AutoZone Names Sponge First-Ever Agency of Record
For the first time in its 30-year history, AutoZone has hired an ad agency to assist the auto parts retailer with television, radio and interactive media promotions. Chicago-based Sponge has been named Agency of Record for AutoZone. In addition to developing advertising for AutoZone’s 4,000-plus stores around the country, Sponge will also handle the company’s Duralast brand.
PARTSFORCE Takes Aim at State Farm Discount Parts Program
VANCOUVER, B.C. — PARTSFORCE AUTOMOTIVE, a provider business intelligence and electronic parts marketing services to collision parts vendors, announced that it will challenge State Farm’s Select Service discount OEM parts program with its own system. Introduced earlier this year, the State Farm program makes OEM parts from a limited number of dealers available to insurers
Eaton Elects Joseph Palchak Automotive Group CEO; Jake Hooks Named President Engine Air Management Business
Eaton Corp. announced today that Joseph Palchak has been elected to the position of chief executive officer – Automotive Group. Formerly president of the Engine Air Management Business, Palchak reports to Alexander Cutler, Eaton chairman and chief executive officer. He succeeds Scott King, who passed away earlier this month following a battle with cancer. Jake Hooks has been named to replace Palchak as president – Engine Air Management Business.
Federal-Mogul Recognized for Performance by GAU International
Federal-Mogul Corp. has received a GAU (Group Auto Union) International Award for its product and performance achievements. The award was presented at the company’s annual shareholder’s meeting May 20 – 22, in Biarritz, France. Federal-Mogul supplies innovative technologies from its five core product categories: engine, sealing, steering, braking and service solutions to GAU International, a network of multispecialists for distribution of spare parts and services for cars, trucks and agricultural materials.
Atlas Copco Restructures Pneumatic Tools Production
Desoutter Ltd., part of Atlas Copco Industrial Technique, plans to transfer its manufacturing operations in Hemel Hempstead, Great Britain, to other manufacturing units within the Group and to sub-suppliers. The move is part of a process to strengthen the long-term cost competitiveness of the business area. The reorganization will lead to the closure of the Hemel Hempstead factory, affecting approximately 95 employees.
JohnDow Industries Completes Major Warehouse Expansion
Joe Dease, president of JohnDow Industries (JDI) announced that the company has completed a major warehouse expansion project at its Barberton, Ohio, headquarters. A 68,000-square-foot warehouse addition was completed at a cost of $1.5 million in late March of 2008. This expansion grows the JDI warehouse capabilities to a total of 121,000-square-foot of space. Dease commented that double digit sales increases during the last few years created a need to expand the company’s capabilities to better serve customers and allow for future growth. Much of the recent sales growth occurred in the Fuel Chief and EuroVent lines, Dease added.
Keystone Adds Mirrors to Aftermarket Rewards Product Line-Up
POMONA, Calif. – Beginning July 1, Keystone Automotive customers will be eligible to receive 20 Aftermarket Rewards bonus points for each mirror purchased online at OrderKeystone.com. All customers that have linked their valid Keystone account number to their AMR profile will automatically receive their Click-to-Claim notification email and be eligible to earn points for their
Federated Kicks Off 2008 Aloha Sweepstakes
STAUNTON, Va. – Federated Auto Parts has announced the kick-off of its 2008 Aloha Sweepstakes, which is offered exclusively to eligible Federated Car Care Center members. The grand prize of the Federated Aloha Sweepstakes program is an all-expense paid, seven-day Hawaiian cruise for two. In addition, many other prizes will be awarded such as a
Executive Interview with Matt Guden, Business Development Manager, Everco
Matt Guden is the business development manager for Everco Heavy Duty. In this position, he is responsible for market analysis, creating and managing brands for all markets, communicating with existing customers and the sales force and helping customers manage their inventories, in addition to product promotions and other marketing functions. Join us as Guden re-introduces the Everco Heavy Duty brand and talks about the company’s brand strategy going forward.
Cooper Expands in Mexico
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. is expanding its presence in Mexico, striking a deal to partner in a capacity expansion project at that country’s second largest tire plant. In the deal, Cooper will invest $31 million for a 38 percent stake in the project, which will increase production capacity at the Corporacion de Occidente passenger radial plant in Guadalajara. Cooper already has a business relationship with Corporacion de Occidente, having formed a 50/50 joint sales and marketing venture with the employee-owned firm in October 2007 to handle Cooper and Pneustone brands in that country.