CARS and NACE to Merge in 2008 for “Automotive Service & Repair Week”
This week at AAPEX, the Automotive Service Association (ASA) held a press conference to announce the creation of Automotive Service & Repair Week (ASRW), which will make its debut in November 2008. The overall goal of ASRW is to bring together buyers and sellers of automotive products and services in one venue that includes both education and trade show activities. ASRW will grow to include activities for other organizations and industry segments, thereby creating a home for all that work in or cater to the automotive service and repair industry.
R. L. Polk & Co. Expands Analytic Services
R. L. Polk & Co. is expanding its analytical services strength in two key areas which include the formation of an Advanced Analytics group led by Lionel Yron, and the expansion of the company’s Industry Analysis team. Lionel Yron has joined Polk as the director of advanced analytics to lead the newly formed Advanced Analytics group. In this role, Yron will oversee the design, development and delivery of Polk’s advanced analytical products and services. He and his team will proactively develop new means of delivering marketplace insight and intelligence to Polk’s customers.
OAC Elects New Members to Board of Directors
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The Overseas Automotive Council (OAC) recently held elections for its Board of Directors. Members newly elected to the board include: • Carlos Baez, C.B. Automotive Group Corp; • Jorge Hernandez, Gates InterAmerica; • Joe De Santino, JDS Global Corp; • Kim Sheffey, Coni-Seal; and • Enrique Escobar, Lindeco International Corp.
AASA Issues Special Report on Direct Importing, Launches Aftermarket Industry Image Campaign
LAS VEGAS, NV — The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) announced the first steps in its new aftermarket industry image campaign with the release of its Special Report, "Direct Importing: Do the Risks Outweigh the Reward?" at a news conference held yesterday at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX). "This AASA Special Report is the
Zurich Direct Underwriters Contributes $10,000 for Automotive Scholarships
OVERLAND PARK, KS — Zurich Direct Underwriters announced today it is extending its commitment to education and the automotive industry. Zurich Direct Underwriters is working with the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) by awarding $10,000 in scholarships for those planning careers in the automotive aftermarket. “Providing money for scholarships is one way to help ensure
Team IMC Completes Tour d’AAPEX
Braving bad roads, Santa Ana headwinds and smoke from the California fires, the Team IMC peloton arrived on Sunday at the front doors of the Sands Expo Center. “The ride was a pleasure to do,” said a tired IMC president and CEO, Thomas Beer. “But,” he added, “We had tremendous support from our support staff of IMC volunteers.” It took four days, covering nearly 350 miles, for Team IMC to reach its final destination. The team, comprised of a group of cyclists from Interamerican Motor Corporation (IMC) and other industry partners, rode to Las Vegas all the way from Los Angeles for a good industry cause: to raise funds and awareness for a pressing issue that impacts the entire automotive aftermarket industry. Specifically, the team chose to highlight the challenges and opportunities posed to the industry by telematics.
Babcox Publications Awarded Show Daily Contract for Mid-America Trucking Show
Babcox Publications, LLC, is proud to announce that Exhibit Management Associates, Inc. (EMA), producers of the Mid-America Trucking Show, has awarded Babcox a three-year contract to publish the show daily publication for the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS). Through this agreement, Babcox Publications’ Fleet Equipment and Transport Technology Today (T3) magazines will publish the Mid-America Trucking Show daily publication for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Executive Interview with Bill Thompson, President of IMR
Bill Thompson is the president of IMR. He joined the company in 2003 and immediately recognized the extraordinary potential in both the amount of research the company does, and the volume of data it collects. As a result, he has led the way into innovative new research venues, and developed new ways of using the data for a variety of automotive customers. Among the places IMR data can be seen is the weekly research article “The Pulse,” published every Friday on aftermarketNews. Under his leadership, the company continues to grow its portfolio of aftermarket research products and services. Bill is currently a member of the AASA, AAIA and SEMA and currently sits on the AAIA market research committee. In this exclusive Executive Interview, Thompson explains the role of IMR in the aftermarket and how market research data can provide companies with the competitive edge.
The Tour D’AAPEX Begins: Team IMC Departs Los Angeles for Las Vegas
Team IMC, a group of cyclists made up of employees from Interamerican Motor Corporation (IMC) and industry partners, has departed Los Angeles for a four-day, 366-mile bicycle ride to Las Vegas. The planned arrival date in Las Vegas is Oct. 28. The team will ride more than 90 miles a day on average, with two of the four stages taking place on historic Route 66. The ride is also serving as a conduit to raise funds and awareness for issues that will impact the automotive aftermarket industry. This years’ issue is the challenge that telematics poses to all areas of the aftermarket.
Uni-Select Enters Into Agreement to Buy RPDL in Ontario
Uni-Select has entered into an agreement in principle providing for the purchase of all of the assets of Replacement Parts Depot Limited, also known as RPDL. RPDL is an automotive replacement parts distributor that operates a large warehouse in Rexdale (Greater Toronto Area) in the Province of Ontario. RPDL is owned by and serves 22 automotive parts wholesalers and retailers and a number of independent automotive related businesses that service the Ontario market. As it completes the acquisition of the assets, Uni-Select will also enter into long-term supply agreements with the 22 shareholders of RPDL.