The Pulse: Average Number of Service Bays at Import Shops is Growing
Each week, The Pulse provides insight into the buying, sourcing and brand-loyalty habits of counter personnel and professional technicians. This week, using Babcox Research we look at the growth of service bays in import repair shops.
ArvinMeritor Recognized for Women’s Leadership Programs
TROY, MI — ArvinMeritor has become the first company from the automotive manufacturing industry sector to be classified as a "Most Valuable Player" (MVP), according to the 2007 Women’s Leadership Index (WLI). To achieve elite MVP status, ArvinMeritor was recognized in the following categories for Fortune 500 companies: — Women Directors: ArvinMeritor has two women
Shell Leverages NASCAR Team Sponsorship to Develop Sales, Branding Programs for Wholesalers, Retailers
Shell is leveraging its relationship with Richard Childress Racing (RCR), Kevin Harvick and the No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil car in an effort to drive traffic and sales at Shell branded service stations in the U.S. Since the company’s re-entry into the sport last year, Shell has created a number of national and local brand-building opportunities for wholesalers and retailers by providing chances for them to become a part of the NASCAR ‘buzz.’
U.S. Auto Parts Network Names Shane Evangelist Chief Executive Officer
U.S. Auto Parts Network, an online provider of aftermarket auto parts and accessories, has appointed Shane Evangelist as chief executive officer. Evangelist succeeds Mehran Nia, who served as president and chief executive officer since founding U.S. Auto Parts in 1995. Nia will continue to serve on the board of directors. Prior to joining U.S. Auto Parts, Evangelist served as senior vice president and general manager of Blockbuster Online, where he was responsible for leading the creation, development and launch of Blockbuster’s online movie rental service. Under Evangelist’s leadership, Blockbuster grew monthly unique visitors faster than any other e-commerce company in 2004, was listed as the fastest growing Top 500 e-commerce business in 2005 according to Internet Retailer and followed that up as the fastest growing Top 100 e-commerce business in 2006.
Luber-Finer Debuts Spanish-Language Website
Continuing the implementation of its stated goal of equipping its customers with the tools they need to make their jobs easier, Luber-finer, a division of Champion Laboratories, has launched an industry-first Spanish language website. Located at www.luberfiner.com/espanol, the new website provides visitors with all of the features that are contained on Luber-finer’s English-language website, in addition to a look at Luber-finer’s all-inclusive distribution operations at its facility in Saltillo, Mexico.
Viking Plastics Awards Master Distribution Agreement to Sunair Products
FORT WORTH, TX — Viking Plastics, an OEM supplier of cap, closure and custom-engineered plastic products, has teamed up with Sunair Products, a worldwide supplier of mobile A/C components, to provide their products to the automotive aftermarket. “After doing business with Viking Plastics for over the last 20 years, we welcome this opportunity to expand
Executive Interview with Steve Seabourne, President of AIM
Steve Seabourne is president and CEO of AIM. Seabourne has more than 30 years of experience with AIM. For the past five years, he has had overall responsibility for the company as president. Seabourne has hands-on manufacturing expertise with active participation in all aspects of the business from teardown and assembly to purchasing, marketing, cataloging and sales. He is a double major graduate of the University of California at Davis with a B.S. in biological sciences and a B.A. in economics. In this week’s Executive Interview, Seabourne brings us up to speed on the latest initiatives at AIM, as the company celebrates its 40th anniversary.
TRW Automotive Aftermarket, ArvinMeritor Launch Shock Absorber Distribution Joint Venture
Equip’Auto — TRW Automotive Aftermarket, a business of TRW Automotive Holdings Corp., has entered into an agreement to create a joint venture with ArvinMeritor to distribute Gabriel- and TRW-branded shock absorber ranges for the European independent aftermarket. The joint venture is expected to begin operation and distribution in January 2008.
AIA Fabulous Networking Reception at AAPEX Gains Record Sponsorship Support
LAS VEGAS — The Auto International Association’s (AIA) popular Fabulous Networking Reception “FNR” marks its fifth anniversary at AAPEX 2007. Thanks to record-breaking support from 27 sponsors, including ImportCar magazine, all AIA members and guests from the international automotive community are invited to attend the ticketed event on Tuesday, Oct. 30. Other AIA events supported
Tenneco Wins New North American Aftermarket Business
Tenneco has won new aftermarket business in the third quarter, which in total will generate nearly $11 million in incremental revenue. The contracts include new ride control business with an affiliate of one of Tenneco’s largest customers in North America. This new business was previously serviced by a competitor. In addition, the company won business with four new customers for ride and/or emission control products.