AMN Drivetime

In this episode of DriveTime, Tom Pitstick, president, Americas, Gates Corporation talks about the company's “Driven by Possibility” motto that influences not only his leadership approach and strategic direction with the aftermarket, but also how his teams are driven to support customers from the shop level all the way up to its big distribution partners.

In this episode of DriveTime, Mike DeWitt, president and managing director, FORVIA HELLA, explains that the combination of HELLA with Faurecia under the FORVIA umbrella represents a strategic evolution that brings together two highly regarded Tier 1 suppliers with complementary strengths in innovation, engineering and quality.

D-A Lubricant's John Noal discusses synthetic shortages, rising costs and how supply chain issues are impacting service and inventory decisions.

In this episode of DriveTime, Emily Poladian, president of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, talks about her admiration for the aftermarket after a successful 27-year career at Bridgestone where she led two different business units. Despite its size and influence, she says the industry maintains a close-knit, relationship-driven culture that makes her feel right at home.On Right-to-Repair legislation, Poladian is seeing stronger momentum than at any point in recent years, though outcomes remain uncertain given competing priorities in Congress. She emphasizes that the issue ultimately centers on consumer choice and affordability. Poladian notes that meaningful progress will require alignment across the aftermarket ecosystem—including suppliers, distributors, retailers and repair shops—to present a unified voice and find a common ground.

In this episode of DriveTime, Ron Aparicio, vice president of sales, Motorcar Parts of America (MPA) discusses how the company is reinforcing its position in the aftermarket by focusing on relationship-driven sales, customer alignment and product quality rooted in both new and remanufactured offerings. He said success in today's environment depends on “honoring the sales cycle,” meaning respecting customers' time, understanding their business pressures and bringing meaningful solutions rather than simply pushing products.

In this episode of DriveTime, Tom Mohrdieck, president and CEO, NTN Bearing Corporation of America, discusses how the company is leveraging the OEM pedigree it built over 108 years in OEM and industrial markets, according to Tom Mohrdieck. He said the company has spent the last decade investing in aftermarket growth, with a global goal of generating 40% of turnover from the aftermarket by 2035.

In this episode of DriveTime, Rick Schwartz, Co-Founder and CEO, Schwartz Advisors, talks about Schwartz Advisors' new VIO forecast report, the SA Mobility Aftermarket Report, is designed to give the industry a clearer picture of where the vehicle fleet is headed by analyzing the VIO by powertrain rather than relying only on total vehicle count.Schwartz said simply citing a U.S. parc nearing 290 million vehicles can be misleading without understanding the mix of internal combustion vehicles, hybrids, EVs and eventually autonomous vehicles. While total VIO growth remains modest, the average age of vehicles continues to climb, supporting aftermarket demand. With projections extending to 2050, the report is intended to help executives and investors plan for long-term structural change.

In this episode of DriveTime, Robert Roos, president and CEO of the Pronto Network, as well as president of NEXUS North America, and Thierry Mugnier, the co-founder and chief finance and innovation officer at Nexus Automotive International, discuss the Nexus Business Forum in Lausanne, Switzerland, and the growing importance of global collaboration across the automotive aftermarket.The event brought together hundreds of leaders from around the world, including a larger-than-usual North American presence, allowing distributors and manufacturers to build relationships, compare market challenges and prepare for the future of vehicle service.

Advance Auto Parts President & CEO Shane O'Kelly on Saying 'Yes' to CustomersIn this episode of DriveTime, Shane O'Kelly, president and CEO of Advance Auto Parts, discusses how the company's blended box strategy remains central to the company's direction, serving both professional installers and DIY customers. He said the model is built around three pillars: right parts, right place and right service. The top customer question, he noted, is whether the needed part is in stock, followed by how quickly it can be delivered. Price often becomes secondary to availability and speed.

Sen. Bernie Moreno, a native of Colombia, and former owner of 15 Mercedes-Benz dealerships, shared his thoughts on the importance of Right to Repair legislation to the automotive aftermarket and how the REPAIR Act (H.R. 1566) could gain more traction. He believes progress will depend on broad agreement across the entire industry and stressed that any policy must prioritize vehicle safety and ensure consumers remain at the center of the conversation.

In this episode of DriveTime, Tanya Hunt, YANG Chair and Commercial Project Manager, TERREPOWER, discussed the features and benefits of Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG) membership. She highlighted how YANG continues to expand networking and professional development opportunities for emerging leaders in the automotive aftermarket.

In this episode of DriveTime, John Kairys, executive director, Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation, talks about the AACF's origin, reach and significance in the automotive aftermarket.Kairys emphasizes that while the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has evolved significantly since its founding in 1959, its mission remains unchanged: helping industry members facing financial hardship. What began as a small effort to support widows of aftermarket professionals has grown into a structured, well-funded organization serving individuals and families impacted by illness, accidents, death or natural disasters.

