“DST Asks: Do You Get Everything You Need from Your Current Computer System?
We’re going to go out on limb and make the assumption that the goal of your business is to make a profit by acquiring customers, selling and servicing them, and retaining them for generating future revenue. If this is not the goal of your business, there’s no need to read further in this week’s column – although if that’s the case, we would love to hear what actually is the goal of your business.
Activant Solutions, Winsby Group Announce Strategic ACES Data Mapping Partnership
Activant Solutions and Winsby Group have announced a strategic partnership designed to increase the speed of delivery for manufacturer data mapped to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association’s (AAIA) Enhanced Catalog Standard, or ACES. The new agreement combines Activant’s expanded in-house data mapping capabilities with Winsby Group’s new ACES data conversion technology.
Visteon Names Jim Ryan Director, North America Aftermarket Sales
Visteon has named Jim Ryan as its new director of North America Aftermarket Sales. In this role, Ryan will be responsible for the growth and development of Visteon’s North American Aftermarket Underhood Parts business,which offers products ranging from air conditioning and heat transfer to starters and alternators. Ryan recently served as vice president of sales, specialty product groups of Dana. During his 22-year tenure with Dana, Ryan held various sales positions including vice president of sales, NAPA Underhood Group and national sales manager.
Yokohama Announces Changes in Corporate Governance, Fiscal Results
On May 13 at its board of directors meeting, The Yokohama Rubber Co. announced changes in directorships and the introduction of the position of “corporate officer.” The changes will become effective upon approval at a shareholders meeting scheduled for June 29. Hisao Suzuki, vice president, representative director, will retire from the board of directors, and Yasuo Tominaga will assume the responsibilities of chairman and representative director. Tadanobu Nagumo will become president and representative director.
Job Without Glitter May Be Gold — Skilled ‘Blue-Collar’ Workers Get Top Dollar
Think you have to earn a college degree to collect a hefty paycheck? Think again. A work-force shortage is driving up demand – and salaries – for skilled workers in “blue-collar” trades within the construction, automotive, health-care and service industries.
President of Yokohama Tire Corp. Steps Down; New Leader Steps Up
Yokohama Rubber Co., the parent company of Yokohama Tire Corp, announced that, pending final approval of a general shareholders meeting, Koji Ikawa will resign from his position as managing director of Yokohama Rubber Co. and as president and CEO of Yokohama Tire Corp, effective June 29. Ikawa will remain chairman of Yokohama Tire Corp.
Toyota Earnings of $10 Billion Solidify Hold on 2nd Place
Toyota Motor on Tuesday became the first Japanese company to report a net profit of more than a trillion yen, or about $10 billion, firmly establishing its position as the world’s No. 2 automaker ahead of Ford Motor.
Activant Reports Successful Launch of New Jobber Management System Product
Activant Solutions recently launched a new Windows-based Jobber Management System (JMS) designed for small and mid-sized auto parts distributors. According to Jonathan Gear, vice president of marketing for Activant, the new JMS system can serve as a replacement for older (CCITRIAD) systems such as Series 12 or Loadstar.
SBC Recognizes Parts Plus for Technical Innovation
SBC Communications Inc. recently honored Parts Plus for outstanding achievement in Technical Innovation. SBC recognized Parts Plus for its efforts in developing an integrated solution for Internet-based ordering and billing of motor-vehicle parts for the telecommunications company’s automotive-business customers.
Pep Boys Invests in New Distribution Center in California
Pep Boys has announced plans to lease a 600,240-square-foot build-to-suit distribution center in San Bernardino, Calif., at the site of the former Norton Air Force Base, which is being redeveloped for industrial use. The site is now called AllianceCalifornia. Scheduled to open in May 2005, the new distribution center will replace Pep Boys’ existing three-building distribution center complex in Los Angeles.