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By elizabeth
The BMW i8 engine features a unique hybrid setup combining a turbocharged engine with electric motors. This system delivers both efficiency and impressive performance. Buyers should ensure all hybrid components are included and functioning properly. Repairs can be expensive, so choosing a tested unit is important. Availability may be limited due to the vehicle’s exclusivity. Always verify compatibility and condition before purchase. Investing in a quality engine ensures better performance, efficiency, and long-term reliability for this advanced sports car.
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By elizabeth
Shop our inventory of used 2016 Ford Fusion transmissions, available for all engine configurations including 1.5L, 2.0L, and 2.5L models. Each transmission undergoes rigorous inspection to meet strict quality standards before shipping. Our units are sourced from low-mileage vehicles, providing reliable replacements at a fraction of new part costs. Backed by a solid warranty, you can buy with confidence. We offer fast, secure shipping to any location nationwide. Whether you need an automatic or hybrid transmission variant, we have you covered. Restore your Ford Fusion's performance today with a trusted, affordable transmission replacement.
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By Counterman
Six in 10 automotive businesses expect demand for aftermarket parts and services to grow this year. That’s according to
link hidden, please login to view by the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo ( link hidden, please login to view). Open-ended commentary points to higher new vehicle prices, which are causing consumers to hang onto their existing vehicles longer, as the driving force for rising demand in the aftermarket. “The price of new cars is high, so people are purchasing, repairing and maintaining older vehicles,” wrote one respondent. “People are keeping their cars for longer periods of time,” noted another. “Price of new cars justifies repairs on older vehicles,” noted a third.
One caveat to that finding is that price sensitivity shows up in the aftermarket, too. The majority (53%) have observed more interest in lower-cost parts and services. However, customer motivation appears to be focused on value, rather than pure cost savings. Respondents said quality (34%) was the top influence of buying preference, followed by price (25%) and availability (20%).
Perhaps as a consequence, respondents said their business’s sales expectations for this year are flat, compared to sales performance the year prior. This reinforces the aftermarket’s reputation for stability no matter what’s happening with the economy.
Uncertainty is the Top Challenge
Respondents identified the top challenge as “uncertainty” (45%), which was a recurring theme throughout the findings. Many aftermarket businesses are engrossed in supply chain diversification initiatives, carrying higher inventory levels, and struggling to find skilled labor.
Among the other key findings are the following:
Customer service is the top AI initiative. About one-fifth (21%) of respondents have implemented enterprise-grade AI tools and another 20% are in the planning stages. Of those implementing enterprise AI, the top areas of AI investment are customer service (60%), inventory management (42%) and product development (36%). Supply chain diversification. 70% of respondents have completed diversifying their suppliers (6%), are in the planning stages (18%), or have plans in progress (46%). Inventories are on the rise. 38% of respondents are managing higher inventories of parts, compared to 20% who say they are managing fewer parts. Electric vehicle (EV) investments. More respondents (26%) said they will invest less in the EV segment, compared to 17% who will invest more. Another 27% said they will invest about the same as last year. Notably, the largest share of respondents (29%) remains uncertain about EV investments. Solving the Skilled Labor Shortage
Attracting skilled talent ranked second on the list of the top three challenges. Repair shops struggle with this because automotive technicians are retiring faster than the industry can replace them. The problem is compounded by the fact that demand for repair and maintenance services is rising.
When asked about the steps their business is taking to address the shortage, respondents pointed to an array of enticements. These include offering more training (30%), boosting compensation (27%) and improving benefits (22%), among other steps.
However, 25% of respondents aren’t taking any of those actions. In open-ended comments, respondents offered a variety of answers ranging from hiring retired people part-time to employing temporary help. One respondent commented [that we] “just stopped looking for help.”
It’s important to note that it’s not just repair shops that need skilled labor in the aftermarket. Respondents who work in manufacturing comprised the second largest demographic in this survey, following repair shops.
One manufacturing respondent wrote in to offer a solution, calling for “a national apprenticeship program that is deeply integrated into the manufacturing sector.” That person later added that technical institutes should synchronize their curricula with the “real-time needs of the factory floor.”
The full report is freely available for download (no registration required) on the AAPEX blog:
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By Counterman
Applications for the Art Fisher Memorial Scholarships are now being accepted at
link hidden, please login to view. Thirteen scholarships in memory of the late founder of Federated Auto Parts will be awarded for the 2026-27 academic year to students preparing for automotive aftermarket careers. The deadline to apply is March 31.
“Everyone at Federated takes great pride in offering these scholarships to exceptional applicants year after year,” said Bo Fisher, chairman of Federated Auto Parts. “The Art Fisher Memorial Scholarships are our way honoring my father’s memory by giving back and helping deserving students.”
The
link hidden, please login to view are administered by the University of the Aftermarket Foundation ( link hidden, please login to view) and are awarded to students attending a two- or four-year accredited college, an ASE certified post-secondary automotive, heavy-duty or collision technician training program or any licensed and accredited vocational school. Students graduating from high school in 2026 and heading to any of these post-secondary programs are also eligible.
link hidden, please login to view is one of more than 30 organizations that award scholarships on the UAF Automotive Aftermarket Scholarship Central website. As an added benefit for students who apply at AutomotiveScholarships.com, each completed application will be considered for every scholarship opportunity where the candidate meets the qualifications.
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By Counterman
Applications are now open for the Federated Car Care Scholarship Program. Applicants can apply at
link hidden, please login to view. The application deadline is March 31. Qualified candidates must select “Federated” on the online application. Federated Car Care Scholarship Program Details
Fisher Auto Parts funds the Federated Car Care scholarships in memory of Art Fisher. Art Fisher founded Federated Auto Parts and the Federated Car Care program. The program offers scholarships to active Federated Car Care Centers. Eligible centers must purchase from a Federated member.
“We are very pleased to continue offering scholarships to the children and employees of Car Care Center members, supporting their pursuit of higher education,” said Bo Fisher, chairman and CEO of Fisher Auto Parts. “The University of the Aftermarket Foundation makes the application process easy and efficient, and we urge interested students to submit their applications as soon as possible. We are excited to recognize a new class of deserving
link hidden, please login to view scholarship recipients for the 2026-27 academic year.” Eligibility and Award Administration
The
link hidden, please login to view administers the scholarships. The foundation will award several scholarships to eligible applicants. Eligible applicants include employees and children of active Federated Car Care Center members. Applicants must attend accredited two- or four-year colleges. Eligible programs include ASE/NATEF certified automotive, heavy-duty, or collision training programs. Licensed and accredited vocational schools also qualify. High school students graduating in 2026 may also apply. Application Process and Consideration
Federated participates along with more than 30 scholarship organizations. These organizations award scholarships through the foundation’s central website. Each completed application receives consideration for every matching scholarship. Applicants only need one application at AutomotiveScholarships.com.
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