Around the Industry: May 2026
Premium Guard Inc. Expands Product Portfolio with Strategic Acquisition from First Brands Group
Premium Guard Inc. announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire key intellectual property and related assets from First Brands Group in a recent press release.
The transaction is subject to bankruptcy court approval, among other closing conditions, and is expected to close in early April.
The acquisition supports PGI’s expansion into additional maintenance categories, including ignition and spark plugs. Combined with PGI’s existing offerings in filtration, wiper blades, and related maintenance products such as drain plugs, this creates a more complete maintenance-product portfolio for the company.
The broader offering of products will enhance PGI’s category management capabilities, as well as enhance its foundation for expansion in global markets with the addition of internationally recognized brands. PGI emphasized that this transaction does not change its core business model.
“This is a meaningful step forward for PGI,” said Anan Bishara, founder and CEO of PGI. “The know-how, patents, and engineering capabilities we are acquiring, particularly in wiper blades, spark plugs, and diesel filtration, significantly strengthen our platform, enabling us to continue developing advanced, reliable, and complete solutions across multiple tiers. This will allow us to better support our customers with differentiated products in highly competitive categories, while accelerating innovation and speed to market.”
Auto Care Association Names Director of Regulatory Affairs
The Auto Care Association has announced the addition of Grant MacIntyre as its newest director of regulatory affairs and senior attorney, according to a press release.
MacIntyre will support and lead ACA’s regulatory and legislative engagement at the federal and state levels. He will serve as a key advisor on policy matters impacting the auto care industry, including automotive regulation, transportation safety, environmental policy, and consumer protection. MacIntyre will also help develop and execute advocacy strategies, strengthen relationships with federal agencies and policymakers, and provide strategic guidance to association members on emerging regulatory issues.
MacIntyre joins ACA with a diverse background spanning public service, private practice, and higher education. He began his legal career with the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of General Counsel, where he served as an Administrative Procedure Act expert, advising rule writers, policymakers, and political appointees on regulatory development under major environmental statutes, including the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.
He later worked in private practice, counseling clients on regulatory compliance, enforcement response and appellate litigation across multiple industries. MacIntyre also served as director of the Environmental Law Clinic at the University of Pittsburgh, where he trained future attorneys and led strategic advocacy efforts on behalf of clients ranging from individuals to international nonprofits. Most recently, MacIntyre served as senior counsel with the EPA’s Environmental Appeals Board, where he analyzed complex administrative records and advised on permit and enforcement appeals under a range of environmental statutes.
“I’m excited to join the Auto Care Association at a time when regulatory and policy issues are increasingly shaping the future of the industry,” said MacIntyre. “I look forward to supporting our members and advancing policies that promote innovation, competition and consumer choice.”
Piston Lube Centers Launches First Royal Purple Powered Location in Kyle, Texas
Piston Lube Centers has announced its first ‘Powered by Royal Purple synthetic lubricants’ location in the United States in a recent press release.
Piston Lube Centers now operates more than 90 locations across Texas, while Royal Purple products are manufactured and distributed within the state. As such, Kyle, Texas, was selected for the first branded location due to its strong growth and proximity to the Austin metropolitan area.
Through the Royal Purple quarterly consumer promotions, customers who receive an oil change may submit a claim for a service certificate toward their next service at the store. The partnership will also bring branded signage approved by Royal Purple provided by Piston Lube Centers, along with point-of-sale materials, such as product display racks, barrel wraps, and in-store consumer education materials.
Piston Lube Center technicians have also participated in a Royal Purple product-specific training program, which includes both e-learning and on-site training.
“Customers can feel confident bringing their vehicle to Piston Lube Center in Kyle with our fast and friendly maintenance services using quality Royal Purple products,” said Wendy Lee, marketing manager for Piston Lube Centers.
API Approves New PC-12 Heavy-Duty Engine Oil Specification for 2027
The American Petroleum Institute announced that the new API Proposed Category 12 (PC-12) heavy-duty engine oil specification has been formally approved and will be incorporated into API 1509, the Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System document, according to a press release.
With the announcement, the API Service Category CL-4 and API FB-4 “Donut” certification marks are now available. Oil marketers can begin finalizing formulations and preparing product packaging to meet the new specifications ahead of the first licensing date of Jan. 1, 2027.
To further support industry readiness, the API licensee portal will open on June 1, 2026. This early-access period will allow licensees to proactively enter new API CL-4 and API FB-4 products into the system.
