Executive Interview with Randy Mordue, Director, Aftermarket Division, Akebono Corp.
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Randy Mordue, director, Aftermarket Division, Akebono Corp. Mordue joined Akebono North America in 1999. He has more than 20 years of sales, national account and new business development experience within the automotive aftermarket industry. Mordue recently took the time to talk with aftermarketNews.com and bring us up to speed on the latest developments at Akebono.
Pronto Celebrates Recent Accomplishments, Announces New Programs at Fall Owner’s Conference
The National Pronto Association, a member-owned and member-directed group of automotive warehouse distributors, recently held its Fall Owner’s Conference in Orlando, Fla. Highlights of the conference included an opening keynote address from Jim Macingvale, the owner of Gallery Furniture, in Houston, Texas. Macingvale, author of “Always Think Big,” shared the business philosophies, strategies and tactics that helped him grow his company into the nation’s largest single location furniture retailer.
Fed-Mogul Deal With Union Saves St. Johns Plant
A Federal-Mogul Corp. parts plant in St. Johns has been saved after workers at UAW Local 925 voted to accept a last-minute contract agreement with the Southfield-based company. Federal-Mogul had threatened to close the factory, which manufactures washers and bushings for the auto industry, and move its 470 jobs to Mexico, Argentina or China where labor costs are cheaper.
MEMA Information Services Council Subcommittee Tackles XML EDI Standards
The MEMA Information Services Council (MIS Council) recently launched a subcommittee to develop XML electronic data interchange (EDI) standards to minimize the number of ways aftermarket manufacturers are expected to use XML. These standards ultimately will ease EDI use for companies operating in both the OE supplier market and the aftermarket.
Specialty Products Alliance to Hold Annual Luncheon at AAPEX
The Automotive Specialty Products Alliance (ASPA) will be hosting its third annual luncheon at AAPEX on Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 12 p.m. in the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas. The event, entitled, “A New View on Marketing Automotive Specialty Products,” will include a panel of representatives featuring: Scott Dodson of Pep Boys; Glenn Lambert of Strauss Discount Auto; and Bill Maggs of Pronto Auto Parts. The representatives will discuss various strategies to increase sales of automotive chemicals and promote growth within this automotive products category.
Classic Design Concepts Retains Quell Communications Group to Provide Marketing Services for SEMA
Classic Design Concepts LLC has retained Quell Communications Group to provide strategic counsel and marketing and sales materials for the 2004 SEMA Show. Quell specializes in the development and implementation of strategic communications, marketing, advertising and public relations programs for clients in industries that include automotive, manufacturing, professional services, consumer goods, retail, hospitality, healthcare and high-tech industries. The firm also provides brand management, event planning, multi-media production and Web and graphic design.
Douglas Battery Unveils New LegacyIII Gold Battery
Douglas Battery, one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of automotive and industrial batteries, has unveiled its newest generation of battery technology, the LegacyIII Gold. According to the company, industry testing shows that the new innovations involved in the LegacyIII Gold battery promise increased battery performance and life.
Beck/Arnley Enhances its Product Packaging
Beck/Arnley has enhanced the product packaging for its line of remanufactured starters and alternators, according to Scott Howat, director of brand marketing. The Beck/Arnley packaging for remanufactured starters and alternators has a new look which highlights product features and benefits in English, Spanish and French. The package inside has also been significantly enhanced to include a unique cradle configuration and extra banding. This adds stability in shipping to reduce damage that could occur and result in product failure.
Amerigon Names New Chief Financial Officer
Amerigon Inc. has hired automotive industry financial executive Barry Steele to be its vice president of finance and CFO. Amerigon designs, develops and markets its proprietary Climate Control Seat products for sale to automotive and truck original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Steele will report directly to president and CEO Daniel Coker and be responsible for managing the company’s finance, accounting and administrative functions. He replaces William Wills, who has resigned to pursue other business opportunities.
RMA Appoints New Chairmen of the Board; Hires New General Counsel
The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) has elected new chairmen for fiscal years 2005 and 2006. Thomas Dattilo, chairman, president and CEO of Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., has been elected chairman of the board of directors of the RMA for 2005. Mark Emkes, chairman and CEO of Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc. and Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT), will serve as chairman in 2006. In other news from the RMA, Laurie Baulig has been hired as general counsel and senior vice president of regulatory affairs for the association.
NHTSA to Discuss Federal Standards, Non-Compliant Products at AAPEX
Representatives of the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) will discuss non-compliant automotive products and the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) in a free seminar scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 3, during the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas.
AAIA Announces Panelists for AAPEX Technology Update
“Product Information Management in a Global Aftermarket” will be the subject of the AAIA Technology Update at AAPEX taking place on Monday, Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Sands Expo Center, Room 203.