Ninth Annual GAAS Kicked Off in Chicago
While the theme of this year’s Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) — Leaner, Faster, Better — may connote the automated efficiency of a well-run machine, the true focus of the day’s numerous presentations was on the talented pool of people who make up that machine and how to make better use of them. “The core of any great business is the people,” said GAAS founder and chairman Mort Schwartz, who welcomed approximately 400 aftermarket executives to the event.
Rep. Knollenberg Introduces Bill To Fight Counterfeit Goods
U.S. Representative Joe Knollenberg (R-Mich. 9th District) yesterday introduced legislation to strengthen the federal law used to prosecute counterfeiters whose products threaten public health, harm American manufacturers and cost jobs in the U.S. The Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act would require the mandatory destruction of equipment used to manufacture and package counterfeit goods. In addition, the proposed legislation addresses methods that counterfeiters have used to evade prosecution, such as the selling of patch sets or medallions that can later be attached to generic merchandise and given the appearance of a genuine product, as well as placing a counterfeit mark on goods not specifically listed in the trademark registration.
Senate Passes Corporate Tax Bill
The Senate passed legislation this week on S. 1637, that would replace the Foreign Sales Corporation (FSC) tax benefit for exporters with a $170 billion, 10-year tax break package. The 92-5 vote for passage brings the U.S. closer to ending European Union (EU) tariff sanctions imposed on certain U.S. products, after the U.S. failed to end the current tax break ruled in violation of World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements.
Former RMA VP Joins MEMA
On June 1, Ann Wilson, formerly of the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) in Washington, D.C., will join the staff at the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). Previously, Wilson served as the vice president of government affairs at RMA. She will serve in the same role with MEMA.
Federal-Mogul Says Bill Could Jeopardize Jobs
Federal-Mogul Corp., a Southfield-based auto-parts maker forced into bankruptcy by asbestos litigation, says it opposes legislation to create a $124-billion fund to compensate people for cancer and other diseases caused by the fibrous mineral. Federal-Mogul told lawmakers it was no longer represented by two industry groups lobbying Congress to pass the bill as a retired federal judge tried to mediate differences over the measure. The bill is stalled in the U.S. Senate. Republican and Democratic leaders agreed to the mediation after Democrats blocked Senate action on the bill last week.
Executive Interview with Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of AAIA
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Schmatz became president and CEO of AAIA on Jan. 1, 2004. She had served as executive vice president of the association since January 2002. In addition to filling us in on her first few months at her new post, Schmatz shared with aftermarketNews.com updates on AAIA’s merger with AWDA, Right to Repair legislation and the Be Car Care Award Campaign.
Oklahoma’s Court OKs Bond Issues for 2 Tire Plants
Two tire manufacturers’ expansion plans totaling $450 million got a major boost Tuesday from the Oklahoma Supreme Court. The court approved a $66.3 million bond issue designed to help the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.’s $250 million plant expansion in Lawton, Okla. The bond issue also would help in a $200 million expansion at Michelin North American Inc. in Ardmore, Okla.
Right to Repair Act Sponsors Grow to 90
Another legislator has added his name to the growing list of proponents for the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act, H.R. 2735. Rep. John P. Gingrey, R-Ga., has agreed to support the bill, taking the total number of cosponsors to 90. The legislation would ensure that the independent aftermarket has affordable and effective access to the service information and tools needed to compete with new car dealers for the repair of late model vehicles.
Bills Support Federal-Mogul Factories
Legislation aimed at keeping Federal-Mogul Corp. factories open in St. Johns and Greenville passed the Michigan Senate. The bills, both passed unanimously, would allow the Southfield-based company to get state tax credits. In exchange, Federal-Mogul would have to keep at least 150 workers at each of the factories and 1,000 workers statewide.
ASAAA Announces Its Support for Right to Repair Act
The Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA) has issued a statement announcing its support for HR 2735, The Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act. Aftermarket associations throughout the U.S. that are represented by ASAAA, were unanimous in their support of the bill, said ASAAA.