Continental is advancing efforts to reduce tire wear through innovative technologies and industry collaborations, leading to lower environmental impact. According to a recent Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC) analysis of 160 tested products, Continental tires were found to have 11% less abrasion compared to the average competitor tire, the company said in a statement. This outcome is attributed to intensive research, including a partnership with the Technical University of...

Tekmetric, a provider of automotive repair shop management solutions serving auto repair businesses across the US, has appointed Jared Haleck as its first chief product officer. Sunil Patel, founder and CEO of Tekmetric, said, “Under Jared’s leadership, we’ll double down on shipping tools that continue to impact shop owners’ bottom line: Speed to estimate, bay efficiency, accurate job costing and bringing customers back to the shop.” Haleck will lead Tekmetric’s product strateg...

Marelli has launched a new technical research and development (R&D) center in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, as part of its effort to expand its engineering capabilities and bolster its innovation strategy in key automotive technology areas. The facility, which officially opened on Nov. 5, will employ 350 engineers. Located in the Embassy Manyata Tech Park, the new site joins another Marelli R&D center in Bengaluru, opened in 2022, benefiting from the region's rich talent pool...

Schaeffler AG has decided to sell its mainland Chinese turbocharger business, which is experiencing a downturn, to Chengdu Xiling Power Science & Technology Incorporated Co., a mainland China-based firm involved in turbocharger technology.  This business is consolidated under Vitesco Automotive Shanghai Co., Ltd. Schaeffler says its decision aligns with its strategy to streamline its business portfolio, a plan announced at the Capital Markets Day on Sept. 16, 2025. “This transac...

Premium Guard Inc. (PGI), a US-based provider of aftermarket automotive filtration solutions, has announced a rebranding of its product line identity. This includes a new logo and brand changes aimed at unifying all Premium Guard products under one look. This company states that with this move, the brand now encompasses a broader product ecosystem beyond filtration, including automotive filters for various applications, thermostats, radiator and oil caps, hose clamps, gloves, and more. In ...

Dayco, a supplier of engine products and drive systems for the automotive, industrial and aftermarket sectors, has announced the appointment of Marco Meliga as the new managing director of its EMEA Aftermarket division, effective from Sept. 1, 2025. Meliga will report to Dayco's CEO, Craig Frohock, and become a member of Dayco's executive leadership team. The company states that Meliga brings extensive experience from the original equipment and aftermarket segments of the automotive industry,...

LKQ Europe has announced that its subsidiary LKQ DACH has launched a significant solar project at its Sulzbach-Rosenberg logistics hub in Bavaria, Germany, as part of its renewable energy strategy. The project is said to be a major milestone in LKQ's sustainability journey, bolstering energy infrastructure and promoting its long-term plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Through a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Ecobility Services GmbH, the rooftop installation will enhance ene...

Schaeffler's Vehicle Lifetime Solutions (VLS) division has realigned its sales structure for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, effective October 1, 2025. The company's goal is to strengthen sales presence across the region and deliver tailored solutions to the independent aftermarket even faster, according to a statement. As part of the move, the company announced that Tobias Mohr will assume leadership of sales for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the...

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Aftermarket Suppliers, an association in North America representing motor-vehicle component manufacturers, has announced the appointment of Emily Poladian as president of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, which represents North American automotive and commercial vehicle aftermarket suppliers. Poladian is said to bring over 27 years of experience in the supplier industry, having most recently served as president of Bridgestone Mobility Solut...

US-based automotive parts supplier Elgin Industries has announced that Juan Bernal has been appointed as the director of global aftermarket sales. Bernal will manage sales and customer development for Elgin's aftermarket business across various regions, including the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Middle East. The company supplies engine and chassis parts for original equipment, aftermarket replacement, and high-performance vehicles and equipment. Established in 1919, Elgin o...

Dana Inc., a global supplier of drivetrain and propulsion systems and aftermarket solutions based in Ohio, US, has announced the appointment of Olivia Nelligan to its board of directors, effective immediately. Nelligan is the executive vice president, CFO and chief strategy officer at CHS Inc., a global agribusiness firm. In this role, she manages finance and strategic planning activities across the organization. R. Bruce McDonald, Dana chairman and CEO, said, "Ms. Nelligan's car...

LKQ Corp. announced that it has completed the sale of its Self Service segment, Pick Your Part, to an affiliate of Pacific Avenue Capital Partners LLC, for an enterprise value of $410 million, with customary purchase price adjustments. The move was first announced on Aug. 4.  This move aligns with LKQ's strategic focus on simplifying its business portfolio, reducing costs and expanding margins as market conditions improve. The proceeds from this transaction will be used to repay debt and...

CarParts.com Inc., a US-based e-commerce provider of automotive parts and accessories, has announced transitions within its board of directors after receiving a strategic investment from ZongTeng Group, A-Premium and CDH Investments. Henry Maier and James Barnes stepped down from the board on Oct. 7, 2025. Thomas Yunlong Man and Na "Mina" He have been appointed as board observers by the strategic investors. Man has a background in cross-border mergers and acquisitions and corporate trans...