In this episode of DriveTime, Jeff Blocher, Director of Sales, Traditional Aftermarket, MANN+HUMMEL Filtration, talked about MANN+HUMMEL's brand lineup (MANN, WIX and Purolator) and the unique brand strengths that differentiate the company's products in the competitive automotive filtration category.Blocher also discussed how the company prioritizes education in the field to ensure customers choose and install the right filters for every application. He referenced the important interaction between the counter professional and the technician; the most important link in the chain of distribution many would agree.

In this episode of DriveTime, Joseph Saoud, VP and GM of US, Canada at DRiV discussed the principles he believes are most essential to driving growth and delivering exceptional service for DRiV customers.It starts with a great team — and how you lead them, how you set the right expectations, how you put the right people in the right role and how you track performance, Saoud explained.

Morgan Stanley Managing Director Simeon Gutman breaks down the real forces shaping today's automotive aftermarket—from tariff uncertainty and pricing pressure to shifting consumer behavior and the accelerating “big getting bigger” trend. Gutman explains the stark divide between large public companies with sophisticated analytics and smaller private businesses still wrestling with inventory movement, vendor shifts, and rising costs.He also highlights where pricing has already landed, what's still coming, and why failure-driven categories remain resilient even as discretionary spending shows early signs of softening.

Mike Spagnola is passionate about ensuring that SEMA gives back to the community by helping bring the next generation of students successfully into the industry. One way is through the SEMA scholarship program that it gives out hundreds of thousands of dollars to students every single year, Spagnola said.“We offer a scholarship program for students. I'm really passionate about that. My ability to come through the automotive network really affords me the opportunity to give back now in so many ways.”

In this episode of DriveTime, Dave Johnson, president and CEO, ASE discusses how ASE is adapting its certification programs to keep pace with technological advancements in vehicle systems.ASE will be restructuring its certifications to better align with where the industry's going, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) and ADAS categories.

In this episode of DriveTime, Chip Hanson, Chairman and CEO of J-B Weld Company, discusses the wide appeal of the company's line of J-B Weld adhesives. Hanson explains how the company is preparing to launch a new adhesives for professionals to meet growing demand and expand beyond the DIY market.

In this episode of DriveTime, Stefan Feder discusses Continental Automotive's new independent company, now called AUMOVIO. He leads the Automotive Aftermarket, North America, for Continental.Feder explains what the AUMOVIO Continental Spinoff means for the company's brands and the customers it serves. He believes the automotive industry is undergoing a huge transformation.“There are a lot of big mega trends which are tackled in this automotive sector, and therefore the company feels that we are much better off independently as a very focused sector on our own because Continental as a whole is covering many different industries,” explained Feder. “Being independent makes us faster and more agile to react to these changes.” 

In this episode of DriveTime, Cassie Bell, chief people officer at NAPA, discusses the automotive technician shortage. She explains how big of a gap she predicts over the next few years.Looking ahead to 2027, Bell said the industry lacks about 800,000 techs. “So, if you want perspective that's about the size of Atlanta and if we think about the population there,” Bell said.

In this episode of DriveTime, Matt Crumpton discusses his work with 18,000+ NAPA Auto Care centers across the U.S. He serves as director of auto care programs at NAPA Auto Parts. He highlights the most urgent training needs, including ADAS Training for Technicians, and extended reality tools for emerging aftermarket technologies.Crumpton pointed to ADAS as one of the most exciting emerging technologies. “It's also the fastest growing, even over EVs, because of the amount of saturation in vehicles. It is very lucrative,” he said. According to Crumpton, many NAPA Auto Care centers have invested in ADAS. These centers reported an extremely quick ROI. “We even have one of our former council members that it's now 20% of his business,” Crumpton said.

In this episode of DriveTime, Emily Schneider, senior director of marketing at NAPA Auto Parts, discusses the NAPA Know How Campaign. She also talks about the company's emphasis on B2B customers and its 100th anniversary celebrations this year.NAPA defines the professional technician as its core customer—the person who throws away the NAPA box every day. This focus on B2B customers sparked a strategy to return to NAPA's roots with a fresh take on its iconic “NAPA Know How/The Pros That Know” tagline.

In this episode of DriveTime, Chris Williams shares insights on the value of Automotive Aftermarket Brands and their importance in today's industry. He is the President and CEO of NA Williams, a 4th-generation, family-owned business.Williams explains what companies must do to stay relevant, engaging and profitable in the current landscape. According to Williams, companies must adapt and focus on basic strategies to reach and stay in front of consumers.

In this episode of DriveTime, Danny Huffaker discusses the Carlyle Tools Reimagined campaign and the brand's bold new direction. He is the SVP of Product & Marketing at NAPA Auto Parts. He talks about how the Carlyle Tool brand is being “reimagined.”“The Carlyle Tool program has been around for a while, but we realized that it was time to really innovate and disrupt the market with this, for lots of reasons,” Huffaker said.

