is protecting engines not just for today, but for the needs of tomorrow as well, delivering improved performance levels in almost every area.”
link hidden, please login to view said its ILSAC GF-7 full synthetic technology was tested in a single engine for over 500,000 miles across three years without the need to replace any critical component, while significantly reducing sludge and deposits compared to an ILSAC GF-6 quality oil. The ILSAC GF-7 specification continues the A and B designations started with the ILSAC GF-6 upgrade in 2020. The ILSAC GF-7A designation applies to all SAE 0W-20 viscosity grades and heavier. ILSAC GF-7A is backward compatible with all previous GF-6A, GF-5 and older ILSAC specifications. The ILSAC GF-7B designation applies to SAE 0W-16 viscosity grade oils and is backward compatible to ILSAC GF-6B only.
As ILSAC GF-6 designated motor oils are phased out of distribution channels after the March 31, 2025, GF-7 launch, Valvoline said its new motor oils meeting the ILSAC GF-7A standard will include the “Starburst” API mark on all bottles, while ILSAC GF-7B-compliant oils will have the API “Shield.” Oils meeting API SP will feature an updated API “Donut” with SP designation.
“Advances in engine oil performance wouldn’t be possible without the dedication, expertise and leadership of our Valvoline engineers and scientists, who work tirelessly to help define and shape the industry standards, continually raising the bar to benefit us all,” said Warholic.
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By Counterman
The automotive aftermarket should be pleased to hear that the REPAIR Act has now secured its first Presidential endorsement. Theodore Roosevelt, 26th president of the United States, has officially backed H.R. 1566. The endorsement comes on the heels of a face-to-face meeting between Roosevelt and the leadership team at the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Inc.
“We immediately found a common ground,” proclaimed Roosevelt during the post-meeting press conference. “As I have said before, all I ask is a square deal for every American! We must provide motorists with a fair chance. They should be able to choose the garage and mechanic of their choice to repair their automobiles.”
“The Alliance has been a leader in this advocacy effort,” noted JC Washbish, president and CEO of the Alliance. “We have been successful in the past when it comes to garnering support for the Right to Repair but to win this fight we needed to punch above our weight class. We know we need to carry a bigger stick. That is why we approached the President.”
link hidden, please login to view a staunch advocate for the Right to Repair, explained to Roosevelt that at its core, the right to repair issue is a square deal, “we simply told the Colonel that every motorist should have the choice for affordable and convenient automotive repair.” Washbish also cautioned President Roosevelt that the fight for the Right to Repair still needs to be communicated and pushed through the Halls of Congress and that is why the Alliance sought the leadership of the famous Rough Rider.
Roosevelt pledged his commitment, saying, “It is the ideal cause for me to lead. The aftermarket is devoted to it, and this cause is one for which I am inspired to reclaim the bully pulpit. The Right to Repair is so fundamentally American! It is as native to this land as the bison on the prairie!”
While the meeting between the
link hidden, please login to view and Roosevelt took place on April 1 (April Fools’ Day), 2025, Washbish noted the Right to Repair is no joke. “The industry must support the link hidden, please login to view. We must become our own champions. My fellow Americans,” Washbish urged, “join me in the arena and spend yourselves in this worthy cause!” The post
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