Flat Auto Part Prices Result in Lower Margins for Entire Supply Chain
The prices consumers pay for motor vehicle parts and equipment have increased very little since 1982, which has made growth in margins difficult, according to the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). In an analysis of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) appearing in MEMA’s bimonthly newsletter Market Analysis, the index shows that prices for auto parts have grown very little in the 22 years following the resetting of the CPI in 1982.
Amerityre Names New CFO, New Sales and Marketing Manager
The board of directors of Amerityre Corp. has appointed Anders Suarez to serve as the company’s CFO. The board of directors of Amerityre Corp. has appointed Anders Suarez to serve as the company’s CFO.
Russell Automotive 2004-2005 Automotive Performance Catalog Now Online
Edelbrock has announced that the 2004-05 Russell Automotive Performance Catalog, filled with more than 300 new fluid transfer products and updates, is now online at: www.russellperformance.com. The 2004-05 edition features increased selections for sport compact cars, including items such as brake lines, fuel lines and other specialty fittings.
SKF Finalizes Acquisition of Vogel
SKF Group said it has completed its acquisition of Willy Vogel AG – a world leader in the field of lubrication systems. Through this acquisition, SKF will become a world-leading supplier of lubrication systems, according to the company. SKF paid approximately $85 million to Hannover Finanz Group, which has owned Willy Vogel AG since 1988. As part of the acquisition, SKF takes over net debts of approximately $7.8 million. Vogel will be reported as part of SKF as of the third quarter this year.
NC3R Co-Sponsors the 2004 International Big R Show
The National Center for Remanufacturing and Resource Recovery (NC3R) has again agreed to co-sponsor the 2004 International Big R Show, which takes place Oct. 29-Nov. 1 in Las Vegas. In the past, NC3R has provided training sessions and partnered on many projects with the Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (APRA), which hosts the Big R Show. This year, NC3R will be conducting two half-day training sessions focused on avoiding the costs associated with work related illnesses and injuries and improving competitiveness. These training sessions will focus on ergonomics and warranty return cost analysis.
NTSB Recommends Requiring Cars to Be Equipped With “Black Boxes”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended that the federal government require passenger vehicles to be equipped with “black boxes” that record speed, seat belt use, braking and other factors, which could provide investigators with better information when they probe accidents. This was the first time NTSB has issued any recommendation on event data recorders.
SEMA Board of Directors’ Election Results Announced
The results of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) board of directors election are final. SEMA, has elected three newcomers and re-elected seven incumbents into office on its board of directors.
International Big R Show Registration Now Online
Online registration has opened for the International BIG R Show, which takes place Oct. 29-Nov. 1 at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. Since 1988, the International BIG R Show has helped suppliers to the automotive and truck parts remanufacturing industry reach out to potential customers. The show is designed to attract rebuilders of a wide range of automotive and truck parts, exposing them to the key suppliers in this industry. In 2003 more than 160 exhibiting companies displayed the latest equipment, components, new units, cores and more during the two-day
Canadian Automotive Dealers Capture Increasing Share of Service Business, Says J.D. Power
Much like their U.S. counterparts, Canadian automotive dealerships are becoming more successful at retaining service customers once the basic warranty period expires, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Canadian Customer Commitment Study released this week. The study, which measures the service satisfaction and loyalty of owners of two- to 12-year-old vehicles, finds that dealerships now account for almost one-half (48 percent) of the service visits on four- to seven-year-old vehicles — up from 41 percent in 1999.
Michelin Workers Could Strike
Based on statements made by United Steelworkers of America (USWA) negotiators in Pittsburgh, workers at unionized Michelin North America plants in the U.S. could go on strike if a new contract isn’t reached by USWA’s Aug. 11 deadline.
AAPEX to Feature Service Information Update From Federal and California Regulators
Attendees at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) will have the opportunity to hear first-hand from regulators at the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the progress that has been made in making critical diagnostic tools and information affordably and conveniently accessible to independent technicians. Attendees will also be able to express their concerns and ask questions regarding these important requirements.
Magic Glass Joins Visteon GlassVantage Network
Indiana-based Magic Glass has signed an agreement with Visteon’s Aftermarket Operations, authorizing Magic Glass as a select retailer for Visteon custom auto glass products. Through the agreement, Magic Glass becomes part of a growing nationwide network that sells and installs NASCAR Performance Windshields by Visteon and other auto glass products. Magic Glass serves Indiana with 20 locations offering auto glass installation services.