University Forum to Present S.W.O.T. Analysis Of OE Dealers
It goes without saying that our industry continues to change before our very eyes. Distribution channels and methods continue to change. What worked as recently as a year ago might not be working now. The University of the Aftermarket’s annual University Forum can help you stay competitive, and keep pace with our ever-changing market. The event takes place on Sunday, Oct. 31 prior to the kickoff of AAPEX 2004. This year, University Forum will feature — Bill Hanvey, vice president of marketing for Motormite/Dorman; and Jon Owens, AAP, publisher of Counterman magazine, aftermarketNews.com and AAPEX Today at Babcox Publications. At University Forum, Owens and Hanvey will lead a presentation titled: “S.W.O.T. Analysis Of OE Dealers,” which will address this major supplier to traditional channels of the aftermarket.
RMA Gets Political
The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) is hoping to boost the rubber industry’s participation in the upcoming presidential election. RMA has added a link to the Business Industry Political Action Committee’s (BIPAC) Prosperity Project on its web site — www.rma.org. The Prosperity Project is an online tool dedicated to increasing public awareness on political issues and voting. Through its participation in the project, visitors to the RMA web site can register to vote, contact elected officials or find information on the 2004 presidential election, legislation and policies.
Edelbrock Exhibit to Be Shown at Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum
For nearly 67 years the name Edelbrock has been synonymous with performance and racing. The story of this remarkable family and company, which helped shape the hot rod car culture and launch an industry, began in 1938 with Vic Edelbrock Sr. working in a small garage in Los Angeles. It continues today with Vic Edelbrock Jr. at the helm of the $115 million-plus Edelbrock Corporation. Now this story of ingenuity and automotive performance will be told through a special exhibit at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California.
Bridgestone Firestone Voluntarily Recalls Dueler Tires in U.S. and Canada
Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire (BFNT) announced yesterday that it is initiating a voluntary safety campaign in the U.S. to replace approximately 25,600 Bridgestone Dueler A/T tires in size LT285/75R16 LR D (Load Range D). The tires were manufactured in Japan by Bridgestone Corp. and imported into the U.S. by BFNT for sale in the replacement tire market. Bridgestone Firestone Canada (BFCA) also intends to replace approximately 1,400 of these tires in the Canadian replacement market that were sold through BFCA’s network of independent dealers. The company said recent data reviewed as part of its early warning system showed that a small percentage of these tires may experience belt detachment, particularly when operated above or below recommended inflation pressures.
Quality Is Top Consideration for Repair Shop Equipment Purchases, According to New AAIA Report
Quality is the most important factor for repair shop owners, service managers and technicians when it comes to purchasing shop equipment, according to the “2004/2005 Equipment Purchasing Trends,” a new market research report published by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Quality remained at the top for both past and planned purchases. Service, warranty, price and availability were each rated as less significant considerations when selecting equipment, said AAIA.
Alltrade Launches New line of HOT ROD Branded Automotive Tools
Shop tool and equipment maker Alltrade Tools LLC recently launched a new line of branded automotive tools and garage equipment, using the Hot Rod magazine name for the new brand. Alltrade teamed up with PRIMEDIA Enterprises, the licensing merchandising division of PRIMEDIA Inc., which publishes HOT ROD magazine. This is the second HOT ROD product line to launch following last year’s debut of the HOT ROD line of garage furniture produced by Sauder Woodworking.
Date Change Announced for IBIS@NACE Event
The International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) has changed the date for IBIS@NACE event, a one-day conference that will focus on the latest trends and developments in the global collision repair industry. The event originally scheduled to take place on Nov. 5, will now take place on Wednesday, Nov. 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Denso’s Thai Unit Aims to Raise Quality, Lower Costs
Autoparts maker Denso Corp.’s Thai unit will work to improve quality while lowering the cost of its products, President Shinji Takeuchi of Denso (Thailand) Co. told The Nihon Keizai Shimbun daily newspaper. The launch of Toyota Motor Corp.’s Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle project, in which it produces common automobile models overseas and exports them around the world, is expected to have an impact on the way autoparts makers operate in Southeast Asia.
AASP-MN Announces Fall Educational Offerings
The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, Minnesota (AASP-MN) has released its schedule of fall educational programs. AASP-MN will host an educational program on “Inflatable Restraint Systems,” from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis, Minn. AASP-MN will host an educational program on “Inflatable Restraint Systems,” from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis, Minn.
Modine Develops Fuel-Cell Parts
Modine Manufacturing Co. is developing fuel-cell components for an underground mining machine being built for the U.S. Department of Energy. The Racine, Wis.-based company will supply a cooling system for the machine that’s expected to run from a fuel-cell and battery-hybrid engine in tight spaces up to 1,000 feet underground.
Rancho Publishes Catalog Supplement with New Performance Suspensions, Expanded Shock Lineup
The Rancho brand of performance suspensions, shock absorbers and related components for light trucks and sport utility vehicles has published a full-color, 20-page catalog supplement that features new products and enhanced application coverage.
Standard Motor Products Accountants Resign, Company Seeking New Independent Accountants
Replacement parts manufacturer Standard Motor Products issued a statement today that its independent accountants KPMG LLP resigned as of August 19. According to James Burke, Standard Motor Products’ CFO, KPMG resigned because it was not satisfied with the company’s progress with regard to documentation under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as due to a disagreement regarding its 2004 audit fee.