In this episode of DriveTime, David Stewart, VP Sales and Marketing, Wells Vehicle Electronics, talks about the company's new branding initiative, and how he plans to re-introduce Wells to the aftermarket.Reintroducing a Legacy BrandStewart said his passion has been to bring the Wells Vehicle Electronics brand to the forefront for technicians and distributors. Some of younger generation may not be familiar with the legacy of the 122-year-old company, he noted. This legacy is what will drive the company forward for years to come, he added.Driving Brand Awareness Through People“I think the biggest selling proposition is that you have the right people. We have an amazing team. The sales team is out there driving that, getting in front of the customers, the technicians, bringing that brand awareness back out there.”Building a Stronger Sales ForceOne of Stewart's goals when he joined Wells two years ago was to deliver professional-grade products and superior service to customers. The first step was to understand and identify the team that was already in place, and then grow and expand it to a much stronger salesforce. The focus was on the team to make sure they had the right assets in the field to go out and drive that relationship with their customers, Stewart said.To hear more about Stewart's initiatives, be sure to watch the video above.Episode Overview:• Wells Vehicle Electronics' new branding initiative (3:40).• Delivering professional-grade products and superior service to customers at every level (5:56).• Most opportunity for Wells' products with emerging technologies (7:01).• Outlook for Wells and the aftermarket this year (10:26).• Lightning Round (12:50).

In this episode of DriveTime, Jason Rainey, VP of Auto Care, NAPA Auto Parts, discusses the recent NAPA NOW event and the NAPA Auto Care Center program. He also explains what it takes to become a NAPA Gold-Certified shop.Rainey described the NAPA NOW event as an educational experience. “So, the thing that I really have liked about this event is it's truly something you just have to experience. I've never seen anything like it in my entire career,” Rainey said. Attendees spend time engaging directly with NAPA's products, learning about features and benefits. These features and benefits, Rainey added, “truly makes NAPA a differentiated distributor.”Hands-On Learning and Business Development OpportunitiesAttendees also focus on the business side of running their shops. They attend Master classes that cover topics like company culture and succession planning. Attendees meet with the NAPA Auto Care Advisory Council to learn how it supports them. They also observe the council's ongoing work and interact with NAPA vendor partners. Attendees receive full access to these vendor partners throughout the event.How NAPA Gold-Certified Shops Set the StandardThe NAPA Auto Care Advisory Council created the Gold-Certified Program to recognize top-performing shops. These shops commit to growth, excellence, and a high-quality customer experience. There will be more than 800 NAPA Gold-Certified shops by the end of 2025, Rainey said. The program defines 10 criteria, and each one connects directly to a specific business benefit. These standards form the foundation of what defines NAPA Gold-Certified Shops.To hear more about Rainey's initiatives, be sure to watch the video above.Episode Overview:• Rainey's career and how he got his start at NAPA (1:24)• Goals and overview of the NAPA NOW event (8:24)• NAPA Auto Care Center profile (12:38)• Criteria to become NAPA Gold-Certified shop (13:23)• NAPA Apprenticeship Program details (19:03)• Lightning Round (26:16).

In this episode of DriveTime, Randy Breaux, Group President, GPC North America, discusses the four key tenets necesssary for business success and high-performance team building. They are vision, strategy, structure and culture.“With regard to our vision, we created a new vision and that was to be the trusted provider of automotive parts and solutions. And that remains the vision. And it's very simple,” said Breaux, pointing to a key word ‘trust.' “That's very important in our business because we are in a relationship business in this automotive aftermarket,” he explained.Trust and Relationships at the CoreBreaux also talked about his belief in how relationships come first and success follows as it relates success. He pointed to NAPA's 100th anniversary milestone this year. The relationships that matter most are those you have with your employees, customers, stakeholders, and supplier partners, said Breaux. NAPA, he added, has had a 50-plus-year relationship with some of its supplier partners.High-Performance Team BuildingBuilding a high-performance team that gives 100% effort and is void of complacency is also one of Breaux's strategies. “What you find is, the best companies have what I call ‘A' players on the team. And ‘A' players are players that just are not going to be satisfied with status quo," he said.Breaux's winning formula includes stacking his team with ‘A' players. “When we can do that and they have a clear understanding of what the strategy and the vision are, then you just turn ‘em loose and they go tear it up,” Breaux said. “And, that's what we try to do. And for me, that's the winning formula.”To learn more about Breaux's insights and strategies, be sure to watch the video above.Episode Overview:• Four key tenets that are essential for a successful business (2:32).• Relationships come first, and success follows, and how that relates to NAPA's 100th anniversary milestone this year (4:01).• Building a high-performance team that gives 100% effort every day (5:47).• Having a customer-first mindset that drives value and builds lasting partnerships (7:36).• Focus on B2B growth supporting professional repair shops and fleet managers (9:36).• Lightning Round (10:37).