Cloyes Gear & Products Inc. (Cloyes), a firm involved in designing and manufacturing timing drive systems and components for the automotive aftermarket, has announced the appointment of Eric Renaud as vice president, Sales for Rotomaster and Cloyes, effective Oct. 6.  Renaud brings more than 32 years of automotive aftermarket experience to his new role, with a proven record of cultivating customer relationships and accelerating market growth. His comprehensive expertise spans sales, ...

Ziebart, a US-based provider of detailing, films and structural protection services, has announced the appointment of Tray Doster as director of Franchise Development. Doster, a veteran in franchise development, joins Ziebart with nearly two decades of experience. Doster replaces Michael Riley, a long-serving leader who retired after over 40 years at Ziebart. Doster's previous roles include senior manager at Two Men And A Truck and significant contributions at Zaxby's. Ziebart CEO Tho...

Continental Tires has appointed Jana Striezel and Dennis Bellmund to new managerial positions effective Sept. 1. Striezel now oversees global purchasing, while Bellmund assumes leadership of the global original equipment (OE) business. Both report directly to Christian Kötz, who is a member of the executive board of Continental AG and oversees the Tires group sector. In a statement, Kötz expressed his enthusiasm for the appointments, highlighting Striezel's expertise in international procur...

MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, has announced two key leadership transitions designed to strengthen member engagement, enterprise strategy and communications, according to a press release. As part of the move, Megan Gardner will transition to vice president, Member Content and Councils for MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. Gardner brings deep aftermarket experience, having served as a leader on MEMA’s aftermarket marketing team, and an enterprisewide perspective from her role as exe...

Zhongce Rubber Group (ZC Rubber), a mainland China-based tire manufacturer, announced that it successfully hosted the 2025 WESTLAKE TBR Dealer Conference in Madrid, gathering strategic partners from across Europe, including tire wholesalers, service providers and major fleet operators such as DSV. The conference outlined the company's long-term vision for the European market, emphasizing fleet services as a core driver of growth. Since WESTLAKE TYRE's entry into the European market in 2014, t...

India's Uno Minda Ltd. has reduced prices on various auto components following the country's Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council's decision to lower tax rates from 28% to 18% on items such as alloy wheels, batteries, car mats and CNG kits. The price changes, effective Sept. 22, are intended to pass on the full GST benefits to customers, according to the company. This adjustment aligns with the 56th GST Council Meeting's recommendations to rationalize tax rates, prompting both vehicle ma...

Litens Aftermarket NA, a global provider of aftermarket parts, has appointed Bob Pegrum as its new aftermarket sales manager. Pegrum brings over 20 years of experience in sales and account management and will be focusing on the company's comanufacturing and remanufacturing channels. His role will involve expanding sales and marketing efforts, partnering with internal and external teams to enhance supply chain efficiency, and collaborating with global sales teams to support manufacturing partn...

Magna has announced that Patrick McCann is stepping down from his role as CFO after a career spanning over 26 years with the company, including serving as CFO since 2022. Philip Fracassa has been appointed as the new CFO, effective immediately. Fracassa joins Magna after 20 years at The Timken Co., where he held the CFO role for over a decade. McCann will continue in an advisory role until the end of February 2026 to ensure a smooth transition. Fracassa's appointment is part of Magna'...

US-based automotive parts distributor Genuine Parts Co. (GPC) has announced changes to its board of directors as part of its ongoing refreshment program. Effective Sept. 4, Courtney Carruthers and Matt Carey were appointed as independent directors. Carruthers, formerly president and CEO of TricorBraun, brings over 30 years of experience, having previously held leadership roles at Grainger. Carey, who served as executive vice president of Customer Experience and chief information officer at Th...

US-based automotive aftermarket manufacturer and distributor BG Products has announced the appointment of Sandor Piszar to the new position of principal, Strategic Fleet & Industrial Sector Development. Piszar's role is set to commence Sept. 2. With over 30 years in the auto industry, Piszar brings experience in sales, marketing, operations and product innovation with a history of leading transformative initiatives and driving market growth, the company said in a press release. �...

US-based retailer and distributor of aftermarket automotive parts and accessories, AutoZone, has elevated Eric Gould, a 33-year veteran of AutoZone, to the position of executive vice president, Merchandising, Marketing and Supply Chain. The company has appointed Eric Leef as senior vice president, Human Resources. Leef brings over 20 years of global HR experience from organizations such as Hertz, Atria Senior Living Community and General Electric. The organizational changes were made followin...

RumbleOn, which calls itself the largest powersports retailer in North America, has announced its rebranding as RideNow Group Inc., as part of a broader set of changes revealed alongside its second-quarter earnings report for the period ended June 30, 2025. The transition, effective from Aug. 13, includes relocating the headquarters from Irving, Texas, to Chandler, Arizona, within its flagship store. The rebranding is intended to align the corporate identity with the existing customer recogni...

