Former TCRA President Martin Brooks Passes - Transmission Digest

Former TCRA President Martin Brooks Passes

We were saddened to learn of the passing of a colleague from the other side of the globe, Martin Brooks who recently retired from the business he owned, Aceomatic Transmission in Christchurch, New Zealand. 

In addition to his transmission and torque converter rebuilding business, Martin was well-known stateside as he served for many years as president of the Torque Converter Rebuilders Association.

Martin Brooks, Aceomatic Transmission in Christchurch, New Zealand.

“During his time as President of the Association; he transitioned it from a hands-on operational Board to a more governance focused Board,” remembers the organization’s executive director, Chris Horbach.  “Over the last few years, with support from the TCRA Board, Martin implemented various policies and operational methods to both enhance the membership experience and to ensure that the Board is fully informed and able to make the strategic decisions.  

Association president Martin Brooks opening the 2019 annual TCRA conference.

“Martin was always thinking ahead to the future, and he relished anything technological that came his way. He had a great love of sharing his knowledge with others. It was important to him that the staff and colleges he presented to were well informed with technical information and that the information he presented was easily accessible. He did this by crafting many manuals over the years, rewriting, translating to digital and upskilling. Martin hoped that by sharing his knowledge; he has made a difference to someone else along the way.”

And, Martin spent considerable time in the U.S. participating in TCRA seminars and many other industry meetings and expos. During these journeys he often took time to include side trips including one in 2013 during which he drove across the USA starting in Washington, DC and taking Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles. 

Brooks is survived by his wife, Maria and other family members. Martin died on January 9th of this year. A story on Aceomatic’s Christchurch operations can be found in the June 2015 edition of Transmission Digest. 

You May Also Like

Deloitte study: Momentum is slowing for electrification in the U.S.

The 2024 Global Automotive Consumer Study by Deloitte revealed shifting trends in the automotive sector, highlighting the rise in U.S. consumer interest in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and a decline in hybrid and battery electric vehicle (BEV) purchase intent. The report showed a 9% increase in ICE vehicle purchase intent, reaching 67%, while interest in hybrids

electric car generic

The 2024 Global Automotive Consumer Study by Deloitte revealed shifting trends in the automotive sector, highlighting the rise in U.S. consumer interest in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and a decline in hybrid and battery electric vehicle (BEV) purchase intent. The report showed a 9% increase in ICE vehicle purchase intent, reaching 67%, while interest in hybrids and BEVs has dropped to 21% and 6%, respectively, the company said.

ZF Aftermarket introduced more than 770 new parts in 2023

ZF Aftermarket reports that it released more than 770 new parts over the course of 2023. According to ZF, those parts include 115 part numbers for ZF transmission products, including nearly 70 SACHS torque converters, and four different formulations of ZF Lifeguard e-Fluid for hybrid engines. A wide variety of other car and truck parts

Circle D Specialties acquires Reid Racing

Circle D Specialties, a manufacturer of torque converters and driveline components for the automotive aftermarket, has announced the acquisition of Reid Racing, a maker of performance transmission cases and specialty heavy-duty axle components for off-road vehicles. Related Articles – ADD Group honored with awards from Advance Auto Parts, ACDelco – Nu-Star acquired by Traction Capital

The Alliance promotes JC Washbish to President

The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc.’s Board of Directors has named JC Washbish as president, effective Jan. 1. As president, Washbish will lead the Alliance headquarters office and its executive staff as well as Alliance shareholder membership moving forward. Related Articles – Transtar announces formation of NexaMotion Group – Al La Rocca passes away – HECAT

JC-Washbish-President-The-Alliance
Transtar Holding Co. acquires Arch Auto Parts

Transtar Holding Co. announced it has acquired Arch Auto Parts, which has 21 locations throughout New York City and surrounding areas. Arch will become part of NexaMotion Group (NMG), a family of automotive aftermarket businesses under Transtar Holding Company. Arch was represented by Schwartz Advisors, and the terms were not disclosed. Related Articles – Allison Transmission honors tech

Other Posts

Precision International founder Dennis Marshall passes

It is with great sorrow that we report the passing of transmission industry pioneer Dennis Marshall on Sunday, Oct. 1. Marshall was the founder of kit packaging company Precision International, which is approaching its 50th year in the industry. Related Articles – New drivetrain venture, Standard Drivetrain, formed – Transmission industry equipment listings 2023 –

New drivetrain venture, Standard Drivetrain, formed

Pure Drivetrain Solutions, led by Chris Miller, and Boninfante Friction, Inc., led by Rob Boninfante, have joined forces on a new drivetrain joint venture, named Standard Drivetrain, LLC. The new company will be led by industry veteran Michael Cargill as chief executive officer. Related Articles – Tremec acquires EV systems provider Electric GT – MEMA

Transmission industry equipment listings 2023

Below, find Transmission Digest‘s roundup of equipment suppliers for the transmission industry for 2023. The type of equipment, as well as whether the company manufactures, distributes or both is noted. Related Articles – Sonnax appoints new company president – TCRA 2023 annual meeting in pictures – Vehicle average age hits record high Active companies in

TDreman-equip-list-1400
The Lincoln Highway leads to Las Vegas in The Road To AAPEX Season Two

Another automotive adventure is about to unfold as Babcox Media presents “The Road to AAPEX Season Two, The Lincoln Highway.” This year, the spotlight shines on the remarkable 2002 Lincoln Blackwood as it travels on a historic journey along the iconic Lincoln Highway – the first transcontinental highway in the United States, running coast-to-coast, designed

Road-To-AAPEX-S2-FEATURED-1400