In this episode of DriveTime, Pete Proimos, founder of the Filotimo Foundation, discusses his former aftermarket career at AP Emissions Technologies and the next facet of his life that supports cystic fibrosis.After Pete finished college, briefly attended law school and quickly realized that career wasn't for him, his father Vange advised him to work in the company's distribution center. Pete worked his way up through the ranks, spending a year and a half working through every single department, and eventually landed in sales where he held various roles.Pete then took his tools and war chest and moved it to another phase of his life, when he founded the Filotimo Foundation for cystic fibrosis support. Pete shares that he was born with cystic fibrosis, which is a genetically inherited disease. He describes the issues of living with cystic fibrosis, medical advancements that have increased life expectancy, and how his foundation was formed to help and support a patient set of 40,000 adults in the U.S. who are living longer with cystic fibrosis, and who now have to figure out how they're going to survive as adults in society.The Filotimo Foundation is hosting a gala fundraising event on May 16, 2025, to help create awareness of and support for the disease. The event will raise money for both hardship support and fertility support for cystic fibrosis patients. Every dollar raised is a dollar that goes straight toward those patients, Pete said, such that $2,000 can get one cystic fibrosis patient full hardship support for an entire year.To learn more about Pete and his foundation, be sure to watch the video above.To donate, log onto: https://filotimofoundation.org/donate/ Episode Overview:• Pete describes how he got his start in the automotive aftermarket and provides an overview of his former role at AP Emissions (1:14)• Pete shares his personal story and how it fostered the creation of a foundation, the Filotimo Foundation, in support of cystic fibrosis (6:48)• The purpose of the Filotimo Foundation (12:58)• Details about the upcoming Gala event, and how the industry can support the Foundation (17:10)• Lightning Round (21:12).

In this episode of DriveTime, Matt Fowler, Chairman of the Young Auto Care Network (YANG) and Account Executive at Ubisense, discusses his background in digital assets and then delves into his sales role at Ubisense, which uncovers hidden process data via its tracking technology to boost company productivity.Fowler says the most interesting, coolest thing about the aftermarket is that it is a very familial type of space. “It is the only industry I've worked in… the only space where everyone really is just trying to work well and work together to make everything better.”Fowler became chair of YANG in July, 2024, which now numbers over 1,600 active members. He describes his role and vision for the organization which involves working with council members to grow these key YANG pillars: networking events, digital engagements, education, sponsorships and scholarships. He also discusses the group's main programming events: Connect Week, May 12-15, in Phoenix; Fall Leadership Days and the Legislative Summit, Sept. 17-19, in Washington DC; and the AAPEX Show, Nov. 4-6, in Vegas.To learn more about Matt and his roles at YANG and Ubisense, be sure to watch the video above.Episode Overview: • Matt's role at Ubisense (1:21)• The most interesting thing he's learned about the aftermarket (3:07)• Matt's role as YANG chair and his vision for the organization (5:05)• YANG's goals for 2025, with highlights of key events that are in the works (7:48)• Lightning Round (11:13).

In this episode of DriveTime, Brad Beckham, CEO of O'Reilly Auto Parts, discusses how he got into the business at 17 years old, sweeping floors and putting up stock in an O'Reilly Auto Parts store in Oklahoma. It was 1996 and, at that time, O'Reilly had less than 200 stores. Over time working in that store, he became a parts specialist and still remembers the 16 feet of paper catalog racks on the front counter. He held every position in the store for the next couple of years, from counterperson to night manager to assistant store manager. It was at this first store that he fell in love with the business.Preserving a Culture That Started in 1957  Beckham delves into the O'Reilly culture, which he says is “the most critical factor in the company's historic and future success.” The team began formally documenting the company culture in 1998, even though the culture started in 1957, the year O'Reilly was founded. “It was important to clearly define and preserve the simple, foundational principles that got us here,” explains Beckham. “If we ever lose this family culture, as we become a public company and we acquire other companies, if we start to dilute the culture that has really built our business, we're not going to be the same company.”Promoting from Within and Valuing the Front Line  The O'Reilly culture prioritizes teamwork, enthusiasm, hard work, excellent customer service, modesty and “promote from within” opportunities. What a lot of people don't realize, Beckham says, is that all 650 district managers came from inside O'Reilly. “Every one of those district managers came from running a successful O'Reilly store,” he explains. All 75 regional managers, as well, also came from inside the O'Reilly organization.  Beckham also points to the 93,000 O'Reilly Auto Parts team members, the far majority of whom – 70,000 – are in the stores on the firing line in front of its customers. “They have the most important job in our company,” says Beckham. To hear Beckham's full aftermarket story, be sure to watch the video above.  DriveTime Episode Overview: -Beckham's aftermarket career and how he landed at O'Reilly Auto Parts (1:16). -The value of a dedicated team at the company's more than 6,300 store locations and 31 distribution centers (23:30).  -The O'Reilly Auto Parts company culture (27:54). -The value of supplier partnerships, especially in today's competitive market environment (31:52).-Outlook for O'Reilly and the aftermarket this year (36:02).-How the famous O'Reilly jingle, Oh, Oh, Oh, O'Reilly….Auto Parts, came to be and other ways O'Reilly is keeping the brand fresh, engaging and top of mind. (41:53).-Lightning Round (44:30). 