Cloyes Gear & Products Inc. (Cloyes), a firm involved in designing and manufacturing timing drive systems and components for the automotive aftermarket, has announced the appointment of Jeff Cook as the chief marketing and product development officer. Cook will be responsible for overseeing marketing strategy and product development for both the Cloyes and Rotomaster brands. With over 25 years of experience in marketing and product strategy, particularly in the automotive aftermarket indu...

Forvia Hella, a subsidiary of the France-based Forvia Group, has commenced the series production of steering sensors for by-wire applications. These sensors, which detect the torque and angle of the steering wheel, transmit signals electrically to the steering control unit, crucial for fully electric steer-by-wire (SBW) systems. The production and development of these sensors occur within Forvia Hella's electronics production network in Germany and mainland China. By 2025, the company plans t...

KYB Corp., a Japan-based company engaged in the manufacture and sale of hydraulic equipment and hydraulic shock absorbers, has announced the appointment of Scott Maclean as its new Business Manager. In his new role, Maclean will be responsible for overseeing customer accounts across the North of England and Scotland, maintaining the high level of customer support that KYB is recognized for. “We’re really pleased to have Scott on board,” said Romin Nassiri, Senior Sales Manager a...

US-based AI platform Motive has announced its launch in the UK, marking its entry with the opening of a new office in London and appointing Nyanya Joof as the regional vice president. Motive is known for its AI-powered driving assistants and driver safety. It aims to provide solutions for driver safety, fleet management and workforce management to UK businesses involved in transportation, construction, field services, energy, utilities, and the food and beverage sectors. The company seeks ...

Repairify Inc., the Texas, US-based parent company of vehicle diagnostic solutions firm asTech, known for offering remote diagnostics, calibrations, programming and automotive intelligence in the collision and mechanical repair sectors, has announced new leadership appointments. As part of the move, Jennifer Hawxhurst has been hired as the vice president of Sales, Field Sales Leader. Hawxhurst, who has a decade of experience in the automotive industry, previously held positions such as v...

Meko (previously Mekonomen Group), an automotive spare parts distributor based in Sweden, has announced that as part of its group management structure review to strengthen its commercial focus, a new role of director of Purchasing and Business Development has been introduced. As part of the move, Marcus Larsson has been appointed interim director of Purchasing and Business Development. Larsson previously served as executive vice president of Mekonomen Group until 2017 and will hold the role u...

American Honda Motor Co. has launched a licensed insurance agency for Honda and Acura customers, known as Honda Insurance Solutions. The agency aims to provide a convenient shopping experience with competitive pricing and coverage options for various assets, including autos, motorcycles, recreational vehicles and homes. One of the features of Honda Insurance Solutions is auto insurance with optional original equipment manufacturer parts coverage, ensuring that repairs are made using Honda and...

Phinia has appointed Mike Harvey as its new senior sales manager for Warehouse Distributor Strategic Accounts. In this position, Harvey will be responsible for developing and managing long-term relationships with Phinia's key automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket clients, utilizing the strong brand positions established by Phinia and its distribution partners. Dave Illes, director — Sales, Marketing, & Training for Phinia, announced the hiring, saying, “We are thrilled to ad...

Red Dot Corp., a company specializing in heavy-duty mobile heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and thermal management solutions, has appointed Richelle Frank as the general manager of its Puyallup, Washington, facility. Red Dot provides high-performance climate systems for heavy-duty vehicles, UTVs, electric cars and trucks, and mobile charging infrastructure. Frank will focus on improving operational excellence and enhancing systems for quality, efficiency and scalability. Additi...

The Fuchs Group, a Germany-based independent supplier of lubrication solutions, announced that it is strengthening its presence in Switzerland with the creation of a new subsidiary, Fuchs Swiss Lubricants AG. This development integrates the operations of the Swiss subsidiary of the Lubcon Group and lubricant specialist Strub & Co. AG, both of which were acquired by Fuchs in 2024. This move grants Fuchs direct access to the Swiss market, with headquarters based in Reiden, Switzerland, whic...

DENSO Products and Services Americas, Inc., an affiliate of global mobility supplier DENSO Corp., has made promotions to its National Accounts management team to support the company’s ongoing marketing initiatives. Kelly Dickens has been promoted to senior manager of National Accounts & Marketing. Dickens has been with DENSO for eight years, most recently as manager of National Accounts. Her new responsibilities include leading the National Accounts teams, as well as overseeing mar...

Meko (previously Mekonomen Group), an automotive spare-parts distributor based in Sweden, announced that it is expanding its presence in Europe by launching Mekonomen in Poland. The move involves the rebranding of the wholesaler Elit Polska, which was acquired by Meko in 2024. It will now operate under the Mekonomen name. The company said the aim is to further strengthen Meko’s position in Poland’s independent automotive aftermarket. The company said Mekonomen is already reco...

