Flat Auto Part Prices Result in Lower Margins for Entire Supply Chain
The prices consumers pay for motor vehicle parts and equipment have increased very little since 1982, which has made growth in margins difficult, according to the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). In an analysis of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) appearing in MEMA’s bimonthly newsletter Market Analysis, the index shows that prices for auto parts have grown very little in the 22 years following the resetting of the CPI in 1982.
Report Shows 80 Percent of Scrap Tires Put to Good Use
Expanding markets now consume four out of five scrap tires, according to a report by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA). In addition, stockpiled scrap tires have been reduced by nearly 75 percent since 1990.
Federal-Mogul Expands Industry-Leading Abex Heavy Duty Brake Offering with High-Temperature Applications
Three new, highly effective, high-temperature heavy-duty brake linings for trucks and trailers have been introduced by Abex, the commercial-vehicle industry’s premier brand of linings, lined shoes, stop box kits and severe duty disc pads. Abex brake products are manufactured and marketed by Federal-Mogul Corporation.
Valvoline Responds to Article in Detroit Free Press
Valvoline Co. recently shared with aftermarketNews.com a letter written to the editor of the Detroit Free Press responding to an article that questioned the legitimacy of some specialty motor oils. The article, “Don’t be fooled by pricey, fancy oils, experts warn,” was published July 15 in the Detroit Free Press and was picked up by other associated national newspapers such as the Kansas City Star. In the article, Free Press Auto Critic Mark Phelan stated that the “bewildering variety of oils” on the market today may be a waste of money, according to the “variety of industry experts” with whom he spoke. In a letter to the editor, Dr. Fran Lockwood, senior vice president technology for Valvoline, responded to the article and defended the claims that Valvoline and other motor oil manufacturers make about their products.
Monro Muffler Brake, Inc. Announces Record First Quarter Sales and Earnings
Monro Muffler Brake announced financial results for the first quarter, which ended on June 26.
MEMA’s Brian Duggan Talks to CBS News About Counterfeit Auto Parts
The issue of controlling counterfeit motor vehicle parts continues to build momentum, grabbing the attention of the national media. On June 25, Brian Duggan, the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association’s (MEMA) director of international programs, was interviewed by “CBS Evening News” during a Consumer Report segment that focused on fakes and dangerous consumer products. During the interview, Duggan spoke to the high quality of today’s counterfeit products. “The parts are getting so good that they are making their way into what we would normally consider legitimate distribution channels,” said Duggan, who displayed a variety of fake parts ranging from brake pads to tensioners.
House Bill Would Target Non-Compliant Products
To help deter the import of automotive and other products that falsely claim compliance with federal or industry safety standards, Representatives Sander Levin, (D-Mich.) and Dave Camp, (R-Mich.), have sponsored H.R. 4152, which would make unlawful the importation, sale for importation or sale within the U.S. after importation, of products falsely labeled or advertised as meeting a U.S. government or industry performance or safety standard. The bill would amend Section 337 of America’s trade law, a section well known by aftermarket companies who have used the law against imports that infringe upon their trademarks, patents and other intellectual property rights.
Advanced Bosch Training Focuses on Solving Today’s Automotive Service Challenges
In today’s environment of ever-more-complex and sophisticated automobiles and trucks, training is all-important to the technicians who service and maintain these vehicles. Robert Bosch Corporation, a supplier of automotive systems and components, has placed itself in the forefront of those that supply the advanced technical training needed by the automotive service community.
Snap-on Tools and SkillsUSA Work Together to Train and Inspire Workers
As the 2004 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) approaches, thousands of students are preparing to descend on Kansas City, Mo., to test their skills against those of fellow students from across America. With the approach of the June 20th to 25th conference, Snap-on Tools is once again supporting SkillsUSA as it trains, develops and inspires the next generation of American workers.
Lear Announces Organizational Changes
The board of directors of Lear Corp. have announced a number of organizational changes.