FTC Letter Rekindles Right to Repair Flame
In the continuing legislative process regarding HR 2735 — The Motor Vehicle Owner’s Right to Repair Act, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently sent a letter to U.S. Rep John Dingell (D-Mich.), a member of the Energy and Trade Committee, in response to the Dingell’s request for feedback from the FTC on the proposed legislation.
Dupont Teflon Car Care Products Marks Strong First Year with Events at Key NASCAR Race
An automotive technician from Reading, Pa., will meet NASCAR Nextel Cup driver Jeff Gordon, and the DuPont Teflon Car Care brand will be featured on Gordon’s No. 24 Chevrolet as the new line of car care products celebrates its successful first year during Saturday’s UAW-GM Quality 500.
Collaborative Effort Results in First XML Industry Standard for Vendor Managed Inventory
DST and EDM, both solutions providers for the automotive and heavy duty parts industries, have jointly announced the successful integration of EDM’s Datalliance, the company’s Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) service, with DST’s DSTWare business and warehouse management systems platforms. Utilizing XML transaction support in Datalliance, this project creates the first VMI industry standard. As a result, VMI capabilities are now available to all DST customers, as well as to other organizations utilizing XML to exchange data via the Internet.
NFL Coach and NASCAR Team Owner Joe Gibbs to be GAAS 2005 Luncheon Speaker
Joe Gibbs, head coach of the NFL’s Washington Redskins and founder of the Joe Gibbs Racing team, will address “Teamwork, Perseverance and Excellence,” as the luncheon speaker at the 10th annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) in Chicago. The first Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium was held in 1996, at the Hyatt Regency Deerfield Hotel in the suburban Chicago area. From its humble beginnings, the Symposium has grown to be the industry’s leading educational forum.
U.S. Keeping Crash Data Secret, Officials Backtrack on Safety Disclosure Amid Suit by Tire Makers
Federal auto safety officials are backtracking on a pledge to give consumers access to detailed data on which cars and trucks may be linked to deaths, injuries and property damage. The reason: Tire makers have sued to prevent its release.
Executive Interview with Hoon Chung, President & CEO of DST, Inc.
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Hoon Chung, who was recently named president and CEO of DST, Inc., in Mission Viejo, Calif. Chung has more than 20 years of management experience in supply chain management and technology deployment services. Prior to his role as the Automotive Group senior vice president and general manager at Activant, he was the COO of Adexa, Inc., which delivers intelligent enterprise business planning and performance management solutions that link strategic, tactical and operational aspects in optimizing enterprise-wide supply chain planning and synchronization. Chung recently talked with aftermarketNews.com about his new appointment to lead DST, what he envisions for the company’s future and what he brings from his experience in other industries.
AASP-MN Announces Fall Educational Offerings
The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, Minnesota (AASP-MN) has released its schedule of fall educational programs. AASP-MN will host an educational program on “Inflatable Restraint Systems,” from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis, Minn. AASP-MN will host an educational program on “Inflatable Restraint Systems,” from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis, Minn.
Info on Car Safety Off-Limits to Public
The federal agency that oversees auto safety has decided — based largely on arguments from automakers and their Washington, D.C., lobbyists — that reams of data relating to unsafe automobiles or defective parts will not be available to the public. Specifically, the government has banned the release of car and truck warranty-claims information, customer complaints and early-warning reports about defects from dealers, automakers and rental car companies, even if media outlets or other groups push for it under the Freedom of Information Act.
Midas’ European Operations Gets New Owners
Midas has confirmed the pending sale of its licensed operations in Europe and Latin America. Currently owned by Magneti Marelli, a member of the Fiat Group, Marelli will sell the operations to France’s Norauto Group. Midas sold its interests in Europe and Brazil to Marelli in October 1998, when the companies entered into a long-term license agreement for which Midas received $100 million in cash and on-going royalties throughout the term of the license agreement.
National Pronto Association Adds Fourth New Shareholder This Year
National Pronto Association announced yesterday that Ken Smith Auto Parts has become the newest shareholder to join the programmed distribution group. Ken Smith Auto Parts is the fourth auto parts business this year to become a shareholder of National Pronto Association. It is the second company to join the group in recent weeks. According to Bill Maggs, president of National Pronto Association, these new additions are part of a concerted effort to build Pronto’s network throughout the country.