Telematics: Aftermarket Threat or Opportunity?
There was a time when a “Jetsons”-like future seemed just a fantasy. Today, however, the space-age cartoon isn’t far off the mark, at least when it comes to the automotive industry. We may not be driving around in hovercrafts just yet, but with the latest advances in telematics, it doesn’t seem far-fetched.
Mitchell International Partners With Dell
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Mitchell International has announced a new formal relationship that allows the company to offer Dell hardware to its customers. This new relationship between Dell and Mitchell enables collision repair facilities to operate Mitchell’s UltraMate, ABS and ABS Enterprise software on Dell-brand hardware. Under the terms of the Dell-Mitchell reseller relationship, Mitchell
Specialty Tools Acquires Hisco Professional Tools
Specialty Tools Inc. (STI) has acquired Hisco Professional Tools. The Oklahoma City, Okla.-based company manufactures fiberglass-handled digging and cleaning tools for the professional market. Hisco Professional Tools was founded in 1978, and the previous owner, Mark Pierce, has grown Hisco into a market leader focused on quality and product innovation. Along with Hisco, its recent acquisition of Nupla Corp will make it a dominant force in the professional tool industry, STI said.
KYB Launches Annual ‘Feeling is Believing’ Promotion
ADDISON, Ill. — This August and September, KYB is once again launching its annual ‘Feeling is Believing’ promotion. Participating service providers will receive certificates for discounts off future KYB purchases when they purchase and install KYB shocks or struts between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30. Service providers participating in “Feeling is Believing” will also receive
Midas Reports Second Quarter Results; Begins Co-Branding of Midas Services at SpeeDee Shops
Midas has reported net earnings of $2.2 million, or 16 cents per diluted share, for the second quarter ended June 28, compared to $3 million, or 21 cents per diluted share, in 2007. The 2008 results include 3 cents per share of special items relating to business transformation activities and losses on sales of assets, while the 2007 number includes 4 cents per share of special items.
Pep Boys Completes Lease-Back Transaction
PHILADELPHIA — Pep Boys has closed on the sale of 22 properties for an aggregate purchase price of $77.5 million. In conjunction, the company entered into agreements to lease the properties back to be operated as Pep Boys stores, for a lease term of 15 years, with four 5-year options. “We are pleased to have
Autoliv Acquires Tyco’s Automotive Radar Sensors Business
Autoliv Inc. has agreed to acquire the automotive radar sensors business of Tyco Electronics Ltd. for $42 million. The business that Autoliv intends to acquire, is a “carve-out” of the Radio Frequency and Subsystems business unit within Tyco Electronics. This part of the business unit designs and manufactures active radar proximity and attribute sensor systems used in vehicle driver assist and safety applications for the global automotive market — and is the development partner of Daimler for automotive radar sensor technology. Existing customers include BMW and Chrysler along with other non-OEM customers.
WHI’s Nexpart eCommerce Solution Surpasses 100,000 Users
RYE BROOK, N.Y. — WHI Solutions, Inc. (formerly Wrenchead), announced that its Nexpart eCommerce solution has reached more than 100,000 users. Nexpart is a fully integrated eBusiness suite for wholesalers and retailers featuring integrated warehouse and store management, eCatalog, eCommerce and Business Intelligence. WHI said it achieved this milestone due to the rapid customer adoption
Monro Muffler Brake Announces Record First Quarter 2009 Financial Results
Monro Muffler Brake has announced record financial results for its fiscal 2009 first quarter ended June 28. Sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 increased 11.8 percent to a record $120.4 million compared to $107.6 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2008. The company said sales were positively impacted by strong in-store execution, a 2.5 percent comparable store traffic increase driven by effective advertising programs and additional price increases in certain product categories.
Keystone’s 2008 Crash Parts Digest Now Available
Keystone Automotive is now distributing its 2008 Crash Parts Digest to collision repair shops and insurance customers. The newly redesigned catalog contains part numbers, descriptions and pricing information for both domestic and import makes and models. More than 20,000 part numbers, 4,500 of them new, are included in the catalog, which represents the following product lines: cooling, lighting, bumpers, fenders, wheels, mirrors and sheet metal.
Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Center Launched at Northeast Texas Community College; Center Seeking Program Chair
Carroll Shelby, chairman and founder of Carroll Shelby International, and Northeast Texas Community College (NTCC) have created the new Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Center. The program will include a state-of-the-art facility and instruction in automotive and body repair. The Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Program is expected to enroll the first class this fall. This intensive, hands-on program is designed to train technicians to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation.
Joe Gibbs Driven Introduces New Shop Products
Joe Gibbs Driven, a division of Joe Gibbs Racing, is introducing an automotive degreaser and brake and parts cleaner to complement its line of oils and lubricants sold to the racing and high performance market. While developed for racing, these products will work great in any shop or garage application, according to company. Joe Gibbs