Aftermarket Matters

Aftermarket Matters was established by Rob Merwin, who previously served as the editor and deputy publisher of the now-defunct industry publication, Parts & People. The aim is to keep providing up-to-date news and insights for the aftermarket community. We send out a weekly newsletter that covers various regions, including the Northwest, Northern California, Southern California, Rocky Mountain, and Midwest areas. Our content looks at national trends and their impact on local aftermarket businesses, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges they face on a daily basis.

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Articles

Cool Air Rebate Program officially launches statewide in California

1 month ago | aftermarketmatters.com | Rob Merwin

CAR Program will be joined by shop owners, elected officials, environmental leaders and community partners who have supported the initiativeSacramento, Calif.—After having launched as a pilot program in Fresno last July, the Cool Air Rebate (CAR) Program has officially launched statewide, May 8, with more than 150 participating repair shops.
Mechanical shops enter peak growth and opportunity phase in ADAS repair

1 month ago | aftermarketmatters.com | Rob Merwin

Aftermarket ADAS calibrations in shops now exceed two million per year and the forecast for ADAS parts is expected to be $676 million in 2025Research Triangle Park, N.C.—Mechanical repair shops are now projected to overtake collision shops in the volume of ADAS calibration and service work, representing a reversal of growth.
First of its kind AC rebate program catches traction with auto repair shops

1 month ago | aftermarketmatters.com | Rob Merwin

The Cool Air Rebate program is the first in the nation to offer financial assistance to eligible Californians to remove leaking R-134a refrigerantSacramento, Calif.—After having launched as a pilot program in Fresno last July, the Cool Air Rebate (CAR) program has grown organically throughout California as approved repair shops have joined the program. It will now formally launch statewide in May 2025.
Proposed legislation threatens Missouri state inspections

1 month ago | aftermarketmatters.com | Rob Merwin

Three bills would impact the Missouri State Vehicle Safety Inspection Program by eliminating thousands of vehicles from the inspectionsJefferson City, Mo.—Missouri lawmakers are considering changes to the Missouri State Vehicle Safety Inspection Program that could put unsafe vehicles on the road. Three bills — HB247, HB348, and HB799 — propose eliminating safety inspection requirements for vehicles that are model year 2012 or newer and have less than 150,000 miles.
Statement from Auto Care Association on tariffs

Mar 5, 2025 | aftermarketmatters.com | Rob Merwin

Aftermarket Matters Weekly reached out to the association regarding the tariffs who provided the following commentsBethesda, Md.—Lisa Foshee, senior vice president, government affairs and general counsel, Auto Care Association, wrote in an email: “The Auto Care Association, representing the more than $500 billion automotive aftermarket industry in the United States, advocates for free and fair trade policies that promote the growth and competitiveness of the automotive aftermarket industry.
Vehicle parts suppliers get ‘pause’ on tariffs

Mar 5, 2025 | aftermarketmatters.com | Rob Merwin

The Trump Administration yesterday announced the stay, though official confirmation of the pause has yet to be confirmedWashington, D.C.—The Administration announced a pause yesterday on the 25% International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs on automobile products from Canada and Mexico that comply with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) requirements, providing additional time for discussions on trade policy and supply chain impacts.
U.S. automakers get one-month reprieve

Mar 5, 2025 | aftermarketmatters.com | Rob Merwin

U.S. car manufacturers appeal to President Trump highlighting supply chain intricacies and disadvantage with importsWashington, D.C.—The Trump Administration on Wednesday pulled back on the 25-percent tariffs — temporarily — the President had imposed on Mexico and Canada this week. The decision gives U.S. automakers an opportunity to recalibrate and plan to bring jobs and production back to the States, but only until April 2.
Making a difference for single moms in need

Feb 25, 2025 | aftermarketmatters.com | Rob Merwin

Faith-based Hands of the Carpenter has now expanded to three locations to service financially burdened mothersFederal Heights, Colo.—Dan Georgopulos stresses that his business is not for the general public, just for the working, single mothers who they can help with a lend a hand.
Remembering Maylan

Feb 3, 2025 | aftermarketmatters.com | Rob Merwin

The passing of Maylan Newton is hard news to take, much less to believe to be true, for someone who was ever present in our industry as a teacher, mentor and, above all, a friend, beloved by many. When I opened my email last week on Monday and clicked the message board for the Automotive Service Councils of California, I froze, my back tightened. I reread the post, for surely I had misread it. Maylan Newton, 67, had died the day before on Sunday, Jan. 26.
States file lawsuit against John Deere for limiting repair access

Jan 15, 2025 | aftermarketmatters.com | Rob Merwin

Lawsuit alleges farmers are stymied in efforts to repair their own equipment or turn to local, independent repair providers, a potential roadmap for the automotive aftermarket’s Right to Repair effortsThe seemingly ever-elusive but always promising Right to Repair federal legislation — despite bipartisan support in Congress — is akin to Peanuts’ Lucy pulling back on Charlie Brown’s football kick. We just never quite get there.