HDDA Elects Not to Participate in CFS Conference
Earlier this week it was announced a joint operating committee of heavy duty manufacturing and distribution associations has created the first ever Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week, which is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas in February. HDDA, one of the members working to organize the new event, followed this week’s announcement with the news it will not participate in the 2005 Council of Fleet Specialists Executive Conference as a result of the new event. HDDA is part of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association.
ANSA Automotive Signs Two New Manufacturer Reps
ANSA Automotive Parts Distributors recently signed two manufacturer rep agencies, Dick Chrobak Marketing Ltd. and Correll Marketing, to handle ANSA’s full line of OE replacement mufflers and exhaust systems, ANSA SPORT performance exhaust and Silverline stainless steel exhaust products in western Canada and the Northwest U.S.
Beck/Arnley Introduces New Line of Ignition Distributors
Beck/Arnley has introduced a new line of ignition distributor units designed to provide superior quality and comprehensive coverage for import customers. The new line currently includes 35 part numbers utilizing electronic ignition modules made in North America to specifications above that of OEM distributors, according to Beck/Arnley. The company said the availability of more part numbers will be announced.
Two Guys Garage at AAPEX to Air This Weekend
A special episode of Two Guys Garage filmed at AAPEX in November will air on Saturday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m. EST on SPEED Channel. It will re-air on Sunday, Dec. 19 at 11 a.m. and again Thursday, Dec. 23 at 8 a.m.
icarz PartsWatch Pricing Server Enhances Multi-Store Management Functions
Software solutions provider icarz has released version 2.13 of its PartsWatch single and multi-store part and tool distribution management solution. The release includes a new Pricing Server option, the first component of the icarz Enterprise Management Console centralized services solution slated for completion in 2005. Pricing Server enhances PartsWatch existing multi-store functionality with centralized controls that facilitate private or buying group pricing updates to multiple member stores simultaneously.
Smithers Scientific to Conduct Tire Testing for California Energy Commission
The California Energy Commission has retained Smithers Scientific Services to conduct testing as the state looks to implement a law mandating fuel-efficient tires. The 18-month, $400,000 contract calls for Smithers to “examine tire characteristics such as longevity, safety, ease of recycling and establish a database of findings,” according to the Energy Commission. The study, authorized under legislation passed in September 2003, is aimed at establishing a consumer tire fuel efficiency reporting system and minimum fuel efficiency standards in the state.
EPA Representatives Tour Bridgestone Firestone Truck Tire Plant
Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) hosted two specialists from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during a recent tour of the company’s truck tire plant in Warren County, Tenn. The event was part of Bridgestone Firestone’s partnership in the EPA SmartWay Transport program, a new long-term initiative to reduce emissions and increase trucking industry fuel efficiency.
AASP Spring Board Meeting to Take Place in D.C.
The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP) Board will hold its Spring Board Meeting on March 1, 2005 in Washington, D.C. The board meeting is being held in conjunction with the 2005 Legislative Summit, also taking place in D.C. on March 1-2.
AIAG Names Goodyear Executive to AIAG Board of Directors
The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) has appointed Tom Bender, director, information technology-North American Tire (NAT) for Goodyear Tire & Rubber, to the association’s board of directors.
Michigan’s Jobless Rate Hits 2004 High; Auto Industry Layoffs to Blame
Michigan’s unemployment rate jumped to its highest level of 2004 during November as higher-than-expected layoffs in automotive manufacturing took hold. The state’s Department of Labor and Economic Growth said Wednesday the jobless rate rose four-tenths of a percentage point to 7 percent, more than a point and a half above the nation’s rate of 5.4 percent.
United Auto Supply of Syracuse Joins National Pronto Association
United Auto Supply of Syracuse, Inc., based in Syracuse, NY, is the 10th new member to join the National Pronto Association this year. United Auto Supply serves the upstate New York market with 12 warehouse locations across upstate New York and Massachusetts. Selling exclusively to installers, United Auto Supply services more than 1,500 accounts on a daily basis, with more than 100 delivery vehicles, a sales force of 30 and a “hot shot” delivery service. They also have three battery trucks for distribution of ACDelco batteries.
Siemens VDO Automotive Establishes Female Leadership Scholarship for Northwood University
Siemens VDO Automotive has established the “Siemens VDO Automotive Female Leadership Scholarship,” which will be made available to a female Northwood University student so she may participate in the 2005 Aftermarket Legislative Summit held in Washington, DC, March 1-2.