News

The automotive repair and service industry will return to Detroit next summer for NACE | CARS 2015. With Industry Week coming together again, key companies are contracting for 2015 exhibit space at a record-setting pace, event organizers say.

Robert Bosch LLC has announced 20 new part number releases for December 2014. The new part numbers include brake pads and rotors, wiper blade sets, new and remanufactured alternators, and remanufactured starters.

The University of the Aftermarket Foundation will award an additional $100,000 in scholarships in 2015, according to Tim Lee, chairman of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. The increase will bring the total amount of scholarships awarded to $230,000.

The Car Care Council Women’s Board will be holding its third annual silent auction during the 2015 Winter Leadership Conference, Feb. 4-5 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Fla. All proceeds will benefit the Women’s Board scholarship fund.

Buyer attendance at the 2014 Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) in Las Vegas increased in key target buyer categories identified by the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), with independent repair garages leading the way with the largest growth at 12 percent, according to show organizers.

Federated Auto Parts is now accepting nominations for Federated Shop of the Year. The annual Federated Shop of the Year program recognizes a top shop with a demonstrated track record of excellence in such areas as customer service, quality repairs, knowledgeable staff and community involvement.

The Automotive Training Managers Council (ATMC) has announced its officers and directors for 2015. Holly Gerke, manager of technical training for Penske Truck Leasing was re-elected as board chair, with Michael Loth, training instructor for Robert Bosch serving as vice chair.

National Pronto Association and Federated Auto Parts recently announced they are merging their efforts and resources in a number of key areas with a focus on being “best in class” in providing overall value and support within the auto care industry. This newly formed organization will be known as “Automotive Parts Services Group” or simply “The Group.”

The AAPEXedu set two new records at the 2014 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) by having the highest attendance ever and offering the largest number of sessions in AAPEX history. Attendance increased by 8 percent over 2013 and a total of 51 free sessions were part of the 2014 AAPEXedu.

ACDelco is introducing new Professional V-Ribbed Aramid serpentine belts designed for demanding applications that require advanced technology and materials. Aramid cord is stronger than steel. Belts with aramid cord reduce noise, vibration and harshness – the most common reasons for customer complaints.

Robert Bosch LLC has implemented major design changes within its www.boschautoparts.com website. The company says a new responsive design now makes it easier for users to search for, select and purchase Bosch products using either a desktop or mobile device. The new, redesigned website was launched on Oct. 30.

Federal-Mogul Motorparts, a division of Federal-Mogul Holdings Corp., has expanded its Wagner Brake Products line to include several new premium brake pad sets that offer combined coverage of nearly 1.4 million additional passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs.