AutoZone Creates Student Scholarship Program
AutoZone has created a new scholarship program focusing on automotive service technology. The $10,000 “AutoZone Future Technician Scholarship” will be managed and administered by SkillsUSA-VICA’s Youth Development Foundation (YDF). AutoZone intends to divide the scholarship incrementally to gold, silver and bronze medal winners of the SkillsUSA National Championships Automotive Service Technology contest held in Kansas City, Mo., on June 21.
MEMA Holds Second Annual Counterfeiting Seminar
MEMA presented its second annual seminar dedicated to the issue of counterfeiting of automotive and truck parts. The event, “Taking Action Against Automotive/Truck Parts Counterfeiting, Diversion and IPR Violations” was held on Monday, April 5 at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Mich. Described by Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Vice President Paul Foley as a “major industry initiative,” the seminar was developed to educate the industry on the nuances of counterfeiting, share best practices, solicit media support and provide networking and exhibitor opportunities.
NARSA Joins AAPEX, New Heat and Transfer & Mobile A/C Section to Be Established
The National Automotive Radiator Service Association (NARSA) has forged an agreement with the sponsoring associations of Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) for the establishment of a new Heat Transfer & Mobile A/C Section at the 2004 AAPEX show. The announcement was made today at the 51st Annual NARSA Convention & Tradeshow in Nashville, Tenn.
Bosch Releases New Oxygen Sensor Catalog
Robert Bosch Corp. has released its new 2004 Oxygen Sensor Catalog, which includes more than 140 new part numbers, enhanced sensor diagrams and images, and extensive cross referencing. Altogether, 1,294 part numbers are included, providing 99.8 percent make and model coverage for oxygen sensor replacement, said Bosch.
IAPA Selects Wrenchead’s Central Suite of Products
Electronic catalog and software solutions provider, Wrenchead, has announced that Independent Auto Parts of America (IAPA) has chosen Wrenchead’s suite of ebusiness solutions to power its members’ e-commerce initiatives. IAPA is one of the nation’s leading program distribution groups. In addition to marketing programs and technology solutions that IAPA provides its members, the group negotiates more than $1 billion worth of auto parts for more than four thousand independent auto parts store members and tech centers each year.
Executive Interview with Joe Puishys, President of Honeywell Friction Materials
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Joe Puishys, president of Honeywell Friction Materials. A 25-year veteran of the company’s automotive businesses, Joe Puishys has served as president of Honeywell Friction Materials since early 2002. His responsibilities include overseeing the most recent corporate effort to align closely with Honeywell’s business initiatives and operating plan. He has already played a major role in the cost cutting and six sigma programs occurring throughout the organization. Join us as Puishys gives us an update on Honeywell Friction Materials, including plans to expand manufacturing operations and launch new products.
Thomson Delmar Learning Re-Launched ASE Test Prep Web Site
With technicians across the country preparing to take ASE exams, educational resource firm, Thomas Delmar Learning has re-launched www.ATCChallenge.com, its online automotive ASE test prep course. Delmar Learning has made improvements to the site, updating it with the latest ASE task lists.
Dealers Turning to Independents for Service Contracts
Car dealers sell more optional service contracts (such as extended warranties and mechanical-breakdown protection) when they utilize independent providers as opposed to plans offered from their respective factories. According to a study released by J.D. Power and Associates, dealers that use independents have sales rates of 32 percent to new-car buyers and 40 percent to used-car buyers. In contrast, dealers who use factory plans report 28 percent and 33 percent respectively.
Visteon Presents Summit Award to the GM of Its Shanghai Joint Venture
The general manager of Visteon’s automotive electronics joint venture in Shanghai, China, has been presented with company’s highest form of recognition — a Summit Award — for exceptional accomplishments in 2003. Alfeu Doria, general manager, YanFeng Visteon Electronics, was one of six individuals and teams recognized with Summit Awards by Visteon Chairman and CEO Peter Pestillo and President and COO Michael Johnston.
WIX Filtration Products Receives CARQUEST Vendor of the Year, Order Fill Awards
WIX Filtration Products was presented with the 2003 CARQUEST Vendor of the Year award and two Order Fill Awards in recognition of its impressive ship-and-fill rates, outstanding marketing programs and customer service. WIX is the exclusive manufacturer of CARQUEST’s Premium Blue and Red Filter lines.