In this episode of DriveTime, as the VISION conference kicked off in Chicago, Bill Long, president and CEO of MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, and Paul McCarthy, president of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, addressed supplier sentiment about the current state of the aftermarket, describing it as a mix of urgency and cautious optimism. Industry leaders agree there's never been a more critical time for suppliers to come together, given the wide range of challenges: tariffs, shifting sourcing strategies, profitability pressures, the REPAIR Act, consolidation, and talent and technology concerns. VISION's mission to clarify what success looks like now — and in the future — has never been more relevant.Resilience and OpportunityDespite these challenges, there is strong resilience and opportunity in the aftermarket, stressed Long and McCarthy. While 2024 wasn't a standout sales year, midterm indicators — vehicle age, miles driven and VIO — remain solid. Technology, especially ADAS, is emerging as a key growth area. New research shared at VISION signals that innovation may soon deliver real gains in efficiency and margin. As near-term disruption continues and long-term strategies evolve, suppliers are relying on collaboration and insight to move forward.REPAIR Act Automotive Impact: Supplier Sentiment and Industry Outlook The REPAIR Act (H.R. 1566) is considered essential for the industry's future, Long and McCarthy stressed. Introduced by Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL-02), this bipartisan bill protects consumer choice, fair market competition and property rights — especially as telematics and over-the-air updates create new barriers. Long and McCarthy emphasized the urgency of passing the bill within this Congressional session — the next 20 months — and underscore that victory will come from continued grassroots action and engagement at the local level.To hear more details about Long's and McCarthy's aftermarket perspective, make sure to watch the video above.Episode Overview:• Supplier sentiment about the current state of the automotive aftermarket (1:10)• Legislative issues and the impact to supplier member businesses (6:02)• Current state of affairs of REPAIR Act legislation (12:36)• Goals of the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Training Council (19:25)• Aftermarket Outlook 2025…what did MEMA get right and what did MEMA get wrong? (21:54)• Lightning Round (32:37).

In this episode of DriveTime, Russ Stebbins, VP and GM, North American Aftermarket at PHINIA, talks about the company's vision to lead the transformation toward a sustainable, carbon-free future in the automotive aftermarket. The company has historically focused on internal combustion engine (ICE) solutions. It is now actively advancing new initiatives to support the industry's shift toward sustainability, Stebbins explained. Additionally, PHINIA is focusing on AI training for technicians.From OE Expertise to Aftermarket Agility PHINIA bases its approach on a philosophy of OE expertise and aftermarket agility. “We don't shy away from the fact that we're an OE company; rather we embrace it and take that to the aftermarket with the speed that's needed for our aftermarket channel partners,” Stebbins said.PHINIA is focused on delivering the right parts at the right time, supported by relevant training and information for its channel partners down to the technician.  Multilingual Support in 2025 PHINIA sees future growth in Canada, Mexico and Central America.In 2025, it will launch websites for French Canadian and Mexican Spanish-speaking audiences. Additionally, innovation remains a priority, especially through the integration of AI, explained Stebbins.  Driving Global Innovation Through AI Training for Technicians PHINIA is launching global AI-driven training programs. These will let the company create content in one language and translate it easily for global technician education. To hear more about PHINIA's initiatives, be sure to watch the video above. Episode Overview: • Stebbins' career and how he landed at PHINIA (1:10);• PHINIA's vision and value proposition to customers across the North American aftermarket (3:22);• How PHINIA is strengthening customer relationships (6:56);• Details about how PHINIA is leveraging emerging technologies to become a more recognized and trusted name in the aftermarket (13:36);• Insights into the Delphi Training Academy (19:14);• Lightning Round (22:29).

In this episode of DriveTime, JC Washbish discusses the familiarity of the Washbish name, the esteemed aftermarket heritage that goes along with it and how he got started in the industry.JC comes from a long lineage in the automotive aftermarket, proudly being the fourth generation involved in the business. His career in the automotive aftermarket began at NGK Spark Plugs, where he managed distribution in the Caribbean, before joining the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance. He was promoted to President of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance on January 1, 2024, and then named both President and CEO in January 2025.JC said the outlook for 2025 is hopeful. “We are in a really good position as a country to do more, to do better. You can feel the energy that's out there. Car count is up, miles driven are up – all hopeful for our business, and the economy should be in a better position. I'm pretty excited to see what 2025 brings,” he said.JC is focused on strategic growth while ensuring the team's continued success, while sticking to this piece of advice from his uncle, Doug Washbish: "Work Hard, Be Nice."To learn more about JC and the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance's initiatives, be sure to watch the video above.Episode Overview:• JC describes the esteemed heritage of the familiar Washbish family name, beginning with his great-grandfather who started the business (1:06)• JC talks about his first aftermarket job, and walks through his aftermarket career (4:13)• JC describes how he got hired at the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance and what it's like working with his father, John Washbish, who he said cares deeply about the industry. “My father has done a great job as an icon in the industry. He gets it. He lives the industry,” JC said. (5:05)• JC was promoted to President of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance on Jan. 1, 2024, and named President and CEO in January, 2025. He walks through year one and describes what year two looks like (12:38)• The value of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Channel Partner awards program as it relates to importance of partnerships in our business (18:25)• Details about the Automotive Parts Services Group (APSG) meeting in April 2025, that the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance is planning (22:14)• The company's advocacy efforts as it relates to the Right to Repair initiative (24:50)• Outlook for the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance and the aftermarket in 2025 (32:10)• Lightning Round (34:23).

