Barry Soltz to Join AMRA/MAP
The board of directors of the Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association (AMRA) and the board of trustees for the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) have jointly announced the selection of Barry Soltz as the organization’s executive director and president. Soltz, who most recently served as program manager for CARFAX, Inc., will officially take over upon the retirement of Larry Hecker on June 30. Soltz previously was president and CEO of the Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association.
EngineQuest Unveils New Web Site
CHICAGO, Ill. – EngineQuest (EQ), the engine parts division of AAEQ Manufacturers and Recyclers, has introduced its new Web site at www.enginequest.com. The Web site features out-of-production or hard-to-find automotive engine parts for import and domestic vehicles that include gas or diesel applications. “Much of the EQ product line was developed in response to specific
Professional Technicians Can Earn Rewards through Federal-Mogul ‘Brake and Front End’ Promotion
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Automotive service providers will be able to earn a variety of rewards – including retail SuperCertificates, 30G Video iPod, iPod shuffle players and Best Buy gift cards valued up to $300 – by installing MOOG, National and/or Wagner premium undercar components from Federal-Mogul Corp. Now through July 31, vehicle service providers who
ASA Hosts Vehicle Service Information Presentation on Capitol Hill
An informational meeting regarding automotive service information was held this week on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., for congressional offices. Donny Seyfer, AAM, co-owner of Seyfer Automotive in the Denver area and chairman of the Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) Colorado affiliate, led the meeting on behalf of the ASA. The purpose of the meeting was to educate legislators and staff members on the availability of service information to automotive repair shops.
Midas Reports First Quarter Earnings of 9 Cents Per Diluted Share
Midas has reported net earnings of $1.3 million, or 9 cents per diluted share, for the first quarter ended March 29. That’s compared to $2.2 million, or 14 cents per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2007. Both the 2008 and 2007 results include 2 cents per diluted share for special items. Revenues for the quarter increased 8.5 percent to $44.8 million. Operating income declined $1.7 million to $4.1 million in 2008 from $5.8 million last year.
FleetPride Acquires Keller Truck Parts
National aftermarket heavy duty truck parts distributor FleetPride has acquired Keller Truck Parts, Inc. Keller has 11 locations across Delaware and Maryland. Maryland locations include Annapolis Junction, Baltimore (two branches), Elkton, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Hagerstown, Landover and Waldorf. Delaware locations include Dover and Wilmington.
ASA Publishes Extended Service Plan Guide
BEDFORD, Texas — The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has published guidelines to help members deal with extended warranty work. The guidelines cover common practices of extended service plans (ESPs), and include tips and recommendations to help streamline the repair process and ensure a positive experience for the customer and shop, ASA said. “This publication provides
Valvoline Announces Automotive Technical Scholarship
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Valvoline has announced a scholarship program to aid students in pursuit of an automotive technical career. Known as the Valvoline Automotive Technical Scholarship, the program will award five $1,000 scholarships along with a $10,000 grand prize scholarship. The scholarship program is being offered to students between the ages of 16 and 25
Beck/Arnley Adds 419 New Part Numbers
SMYRNA, Tenn. – Beck/Arnley has added another 419 new part numbers to its product line. According to Tom Fritsche, director of product management for Beck/Arnley, with the addition of these 419 new numbers, Beck/Arnley has added nearly 1,000 new parts in 2008. “We are continuing to focus on what brings value to our customers and
Monroe Lobbies Consumers to “Save a Squirrel”
Tenneco’s Monroe shocks and struts brand will launch an aggressive integrated advertising campaign this spring to remind consumers that replacing worn ride control components could help improve vehicle steering, stopping and stability – and just might save the life of an innocent squirrel darting across the road. Monroe’s “Save a Squirrel” campaign, encompassing thousands of media outlets, urges consumers to “Save a Squirrel. Change your shocks at 50,000 miles.” This message will be featured on billboards in major North American markets, in ads broadcast on nearly 2,000 radio stations, at Major League Baseball stadiums, on Web banners, on the www.monroesavethesquirrels.com campaign Web site, and other high-impact promotional activities. A variety of creative, comical campaign videos will be available on the program Web site as well as on several other consumer-oriented sites.
AAIA Asks Congress to Support to H.R. 5638
BETHESDA, Md. — The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) has called on Congress to support H.R. 5638, legislation that would amend federal patent law to provide an exception from design patent infringement for alternative repair parts used for the purpose of restoring a vehicle to its original appearance. The bill was introduced by Representative Zoe
Five Ways to Celebrate Earth Day with Your Car
Bethesda, Md. – There are many ways to participate in Earth Day, and this year, why not include your car in the celebration? The Car Care Council offers the following five ways you and your car can help protect the environment on Earth Day, April 22, as well as every day: • Drive Green –