Executive Interview with H.Y. Pae, President, Hankook Tire America
In this exclusive Executive Interview, H.Y. Pae, president of Hankook Tire America Corp., discusses the growth of Hankook in the United States and the ways in which the company is working toward becoming one of the top five tire makers by 2012.
R.L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Looks at the Recent PAACE Automechanika Mexico in Mexico City
PAACE Automechanika Mexico took place for the eighth time from July 11-13 in Mexico City. Around 500 companies exhibited at the event, which attracted some 15,000 visitors. We asked some industry executives what they thought of this year’s show, as well as their general thoughts about the importance of the Mexican aftermarket.
Executive Interview with Philip Martens, ArvinMeritor Senior Vice President, President, Light Vehicle Systems
In this exclusive Executive Interview, Phil Martens, senior vice president and president of ArvinMeritor’s Light Vehicle Systems business group, brings us up to speed on the return of the Gabriel brand as part of the company’s focus on re-invigorating its global ride control business.
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Looks at Technology’s “Next Big Thing”
In honor of the annual Aftermarket eForum taking place today and tomorrow in Chicago, Ask the Industry this week explores the topic of technology. In our recent Executive Interview with Jim Franco, we asked the Autologue Computer Systems CEO, what he thought was ‘the’ new technology today that is doing the most to help make the aftermarket industry more efficient. Franco’s answer: the Internet. Franco wasn’t the only one to sing the praises of the ‘Net. We asked a number of aftermarket professionals working in the technology arena to answer the same question.
Executive Interview with Jim Franco, CEO of Autologue Computer Systems
In our exclusive interview with Autologue CEO Jim Franco, we learn more about the company’s new product offerings, and tap into Franco’s extensive experience in the industry for some predictions on the aftermarket’s technological future.
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry: Do Technicians Care Where Parts are Made?
As a low-cost option for manufacturing parts, outsourcing to countries like China and India is no longer just for the ‘forward thinkers’ in this industry. at the very top of the distribution channel, the comfort level with offering product that isn’t “Made in the USA” has increased greatly. You could say it’s no longer even an issue, given the realities of today’s marketplace. But what about the other end of the distribution channel – what do the technicians think? We asked a couple local technicians how much country of origin matters when selecting parts for repairs. Simply put, we asked if they care where a part is made.
Executive Interview with Ric Alameddine
This week we talk with Ric Alameddine, vice president of marketing, North American Aftermarket, for Tenneco Inc., manufacturer of Monroe shocks and struts, Monroe premium brakes, Walker exhaust products, DynoMax performance exhaust, Rancho performance suspensions and shocks, and DuPont Car Care appearance and performance chemicals. In our exclusive interview, Alameddine talks about Monroe’s foray into the brake category and how the company keeps its branding and marketing initiatives fresh.
Executive Interview with Benny Araujo, Marketing Manager for Four Seasons
This week we hear from Benny Araujo, marketing manager for Four Seasons. Araujo has worked for Four Seasons since 1998. Prior to joining Four Seasons, he worked as a sales manager for Dayco Products. Araujo began his career in 1985 with Eaglemotive (Kool Klutch/Imperial), working in the marketing department. A graduate of the University of Texas-Arlington, Araujo has a BBA in Marketing. In this AMN exclusive, Araujo talks about the company, its reman products and their environmental benefits and the impact of being a ‘seasonal’ business.
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Looks at Budgeting for Education and Training
In a recent five-part series written exclusively for Counterman, industry consultant Tom Easton said, “Business impact and ROI are the only reasons for training and employee education programs.” For automotive aftermarket suppliers, knowing that your end-user has a good working knowledge and understanding of your product is vital. It not only ensures that your product will be used or installed correctly and safely, but is also yet another way to reinforce your brand’s image and reputation of quality – something all aftermarket suppliers strive for today.
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Looks at the
In our most recent Executive Interview we asked Jeff Stauffer, senior vice president of global group marketing for Affinia Group, Inc., for his thoughts on ‘cherry picking’ — the growing trend of aftermarket customers selecting their suppliers to suit their needs. At a reader’s request, we opened this question up to several executives from other aftermarket parts makers.
R. L. Polk & Co’s Ask the Industry Looks at the Increased Selling and Buying of Outsourced Products
The words “offshoring” and “outsourcing” are loaded terms that can touch a nerve with some in the automotive aftermarket. The idea of manufacturing or importing product from overseas brings up questions about quality, safety and intellectual property, not to mention concerns over the loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs. However, for many in the aftermarket, outsourcing is starting to lose its stigma; not everyone in the aftermarket still sees outsourcing as a dirty word.
Executive Interview with Jeff Stauffer, Senior Vice President of Global Group Marketing for Affinia Group, Inc.
This week we hear from Jeff Stauffer, senior vice president of global group marketing for Affinia Group, Inc. Prior to joining Affinia in September 2006, Stauffer was vice president of marketing for the consumer products division of Old World Industries. In that position he managed all aspects of product development and brand management for a diverse portfolio of products, including PEAK Antifreeze and Mr. Clean Auto Care. Before moving to Old World in 1997, Stauffer had worked at Moog Automotive/Cooper Industries for 13 years. He began his career at Tenneco Automotive in 1976. His 30 years in the aftermarket also have included extensive experience in sourcing, research, sports marketing, public relations, advertising, as well as category management. Stauffer is a board member of the Automotive Sales Council and has served on the AAIA Marketing and Membership committees. He earned a B.B.A. degree in Business Management and Accounting from Northwood University, where he serves on the Board of Governors for Mic