AMN Drivetime

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 Overview

• Stewart’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)

Success in the automotive aftermarket often stems from humble beginnings and a deep understanding of the industry. Mike Fiorito, the current Director of KYB Americas, exemplifies this journey. His career in the aftermarket began unexpectedly when he took a job as a production and inventory controller at Edelman after graduating from college. Although his background was in marketing, this role provided him with invaluable insights into the industry, starting from the factory floor. However, Fiorito’s introduction to the automotive world started even earlier, at the age of 15, working at a car wash. The job taught him important life lessons, such as the importance of doing things right the first time and understanding the details of the task at hand—lessons that would stick with him throughout his career.After gaining extensive experience at Edelman, Fiorito transitioned to Brake Parts Inc., where he spent 17 years, moving through various roles from sales to vice president. This period was instrumental in honing his skills in product management, marketing, and executive leadership, Fiorito said.When KYB presented an opportunity, Fiorito was initially unsure, but was encouraged by industry peers to take on the challenge. Over time, he assumed the role of Director, leading the company with a focus on product integrity and industry education. Under his leadership, KYB has distinguished itself in a competitive market by offering precisely engineered products tailored to specific vehicles, emphasizing their commitment to quality over quantity.Fiorito’s career also reflects the value of mentorship, having been guided by several mentors throughout his journey. He now prioritizes mentoring the next generation, ensuring that they gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry, much like he did.

Episode Overview

• Fiorito explains his career path (1:16)
• Fiorito mentions the importance of mentorship (5:25)
• How does KYB differentiate itself in a crowded market? (7:59)
• KYB and sustainability (11:42)
• Lightning Round (15:19)