Tag: Press Release

FOND DU LAC, WI (April 5, 2023) – Wells Vehicle Electronics is pleased to announce that automotive industry veteran, David Stewart, has joined Wells as the Vice President of Sales & Marketing. With more than 30 years of automotive industry involvement, Stewart brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Wells team.

“David’s proven track record of success in our industry, coupled with his leadership skills and ability to build strong relationships with associates, customers, and partners, makes him an excellent addition to our Aftermarket Commercial Team and our Executive Management Team,” said Pat Sommerfeld, President & Chief Operating Officer of Wells Vehicle Electronics. 

In his new role, Stewart will be responsible for leading Wells’ Aftermarket Sales and Marketing efforts, developing and executing strategies to drive profitable revenue growth, ensuring that sales efforts satisfy our customers’ needs and are aligned with our overall business strategy, delivering on our promise to provide exceptional service and support to our customers throughout their relationship with us, all while building strong relationships with our customers at every level. 

“I am honored to join Wells Vehicle Electronics and excited to bring my passion and energy for the automotive industry to this great company,” said Stewart. “I look forward to working closely with our team of dedicated associates and supporting their efforts to deliver professional-grade products and superior service to our customers.”

FOND DU LAC, WI (September 14, 2022) – WVE Vehicle Electronics introduced 778 new part numbers in September, which are now available for a range of light and heavy-duty vehicle applications. In all, WVE announced 359 fuel system products, 124 HVAC products, 102 fuel injection products, 100 switches, 27 emissions products, 23 sensors, 16 relays, 14 pigtails/connectors, 8 solenoids, 3 ignition coils, and 2 starting/charging products – which includes more than 272 million sales opportunities.

“Once again, our product team continues to demonstrate our commitment to providing a full line of professional-grade vehicle electronics and engine management products to our customers,” said Vince Perry, Director of Sales and Marketing with Wells Vehicle Electronics. “And each WVE part is backed with unmatched customer service and superior technical support.”

For more information on these new part numbers, as well as our complete parts list, visit our online catalog at https://wellsve.com/products.

FOND DU LAC, WI (May 5, 2022) – WVE Vehicle Electronics introduced 1,691 new part numbers in April, which are now available for a range of light and heavy-duty vehicle applications. In all, WVE announced 886 switches, 540 sensors, 113 emissions products, 93 solenoids, 23 ignition coils,19 fuel injection products, 6 voltage regulators and 11 other components – which includes more than 712 million sales opportunities.

“Our product team continues to demonstrate our commitment to providing a full line of professional-grade vehicle electronics and engine management products to our customers,” said Vince Perry, Director of Sales and Marketing with Wells Vehicle Electronics. “And each WVE part is backed with unmatched customer service and superior technical support.”

For more information on these new part numbers, as well as our complete parts list, visit our online catalog at https://wellsve.com/products.

FOND DU LAC, WI (March 17, 2022) – Wells Vehicle Electronics has begun its 119th year in business with a leadership change that is set to further propel the company into the future, as the company’s Board of Directors has appointed Patrick Sommerfeld as President & Chief Operating Officer.

Since joining Wells in 2007 in the product management team, Sommerfeld has taken on leadership roles with increasing responsibility, most recently serving as the Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing. In that role, he oversaw Product, Pricing, Sales, Marketing, Content, Customer Service, Technical Service, and Category Management. Prior to Wells, Sommerfeld held various positions at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, based in Akron, Ohio.

Sommerfeld will be replacing Yoshi Ieda, who will become Wells Vehicle Electronics’ Chief Executive Officer. Ieda, who has served as the President & COO of Wells since NGK Spark Plug Co., LTD appointed him to the role in 2019, was pleased to announce the promotion. As a passionate and personable leader, Ieda has focused on making personal connections with associates throughout the organization and plans to be heavily involved in employee engagement initiatives moving forward.