Mevotech, a Canada-based engineering, designer and manufacturer of driveline, steering and suspension aftermarket parts, announced the appointment of Matt Weiss as its new executive vice president of Sales. Weiss will guide Mevotech’s North American sales team through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to customer success, and he will help shape the company’s people-first approach to the brand’s market expansion, the company said.  Weiss brings over 30 years of sales exper...

Premium Guard Inc. (PGI), a US-based aftermarket supplier of filters, announced the appointment of Bob Johnson as vice president of Heavy-Duty Sales, effective June 17. Johnson brings over 30 years of leadership experience in the heavy-duty industry, with a proven record in revenue growth, strategic sales execution and team-building. In his new role, he will lead PGI's Heavy-Duty Sales division, focusing on developing and executing sales strategies, fostering customer relationships and e...

Detroit Axle, an aftermarket auto parts dealer based in Ferndale, Michigan, is facing potential closure within weeks due to tariffs on goods imported from China, according to a June 8 news report by The Detroit News. The company filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the termination of the "de minimis" exemption, which allowed small-value packages from China to be imported duty-free, the report added. Detroit Axle's filing with the US Court of International Trade expresses urge...

Continental, a tire manufacturer, is expanding its use of renewable and recycled materials in tire production, increasing the share from an average of 26% in 2024 to a projected 28-29% in 2025. This growth is driven by incorporating materials such as synthetic rubber from renewable or circular oil, recycled polyester from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), recycled steel and innovative fillers such as silica from rice husk ash. The company plans to exceed a 40% share of renewable and recycle...

Continental Tires announced that it will discontinue its Truck and Bus Radial tire (TBR) business in India in June, saying that it will fully focus on the growth of its Passenger Car and Light Truck tire (PLT) business. The realignment move includes discontinuing its dedicated TBR manufacturing line at its Modipuram tire plant in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India. “The realignment is aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of Continental Tires’ operations in India. In response to changing...

Meko (previously Mekonomen Group), an automotive spare-parts distributor based in Sweden, has announced that it is enhancing its focus on exclusive brand spare parts and accessories for workshops and car owners by establishing a new division aimed at strengthening its product offering across all its markets. Henrik Pettersson has been appointed to lead this organization, bringing his extensive experience in the automotive aftermarket and product development, the company says, adding that it h...

Mighty Distributing System (MDSA), a provider of original equipment-quality automotive parts, chemicals and lubricants, has announced the appointment of Dave Johnston as director of major accounts. The company says Johnston brings more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, including senior leadership roles at Apollo Tyres Ltd. and Toyo Tires, where he led commercial sales, product strategy and market development across the US and ...

Action Smart Group, an Australian car repair company consisting of seven businesses, has gone into liquidation owing almost $5 million to creditors. The collapse is attributed to fewer hailstorms in recent years and rapid, unsustainable growth, affecting workshops in New South Wales, ACT, Victoria, and South Australia. The liquidation has also impacted several small paint and panel beating businesses across Australia, which are unlikely to recover their losses. The companies, directed by Adam...

AutoZone has announced the appointment of Claire Rauh McDonough to the AutoZone Board of Directors. McDonough serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Rivian, an American automotive manufacturer that develops and builds category-defining electric vehicles as well as software and services that address the entire lifecycle of the vehicle. Prior to joining Rivian in 2021, she was a Managing Director in Investment Banking and co-head of the Disruptive Commerce Group at J....

The supervisory board of Continental AG has appointed Roland Welzbacher to its executive board, effective August 1. Welzbacher will succeed Olaf Schick as CFO following a joint transition period. Schick, who requested an early termination of his contract in December 2024, will step down on Sept. 30, 2025. Welzbacher, currently heading the Finance and Controlling function in the Tires group sector since 2023, will take over as CFO on Oct. 1, 2025, while continuing his current role. The specifi...

SKF has appointed DJ Kimsey as its new president of Vehicle Aftermarket for North America. In this position, Kimsey will manage the region's sales, marketing, operations and product management, and he will be located at the headquarters in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. In a statement, Olaf Henning, general manager and head of Global Aftermarket at SKF, expressed enthusiasm for Kimsey's appointment, highlighting his over 20 years of experience and his significant expertise in the North American aft...

Continental has announced a significant shift in its Commercial Specialty Tires division, deciding to concentrate on Material Handling, Earthmoving and Port Operations Tires while discontinuing its Agricultural Tires business by the end of 2025. This strategic decision came after a thorough review of the business segment, which revealed that the agricultural tires market has been facing considerable disruptions, making it increasingly commoditized and misaligned with Continental's future...

Valvoline Global Operations has inaugurated its first London office, a significant step in its global expansion strategy, according to company CEO Jamal Muashsher. This new regional hub in Central London's Fitzrovia district spans nearly 5,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 29 employees. It joins Valvoline Global's existing international hubs in Singapore and Lexington, Kentucky, the latter of which houses the company's global corporate and research and development headquarters. The op...