The new engine oil specifications aim to improve oxidation resistance, enhance wear protection, expand elastomer compatibility, improve after treatment system protection, and provide support for lower viscosity grades aimed at improving fuel economy.
“To support the next generation of heavy-duty engine technology and emissions standards, PC-12 establishes a strong technical foundation for performance, durability and environmental protection,” said Bill O’Ryan, director-EOLCS/DEF with API. “Making the CL-4 and FB-4 service symbols available now allows oil marketers to prepare for a smooth transition as we approach the 2027 model year.”
ASE, Auto Care Association Name 2026 World Class Technicians
The Auto Care Association and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence have announced the newest automotive professionals to earn the World Class Technician designation in 2026 in a recent press release.
The ASE World Class Technician designation recognizes automotive service professionals who have demonstrated technical expertise and commitment to ongoing training and certification. To earn the designation, technicians must pass a rigorous series of ASE certification tests across multiple specialty areas.
This year’s newly recognized ASE World Class Technicians represent a wide range of experience across the automotive service industry, including independent repair facilities, fleet operations, education, dealerships, and emerging electric vehicle service roles.
Editor’s note: An extended version of this story that includes a complete list of technicians who earned ASE World Class Technician designation is available on NOLN.net.
Chrysler Issues Recall Over Curtain Airbag Fault
A recall has been issued for Chrysler Pacifica and Voyager vehicles due to a defect with its air bags, according to MotorBiscuit.
Included in the recall are certain 2022 to 2026 model year Chrysler Pacifica and Voyager vehicles. Per NHTSA, the issue lies with the right and left side curtain air bags, which may have been manufactured with improperly sealed seams. This can prevent the air bag from achieving the correct pressure when used in an accident.
Chrysler will be notifying impacted vehicle owners via mail, with letters being sent out beginning May 14, 2026. The company will have the side curtain air bags replaced as necessary.
YANG Announces 2026 Next Step Program Scholarship Recipients
The Young Auto Care Network Group announced its 2026 Next Step Program scholarship recipients for this year’s YANG programming at Auto Care Connect in a recent press release.
The scholarship recipients will experience and engage in YANG programming at Connect and Spring Leadership Days, part of Auto Care Connect week, all taking place May 11-14 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia.
The scholarship covers the entire cost to attend the 2026 Auto Care Connect week and provides access to networking opportunities for each of the scholarship recipients. The Next Step scholarship recipients can participate in up to 25 meetings and network with more than 450 veteran industry leaders during this three-and-a-half-day program.
The 2026 Next Step Program Scholarship recipients are:
- Tiffany Auyeung, Genuine Parts/NAPA
- Shelby McLean, CRC Industries
- Dina Nikocevic, Parts Authority
- Samantha Schearer-Higdon, Schearer’s Sales & Service, Inc.
- Joseph Pedorenko, TERREPOWER
Aaron Becker of AirSept Re-elected as Chair of MACS
Aaron Becker, president of AirSept, was recently re-elected by the Mobile Air Climate Systems Association executive committee to serve as chairman for another term at the association’s 2026 Annual Conference, as shared in a press release.
MACS, founded in 1981, is a trade association that assists service technicians with EPA 609 certification and delivery of technical training for service professionals. Becker, who previously served as chairman in 2025, was handily elected to serve a second term as chairman. The MACS board of directors guides the MACS association on education, awards, virtual and in-person training, meetings, and all aspects of membership solicitation and benefits.
“Aaron is committed to advancing education and innovation and brings a unique perspective to the Board with his extensive hands-on experience,” said MACS Executive Director Megan Capie. “The Board was in full support of Aaron taking the reins as the chair for another year.”
In addition to his board duties, Becker is also president of AirSept, a manufacturer of automotive solutions for complex repair problems for MVAC systems, including Smart Splice line connectors, Recycle Guard, and most recently, Refrigerant Port Adaptors for retrofitting to new, low-GWP refrigerants now available on the market. He has spent over 30 years in the mobile HVAC industry and has been a MACS member for 26 years. Additionally, he serves on multiple SAE committees and has extensive experience collaborating with OE engineers, manufacturers, and distributors.
“As we look ahead, the Board is focused on strengthening collaboration with automotive manufacturers, thermal system component suppliers, and the aftermarket,” Becker said. “This increased engagement ensures MACS delivers the most current, relevant information to technicians and service shops, further enhancing the value of our training and membership.”