Parts Plus National Convention Registration Hits Record Number
Parts Plus is planning to hold its ninth annual convention in New Orleans in early 2005 and already attendee registration is exceeding past events, according to Mike Lambert, president of Parts Plus. Lambert explained that the group combined technology and direct mailings to encourage early registration for the event. Customers are also registering early to take advantage of earnback programs being promoted by Parts Plus distributors in their local markets.
CARQUEST Auto Parts Names 2004 Excellence Award Recipient
Al Duebber, owner of Duebber’s Automotive Service Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, is the winner of the 2004 CARQUEST Excellence Award. He received the award from Art Lottes, president of CARQUEST Corp. and Mike DeSorbo, national director of training and professional markets, CARQUEST Corp., on Oct. 9 in San Antonio, Texas. Now in its 13th year, the CARQUEST Excellence Award, is announced annually in conjunction with the CARQUEST Technician’s Advisory Council meeting. The annual award seeks to recognize the independent automobile service business that, through the course of everyday service excellence, exemplifies the professionalism necessary to build public understanding and respect for people working in the auto service industry today.
AMS Automotive Adds Two New Regional Sales Managers
AMS Automotive, a manufacturer and distributor of manual transmission components for automotive and light/medium duty trucks, recently named two new regional sales managers. Jeff Phillips has been named the new Central regional sales manager for AMS Automotive. AMS Automotive has also announce the appointment of Gene Shaw as the northeastern regional sales manager.
Genuine Parts Co. Reports Sales and Earnings for Third Quarter and Nine Months of 2004
Genuine Parts Co. has reported sales and earnings for the third quarter and nine months, which ended on Sept. 30. Sales were up 7 percent compared to the third quarter of 2003, totaling $2.3 billion. Net income was $97.9 million, an increase of 11 percent compared to $88.3 million for the third quarter of 2003. On a per share diluted basis, net income equaled 56 cents compared to 51 cents for the third quarter of last year.
International Truck and Engine, Eaton Corp. Selected for Largest U.S. Diesel-Electric Hybrid Truck Pilot Program
International Truck and Engine Corp. and Eaton Corp. have been selected to manufacture diesel-electric hybrid trucks for a national pilot program serving the utility industry. The program is the largest in the nation to date and will test a minimum of 20 factory-built International utility trucks featuring an integrated hybrid powertrain solution jointly developed by the two companies.
AIAG Names Plawecki Acting Executive Director
The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) announced yesterday that Linda Plawecki has been named acting executive director for the association. Plawecki is replacing Andrew Cummins, who has left AIAG to pursue other opportunities. One of three loaned executives from the Detroit Big Three automakers to AIAG, Plawecki, an executive with Ford Motor Co., previously held the position of AIAG executive director from 2002 until 2003. AIAG’s board of directors has initiated a comprehensive search for a permanent replacement to head up the association.
R. L. Polk & Co. Names Joseph Graczyk Jr. Vice President, DaimlerChrysler Team
R. L. Polk & Co. today announced the appointment of Joseph Graczyk Jr. as vice president, DaimlerChrysler OEM team. In this role, Graczyk will be responsible for managing the development, production, sale and delivery of products and services for the DaimlerChrysler account within Polk’s OEM organization.
FTC Letter Rekindles Right to Repair Flame
In the continuing legislative process regarding HR 2735 — The Motor Vehicle Owner’s Right to Repair Act, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently sent a letter to U.S. Rep John Dingell (D-Mich.), a member of the Energy and Trade Committee, in response to the Dingell’s request for feedback from the FTC on the proposed legislation.
Three New Members Join the Auto Pride Group
Auto Pride, the automotive division of IWD warehouse distribution group, has added three new members. Among the new members are Precision Brake and Wheel of Porterville, Calif., Discount Auto Parts of Pacoima, Calif., and Knight’s Auto Parts of Raton, NM. Founded in 1985 with 15 members, today IWD has grown into an international distribution network with more than 800 member locations in the U.S. and Canada.
Dana AAG Announces Organizational Changes
While still waiting to complete its move to new ownership by Cypress Group, Dana Corp.’s Automotive Aftermarket Group (AAG) has announced several organizational changes. The changes affect both the under hood and under vehicle portions of the business. According to Terry McCormack, president of the group, the changes will “further streamline and strengthen our ability to lead the aftermarket in responsiveness, service and product offering.”
Activant Names New President and CEO
Activant Solutions Inc. has named longtime board member Larry Jones as its new CEO and president. He replaces Mike Aviles, president, CEO and chairman of the Board.
Dupont Teflon Car Care Products Marks Strong First Year with Events at Key NASCAR Race
An automotive technician from Reading, Pa., will meet NASCAR Nextel Cup driver Jeff Gordon, and the DuPont Teflon Car Care brand will be featured on Gordon’s No. 24 Chevrolet as the new line of car care products celebrates its successful first year during Saturday’s UAW-GM Quality 500.