Pep Boys Chooses Continental Tire for Name-Brand Push
Pep Boys has selected Continental Tire to supply tires for the introduction of its name-brand tires. Pep Boys will begin selling Continental and General tires starting Sunday, May 16 at its network of nearly 600 stores. The addition of name-brand tires puts Pep Boys in a position to compete for a share of the $24 billion replacement tire business in the U.S.
Yokohama Tire Signs Distribution Agreement with American Car Care Centers
Yokohama Tire Corp. and American Car Care Centers (ACCC) have signed a distribution agreement through which Yokohama will provide ACCC’s members access to its full line of products. Yokohama will supply ACCC with its core products including the AVS, AVID and Geolandar lines of tires.
U.S. Bank, Bridgestone, Labatt Blue Renew Return as Sponsors of 2004 Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland
Officials from the Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland announced that U.S. Bank will return to the annual Roar by the Shore summer event as presenting sponsor in 2004. Officials from the Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland announced that U.S. Bank will return to the annual Roar by the Shore summer event as presenting sponsor in 2004.
FRAM Supports New AirHog Air Filter with Multi-Million Dollar Campaign
At the end of last year, FRAM launched its all-new FRAM AirHog high performance air filter, and now, the brand is launching a comprehensive communications campaign to help push sales at the consumer level. A new television spot, three print ads, motorsports affiliations and a full-blown PR program are being launched for the product this month.
Mitchell 1 Promotes Mellon to Marketing Manager
Rosana Mellon has been promoted to the position of marketing manager at Mitchell 1. In her new role, Mellon will now direct pricing and promotions efforts for the company’s full product line and its Snap-on/ShopKey channels. In addition, her new responsibilities will include overseeing the Mitchell 1 Premier Club, ShopKey rewards program as well as handling other corporate marketing projects.
CARQUEST’s Pete Kornafel Talks About His New Book on Inventory Management
Pete Kornafel, vice chairman of CARQUEST, recently wrote and published “Inventory Management and Purchasing — Tales and Techniques from the Automotive Aftermarket,” a practical guide to inventory management for wholesale distributors and stores that supply “hard goods.” Kornafel took some time last week to speak with aftermarketNews.com about the inspiration for his new book.
SKF/Chicago Rawhide Launches Redesigned Web Site
SKF/Chicago Rawhide has redesigned and relaunched its Web site — www.vsm.skf.com . The newly redesigned site combines interactive elements with a user-friendly, navigable layout to service the automotive and heavy duty aftermarkets, according to the company. SKF/CR designed the Web site to include interactive cataloging and product information. The company said it also worked to address the requests and needs of its distributor partners during the redesign.
Exide Technologies Partners with Multiple NASCAR Teams for 2004
Exide Technologies, the “Official Battery of NASCAR,” has announced several NASCAR team partnerships for 2004. The new partnerships extend the company’s involvement in America’s fastest growing spectator sport. Exide Technologies will expand its partnership with four teams among NASCAR’s top three divisions.
ACDelco Wants to Reach “Real Car Guys”
ACDelco is launching new trade and consumer advertising campaigns this week designed to catch the eye of “Real Car Guys.” The campaign is being launched at this time to coincide with April’s National Car Care Month, in an effort to encourage proper vehicle maintenance. Playing off of its longstanding history in the business, ACDelco is using this new campaign to position itself as the most trusted name and leading brand in the aftermarket, for virtually all makes and models.
Tenneco Automotive Named a 2003 Vendor of the Year by Advance Auto Parts
Tenneco Automotive has received a 2003 Vendor of the Year Award from Advance Auto Parts, recognizing the company as a top performing, service-oriented supplier during the past year. The award was announced at the recently held Advance Auto Parts Leadership Conference.