Skip Potter to Head CABA
The Chesapeake Automotive Business Association (CABA) announced today that aftermarket industry veteran Skip Potter has been named executive director of the Maryland, DC & Delaware aftermarket trade association, effective immediately. Potter, who lives in Gaithersburg, Md., had recently left the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) where he had been the vice president of membership for 16 years. Prior to joining AAIA, Potter had been employed for 24 years in auto parts sales and sales management in the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC area.
Bridgestone and Continental to Join Forces to Develop Advanced Tire-Pressure Monitoring System for Commercial Vehicles
Bridgestone Corp. and Continental AG have announced that they will join forces to develop an advanced tire pressure monitoring system for commercial vehicles. The two companies aim to begin mass-producing the system in 2007.
SAE Selects Target Communications for Public Relations
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), headquartered in Warrendale, Pa., has chosen Target Communications to help develop and implement a strategic public relations program to celebrate its 100th anniversary year in 2005, and to promote the SAE World Congress Exposition on an ongoing basis.
Eighty-Nine Percent of NASCAR Fans Are Aware of Nextel Sponsorship, According to Knowledge Networks Study
A new study by Knowledge Networks (KN) indicates that NASCAR’s title sponsor, Nextel, has achieved awareness among nine in 10 fans of the nation’s most-watched auto racing series. Results of the study appeared in yesterday’s issue of Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal. The study found that in only the first season of the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, which began in February, 89 percent of NASCAR fans age 18-49 are aware of Nextel’s sponsorship; and almost three-quarters of NASCAR fans believe that Nextel has done a “very good” or “good” job of connecting with NASCAR and its fans.
AutoZone Fourth Quarter EPS up 11 Percent
AutoZone has reported sales of $1.836 billion for its fourth fiscal quarter (16 weeks), which ended on Aug. 28, an increase of 0.3 percent from fiscal 2003. Same store sales, or sales for domestic stores open at least one year, decreased 3 percent for the quarter. Gross profit, as a percentage of sales, for the quarter improved by 1.6 percentage points, while operating expenses, as a percentage of sales, increased by 1.5 percentage points. This resulted in an operating margin of 19.8 percent, up 0.1 percentage points from last year. Operating profit increased 1 percent over the prior year.
CARQUEST Announces Automotive Refinish Supply Excellence Award Finalists
CARQUEST Automotive Refinish Supply has announced the five finalists selected for its 2nd annual CARQUEST Automotive Refinish Supply Excellence Award program. The award program was established in 2003 to recognize the collision repair business that, through the course of everyday service excellence, exemplifies the professionalism necessary to build public understanding and respect for people working in collision repair today
NSA Products Opens West Coast Distribution Center
NSA Products, a supplier of new starters and alternators for domestic and import passenger applications and commercial trucks, has opened a new West Coast distribution facility to service the company’s growing base of distributors in the region. NSA Products, a supplier of new starters and alternators for domestic and import passenger applications and commercial trucks, has opened a new West Coast distribution facility to service the company’s growing base of distributors in the region.
Edelbrock Awards First Vic Edelbrock Sr. WyoTech Scholarship
Vic Edelbrock, president and CEO of Edelbrock Corp. has established his third scholarship program for students pursuing a career in the automotive industry. This week, Edelbrock announced the establishment of the Vic Edelbrock Sr. WyoTech Scholarship. WyoTech is a national technical college that offers a specialized automotive curriculum, including training in street rods, custom trim and upholstery, diesel, service management and collision/refinishing. The school has six campuses in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Wyoming and California.
Automotive Communicators to Discuss Global Communication Strategies
Global communication strategies, with a focus on China, will be the key topic of discussion at the Fall Conference of the Automotive Public Relations Council (APRC). The APRC is a professional peer group of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association. Global communication strategies, with a focus on China, will be the key topic of discussion at the Fall Conference of the Automotive Public Relations Council (APRC). The APRC is a professional peer group of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association.
Valeo Launches New Premium Aftermarket Wiper Blade Line
Valeo has announced the launch of a new line of premium wiper blades for the aftermarket, featuring the same technology as it uses in its OE product. “With original equipment design and quality and Valeo innovations such as Tec3 rubber, these wipers will ensure a long lasting quality wipe and continued customer satisfaction. Simply put, these wiper blades will wipe like new, longer,” said Marc Senaux, aftermarket business & product development manager for Valeo Wiper Systems North America.
Northwood University International Auto Show Less Than a Month Away
About 500 Northwood University students are busy wrapping up details in preparation for their upcoming outdoor Auto Show to be held Oct. 8, 9 and 10 on Northwood’s campus in Midland, Mich. The theme of this year’s show is: “One World. One Vision. One Show.”
FleetPride Announces Two Executive Promotions
FleetPride, Inc., one of the nation’s largest aftermarket distributors of heavy-duty truck parts, has promoted Timothy Gadus to the position of vice president and chief accounting officer. Gadus joined FleetPride in 1998, holding the positions of director of finance and director of corporate development before serving in his current position as the corporate controller and assistant corporate secretary.