Waterloo Industries Promotes Two Executives
Waterloo Industries has announced the promotion of two employees to key executive positions. Gary Marcus has been promoted to vice president, marketing and business development, and Deonna Fritz has been promoted to vice president, new product development. Waterloo Industries manufactures tool storage products and is an operating unit of consumer products company Fortune Brands, Inc.
ETI to Host ToolTech Event in April
The Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI) this year plans to host a a unique networking and promotional opportunity for the motor vehicle tool and equipment industry, called ToolTech. ToolTech will take places Tuesday, April 26, through Thursday, April 28, at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort, Indian Wells, Calif.
ETD Discount Tire Pays Consumers in Settlement Agreement
ETD Discount Tire Centers Inc., the retail division of Englewood Tire Distributors, has agreed to pay $168,809 to settle claims that customers were charged for four-wheel alignments for their vehicles even though the rear wheels on their vehicles were not designed to be adjusted. The settlement, announced by the New Jersey Attorney General’s office, includes $46,809 directly to approximately 3,000 customers who purchased four-wheel alignments after Jan. 1, 1999, and $122,000 to the state’s Division of Consumer Affairs. Under terms of the settlement, ETD Discount Tire Centers made no admission of liability.
Stride Tool Names New Board Member
Stride Tool Inc., a designer and manufacturer of specialty hand tools, has announced the appointment of automotive industry veteran Paul Baffico to its board of directors.
Visteon Elects Two to Board of Directors
Patricia Higgins and James Thornton have been elected to Visteon’s board of directors. Higgins is former president and CEO of Switch and Data in Tampa, Fla., and an experienced telecommunications executive. Thornton is a senior executive vice president and director of diversity, recruitment and people services for MBNA America Bank, N.A. based in Wilmington, Del.
Canadian Automotive Dealers Capture Increasing Share of Service Business, Says J.D. Power
Much like their U.S. counterparts, Canadian automotive dealerships are becoming more successful at retaining service customers once the basic warranty period expires, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Canadian Customer Commitment Study released this week. The study, which measures the service satisfaction and loyalty of owners of two- to 12-year-old vehicles, finds that dealerships now account for almost one-half (48 percent) of the service visits on four- to seven-year-old vehicles — up from 41 percent in 1999.
ABRA Announces Management Reorganization
ABRA Auto Body & Glass, a national damaged vehicle repair company based in Minneapolis, has reorganized its executive management team. ABRA Auto Body & Glass, a national damaged vehicle repair company based in Minneapolis, has reorganized its executive management team. Replacing Adelmann as COO is Glenn Mahoney, who joined ABRA on July 20.
University of the Aftermarket Debuts “Fireside Chat”
The group in San Antonio was small — limited to just 25. But considering the speaker, many times more would have jumped at the chance to hear his sage words. The speaker for the inaugural University of the Aftermarket “Fireside Chat,” held April 21, was O. Temple Sloan, III, president of General Parts, Inc., the largest member of the CARQUEST distribution group. During the 45-minute session, Sloan spoke frankly about his vision of leadership to a small group of aftermarket executives.
Aftermarket Companies Make USA Today’s List of Most Overpaid/Underpaid Executive Teams
USA Today recently published an independent study identifying the most underpaid and overpaid executive teams leading public companies in 2003. Among these companies were a number of names you may recognize as major players in the automotive aftermarket.
National Tire Safety Week Participation Growing
The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) has announced that participation in the third annual National Tire Safety Week has doubled this year, with more than 8,000 tire retail stores participating. As part of the campaign, tire retailers will distribute “Be Tire Smart” brochures produced by RMA. The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) has announced that participation in the third annual National Tire Safety Week has doubled this year, with more than 8,000 tire retail stores participating. As part of the campaign, tire retailers will distribute “Be Tire Smart” brochures produced by RMA.