In this episode of Drivetime, Sethi highlights NexaMotion Group's mission to simplify complex vehicle repair and support the broader industry through innovation. At the heart of NMG's strategy are its core values—commitment, humility, optimism, integrity and respect—which are deeply ingrained in the company's culture and operations. This commitment to values is reflected in its continuous efforts to evolve as a business, including recent acquisitions and significant expansions in both product lines and team growth. NexaMotion Group has seen notable growth in 2024, with over 1,500 team members, 125 locations and the addition of 30 new locations. Its proprietary e-commerce platform, Transend, has grown significantly, now offering approximately 700,000 SKUs, with plans to reach one million soon, Sethi said. NMG is also focused on developing technology solutions that address industry challenges. “Our goal is to start with what are the problems and what are the challenges of the industry? And can technology be an enabler to help solve those issues,” explained Sethi. As an example, NMG recently launched an AI tool for catalog assistance to improve inventory management, pricing and availability, which demonstrates its commitment to leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency.Looking ahead to 2025, Sethi added that NMG plans to continue expanding its product offerings, especially in undercar products, and further integrate its locations into a comprehensive auto care mindset. The company aims to continue growing through acquisitions, particularly targeting businesses that align with its values and are looking to join a larger organization, Sethi said, and takes the decision to bring in new partners seriously, ensuring that values alignment is a key consideration in any partnership.To hear more about NMG's initiatives, be sure to watch the video above.Episode Overview:• Sethi explains NMG's commitment to serve, passion to innovate and commitment to its core values (0:57)• Sethi explains the vision behind why the company was created (Transtar Holding Company formed NexaMotion Group in December, 2023), and defines its value proposition to the aftermarket (2:48)• What NMG “one year later” looks like, and how NMG's mission statement, “Simplifying complex vehicle repair to keep the world moving,” sets the stage for everything the company does (4:35)• Sethi provides examples of how NMG is a problem solver, helping customers “navigate a maze of challenges” (6:45)• How leveraging technology and eCommerce enables NMG to provide next-level service to customers (8:55)• Overview of NMG experience at AAPEX (10:40)• Outlook for NMG and the aftermarket in 2025 (11:49)• Launch of additional product lines across NMG's entire network and expansion through adding new business partners (12:50)• Lightning Round (15:00)

In this episode of Drivetime, Sopariwala describes how DRiV, the aftermarket division of Tenneco, is focused on making bold, innovative moves within the automotive aftermarket. A prime example of this is the company's implementation of cutting-edge automation technology at its AutoStore facility in Smyrna, Tennessee, DRiV's largest distribution center for the U.S. and Canada. The facility utilizes 125 robots working in harmony to pick and place products at the rate of over 100 lines per hour, demonstrating DRiV's commitment to exploring the “art of the possible,” Sopariwala explained.The Tenneco portfolio is comprised of over 32 brands, including Moog, Monroe, Fel-Pro and Champion, many of which are over 100 years old and are market leaders in their categories, according to Sopariwala, who sees strong growth opportunities for DRiV globally, with double-digit growth in many regions. The brands span a range of vehicle components, from suspension and exhaust parts to gaskets, spark plugs and engine oil. “I'm really proud of the DRiV team globally that has delivered year-over-year growth in a down market,” Sopariwala said.As he looks ahead to 2025, Sopariwala said DRiV will continue capitalizing on growth in key markets, including heavy-duty commercial vehicles, which now represent a growing portion of its business. And, while the transition to EVs is accelerating in passenger vehicles, he anticipates a prolonged demand for aftermarket parts for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, likely extending into the late 2040s.To hear more about DRiV's initiatives, be sure to watch the video above.Episode Overview:• Sopariwala explains DRiV's “bold moves” strategy (0:50)• The details of Sopariwala's extensive industry background (2:39)• The relationship between Tenneco and DRiV (4:13)• Top brands under the DRiV umbrella (4:56)• Business climate in 2024 and outlook for 2025 (5:58)• Deeper dive into the DRiV brands (7:20)• Future of EVs and evolving technology (10:55)• Heavy-duty segment as an important part of DRiV's business (13:03)• How Garage Gurus makes life easier for the installing technician (14:26)• Lightning Round (16:16)

