The Results Are In: Seventy Percent Say AAPEX is Worth the Cost
The results are in from the first edition of “AMN Asks” — the new weekly aftermarketNews.com poll. Last week, we asked whether you thought the annual AAPEX Show in Las Vegas offers “complete value” for the amount of time and resources you spend to attend. The annual Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo, which takes place in Las Vegas every fall, is the largest gathering of aftermarket products and people under one roof. It’s a chance to network, check out new products and attend informative seminars. It’s fast-paced and frenetic and can be a world of fun, however, on the flipside, it’s also an exhausting week of glad-handing and schmoozing in a very pricey town. Is it offering the best bang for your buck?
Manufacturers’ Rep Conference Slated to Take Place in Conjunction with GAAS
AAIA has announced details of its upcoming Manufacturer’s Representative Conference, which takes place in conjunction with the 2004 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium. The conference, slated for May 16-17 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago, Ill., will address “Industry Partnerships – Developing Strategies for a Profitable Future.” Parts Plus President Mike Lambert is among a number of industry experts scheduled to speak at the event.
MACS Announces New Sponsorships for 2004 Convention
Four Seasons, a division of Standard Motor Products, has announced its sponsorship of “Crank it UP!” — the 24th annual Convention and Trade Show of the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide. The convention takes place January 22-24 at the Caribe Royale All-Suite Resort in Orlando, Fla. Sanden International has announced its gold sponsorship of the event, bringing drag racing legend Big Daddy Don Garlits to the convention to present the keynote speech during a luncheon on Saturday, January 24th at noon. Garlits will speak on teamwork and working toward success.
ELR for Application Parts Manual Now Available
AAIA has just published the Enhanced Line Review (ELR) for Application Parts, a 298-page manual to help companies make better assortment decisions, increase inventory efficiency and develop long-term strategies to grow their parts businesses.
ATMC Spring Conference to Focus on “Clean Diesel”
The Automotive Training Managers Council (ATMC) will hold its 2004 Spring Conference and Business Meeting on April 18-20 at the Holiday Inn Fairlane-Dearborn in Detroit, Mich. The conference will focus on heavy-duty/diesel emissions and new technologies. Numerous automotive presentations on clean diesels, new emissions-related systems and their impact on the service technician will be on the agenda.
Learn How to Work Leaner, Faster, Better at GAAS 2004
Early registrants for the ninth annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) program will learn how the aftermarket will work leaner, faster and better at a substantial savings. GAAS 2004 is set for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18-19, at the Hyatt Regency, Chicago, Ill. Dr. Jeffrey Rosensweig, economist and professor at Emory University, heads the lineup of speakers at GAAS 2004. NASCAR Driver Bill Lester is the featured lunch speaker on Tuesday, May 18. GAAS 2004 will also include two pre-conference events: the 2004 Manufacturers’ Reps Conference on Sunday and Monday, May 16-17, and the University of the Aftermarket Pre-Symposium Seminar on Monday, May 17, “How to Accelerate Your Sales Growth through Increased Customer Loyalty.”
Deadline to Participate in AASA 2004 Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers List is Feb. 6; Form Available Online
Time is running out to participate in the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) 2004 Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers List. Produced by Babcox Publications in Akron, OH, this multi-page, full-color publication will feature useful information on the largest suppliers to the automotive aftermarket, and will rank suppliers by annual North American aftermarket sales. Deadline for submissions in the publication, which will be distributed this spring, is Feb. 6.
ASA Announces Dates, Location, Theme for CARS 2004
The 2004 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) will be held Nov. 4-6. CARS 2004, sponsored by the Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) Mechanical Division, is an official event of Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW), held annually in Las Vegas. This year’s event will take place at a new venue — The Flamingo Las Vegas — more conveniently located near the Sands Expo Center, the home of the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX).
More Aftermarket Eye Candy at This Year’s North American International Auto Show
Although there’s no shortage of muscle on the main floor at this year’s North American International Auto Show — the 850-horsepower Chrysler ME412 concept is only the beginning — there’s also a subterranean performance theme that’s been missing from previous shows. Once the take-it-or-leave-it realm of marginal players like Daewoo and stillborns like the revival Cunningham sports car, Cobo Center’s downstairs Michigan Hall exhibit area is studded this year with an intriguing array of production vehicles enhanced by aftermarket bolt-on goodies: designer wheels, low-profile tires, oversize brakes, high-performance shock absorbers and more.
MRC Names Iannottes Chairman Elect
The select committee of the Manufacturers’ Representatives Council (MRC) selected John Iannotte of Bob Barker Marketing & Sales as its Chairman-Elect. Iannotte has worked as a manufacturers’ rep since 1974 and is currently working on completing the second year of the Certified Professional Manufacturers’ Representative (CPMR) program, an educational subsidiary of the Manufacturers’ Representative Educational Research Foundation (MRERF). Iannotte officially begins his Chairman-Elect role in July.
ArvinMeritor’s Yost to Discuss Heavy Duty Supplier Industry Trends at Heavy Duty Dialogue
Larry Yost, chairman and CEO of ArvinMeritor will discuss the challenges facing the heavy duty supplier industry at Heavy Duty Dialogue 2004, slated for Feb. 9 and 10. The event will take place at the Atlanta Airport Hilton and Towers, Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport, Atlanta, Ga. This is 13th in the biennial series presented by the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA).
Forbes Automotive Reporters Forecast Industry Trends for 2004
Automotive industry reporters from Forbes magazine will discuss the industry outlook and trends for 2004 with automotive public relations professionals on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at Dana Corp. headquarters in Farmington Hills, Mich. Presented by the Automotive Public Relations Council (APRC), the panel discussion will be moderated by Gary Corrigan, vice president of Dana corporate communications and chairman of APRC, and will feature Jonathan Fahey and Joann Muller of Forbes. Forbes is one of the country’s leading business magazines, reaching 4.4 million readers.