Yokohama Corporation of North America (YCNA) recently announced significant organizational changes that are effective immediately. Jeff Barna, who has been serving as the president and CEO of Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC), has been promoted and will now also hold the position of president and CEO of YCNA. This promotion entrusts him with expanded responsibilities that include support roles for Yokohama Canada (YTC) and Yokohama Mexico (YTMX). These changes aim to strengthen the corporation's managem...

GKN Automotive has made a significant stride in fostering future engineering talent by inaugurating two new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Innovation Labs in India as a pivotal aspect of its global Future Talent Program. The launch of these labs aims to ignite a passion for engineering among the next generation worldwide, with a special focus on enhancing the educational landscape for vulnerable communities in India. By introducing new infrastructure, scienc...

Japan-based Hitachi Astemo, a manufacturer of engine management, electric powertrain and integrated vehicle controls for major automotive manufacturers, has announced that it will change its company name to Astemo Ltd., effective April 1. Building on the accumulated achievements under the Hitachi name, Astemo aims to further strengthen the brand and become a leading company in electrification and intelligence of mobility in the software-defined vehicle (SDV) age. To implement the change,...

Meko announced that it is strengthening its focus on commercial vehicles, including trucks, buses and transporters with a goal to achieve the same strong market position in commercial vehicles as in passenger cars. To lead this expansion, Meko has appointed experienced automotive industry leader Nils Hollmann as the head of its newly established Commercial Vehicle division. "We are stepping up our efforts and redefining the market to benefit our customers. Owners and operators of commerc...

NTN Bearing Corp. has announced that CEO Ukai has been appointed chairperson of the World Bearing Association (WBA). His term began in September 2024 and will last for two years. Founded in 2006, the WBA is a non-profit, unincorporated industrial association comprising three major regional bearing associations: The Japan Bearing Industry Association (JBIA), the American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA) and the Federation of European Bearing Manufacturers’ Associations (FEBMA). These...

Following the supervisory board’s approval of the spinoff last week, Continental’s Automotive group sector has decided to establish the headquarters of the planned independent company in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The aim is to locate the headquarters of the new automotive company at the current site in the Guerickestraße, Germany, by mid-2025. In total, about 4,230 employees work in the Continental-location in Frankfurt in production, research and development, and administration (as of De...

Bosch has inaugurated a new metal 3D printing facility at its Nuremberg plant in Germany, marking a significant advancement in its manufacturing capabilities. The company invested nearly €6 million in the center, along with the acquisition and installation of the Nikon SLM Solutions NXG XII 600 metal 3D printer. This strategic investment positions Bosch as the first tier 1 automotive supplier in Europe to operate a facility of this performance class, underlining its commitment to Germany as...

CarParts.com, an e-commerce destination for automotive parts and accessories, has announced that it is considering a possible sale of the company in its efforts to "maximize shareholder value" in response to "inbound strategic inquiries the company has received." To facilitate this process, CarParts.com has obtained the services of Craig-Hallum Capital Group LLC for financial advisory and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation for legal counsel. David Meniane, CEO o...

American Tire Distributors has recently concluded the sale of all its assets to a group of well-financed investors keen on fostering long-term growth. This move has led to the formation of a new entity, which will continue to operate under the name American Tire Distributors (ATD). The new company aims to enhance its growth trajectory and establish itself as a significant player within the replacement tire distribution sector. The strategy revolves around concentrating on its primary tire dis...

The Fuchs Group, a Germany-based independent supplier of lubrication solutions, has officially inaugurated the expansion of its production facility in Isando, Johannesburg, South Africa. With an investment of €26 million, this expansion strengthens the position of Fuchs Lubricants South Africa in key industries such as automotive, mining, original equipment manufacturing, industrial and specialty, the company stated in a release. The company’s efforts to expand in South Africa began with ...

Driven Brands, a US-based automotive aftermarket repairing and servicing company, has announced its decision to sell its US car wash business to Express Wash Operations LLC, doing business as Whistle Express Car Wash (Whistle), for a sum of $385 million. The move, according to Jonathan Fitzpatrick, the president and CEO of Driven Brands, is aimed at reducing the company's debt and concentrating on expanding the Take 5 Oil Change brand along with its other franchised brands that generate stabl...

Clarios, a US-based supplier of energy storage solutions to original equipment (OE) manufacturers and the aftermarket, announced that it has produced its 1 millionth lithium-ion (Li-ion) 12V battery. The company said the milestone reflects its role in the development of low-voltage energy storage technologies essential for highly electrified vehicles such as internal combustion engines (ICEs), hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles. With a comprehensive global network, Clarios ...

Continental said its Automotive group is making strides toward prioritizing future technologies to maintain its competitive edge in the realm of safe, connected, autonomous mobility. This involves a strategic overhaul of its global research and development network and processes to quickly meet customer needs. Key to this revamp is a plan to reduce the R&D ratio through efficiency measures affecting approximately 3,000 R&D jobs globally by the end of 2026, with under half of these impa...

