KAR Auction Services Acquires High Tech Locksmiths
Carmel, Ind. — KAR Auction Services Inc., a provider of used vehicle auction services, acquired Miami, Fla.-based High Tech Locksmiths (HTL), which specializes in products for the automotive industry. HTL is the largest provider of transponder, remote, high-security and car smart keys in North America. KAR Auction Services CEO Jim Hallett made the announcement.
“I am pleased to welcome Jay Wiener and his entire team to the KAR family,” said Hallett. “High Tech Locksmiths utilizes technologically advanced equipment and processes that will benefit customers across the KAR business units. This acquisition allows us to provide a more consistent level of service to even more locations nationwide.”
Wiener will continue in his role as CEO of High Tech Locksmiths and report directly to KAR Executive Vice President of Enterprise Optimization David Vignes. Joining Weiner in leading the High Tech team is Don Davis, who has worked for KAR’s subsidiary ADESA for 15 years. During this time, Davis has held management roles of increasing responsibility in the areas of reconditioning, operations and strategic improvements, including developing the company’s first in-house locksmith division. Davis has more than 32 years of experience in the automotive industry. In his promotion to vice president of operations for High Tech, Davis will report directly to Wiener.
More Industry

Charger Network Growth Slows
Despite a projected increase in public EV chargers in 2026, charging infrastructure remains a top concern for consumers as the gap between the most and least EV-friendly places remains substantial.
Read More →
Lenders, Consumers Take on More Auto Loan Risk
September records loosened credit access the most in over a decade as buyers took advantage of the conditions to afford trading, though loan applications fell.
Read More →
Next-Gen Hybrids in Sight
Dealerships can expect to see revamped hybrids from Honda next year as the company rolls out a new system and model lineup.
Read More →
Gem State Stores Change Hands
A larger auto group founded in the industry’s early years sold two franchises to a neighbor group that's on a growth spurt.
Read More →
Charging In Motion
Honda has been researching wireless in-motion charging for electric vehicles since 2025, and new technology developments have put it a step closer to a final product.
Read More →
Twin Cities Stores Sell
Minnesota-based Walser Automotive Group made what it called the most significant acquisition in its history with a three-rooftop deal in Minneapolis.
Read More →
U.S. Auto Sales Still Below Prepandemic Levels
Mobility Global industry observers don’t expect the market to return to the higher volumes that became routine before Covid but to stay well below its potential.
Read More →
The Powertrain Shift
Electric-vehicle owners are backpedaling, according to new data, with product availability driving many to shift back to gas-powered engines.
Read More →
Achromatic Autos
The shades that dominate the U.S. car market don’t call attention to themselves, though grayscale may have plateaued after a 30-year upswing, research shows.
Read More →
Used-Vehicle Affordability Worsens
Listing prices in August defied seasonal trends, rising above $27,000 for the second time this year.
Read More →