News that Genuine Parts Co. announced officer changes led the most-read news this week. The company said Eric Sundby, previously senior director of information technology and with the company for eight years, was named vice president — information technology. In addition, the company announced that David Haskett was named assistant vice president and corporate controller, and Napoleon Rutledge has been named assistant vice president — internal audit.
Also popular this week was news that AutoZone will offer a new option to order parts through leading shop management systems.
Commercial customers will be able to electronically check availability and price and order AutoZone parts through shop management systems that include R.O.Writer, DST/Navex, Protractor, Activant Integrated Service Estimator (ISE) and many others. This capability is made possible via the Activant AConneX connectivity solution.
Among other top news, Automotive Distribution Network has added two new Auto Pride Network members — B&I Auto Supply and Cal-State Auto Parts — for a total of 71 across North America.
Owned and operated by the Pluck family, B&I Auto Supply has been engaged in the sale and distribution of original equipment auto parts for more than 47 years. With headquarters in Fort Washington, Pa., and warehouses in four other locations, B&I has plans to expand beyond its product offerings to the service dealer market.
Cal-State Auto Parts was established in 1971 and is owned by Rick DeBlasi and Steve Brooker. With headquarters in Anaheim, Calif., and seven additional locations in the southwest United States, Cal-State has prided itself on personal service to its service dealer base of customers.
Also this week, Federated member Hovis Auto and Truck Supply detailed its Annual Customer Appreciation Day at its distribution center facility in Mercer, Pa.
As part of the festivities, nearly 400 guests were treated to food and beverages, door prizes provided by manufacturers and an autograph signing session with NASCAR drivers and Federated spokesmen Schrader and Wallace. In addition, the Federated 300 pace car was on display.
Finally, aftermarketNews.com interviewed David M. Durant, general manager fixed operations, Volkswagen of America, for this week’s Executive Interview. Durant discussed the state of Volkswagen after-sales and how the company has made strides in its J.D. Power rankings.
