AutoZone Creates Student Scholarship Program
AutoZone has created a new scholarship program focusing on automotive service technology. The $10,000 “AutoZone Future Technician Scholarship” will be managed and administered by SkillsUSA-VICA’s Youth Development Foundation (YDF). AutoZone intends to divide the scholarship incrementally to gold, silver and bronze medal winners of the SkillsUSA National Championships Automotive Service Technology contest held in Kansas City, Mo., on June 21.
ASA Calls for Support of AHP Legislation
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is asking automotive repairers to help support Association Healthcare Plans (AHP) legislation that allows associations to band together to purchase health care insurance for employees. The AHP legislation, H.R. 660, has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is supported by President George W. Bush, but the U.S. Senate has not acted on its companion legislation, S. 545. With the Senate set to adjourn on Oct. 1, ASA is encouraging repairers to contact their senators and ask them to support and co-sponsor S. 545.
Jasper Engines & Transmissions’ Leuck Named President of APRA’s Volume Transmission Division
Craig Leuck, manager of the Transmission Division at Jasper Engines & Transmissions, has been appointed president of the Volume Transmission Division for the Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (APRA). Lueck will work with APRA board members to address industry concerns, answer the needs of volume transmission rebuilders, locate resources for information and share this information through active participation with its members.
Modine Aftermarket Division Expands Parts Lineup
The aftermarket division of Modine Manufacturing Co. has expanded its offering of parts kits for the replacement of key A/C system components. Marketed under the Air Pro Quality Parts brand, the lineup includes more than 250 packages.
Manufacturing Czar Nominated
The Bush administration tapped a California businessman to serve as its manufacturing czar after the first pick withdrew his nomination over criticisms his company cut U.S. jobs and shifted work to China. The administration will nominate California carpet manufacturer Al Frink as assistant commerce secretary of manufacturing and services.
Grote Names Brewer, Transpro Top Sales Guns
Grote Industries has awarded its top sales performance awards for 2003. Nan Brewer of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, was named the top aftermarket sales manager, while Transpro of Lee’s Summit, Mo., was named top manufacturer’s representative. Transpro, headed by Jeff White and John Cross, was also awarded the top prize in OEM performance.
Raybestos Brand Brakes Becomes “Gold” Sponsor of the Car Care Council Women’s Board
Brake Parts Inc., on behalf of Raybestos brand brakes, has committed to a “Gold” level sponsorship of the Car Care Council’s 2004 Women’s Board activities. Brake Parts Inc., headquartered in McHenry, Ill., is a leading manufacturer of braking systems and components for the automotive aftermarket. The Car Care Council Women’s Board recently expanded its sponsorship program in order to support all the Women’s Board activities for the year. Those activities include industry outreach, consumer education and recruiting women to the industry, as well as serving as an advisory board to the “Be Car Care Aware” campaign.
Vicky Black Promoted to VP Post at Dana
Vicky Black has been named vice president and general manager for the Heavy Vehicle Technologies and Systems Service Group of Dana Corp.
NASTF Reports on March 8 Meeting in Detroit
The National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) held its regular winter meeting on March 8 in conjunction with the SAE World Congress in Detroit. The task force meets twice yearly to maintain a forum for discussion and resolution of service-related issues. Approximately 55 people attended the meeting.
MEMA Creates Brand Protection Council to Address Counterfeiting, Non-Compliant Products, Intellectual Property Rights
MEMA and its market segment associations have established a new Brand Protection Council to help address and set the association’s priorities in the areas of counterfeiting, diversion, non-compliant products and intellectual property rights. The council will meet four times a year and will help dictate MEMA’s (and the industry’s) collective actions on various intellectual property issues. The council will also share best practices and dialogue on this growing industry challenge.
Moody’s Accelerates Roanoke, Va.-Based Advance Auto Parts’ Rating
Advance Auto Parts just moved up. Moody’s Investors Service upgraded its ratings for the Roanoke, Va.-based retailer of automotive parts and accessories based on the company’s report for the fiscal year ended Jan. 4.
PPG Introduces New Line of Custom Finishes
PPG Automotive Refinish recently launched a new brand for its line of custom finishes. The new Vibrance Collection will showcase what the company described as “hot colors, unique pigments and special-effect finishes,” as well as a line of special primers, clears and detailing products. PPG is also finalizing a new co-branding partnership with Hot Wheels, a Mattel, Inc. brand, to collaborate on the production of 12 anodized-looking Hot Wheels SPECTRAFLAME colors in the Vibrance Collection for use in automotive refinishing.