AAPEX starts with Auto Care Association reception
Hundreds turned out for the kick-off reception at the Automotive Aftermarket Parts Exhibition, held at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas. The annual show is part of Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week, a celebration of the replacement parts industry and a showcase for the latest technology.
Fountain Tire CEO named to Tire Industry hall of fame
Brent Hesje thanked employees, franchisees, shareholders, friends, and family at his induction into the Tire Industry Association Hall of Fame. The career-capping honour recognized his success in growing the Fountain Tire chain of tire shop. During his tenure with the company, Fountain Tire grew from 56 shops in Alberta to 160 shops in communities from British Columbia to Ontario. Since 1992, Fountain Tire has doubled the number of retread plants it operates an evolved into a vertically integrated comprehensive tire and mechanic business with five distribution centres.
He described the recognition as a “tremendous honour” made possible by strong support from the industry.
He said Goodyear has been a great partner to the Fountain Tire
“Goodyear lets us run this company. Sometimes that surprises me. They let us make mistakes, and learn from those mistakes, They’ve been a great partner,” he said.
The late Frank Holeman, a newsman known as the public voice of safety for tire manufacturers, dealers, and distributors, was posthumously inducted into the hall of fame.
Also honoured were Edward Burleson, Sr., president and owner of Central Marketing Inc. who took the 2019 Ed Wagner Leadership Award; Bob Kellogg of Warren Tires Service Centre in Queensbury, N.Y., who received the Tire Business Dealer Humanitarian Award; and Alpio Barbara, owner of Redwood General Tire, in Redwood City, Calf., winner of the Tire Review Top Shop Award.
AAPEX attendees invited to take the Virtual Vehicle Challenge
Helios Interactive has set up a demonstration in the foyer of the AAPEX show which allows participants to virtually build and modify a virtual stock car which can then be virtually raced on a virtual track against other virtual cars. Above, Brook Farris (left) installs a turbocharger in preparation to race her car, as Sitong Liu gives her some direction.
IHS Markit offers insights into industry trends
The fleet of light vehicles in operation in the U.S. hit a record level earlier this year of more than 278 million vehicles and will grow 6% over the next five years, according to IHS Markit.
In addition, the average age of light vehicles in the U.S. has risen to 11.8 years due to better technology and vehicle quality improvements, providing a robust business pipeline for aftermarket companies – from parts manufacturers, distributors and retailers to service and repair facilities.
As the average age increases, it is impacting the traditional aftermarket “sweet spot” as the population of older vehicles continues to rise. Light vehicles 16 years and older will increase by 17% over the next five years providing more repair opportunities coming from these older vehicles.
IHS Markit is illuminating these and other key industry trends during several seminars.
Innova launches RepairSolutions2 Automotive App
Innova Electronics Corporation has announced the availability of its RepairSolutions2 app and new line of Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled on-board diagnostic tools, offering the most complete solution to help users of all automotive repair skill levels diagnose and repair check engine light-related problems.
Described as more than a stand-alone tool or app, the comprehensive solution provides access to RepairSolutions’ patented, cloud-based platform with a proprietary knowledge database. With RepairSolutions2, users get vehicle-specific inspection reports to find the problem and fix the problem efficiently with fixes, guided diagnostics and troubleshooting information that have been compiled, verified and confirmed for accuracy over the last 20 years by Innova’s nationwide team of ASE Certified Technicians.
A new in-app feature called LifeTime Link makes it easy to accurately identify the parts needed for the job and connects customers with their preferred auto parts distributors to automate the parts purchasing process.
The latest generation of Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled Innova OBD tools and dongles pair with the RepairSolutions2 app to generate detailed vehicle diagnostic reports on demand or to view when convenient via a mobile device. After initial setup, the Wi-Fi-enabled tool automatically and seamlessly pairs with the app to push reports to the tablet or cellphone so the user can keep working on the vehicle and view the data later. Icons show verified fixes with how-to-repair videos, which are tied to the needed repairs. It also offers the option to purchase parts from your preferred online retailer directly through the app.
Other advanced features include the ability to see oil life, brake pad life, battery voltage and tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) status, live data and fixes for body and chassis codes when the feature is supported by the vehicle and tool. There can be up to 100 modules on newer vehicles to monitor the status of everything from power door locks and remote keyless entry systems to a rear window defroster, which is why Innova’s new tool line also includes full Network Scan results for select tools and supported vehicles.
Delphi Technologies unveils growth opportunities for N.A. aftermarket
Delphi Technologies is showcasing its expanded product line and its link to pioneering OE technologies.
The company announced double-digit sales coverage growth in gasoline fuel systems, chassis, and engine management. This aggressive expansion plan is designed to increase distributors’ and garages’ revenue opportunities among popular replacement parts.
In addition, the company is presenting its rebranded packaging and its pioneering OE solutions for Gasoline Direct Injection systems, including a new test bench.
Chad Smith, vice president of Delphi Technologies Aftermarket NA, says, “As future trends in automotive become reality, we are committed to help our customers prepare for and profit from what’s ahead. We offer our expertise in the emerging technologies we are building for the top OEMs along with our aftermarket innovations. It’s the best of both worlds: OE heritage and service solutions.”
Delphi Technologies shared its plans to grow its customers’ businesses with news about significant sales coverage expansions of its fuel handling, chassis, and engine management product lines in 2019 and 2020. Products at the Delphi Technologies booth are displayed alongside examples of the company’s vibrant new blue packaging. The boxes are now made of higher quality materials, with an improved label format to make it easier to quickly choose the right part.
A Delphi Technologies senior trainer is offering free training classes on the show floor about how GDi systems work and how to repair them. The booth features the company’s industry-first 350-bar GDi system, one of its pioneering OE technologies, which provides leaner combustion and low-particulate emissions.
CRP Automotive’s “Learning Corner” features ‘The Humble Mechanic’
CRP Automotive’s booth features Charles Sanville, host of ‘The Humble Mechanic’ Podcast and YouTube channel.
Sanville can be found at The CRP Automotive Learning Corner, where he’ll be producing videos with CRP Automotive product managers, as well as hosting Q&A sessions with his fans.
CRP Automotive is also featuring two What’s Hot Parts Tables, displaying some of the newest and most exciting product advancements the company’s brands have launched over the past year. The new products includes an AAE Remanufactured Electronic Power Steering rack, Rein Coolant Flange kit, Pentosin ATF 9 Automatic Transmission Fluid, Rein Transmission Service kit, Rein Electric Water Pump Coolant Service kit, Rein Valve Cover kit, Pentosin Automatic Transmission Service kit, and AAE Hydraulic Power Steering pump.
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