“Under Pat’s continued leadership, Wells will progress with the same strategy the company has been working towards the past three years,” said Ieda.

“I am honored to follow behind such a great leader like Yoshi,” said Sommerfeld. “He is a true inspiration for all Wells associates. Like Yoshi, I will be highly engaged with our great associates throughout all of our locations in Wisconsin, Iowa, Texas, Mexico, China, and our other global sites.”
    
“My focus will continue to be on our great associates and customers,” added Sommerfeld. “These two groups have built a company that has allowed thousands of associates to foster lifelong careers and provide for their families. Wells has been delivering great products for nearly 120 years to a wide range of OE and Aftermarket customers, including Ford, General Motors, Harley-Davidson, Mercury Marine, CARQUEST, Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, as well as independent warehouse distributors. Wells will continue to focus on our core customer base while we expand our business through our Aftermarket Group and Wells Engineered Products Group, which services our OEM and specialty customers.”

“Our Advanced Business Development Team is driving the development of new products and services to ensure the sustainability of Wells,” Sommerfeld continued. “Our patented Rotary Position Sensor technology, which came from this innovative team, is a great example of the products and services we are bringing forward as the transportation industry evolves from internal combustion engines to a higher percentage of electric vehicles.”

FOND DU LAC, WI (October 26, 2021) – WVE Vehicle Electronics introduced 479 new part numbers in October, which are now available for a range of light and heavy-duty vehicle applications. In all, WVE announced 332 switches, 61 sensors, 59 emissions products, 13 solenoids, 10 fuel injection products and 4 ignition components – which includes more than 375 million sales opportunities.

“Our product team continues to demonstrate our commitment to providing a full line of professional-grade vehicle electronics and engine management products to our customers,” said Patrick Sommerfeld, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with Wells Vehicle Electronics. “In the first three quarters of 2021, we’ve introduced more than 4,000 new parts to our catalog, and we’re not finished yet. And each WVE part is backed with unmatched customer service and support.”

For more information on our new part numbers launched this month, as well as our complete parts list, visit our online catalog at http://wvebrand.com/parts.

FOND DU LAC, WI (July 6, 2021) – WVE Vehicle Electronics introduced 1,791 new part numbers in July for a variety of sensors, switches, solenoids, coils, emissions, filters, fuel injection products, and a distributor drive gear, now available for a range of light and heavy-duty vehicle applications. In all, WVE announced 1,060 switches, 577 sensors, 112 emissions products, 30 solenoids, 8 fuel injection products, 2 filters, 1 coil and 1 distributor drive gear, which includes more than 770 million sales opportunities.

“Once again our product team has demonstrated our commitment to providing a full line of professional-grade vehicle electronics and engine management products to our customers,” said Patrick Sommerfeld, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with Wells Vehicle Electronics. “In just the first half of 2021 we’ve introduced nearly 3,600 new parts to our catalog, and we’re just getting started. What’s more is that each WVE part is backed with unmatched customer service and support.”

For more information on these new part numbers, as well as our complete parts list, visit our online catalog at http://wvebrand.com/parts

FOND DU LAC, WI (April 13, 2021) – WVE Vehicle Electronics introduced 1,802 new part numbers in April for a variety of sensors, switches, solenoids, coils, emissions, fuel injection products, and voltage regulators, now available for a range of light and heavy-duty vehicle applications. In all, WVE announced 696 switches, 428 fuel system products, 397 sensors, 245 emissions products, 21 coils, 12 solenoids, and 3 voltage regulators – which includes more than 583.5 million sales opportunities.

“The addition of these new part numbers for April furthers our commitment to providing a full line of professional-grade vehicle electronics and engine management products for our customers,” said Patrick Sommerfeld, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with Wells Vehicle Electronics. “In 2021, we look forward to not only adding additional products to our line but meeting the needs of our customers throughout the industry by delivering unmatched customer service and support.”

