TOLEDO, OH —
Every other week, aftermarketNews.com offers an interview with a high-profile individual in the automotive aftermarket. We give executives free rein to express their views on anything from the state of their corporations to recent legislative news to future trends in their niche markets. Here you see what matters to the newsmakers themselves.
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Terry Shively, vice president and general manager of Clevite Engine Parts, Dana Corp.’s Engine and Fluid Management Group. Shively is responsible for the marketing, sales and distribution of Dana Corporation’s Clevite Engine Parts division products. With 11 locations across the U.S., Clevite supplies Victor Reinz gaskets, Clevite 77 engine bearings and Perfect Circle piston rings to the distributor and production engine rebuilder markets.
Shively brings a wealth of operational, sales and marketing experience to his position. Most recently, he served as vice president, marketing and public relations for Dana’s Automotive Aftermarket Group. Previously, he was general manager of Dana’s Clevite operation and served as vice president of marketing at Wix Filtration Products; product planning manager at Dana’s Churubusco, Ind. facility; heavy-duty sales and marketing manager; and OEM account manager for Victor Gaskets. Shively joined Dana in 1970 and has 33 years of aftermarket experience.
Shively is an Indiana native, attended Purdue University and is a Certified Dana Supervisor. He is also past president of the National Engine Parts Manufacturers Association. He continues his associate membership in SAE, dating back to 1974.
Join us as we talk to Terry about the his new role at Clevite, the sale of Dana’s AAG and Clevite’s plans for the future. He shares details of the new Clevite Engine Builder Club, as well.
Q. It’s been a few months since you were named vice president and general manager of Dana’s Clevite Engine Parts division. How is it going so far?
A. Very well, thank you. It’s only been since the first of March but even that seems distant now. Of course, we have our business issues just like everyone else, but in general our team is up to the challenge and excited about the future.
Q. How is the mood at Dana following the recent sale of the Automotive Aftermarket Group to Cypress Group?
A. I think it’s optimistic. The folks are more focused on the goals of the company and the needs of the customers. Obviously, when you have an event of this magnitude, there are some concerns, but our new CEO Mike Burns and his executive team are doing a great job of communicating to all of the employees of Dana.
Q. You have been with Dana Corp. a long time, serving in a number of roles during your time with the company. Prior to your new position, you served as vice president of marketing and public relations for the Dana AAG. How does it feel to make this change, remaining with Dana Corp. while many of your longtime colleagues have moved with the AAG sale?
A. Well, even though many people I have worked with for more than 30 years will have a different company name on their business cards, they’ll still be in the same industry and they will remain my friends. I do have to admit that it will be a little strange not to have them at the table as we go forward, however, change is constant and we all have to manage it or even create it sometimes. All of us will continue to grow and learn just like we’ve done in the past. Naturally, there are tons of fond memories, but I think the future will be bright for all of us.
Q. As we understand it, the intention of the sale was to increase Dana’s focus on the OE customer. How does this refocused mission effect Clevite?
A. I think that focus will provide new technologies and performance improvements for the OE side of our business, but more importantly, those improvements will help us provide even better products for the aftermarket. Just like our involvement in all forms of race engine development, ultimately, that activity and the “lessons learned” will influence function and design.
Plus, the new organization aligns our aftermarket sales and distribution with the manufacturing of gaskets, rings and bearings to form a vertically integrated aftermarket company. That should improve our speed to market and tighten up the supply chain within the company.
Q. What are Clevite’s plans for the future?
A. Blocking and Tackling. Of course, it’s a lot more than that, but it’s all about the fundamentals, the customers, the products and the service levels. We need to hit our marks everyday. The future starts with each day and we need to continue to develop programs that profitably grow our Victor-Reinz, Clevite and Perfect Circle core product lines. We’ll continue our strong presence in motorsports to highlight our technologies that I spoke of earlier and we need to work with our customers to keep them healthy and in the game.
Q. Tell us about the Clevite Engine Builder Club that was recently launched.
A. Now that’s a real cool thing! We originally envisioned an engine builder club from Clevite as a way to create customer data and to communicate among the builders themselves. But this thing has really taken on a life of its own. We do the Engine Builder of the Year in NASCAR and we have the Engine Builder Challenge that was on Speed Vision on July 18th. What we are really trying to do is elevate the engine builder, the unsung hero of motor sports and therepair industry. We’re providing technical solutions for the builders and sharing tips from them across the country. The builders tell us that they’re dying for information like this to help them cope with the flood of new technology in today’s engines.
And, you know what? We put a little excitement in this, too.
Q. What issues do you see the engine parts segment of the aftermarket facing in the coming years?
A. As far as I’m concerned, the future is here. As I said earlier, it’s all about the customer and how we can take care of them and help them grow. It really doesn’t matter what you’re selling…service or product.
What will impact the engine parts business more than anything is technology and how we pass it on. The future is just amazing.
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