Exide Technologies has announced a significant update to its Exide Light Vehicle battery range, introducing a new label design aimed at simplifying product identification for users. The redesign features a clear, color-coded scheme that aligns with the battery technology of each product, facilitating easier selection for automotive aftermarket distributors and technicians. This change is part of Exide's broader initiative to enhance brand recognition and adherence to its new corporate identity a...

Starfire Lubricants, a US-based premium lubrication solutions provider, has expanded its team by hiring Brian Hayes as sales manager and Pat McLaughlin for retail market expansion. Together, they bring a combined 54 years of experience, industry leadership and a proven record of success to Starfire as the company continues to expand its footprint and innovate in the lubricant industry, according to the company release.  Hayes joins as a sales manager with over 20 year...

As reported in a press release on Feb. 4, General Motors (GM) has successfully completed its acquisition of GM Cruise Holdings LLC, making Cruise a wholly-owned subsidiary of GM, following the approval of GM's merger proposal by the Cruise board of directors. This acquisition positions Cruise to work closely with GM on the development of autonomous vehicle technology and advanced driver assistance systems for personal vehicles. GM plans to incorporate Cruise's technology into its Super Cruise...

LKQ Corp. announced that it has introduced two new independent directors, Sue Gove and Michael Powell, to its board of directors, effective immediately. This enhancement is part of a broader strategy that included the formation of a finance committee within the board. These changes come as part of a cooperation agreement with Ancora Catalyst Institutional LP, Engine Capital LP and their affiliates, following a period of constructive engagement. Sue Gove, the founder and president of...

ZF Aftermarket has launched a campaign called Keep it Real to combat counterfeit automotive parts, which pose extensive risks to drivers, passengers and other road users, and also have broader economic and brand implications. The campaign delves into the complex operations behind identifying, tracking and eliminating fake products from the supply chain, emphasizing the global and meticulously coordinated efforts of ZF's intellectual property team. Stationed at the departmental headquarters in...

German components supplier and filtration expert MANN+HUMMEL has announced the appointment of Lisa Schiffgens as the new director of Corporate Relations, effective immediately. In this significant role, Schiffgens will oversee both internal and external communications, working directly under the guidance of Chief Marketing Officer Géraldine Tenten. Schiffgens brings a wealth of experience in communications and marketing to MANN+HUMMEL, having previously served as a spokesperson for t...

Continental has announced significant structural changes within the ContiTech division, affecting various German locations throughout 2025. The planned adjustments involve halting production in Bad Blankenburg (Thuringia), Stolzenau (Lower Saxony), and Moers (North Rhine-Westphalia), ceasing toolmaking activities in Frohburg and Geithain (Saxony), and scaling back operations of the Original Equipment Solutions (OESL) in Hamburg, Germany. Additionally, a production line at the ContiTech site in H...

Bridgestone Americas, a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, announced the closure of its Truck and Bus Radial Tire Plant in LaVergne, Tennessee, set for July 31, 2025. This move is part of the company's strategic initiatives to enhance its business operations in the US by optimizing its footprint and improving competitiveness. The closure of the LaVergne plant, affecting around 700 employees, is aligned with Bridgestone's ongoing efforts to strengthen its premium tire business and create v...

MAHLE, an automotive components manufacturer, said it is taking significant steps to decarbonize its production site in Vaihingen-Enz, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, by installing a cutting-edge photovoltaic thermal (PVT) plant. The facility is the largest of its kind in Germany and will utilize over 1,000 PVT modules supplied by Sunmaxx, a European manufacturer of PVT hybrid modules. MAHLE, serving as a strategic investor and development partner of Sunmaxx, aims to significantly reduce its dep...

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Aftermarket Suppliers, an association in North America representing motor-vehicle component manufacturers, has announced the addition of three new members to its advisory board for 2025. The newly appointed members are Cal Ganda from Continental ContiTech, serving as the Aftermarket lead; John Hanighen, the president and CEO of Cloyes; and Emily Poladian, the president of Bridgestone Mobility Solutions. Their inclusion is aimed a...

Japan's JTEKT Corp. has announced a fundamental agreement to transfer its European Needle Roller Bearings (NRB) business to Aequita, a financial investor based in Germany. This includes the sale of all shares of its three consolidated subsidiaries involved in the manufacture and sale of NRBs in Europe, collectively referred to as Target Companies, according to the release. This strategic move is part of JTEKT's second medium-term management plan, covering the fiscal year 2024 to 2026, ai...

Aisin Corp., a Japanese tier 1 automotive components and systems supplier, has announced significant internal restructuring of three of its North America businesses. The restructuring, set to take place by April 1, 2025, involves the consolidation of Aisin World Corp. of America (AWA), Aisin Holdings of America and Aisin Technical Center of America. Specifically, Aisin Holdings of America and Aisin Technical Center of America will merge with AWA. This move is based on leveraging the uniq...