For more information on our new part numbers launched this month, as well as our complete parts list, visit our online catalog at http://wvebrand.com/parts.

MORE THAN 1,200 NEW PARTS ADDED IN 2020

FOND DU LAC, WI (January 8, 2021) – WVE Vehicle Electronics introduced 449 new part numbers in December for a variety of sensors, switches, solenoids, coils, emissions, fuel injection products, and tools, now available for a range of light and heavy-duty vehicle applications. In all, WVE announced 260 switches, 148 sensors, 36 emissions products, 2 tools, 1 solenoid, 1 fuel injection throttle body, and 1 coil which includes more than 316.6 million sales opportunities.

New part numbers are available for the following part types:

• 4WD Actuator
• A/C Clutch Cycle Switches
• A/C Compressor Cut-Out Switches
• A/C Refrigerant Temperature Sensor
• ABS Wheel Speed Sensors
• ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Wiring Harnesses
• Accelerator Pedal Sensors
• Air Bag Clocksprings
• Ambient Air Temperature Sensors
• Automatic Headlight Sensor
• Automatic Transmission Oil Pressure Switch
• Automatic Transmission Oil Temperature Sensors
• Automatic Transmission Speed Sensor
• Battery Current Sensors
• Brake Fluid Pressure Sensors
• Cabin Air Temperature Sensors
• Camshaft Synchronizer Alignment Tool Kit
• Circuit Breaker
• Clutch Pedal Position Switches
• Combination Switches
• Connectors
• Cruise Control Release Switches
• Cruise Control Switches
• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Pressure Sensor
• Direct Ignition Coil Boot
• Disk Brake Pad Wear Sensors
• Door Lock Actuators
• Door Lock Switches
• Door Mirror Switches
• Door Window Switches
• EGR Cooler
• EGR Tubes
• EGR Valve Control Solenoid
• EGR Valve Gaskets
• Engine Camshaft Gear Installation Tool
• Engine Camshaft Position Sensors
• Engine Camshaft Synchronizer
• Engine Coolant Air Bleeder Valve
• Engine Coolant Temperature Sender
• Engine Coolant Temperature Sensors
• Engine Crankcase Breather Hose
• Engine Crankshaft Position Sensors
• Engine Intake Manifold Runner Control Sensor
• Engine Intake Manifold Runner Solenoids
• Engine Oil Pressure Switches
• Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Adjuster Magnets
• Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoids
• Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Sensors
• Fog Light Switch
• Fuel Injection Throttle Body
• Fuel Tank Vent Valves
• Hazard Warning Switches
• Headlight Level Sensor
• Headlight Switches
• High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting Ballasts
• High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting Module
• HVAC Blend Door Actuators
• HVAC Blower Control Switches
• HVAC Blower Motor Resistors
• HVAC Blow Motor Resistor Kits
• HVAC Control Switch
• HVAC Cut-Off Switches
• HVAC Heater Core Temperature Sensors
• HVAC Recirculation Door Actuator
• HVAC Sun Sensors
• Ignition Lock Cylinders
• Ignition Switches
• Liftgate Release Switches
• Neutral Safety Switches
• PCV Valves
• Pedal Height Adjustment Switch
• Pigtails
• Power Sliding Door Switch
• Relays
• Seat Lumbar Switch
• Seat Switches
• Shift Interlock Solenoid
• Starter Brush
• Steering Angle Sensor
• Sunroof Switch
• Tail Light Circuit Board
• Transfer Case Range Position Sensor
• Trunk Lock
• Turn Signal Flashers
• Vapor Canisters
• Vaper Canister Purge Valves
• Windshield Wiper Switch

“The addition of these new part numbers for December brings the total number of new part numbers announced in 2020 to 1,245”, said Patrick Sommerfeld, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with Wells Vehicle Electronics. “In 2021, we will continue to add new professional-grade vehicle electronics and engine management products to our line, honoring our commitment to meeting the needs of customers throughout the industry.”

