Thomson Delmar Learning Launches New Chilton Total Car Care CD Collection
Thomson Delmar Learning, an educational resources provider and part of The Thomson Corp., has released its new line of Chilton Total Car Care CDs — a line of Do-It-Yourself car care information provided in CD-format. According to David Koontz, publisher for the Professional Business Unit of Thomson Delmar Learning, during the past year the company redesigned the Chilton professional products to better reflect industry needs.
Pronto Adds Eighth New Member for ’04
Growing at an inspiring pace, National Pronto Association announced today that another new shareholder has joined the buying and marketing group. Bargain Automotive Warehouse, Inc. located in Piscataway, NJ, has become the newest member of Pronto. Bargain Automotive Warehouse serves the central New Jersey market along with locations in Staten Island and Brooklyn, NY. The business is lead by President Chris DellaBella.
UPS Helps Students Pursue Automotive Careers with Racing Scholarships
As part of the company’s continued commitment to promote diversity in NASCAR, express delivery company UPS is awarding five students with its UPS Racing Technical Edge Scholarship. To date, UPS has provided more than $230,000 in scholarship funds to minority students pursuing careers in racing and automotive technology.
AMI Receives $50,000 Grant from Akzo Nobel’s New Collision Industry Advancement Initiative
The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) has been selected as the first beneficiary of the new Collision Industry Advancement Initiative (CIAI) sponsored by Akzo Nobel’s Car Refinishes North America. CIAI was established to aid in the growth, advancement and perception of the collision industry in North America by providing financial assistance to organizations and individuals possessing specific needs and/or goals they are unable to meet on their own.
APRA Honors Two with Honorary Member Awards
Late last month during the International Big R Show in Las Vegas, the Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association recognized two individuals with Honorary Member Awards. APRA Past Chairman Steve Fallen, a second generation electrical rebuilder, was one of two men recently honored with the award.
Executive Interview with Frank Pagano, CEO of Coni-Seal
Our latest Executive Interview features Frank Pagano, CEO of Lakewood, NJ-based Coni-Seal, Inc. Recently, as part of an investment group, Pagano acquired the assets two aftermarket businesses including Qualitee International. Pagano recently took some time to give aftermarketNews.com a breakdown of these new businesses and where they are headed.
Job Lessons Include Downsizing; Participation in State Youth Apprentice Program Drops After Funding Is Cut
For 17-year-old Mark Olsen, Gordon’s No. 1 Wheel Service in Franklin is not just a place to work after school.As an auto technician in training, it’s an extension of his automotive studies at Greendale High School and a pathway to a career.
Diggory Elected Chairman of Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association
William “Bill” Diggory, vice president and general manager of Chicago Rawhide, Elgin, Ill., has been elected 2005 chairman of the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA). Diggory served as HDMA vice chairman in 2004.
Auto Supplier Profits Dwindle
Although new car and truck sales rose more than 2 percent during the first 10 months of 2004, many of the companies that supply parts to big automakers have little to celebrate. Their profits are shrinking as raw-material costs rise and production falls at General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. Already the nation’s two largest suppliers, Delphi Corp. and Visteon Corp., which had combined sales of $45.7 billion in 2003, have warned of lower-than-anticipated earnings this year. They cite higher materials expenses, particularly for steel, and plans by top U.S. automakers GM and Ford to turn out fewer vehicles.
Bosch Launches New Replacement Fuel Pump Program
Robert Bosch Corp. recently launched a new premium replacement fuel pump program for domestic and import vehicles. According to Bosch, the all new replacement fuel pumps allow the installation of superior turbine technology in more than 65 percent of vehicles equipped with electric fuel pumps – many of which are equipped with older technology pumps.
Bob Anderson Becomes Beck/Arnley’s Director of Marketing
Beck/Arnley has named Bob Anderson as its new director of marketing. Anderson joined Clevite Engine Parts in 1984, and has served in a variety of product roles throughout his career. Most recently, he managed the Clevite Bearing Team.
Edelbrock Moves Forward with Plan to Go Private
Edelbrock Corp. will hold a special stockholder meeting on Dec. 22 to consider a proposal to approve and adopt a plan previously announced on June 25 that would make Edelbrock a privately held company. If approved, stockholders of Edelbrock Corp. will receive $16.75 per share in cash in exchange for each share of Edelbrock common stock.