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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
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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