In this episode of Drivetime, Marco Faulenbach, senior vice president, aftermarket Americas, MANN+HUMMEL delves into how the company has established itself as a leader in filtration. With an emphasis on advanced engineering, R&D and innovation, MANN+HUMMEL invests heavily in the development of filtration media. Through its global production facilities, MANN+HUMMEL produces 32 filters every second (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) and has 250 global patents alone in media, explained Faulenbach. The company also invests in sustainable practices, including zero landfill operations and environmentally friendly production methods. A commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology has positioned MANN+HUMMEL as a leader in both the automotive and industrial filtration markets, Faulenbach added.Looking ahead, MANN+HUMMEL continues to prioritize innovation and sustainability in its strategy for the aftermarket, focusing on strengthening its key brands WIX, Purolator and MANN-FILTER. The company also is expanding its global footprint through a new joint venture in Malaysia.To learn more about MANN+HUMMEL's aftermarket strategy, be sure to watch the video above.Episode Overview:• Faulenbach's background and how his career in the aftermarket got started (00:56)• How an investment in R&D, engineering, digitalization and advanced technology support's MANN+HUMMEL'S market leadership position (4:08)• Fill rates and the current situation at WIX (7:26)• MANN+HUMMEL and its prioritization of sustainability (10:36)• Faulenbach's vision for the company over the next few years (12:35)• A new joint venture for a production facility in Malaysia (14.03)• Lightning Round (15:05)

In this episode of Drivetime, Shane O'Kelly, president and CEO of Advance Auto Parts, discusses several key strategic moves for the company, most notably the sale of Worldpac and the continuing importance of the Carquest brand. The decision to divest Worldpac allows Advance to focus more directly on its “blended box” strategy, which targets both DIY and professional customers, O'Kelly explained. O'Kelly emphasized the importance of relationships within the aftermarket industry, noting that the strong partnerships between distributors and suppliers are critical for success. He also highlighted the importance of listening to both customers and frontline employees. “People buy from people. And what I love about that is that it's not a transactional relationship because a transactional relationship lasts for a minute,” he said.Looking ahead, Advance Auto Parts is focused on expanding its footprint, with plans to open up to 100 new stores per year and consolidate its supply chain through a reduction in distribution centers. This will be supported by new “market hubs” designed to offer a greater variety of parts and faster delivery times to customers, meeting rising demands for speed and convenience.To hear O'Kelly's formula for success in his own words, make sure to watch the video above.Episode Overview:• O'Kelly discusses Advance's sale of Worldpac (0:49)• The Carquest brand and how it fits into the Advance Auto Parts family (2:36)• O'Kelly discusses his career path to the aftermarket and educational background that started at West Point (4:20)• Discussion of B2B and B2C and how they play together within Advance (8:52)• O'Kelly discusses the slogan, “Leaders eat last” (13:19)• The story of O'Kelly receiving his diploma from Colin Powell, a 4-star general at the time (14:13)• Advance names Bruce Starnes executive vice president, chief merchant, and what that means for the company moving forward (15:02)• The symbiotic relationship between distribution and manufacturers (18:15)• Vision for Advance for the next three years (20:28)• Lightning Round (23:46)

In this episode of Drivetime, John Treece, president and CEO of DMA Industries LLC, credits his company's exponential growth over the last 10 years to his management team and the group of associates who work there. “It takes a collaborative, strong leadership team and everybody being on the same page and focused around the customer,” Treece said. “Our differentiator is being a flexible, nimble company. We've had to adapt and modify as the industry has changed, but also as our customers have changed. We don't sell cookie cutter. Everything in our world is customer specific, very detail oriented,” he explained.Treece also discusses how DMA is a good solutions provider for customers with its focus on being data centric—and continuing to bring innovation and technology into its business. As a way to stay at the forefront, Treece said the company continues to “evolve our internal processes, never becoming complacent, always listening to our customer, and, most importantly, developing what it is, whether it's a product or a solution to a business problem, and then delivering that with excellence. And that really is where we see our past success and our future success remaining.”To hear Treece's formula for success in his own words, make sure to watch the video above.Episode Overview:• Treece's journey to the aftermarket (1:00)• Treece describes DMA's exponential growth over the last 10 years (7:02)• The challenges of workforce development (12:00)• Current state of the aftermarket and its biggest challenges and opportunities (15:44)• A quick story about trying to schedule a vehicle repair with a dealership vs an aftermarket shop (20:12)• Treece's prediction on what trends will shape the industry in the next five to 10 years (23.33)• Lightning Round (26:17)

