AutoZone Announces Organizational Changes
AutoZone has announced a number of organizational changes this week. Among the new appointments, veteran retail executive Jim Shea has been hired to serve as executive vice president, merchandising and marketing. Most recently, Shea served as the CEO of Party City. He previously held senior level positions with companies such as Lechter’s Housewares, Kaufmann’s Department Stores, Lechmere, Eddie Bauer and Dayton Hudson. Shea started his career with General Mills.
NFL Coach and NASCAR Team Owner Joe Gibbs to be GAAS 2005 Luncheon Speaker
Joe Gibbs, head coach of the NFL’s Washington Redskins and founder of the Joe Gibbs Racing team, will address “Teamwork, Perseverance and Excellence,” as the luncheon speaker at the 10th annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) in Chicago. The first Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium was held in 1996, at the Hyatt Regency Deerfield Hotel in the suburban Chicago area. From its humble beginnings, the Symposium has grown to be the industry’s leading educational forum.
Siemens VDO Automotive Hires New Manufacturer’s Rep Firm for Northeast Region
Siemens VDO Automotive has added Repforce, Inc. of Aston, Pa., to its sales force. The agency will be responsible for Siemens VDO Automotive’s sales activities in the Northeast region, including the Mid-Atlantic states, New York and New Jersey. Repforce was established in 1995 and has offices in Aston, Pa., and Buffalo, NY.
Car Care Council Women’s Board Establishes Northwood University Annual Scholarship
The Car Care Council Women’s Board has established an annual scholarship for women enrolled in the Automotive Aftermarket/Management program of study at the Michigan campus of Northwood University. The scholarship will be based upon academic merit and financial need. In order to qualify, each recipient is required to participate in three campus or community-related projects; demonstrate career interest; maintain measurable academic progress; communicate with the donor; and remain enrolled full-time for the entire academic year of the award.
Federal-Mogul Seeks Citigroup Loan OK: $1.93 Billion May Keep Parts Maker Afloat
Federal-Mogul Corp. is asking a U.S. bankruptcy judge for permission to borrow as much as $1.93 billion from Citigroup Inc. to help fund its reorganization.
Lund International Announces New Retail Sales Director
Lund International has added a new member to its sales and marketing department. Mike Stevens, who started with the company on Oct. 1, will serve as the company’s new sales director for the retail channels. Stevens comes to Lund International from Wolo Manufacturing in New York, where he served as national sales manager servicing accounts within the retail channel in addition to managing a team of sales representatives.
Michael Roth joins TRG Studios as Senior Account Executive
TRG Studios, a Cleveland, Ohio-based commercial photography and film studio specializing in automotive photography, has named Michael Roth as its new senior account executive. Roth brings to TRG more than 20 years of experience in marketing management, advertising and outside sales. For more than 15 years, Roth has worked extensively in the automotive aftermarket, with both advertising agencies and automotive parts manufacturers, including five years at Anthony Thomas Advertising in Akron, Ohio.
ICOR International Announces Staff Promotions
ICOR International, Inc., an Indianapolis-based manufacturer and distributor of air conditioning and refrigeration products, recently announced promotion of three of its employees.
Software Industry Veteran to Lead CarParts Technologies
Data Network Inc., a provider of software and real-time data services to the automotive industry, has appointed Paul Van Den Berg as president of its subsidiary, CarParts Technologies. CarParts Technologies provides open, eCommerce and business automation software solutions for the North American automotive aftermarket. Van Den Berg will replace Dave McCann, who served as CarParts’ president and CEO since 2002. McCann is leaving the company to pursue his career in a field outside the aftermarket.
AOCA Second Edition Technician Academy Training Materials Now Available
The Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA), a non-profit trade organization representing the convenient automotive maintenance industry, has released the second edition of its Technician Academy training materials. AOCA members who previously purchased Technician Academy, will be provided the updated version of the Technician Guide, Trainer Guide and Technician Workbook without charge.
Registration Now Open for MACS 25th Anniversary Convention and Trade Show
Those planning to attend the MACS 25th Anniversary Convention and Trade Show, “NOW IS THE TIME!” can find a host of information about the show available online. “Automotive service shop owners and their technicians who attend MACS 25th Anniversary Convention and Trade Show, ‘NOW IS THE TIME!’ will expand their knowledge during the 41 hours of mobile A/C, engine cooling system and business training over three event packed days,” said Elvis Hoffpauir, MACS president and COO. “The knowledge they gain will be able to immediately be put to use in the shop for greater profitability. Attendees will also discover the world’s largest trade show focused on the latest mobile A/C and engine cooling system parts, tools and equipment.”
Fel-Pro Introduces Advanced PermaDryPlus Design
Federal-Mogul’s Fel-Pro brand of engine sealing technologies, has introduced an advanced PermaDryPlus replacement intake manifold gasket design, created to solve chronic coolant leakage issues in light trucks and sport-utility vehicles.