MEMA Board Member Michael Cardone, Jr. Addresses European Distributor Group
Michael Cardone Jr., president and CEO of CARDONE Industries and a vice president on the MEMA Board of Directors, recently explained the U.S. remanufacturing industry to FIGIEFA (Federation of International Automotive Aftermarket Distributors). The presentation was made at the group’s annual meeting in Lisbon, Portugal. FIGIEFA is a European governing body that represents 27 national trade associations from 21 countries.
OEM Purchasing VPs to Discuss Industry Collaboration at Auto-Tech 2004
Top purchasing executives from DaimlerChrysler Corp., Ford Motor Co., and General Motors Corp. will headline a panel discussion on global purchasing practices at the 17th annual Auto-Tech conference at the Cobo Conference Center on Wednesday, Sept. 1. Auto-Tech is an automotive industry trade conference organized by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG).
AASA: U.S. Trade Deficit Hurts Automotive Supplier Industry
The disparity between automotive parts exports ($48 billion) and parts imports ($74 billion) drove the U.S. auto parts trade deficit to $26 billion in 2003, according to the 2004 Automotive Aftermarket Status Report, just released by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA).
Expand Summer Repair Business with “Be Car Care Aware” Point-of-Sale Starter Kits
The Car Care Council’s “Be Car Care Aware” point-of-sale starter kits provide the tools to help repair shops and part stores remind motorists to maintain their vehicles for the summer vacation season. Now, the “Be Car Care Aware” starter kits can be ordered online.
Chinese Autobuyers Have No Brand Loyalty Yet
China’s thriving car market boasts huge business opportunities, yet automakers should put more effort into making the local consumers loyal to their products, according to a recent survey of three major metropolitan Chinese cities. The survey was conducted by market research company AC Nielsen, in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, China’s three major automobile markets.
Commerce Secretary Selects Members for U.S. Manufacturing Council
U.S. Commerce Secretary Donald Evans has selected 11 people to serve on the newly established Manufacturing Advisory Council. Two executives from the automotive and heavy duty industries have been selected to serve on the council: Jim Padilla, COO of Ford Motor Co. and chairman of its automotive operations; and James Owens, chairman and CEO of Caterpillar Inc.
GAAS Scholarships Awarded to 145 Students
The Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) continues its work to ensure a strong future talent pool for automotive aftermarket companies and service outlets through its highly successful scholarship program. A total of 145 students will receive $1,000 GAAS scholarships in 2004, with the majority of recipients entering automotive vocational-technical programs, which will help address the critical shortage of automotive technicians.
SunTrust Enters Multi-Year Pact with NASCAR
Atlanta, Georgia-based SunTrust Banks has signed a multi-year agreement to become the “Official Bank of NASCAR.” The company is utilizing this new partnership with NASCAR to build upon its Motorsports Banking Group announced earlier this year. Under terms of the agreement, SunTrust will support a number of NASCAR activities, including the sport’s diversity initiatives, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, grassroots racing and various charitable and community programs.
WIX Filters First Supplier to Become PIES Certified
WIX Filters has become the first aftermarket supplier to receive certification under the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association’s (AAIA) Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES). PIES was developed by a subcommittee of AAIA’s technology group following a 2002 product data study conducted by AAIA that found aftermarket product data was inaccurate and incomplete. The study revealed that data errors were costing the aftermarket $1.7 billion annually.
PRI Show Moving to Orlando In 2005
Show organizers for the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show have announced to their current exhibitors that the 2005 PRI Show will be moving to the new 1 million-square-foot Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. According to a letter currently being distributed to exhibiting manufacturers, PRI is moving the show to Orlando in response to the rapid growth of the event and the needs of exhibiting companies.
AAIA Factbook: Aftermarket Mergers and Acquisitions on the Rise Again
Consolidation within the U.S. automotive parts and accessories industry increased in 2003 after three consecutive years of decline, according to new data reported in the 2004/2005 Aftermarket Factbook published by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).A total of 48 reported aftermarket mergers and acquisitions took place in 2003, increasing 9.1 percent from 2002.
Advance Auto Parts Promotes Mark Hickman to VP of Point of Sale Processes
Advance Auto Parts has promoted Mark Hickman to the position of vice president of point of sale (POS) processes. Hickman, who has been with the company more than two years, was instrumental in directing the update of Advance’s Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC). In his new position, he will be responsible for the continued development and implementation of the company’s POS/EPC strategies.