For more information on our new part numbers launched this month, as well as our complete parts list, visit our online catalog at http://wvebrand.com/parts.

INCLUDES MORE THAN 272 MILLION SALES OPPORTUNITIES

FOND DU LAC, WI (September 30, 2020) – WVE Vehicle Electronics introduced 472 new part numbers in September for a variety of sensors, switches, solenoids, coils, emissions and fuel injection products, now available for a range of light and heavy-duty vehicle applications. In all, WVE announced 3 solenoids, 12 fuel injection throttle bodies, 25 coils, 67 emissions products, 145 switches and 220 sensors – which includes more than 272 million sales opportunities.

New part numbers are available for the following part types:

• A/C Evaporator Temperature Sensor
• ABS Wheel Speed Sensors
• ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Tone Rings
• Accelerator Pedal Sensors
• Air Bag Clocksprings
• Air Charge Temperature Sensors
• Ambient Air Temperature Sensors
• Automatic Transmission Control Solenoid
• Automatic Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensors
• Automatic Transmission Speed Sensors
• Battery Current Sensors
• Brake Fluid Level Sensors
• Brake Light Switch
• Brake Pedal Position Sensors
• Center High Mount Stop Lights
• Clutch Pedal Position Switches
• Combination Switch
• Cruise Control Distance Sensor
• Cruise Control Release Switch
• Cruise Control Switch
• Disk Brake Pad Wear Sensor
• Diverter Valves
• Door Lock Actuators
• Door Window Switches
• EGR Pressure Sensor
• EGR Tubes
• EGR Valves
• EGR Valve Control Solenoid
• Engine Camshaft Position Sensors
• Engine Camshaft Position Sensor Interrupter
• Engine Coolant Level Sensors
• Engine Coolant Temperature Sensors
• Engine Crankcase Vent Valve
• Engine Crankshaft Position Sensors
• Engine Oil Level Sensors
• Engine Oil Pressure Switches
• Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Adjuster Magnets
• Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoids
• Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Sprockets
• Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Sensors
• Fog Light Switches
• Fuel Injection Throttle Bodies
• Fuel Tank Vent Valve
• Hazard Warning Flashers
• Hazard Warning Switch
• High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting Ballasts
• HVAC Blower Control Switches
• HVAC Cut-Off Switch
• HVAC Heater Core Temperature Sensors
• HVAC Mode Door Actuator
• HVAC Pressure Switches
• HVAC Temperature Valve Actuator
• Ignition Coils
• Ignition Knock (Detonation) Sensors
• Ignition Lock Cylinders
• Ignition Switches
• Liftgate Release Switch
• Lighting Control Module
• Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensors
• Manual Transmission Speed Sensor
• Mass Air Flow Sensors
• Parking Aid Sensors
• Parking Brake Switch
• PCV Valves
• Pigtails
• Rain Sensors
• Relays
• Speedometer Driven Gear Sleeve
• Starter Solenoid
• Steering Angle Sensors
• Suspension Ride Height Sensors
• Throttle Position Sensors
• Turbocharger Boost Sensors
• Turn Signal Flashers
• Vapor Canisters
• Vaper Canister Purge Solenoids
• Vaper Canister Vent Solenoid
• Vehicle Speed Sensor
• Washer Fluid Level Sensors
• Windshield Wiper Switch

“The addition of these new part numbers for September further demonstrates our continued commitment to meeting the needs of our customers with a full line of professional-grade vehicle electronics and engine management products,” said Patrick Sommerfeld, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with Wells Vehicle Electronics.

For more information on our new part numbers launched this month, as well as our complete parts list, visit our online catalog at http://wvebrand.com/parts.

COVERING MORE THAN 63.6 MILLION VEHICLES IN OPERATION

FOND DU LAC, WI (July 13, 2020) – WVE Vehicle Electronics introduced 203 new part numbers in June for a variety of emissions and fuel injection products, sensors and switches now available for a range of light and heavy-duty vehicle applications. In all, WVE announced 2 new emissions products, 1 fuel injection product, 153 new sensors and 47 new switches – covering more than 63.6 million vehicles.