Dorman Products has announced the appointment of Tayfun Uner as president, Light Duty. In this newly-created role, Uner will be responsible for driving strategic growth and overseeing all commercial and operational aspects of Dorman’s largest business segment. In a statement, Dorman CEO Kevin Olsen praised Uner's extensive experience and his anticipated contribution to the continued success of the Light Duty business segment. The appointment marks the completion of a segment transition with...

Clarios, renowned for its leadership in low-voltage battery technology, has recently announced a landmark contract with a major automotive manufacturer for the supply of its cutting-edge supercapacitors in both 12-V and 48-V configurations. The company's supercapacitors are specially designed to deliver bursts of high power essential for steer-by-wire (SBW) systems and other vehicle applications, contributing minimal weight to the overall vehicle mass. This technology is crucial for ensuring ...

General Motors (GM) is refining its autonomous driving strategy to emphasize the development of advanced driver assistance systems, steering toward fully autonomous personal vehicles. Building on the success of Super Cruise, a hands-off, eyes-on driving feature available on over 20 GM vehicle models, GM plans to further advance autonomous and assisted driving technologies. This development is being marked by the integration of the teams from GM and its majority-owned subsidiary, Cruise LLC. T...

California, US-based voice AI company SoundHound AI Inc. has announced the launch of the Lucid Assistant, a sophisticated hands-free voice assistant developed for electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid. The assistant is designed to allow customers an intuitive method of controlling various vehicle functions simply through speech. To showcase the capabilities of the Lucid Assistant, SoundHound will provide a hands-on experience with a Lucid Air at its Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 booth....

LKQ Corp. has announced significant changes to its board of directors as part of its ongoing board refreshment process, according to a press release dated Dec. 11. The company revealed that James S. Metcalf will join the board as an independent director starting from Dec. 11. This appointment coincides with the announcement that Dominick Zarcone has decided not to stand for reelection and will retire at the conclusion of his term during the company's 2025 annual meeting. Following Zarcone's d...

Dana Inc. has announced the appointment of Nora LaFreniere to its board of directors, effective immediately, according to a press release dated Dec. 11. LaFreniere holds the position of executive vice president and general counsel at Otis Worldwide Corp., where she is responsible for a broad range of functions including the company's global legal and compliance strategies, business development, intellectual property, security, government relations, quality, and environmental, health, and...

In a press release dated Dec. 9, German automotive tier 1 supplier Continental announced that its executive board has reached the decision to spin off its Automotive group sector. This decision follows a detailed evaluation process that began in early August. The plan is to seek approval from the supervisory board in March 2025 and then present the proposal for a spin-off to Continental AG's annual shareholders' meeting on April 25, 2025. If approved, the spin-off is anticipated to be complet...

Spanish energy and petrochemical company Repsol has announced that with the launch of 100% renewable diesel at its service station in Cartes (Cantabria, Spain), Repsol has achieved a milestone of 600 stations supplying 100% renewable fuel across the Iberian Peninsula, including 550 in Spain and 50 in Portugal, according to a press release dated Nov. 26. The accomplishment fulfills the target set in Repsol’s 2024–2027 Strategic Update to reach 600 stations with 100% renewable NEXA Die...

Valeo is set to eliminate approximately 1,000 jobs across Europe, with significant impacts in France where about 800 workers will be affected, according to a report published by Reuters on Nov. 27. This move includes the closure of two Valeo sites within France. The job cuts are not confined to France alone; Valeo will also reduce its workforce in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. This decision follows Valeo's announcement in October of a reduction in its annual sales forecast and comes...

Phinia, the spinoff company of the fuel systems and aftermarket segments of Michigan, US-based powertrain technologies supplier BorgWarner, announced the expansion of its North American team by hiring three new members, according to a press release dated Nov. 22. Hailey Long has been appointed as the manager for the North America Category Management, Pricing and Catalog teams. Having been a part of Phinia since 2015, Long has gained diverse experience within the company, working in Sales...

Valvoline, a US-based supplier of lubricants and automotive services, has announced plans to refranchise 38 existing Valvoline Instant Oil Change service centers to a new franchisee, Velocity Auto Care, according to a press release dated Nov. 19. The service centers are located in Austin, San Antonio, El Paso and west Texas. The centers are part of a move to accelerate network growth, offering enhanced convenience for customers, opportunities for team m...

In a press release on Nov. 5, Schaeffler AG announced a comprehensive program of structural measures aimed at enhancing its long-term competitiveness against the backdrop of a challenging market environment and the ongoing transformation in the automotive supply industry. The program is focused primarily on the company's operations in Germany and Europe and is crafted around three key objectives: Enhancing the earnings of the Bearings & Industrial Solutions division, capitalizing on syner...

Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket has officially rebranded as Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions, according to a press release dated Nov. 11. The name change took place Nov. 1 and follows the full integration of Vitesco Technologies Group into Schaeffler, with the merger having been finalized Oct. 1. The new name has been chosen to highlight the wider offering the company will provide to the aftermarket thanks to the merger, as well as its ongoing commitment to technological innovation, ...

