Great Britain’s Automotive Aftermarket Holds Potential for U.S. Suppliers
Recent changes in market access regulations and similarities between consumers in the U.K. and U.S. make the $24 billion automotive aftermarket in Great Britain a potential sweet spot for U.S. suppliers.
Federal-Mogul Changes its Plan, Shareholders to Be Offered New Stock
Federal-Mogul Corp. has amended its plan for emerging from bankruptcy to guarantee current shareholders the right to buy new shares in the reorganized auto supplier at a predetermined price. Under both the former and amended plans, current shares would be voided once the company exits bankruptcy and new shares would be issued. In an unrelated matter, Federal-Mogul announced Friday that a fire had extensively damaged its Smithfield, Tenn., distribution facility. All employees were evacuated safely. The company is working on a plan to resume operations elsewhere late this week. The center employed 225.
Advance Auto Parts Unveils New “2010” Format in Orlando
Advance Auto Parts has announced its grand re-opening in the Orlando, Fla., market, bringing 49 retail stores and 525 employees under the newly branded name, “Advance Discount Auto Parts.” Advance Auto Parts has invested approximately $4 million to remodel the 49 stores to the new “2010” format, which is currently being rolled out across the company’s chain. The new format features a new floor layout with improved product adjacencies, enhanced systems to offer more convenience to customers and high-impact signage.
2003 Indy 500 Winner Gil de Ferran to Speak at SAE World Congress
Two-time CART FedEx Series Champion and Winner of the 2003 Indianapolis 500, Gil de Ferran, has been confirmed as a speaker in the SAE 2004 World Congress, to be held at Cobo Center in Detroit, Mich., March 8-11. The charismatic Brazil native will join an all-star group of racing experts in a session entitled “Passion for Performance” – The Transfer of Technology from Racing to High Performance Cars, to be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at 1:30 p.m. in the Dana Technical Innovation Forum, part of the SAE World Congress Exhibition.
Hankook Tire Boosts Sales in 2003
Hankook Tire America Corp. has reported one of its strongest 12-month sales periods in the company’s history. Increased supply from overseas and major OE contracts played pivotal roles in boosting 2003 sales, according to Bill Bainbridge, marketing director for Hankook.
Jim Pearl Rejoins Denman Tire Corp.
James Pearl has rejoined Denman Tire Corp. as senior vice president of sales and marketing. Pearl worked for Denman for ten years prior to leaving in late 2002 to pursue other opportunities. Pearl will once again have overall responsibility for the sales and marketing functions and will be leading and coordinating the efforts of the sales and marketing department.
Earl Scheib Adds Two Board Directors
The board of directors for Earl Scheib Inc. has appointed James Burra and Salvatore Zizza as members. The board also accepted the resignation of Gregory Helm from the board. Helm resigned to pursue other interests. Earl Scheib is a nationwide operator of 115 auto paint and body shops throughout the U.S.
Durakon Relaunches Web Site
Durakon, a leader supplier of drop-in bedliners, has unveiled a new and improved corporate Web site — www.durakon.com
Restructuring Charges Drive Midas to a Net Loss of $76.2 Million in 2003
Midas reported a net loss of $76.2 million — or $4.93 per diluted share — for fiscal 2003, which ended Jan. 3. Midas said the loss is primarily the result $102.6 million in charges related to its restructuring, completed in April. As part of the restructuring, Midas exited its wholesale distribution business and refocused its resources on retail franchising and real estate businesses.
Crump to Chair NACE 2004 in Las Vegas
The International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) has re-appointed Vernon Crump, body shop director for John Eagle Collision Center in Dallas, Texas, as chairman for NACE 2004, which will be held Nov. 3-6, in Las Vegas, to coincide with Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW). Crump was NACE 2003 chairman and received accolades for his leadership and experience, and for the innovative programs he introduced at NACE to spotlight new technologies and to strengthen industry and global relationships.