New part numbers are available for the following part types:

• 4WD Actuators
• Accelerator Pedal Sensors
• Accessory Power Relay
• Automatic Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensors
• Automatic Transmission Oil Pressure Switches
• Automatic Transmission Speed Sensors
• Battery Current Sensors
• Brake Fluid Level Sensors
• Brake Fluid Pressure Sensors
• Brake Light Switches
• Door Lock Actuators
• Door Lock Switches
• Door Mirror Switches
• Door Window Switches
• EGR Pressure Sensors
• Engine Camshaft Position Sensors
• Engine Coolant Level Sensors
• Engine Coolant Temperature Sensors
• Engine Crankshaft Position Sensors
• Engine Cylinder Head Temperature Sensors
• Engine Oil Level Sensors
• Engine Oil Pressure Switches
• Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoids
• Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT Sensors)
• Fuel Injection Pressure Sensors
• HVAC Blower Motor Resistors
• HVAC Cut-Off Switches
• HVAC Heater Core Temperature Sensors
• HVAC Sun Sensors
• Ignition Knock (Detonation) Sensors)
• Ignition Lock Cylinders
• Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensors
• Mass Air Flow Sensors
• Rain Sensors
• Throttle Position Sensors
• Washer Fluid Sensor

“The addition of these new part numbers for June further demonstrates our continued commitment to meeting the needs of our customers with a full line of professional-grade vehicle electronics and engine management products,” said Patrick Sommerfeld, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with Wells Vehicle Electronics.

For more information on our new part numbers launched this month, as well as our complete parts list, visit our online catalog at http://wvebrand.com/parts.

COVERING MORE THAN 65.1 MILLION VEHICLES IN OPERATION

FOND DU LAC, WI (April 29, 2020) – WVE Vehicle Electronics introduced a total of 121 new part numbers in April for a variety of ignition products, emissions products, sensors and switches now available for a range of light and heavy-duty vehicle applications. In all, WVE announced 11 new ignition components, 26 new emissions products, 63 new sensors and 21 new switches – covering more than 65.1 million vehicles.

New part numbers are available for the following part types:

• ABS Wheel Speed Sensors
• Accelerator Pedal Sensors
• Air Bag Clock Springs
• Ambient Air Temperature Sensors
• Brake Fluid Sensors
• Distribution Ignition Pickups
• EGR Valves
• Camshaft Position Sensors
• EVAP Purge Flow Sensors
• Fuel Level Sensors
• Humidity Sensors
• HVAC Sun Sensors
• Ignition Coils
• Ignition Lock Cylinders
• MAP Sensors
• MAF Sensors
• Neutral Safety Switches/Automatic Trans Gear Position Sensors
• Oil Level Sensors
• Power Steering Pressure Sensors
• Throttle Position Sensors
• VVT Adjuster Magnets
• VVT Oil Control Valves
• VVT Solenoids

“The addition of these new part numbers demonstrates our continued commitment to meeting the needs of our customers with a full line of professional-grade vehicle electronics and engine management products,” said Patrick Sommerfeld, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with Wells Vehicle Electronics.

For more information on our new part numbers launched this month, as well as our complete parts list, visit our online catalog at http://wvebrand.com/parts.

FOND DU LAC, WI (April 7, 2020) – Wells Vehicle Electronics, a premier full-service, full-line supplier of vehicle electronics and engine management products, received AutoZone Mexico’s Extra Miler Award on February 25, during the AutoZone Mexico Vendor Summit in Monterrey. Wells was recognized by AutoZone’s leadership team for its program that supports AutoZone’s mega-hub initiative, which places mid-popularity and slower-moving products deeper within its distribution system and closer to vehicles in need of repair.