For Mark Stewart, becoming CEO and President of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company was a lifetime dream realized. Stewart grew up with his father working at the Dunlop Tire plant (owned by Goodyear) and spent his afternoons after school in his grandfather's repair shop surrounded by the car parts he now helps create and sell. “I got a call from Goodyear more than a year and a half ago now. I've been here nine months. It was really a privilege to be asked to enter that process for such an iconic company, and I felt a little bit of a heart string pull with my dad having been in the tire business on the manufacturing side,” Stewart said.Stewart's career has taken him all over the world, to multiple companies with histories that span more than a century, and it has now come full circle. To hear it in his own words, make sure to watch the video above.Episode OverviewStewart's early experience in the automotive world (1:01)Stewart's passion for DIY work (6:07)The impact of BEVs in the tire industry (7:18)Lessons in next-generation technology from Amazon (11:19)Insights from Stewart's most recent trip to Asia (13:43)Goodyear's industry focus (15:13)Goodyear's position as a B2B and consumer brand (18:34)The latest on the Goodyear blimp (20:24)Lightning round (25:42)

In this episode of Drivetime, Dr. Christian Dickopf, senior vice president, Corteco Division at Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies, shared his perspective on the evolving automotive aftermarket industry and the essential factors for career success. With more than 18 years of experience at Freudenberg Group, Corteco's parent company, his journey from product development to leadership underscores the value of diverse skills and networking in this field. Dickopf highlighted the company's commitment to innovation, especially as the industry shifts toward electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous technologies. Cortecois actively developing unique aftermarket products tailored to EVs, which have distinct needs compared to traditional vehicles, he said.“There is a slight dip right now. I believe, long-term, we will move toward better electric vehicles. At least that's what the data indicates today,” Dickopf said.Additionally, Corteco is expanding into the heavy-duty vehicle sector, focusing on providing high-durability parts to meet the demands of commercial vehicles. For aspiring professionals, Dickopf advised building cross-functional expertise and maintaining industry networks to thrive in this competitive market.Make sure to give the video a watch; you can jump to specific topics with the episode overview below.­­­Episode Overview:Dickopf discusses his life experiences in Germany leading to his role at Corteco (0:45)Corteco's role in the aftermarket (7:24)How Corteco plans to serve the heavy-duty market  (12:06)Prioritizing keeping top talent with the company (15:06)Corteco's recent growth and future outlook (20:09)Lightning round (22:06)

In this episode of Drivetime, we welcome Jayme Farina, Executive Vice President at AP Emissions, to share his career journey and insights into the automotive aftermarket industry. Farina reflects on his upbringing in West Texas, his education at Texas Tech and how he was introduced to the industry. He talks about his early career experiences, highlighting the importance of mentorship and how guidance from others helped shape his path. Farina then delves into AP Emissions' values, focusing on the company's core pillars of trust, respect and collaboration. He explains how these principles have been fundamental to the company's success and how they continue to drive the business forward under new ownership. He also discusses AP's vertically integrated manufacturing process, which allows the company to respond quickly to market demands and stay at the forefront of product innovation.Farina emphasizes the importance of the automotive aftermarket, encouraging young professionals to consider careers in the industry. He shares his belief in the value of giving back and supporting industry collaboration, which he sees as vital for long-term success.Episode Overview:How Jayme got started in the automotive aftermarket (0:59)Jayme talk about impactful mentors in his life (4:09)Discussion on the culture at AP Emissions (6:37)How a recent buyout has impacted the company (8:33)AP Emissions and vertical integration (11:20)How Jayme gives back to his community (13:41)Lightning Round (17:17)

Gideon Williams remembers his entrance into the aftermarket world, initially viewing it as a lucky accident. Since then, he has risen to head the Aftermarket Division at Revolution Parts. His experience, he noted, has given him a bird's-eye view of the industry, which he describes as a blend of “blue-collar grit and white-collar strategy, driven by technology” and a relentless focus on innovation. Revolution Parts is carving out a unique space in the industry by providing digital solutions that act as the connective tissue between manufacturers, distributors and sellers, Williams said. The company's tech stack is designed to eliminate friction points within the supply chain, offering a seamless integration of OEM and aftermarket parts through advanced e-Commerce platforms. This approach addresses a critical need in the market: enhancing the connectivity between various stakeholders to optimize the delivery and availability of parts, ultimately serving the end customer better.As the aftermarket continues to evolve with the digital age, Williams emphasized the importance of meeting the new, tech-savvy generation of technicians where they are—online. He forecasts a significant growth in digital commerce, predicting a two- to four-times increase in market activity as the industry continues to adapt to new buying behaviors. For Revolution Parts, the ultimate goal is to provide an end-to-end solution that reduces friction, boosts market share and aligns with the evolving needs of a digitally driven industry.Williams' outlook reflects a broader trend in the aftermarket: a commitment to leveraging technology to not only keep pace with industry changes, but to actively shape its future. Episode Overview:How Gideon Williams ‘lucked' into the aftermarket (0:47)RevolutionParts and company culture (4:14)RevolutionParts and selling online (6:49)Future roles for the company (9:24)e-Commerce and parts stores (12:31)Lightning Round (16:48)