We met with Luciano Cifelli, First Brands’ Canadian Manager, at his booth where several innovations were on display.

As the Canadian territory manager for the group that oversees several major aftermarket parts and accessories brands for just over a year, Cifelli highlighted the recent acquisition of Hopkins. This company specializes in towing accessories, snow removal equipment, and auxiliary lighting solutions.

“This is an excellent addition to our product lineup,” Cifelli told Autosphere.

Regarding noteworthy accessories for automotive service centres, First Brands, under the Trico brand, unveiled their Signal and Charge wiper blades at the AAPEX show. The Signal blades incorporate the patent-pending PPI™ (Predictive Performance Indicator) technology. This visual wear alert system notifies drivers when wiper blade replacement may be necessary.

A colour-coded core alerts drivers when blade replacement might be needed, ensuring optimal visibility. The blades feature a ceramic silicone coating that provides long-lasting protection against ozone, UV rays, and extreme weather conditions.

Meanwhile, the Trico Charge wiper blades are specifically engineered for electric vehicles. They’re designed to reduce friction and extend EV battery range while delivering superior all-weather visibility. The VorTec Air Foil design maintains efficient wiping performance, even at high speeds or in challenging conditions such as crosswinds or truck-induced turbulence.