“It’s an honor to work with loyal customers like AutoZone to create innovative solutions that meet customer needs in a competitive and challenging distribution environment,” said John Zochert, Director of Global Product Portfolio Management with Wells Vehicle Electronics. “On behalf of all of the associates at Wells Vehicle Electronics, thank you for your partnership and this recognition.”

FOND DU LAC, WI (January 7, 2020) – Wells Vehicle Electronics’ commitment to delivering industry-leading technical service and training has led to the development of GoTech, the go-to technical training resource for all things vehicle-related.

As a division of Wells Vehicle Electronics, GoTech is comprised of an entire team of ASE-certified professional technicians at the ready to answer questions and help customers of all levels complete long-lasting and reliable repairs on virtually every type of vehicle.

“We believe that the right information, in the right hands, along with the right parts, makes all the difference,” said Jim Gehl, Technical Services Manager for Wells Vehicle Electronics. “That’s why we are currently working to enhance our library of online resources on most of the products offered by Wells Vehicle Electronics, as well as training and product videos on YouTube. And, if our online resources don’t provide the answers needed, we encourage people to call and talk with one of our ASE-certified professional technicians about the issue they are experiencing.”

The GoTech team can be reached by dialing 1-844-519-3557, press Option 1, between 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. CST, Monday-Friday, or via email at [email protected].

In addition to producing online resources, creating training and product videos, and publishing them on YouTube and answering customer questions via its call center, the GoTech technical team also conducts in-person training events for customers.

A Commitment to the Aftermarket that Moves Beyond the Standard

FOND DU LAC, WI (January 2, 2020) – Wells Vehicle Electronics, a premier full-service, full-line supplier of vehicle electronics and engine management products, has expanded its WVE Vehicle Electronics brand product offering. This expansion allows Wells to best serve the unique needs of the automotive aftermarket, including technicians, warehouse distributors, parts stores, national accounts, and consumers.

“With the mission to be a dominant supplier in the vehicle electronics category, our product team has built a full line of coils, sensors, ignition, emissions, relays, and other vehicle electronics part categories – including more than 1,100 part types,” said Patrick Sommerfeld, Sr. Director for Wells Vehicle Electronics. “The WVE Vehicle Electronics brand of products is poised to serve the engine management market by supplying a full line of professional-grade products that the industry needs.”

Last year, Wells’ leadership engaged current and prospective customers (Aftermarket, OEM/OES, and end-users) – as well as industry leaders – in conversations that evaluated trends and uncovered opportunities to meet the needs of the entire aftermarket. The findings determined that running Wells Vehicle Electronics as a separate business unit and creating the WVE Vehicle Electronics brand to serve the aftermarket was essential for the continued success of our customers, suppliers, employees, and the communities we impact.

In 2019, leaders from NGK Spark Plug Co., LTD. and Wells Vehicle Electronics met in Fond du Lac, WI and formally transitioned all aspects of the business – including product, pricing, customer service, technical service, marketing, sales, and operations – back to Wells in Wisconsin, Texas, Iowa and Mexico. While Wells Vehicle Electronics remains part of the same overall NGK Japan global organization, the manner in which they conduct business will be separate in some cases and shared in others.

“This shift, along with the expansion of the WVE Vehicle Electronics brand, gives Wells the ability to move beyond the standard by leveraging its 117-year heritage of innovation, unmatched engineering resources, leading-edge manufacturing and distribution capabilities, and world-class customer service and technical training to exceed the expectations of an ever-changing global customer base,” said Sommerfeld.

As part of WVE Vehicle Electronics’ commitment, Wells has created a new website,  www.wvebrand.com, dedicated to meeting the needs of warehouse distributors and national accounts who sell the WVE Vehicle Electronics’ full line of professional-grade products throughout North America. The organization is also launching an integrated marketing and communication program to reintroduce the company to customers, suppliers, and the automotive industry overall.