Aisin Corp. has announced the launch of a new company aimed at the Americas aftermarket industry, named Aisin Aftermarket & Service of America Inc., according to a report on Aftermarket Matters dated Nov. 11. This initiative involves merging Awtec, an Aisin company specializing in transmission remanufacturing, with the aftermarket business unit of Aisin World Corp. of America (AWA). Significance: The move is intended to transition Aisin from offering primarily in-house brands to...

The Freudenberg Group, a Germany-based global technology conglomerate, has recently inaugurated two new advanced manufacturing facilities in Morinda, India, as part of its 175th-anniversary celebrations, according to a press release dated Oct. 18. These facilities, covering a total area of 40,700 square meters, are operated by Freudenberg-NOK India Pvt. Ltd. (FNI) and Vibracoustic India, a supplier of automotive noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) solutions.  Vibracoustic also offers a ...

ATC Drivetrain, a US-based remanufacturing solutions provider, announced via a press release on Oct. 9 the creation of ATC Brasil LTDA. This new venture marks ATC's expansion into the South American market and aims to meet the rising demand for sustainable and affordable automotive solutions in Brazil. Initially, ATC Brasil LTDA will specialize in remanufacturing diesel particulate filters (DPF) for commercial trucks, targeting the local needs for environmental and cost-efficiency. �...

Japan’s NTN Corp. has announced that it will establish a sales branch in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, of NTN Bearing Vietnam Co. Ltd., as it believes the region will play a central role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region, where further market growth is expected in the future, according to a press release dated Sept. 25. NTN said it will work to further expand the aftermarket business through aggressive sales activities and the provision of technical services. The new division beg...

Repairify Inc., the Texas, US-based parent company of vehicle diagnostic solutions firm asTech, known for offering remote diagnostics, calibrations, programming and automotive intelligence in the collision and mechanical repair sectors, has announced the expansion of its leadership team with the appointment of Mike Gugino as chief revenue officer and Kennedy Taylor as senior vice president of Marketing, according to a press release dated Sept. 30. Bringing a wealth of experience across v...

Moss Motors and Rimmer Bros, both global suppliers of replacement and restoration parts for British marque vehicles, have announced that following their merger earlier in 2024, they have appointed Ben Smart as Global CEO, according to a press release dated Sept. 30. Smart, a leader in the automotive aftermarket sector, will oversee global expansion and innovation for the companies, which serve over 240,000 customers in 150 countries, the release added.  Under Smart's le...

Japan's Denso Corp. has announced the commencement of inverter production at Denso Fukushima Co. Ltd., a move aimed at strengthening its manufacturing capabilities in Japan and boosting the Denso Group's competitiveness in the electrification field, according to a press release dated Sept. 5. Denso Fukushima, a company within the Denso Group that specializes in manufacturing automotive thermal products and fuel system components, has added a new inverter production line to its operations. ...

Schaeffler has announced the successful completion of its merger with Vitesco Technologies Group AG, marking a significant development in both companies' corporate histories, according to a press release dated Oct. 1. With this merger, Vitesco shares were exchanged for new Schaeffler common shares at a ratio of 1:11.4, and Schaeffler's non-voting common shares converted to common shares with full voting rights on a 1:1 basis. The integration execution process, initiated at the year's start, culm...

Nexus Automotive International (Nexus), a Geneva-based alliance of independent car parts distributors, announced the opening of a new North American head office in Dallas to better meet regional expectations and enhance its supplier satisfaction, according to a press release dated Sept. 11. Nexus will place a strong focus on North America, Asia and Africa/Middle East regions in the coming months, with plans to attend key events such as AWDA/AAPEX, Automechanika Dubai and Shanghai. In addition...

Sweden-based SKF, a supplier of rolling bearings, seals, mechatronics and lubrication systems, has announced it plans to separate its Industrial and Automotive business segments to focus better on their distinct opportunities and accelerate growth, according to a press release dated Sept. 17. In a statement, Hans Stråberg, chair of SKF's board of directors, emphasized that this separation is expected to increase customer value and leverage strategies for both businesses as stand-alone entiti...

Bosch has demonstrated its commitment to the Japanese market by investing €270 million in constructing new headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, according to a press release dated Sept. 6. This initiative not only consolidates the company's development capacity for the mobility sector, previously spread across multiple locations, but also introduces an innovative public-private partnership.  In a statement, Tanja Rueckert, a board member responsible for Japan at Robert Bosch GmbH, emphasize...

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Aftermarket Suppliers, an association in North America representing motor-vehicle component manufacturers, has announced that its third-quarter 2024 MEMA Original Equipment (OE) Vehicle Supplier Barometer Index (SBI), reflective of North American supplier executives' sentiments, revealed a continued trend of pessimism within the industry, marking a consistent decrease over the past 10 quarters, according to a press release dated Sep...