Beck/Arnley Opens Customer Care Centers
Beck/Arnley announced the opening of its sixth Customer Care Center, located in Dallas, Texas. Additional Customer Care Centers are located in Stockton, Calif., Los Angeles, Calif., Chicago, Ill., Harrisburg, Pa., and Miami, Fla. According to Max Dull, vice president and general manager of Beck/Arnley, the company has achieved its goal of launching six centers by early 2004.
ContiTech Creates Automotive Belt Trouble-Shooting Manual
ContiTech’s Power Transmission Group has developed and released a manual that gives installers, jobbers and distributors practical tips on storing, handling and mounting v-belts, multi-ribbed v-belts and timing belts.
SBC Recognizes Parts Plus for Technical Innovation
SBC Communications Inc. recently honored Parts Plus for outstanding achievement in Technical Innovation. SBC recognized Parts Plus for its efforts in developing an integrated solution for Internet-based ordering and billing of motor-vehicle parts for the telecommunications company’s automotive-business customers.
Stoneridge Names Pisani President and CEO
Stoneridge COO Gerald Pisani has been elected president and CEO of the company, effective immediately. D.M. Draime, Stoneridge’s chairman and founder, who has served as interim CEO since January 1, will remain as chairman.
ArvinMeritor Wins Transmission Technology Dispute
The U.S. Patent Board of Appeals and Patent Interferences has issued judgment in favor of ArvinMeritor against Eaton Corp. on all claims in two related transmission patent interferences. The decision was rendered on April 29. The interferences involved an ArvinMeritor U.S. patent on torque prediction technology. Torque prediction is an enabling technology for some automated transmissions.
DST Asks: What Information Would You Like to Capture About Your Customer Base?
“Can I have your telephone number?” That’s not just a question asked by a hopeful suitor after a chance meeting and lingering cocktails with another stranger in the night anymore. It’s now heard every time a pack of batteries is sold at any RadioShack in the country. And who said romance is dead?
Kathy Edge Named New Chair of Filter Manufacturers Council
Kathy Edge, marketing manager for Parker Hannifin/Racor Filtration, has been elected chairman of the Filter Manufacturers Council (FMC). Founded in 1971, FMC represents manufacturers of vehicular and industrial filtration products.
Society of Automotive Engineers Establishes New SAE Alabama Section
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has formally approved the formation of its first new section in 12 years — the SAE Alabama Section.
Bad News Drives Down Shares of Collins & Aikman
Shares of Collins & Aikman Corp. sank Friday after the money-losing auto supplier said two board members have quit and a subsidiary would postpone a debt offering because of adverse market conditions. Shares of Collins & Aikman Corp. sank Friday after the money-losing auto supplier said two board members have quit and a subsidiary would postpone a debt offering because of adverse market conditions.
University of the Aftermarket Debuts “Fireside Chat”
The group in San Antonio was small — limited to just 25. But considering the speaker, many times more would have jumped at the chance to hear his sage words. The speaker for the inaugural University of the Aftermarket “Fireside Chat,” held April 21, was O. Temple Sloan, III, president of General Parts, Inc., the largest member of the CARQUEST distribution group. During the 45-minute session, Sloan spoke frankly about his vision of leadership to a small group of aftermarket executives.
New AAIA Chairman Outlines Vision for the Aftermarket in New Century
David Caracci, newly elected chairman of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association’s (AAIA) Board of Directors, has outlined his vision for the future of the aftermarket. In a statement issued late last week, Caracci said he has a “positive vision for the aftermarket as we work together to meet the challenges and potential of today and tomorrow.” He is calling for industry-wide involvement and participation to assure a “robust, healthy future for our industry.”
Pickups Plus Franchisee to Distribute New ValuGard Line
Aftermarket accessories retailer Pickups Plus, which recently acquired Auto Preservation (AP) from Automotive International Inc. will begin to distribute its new ValuGard product and service offering through a franchisee in Columbus, Ohio. Through the recent acquisition, Pickups Plus will now offer automotive dealerships ValuGard care and warranty products, including paint sealant, undercoating, fabric protector and anti-rust compounds, plus a full line of prep/recon products.