NGK Promotes Richard Sullivan to VP of Sales and Marketing
NGK Spark Plugs (USA), Inc. has promoted Richard Sullivan to the position of vice president of sales and marketing. Sullivan, a 28-year veteran in the aftermarket, has been with NGK since 1985 and previously served as general manager and director of sales and marketing. In his new role, Sullivan will oversee sales and marketing functions for the NGK OEM, OES, Aftermarket and NTK Cutting Tool Divisions. He replaces Hideyuki Koiso, who is returning to Japan to assume the position of general manager – overseas sales and marketing.
Executive Interview with Bob McKenna, President and CEO of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association
This week we catch up with Bob McKenna, president and CEO of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). McKenna came to MEMA in Sept. 2005, after 35 years with Atlanta-based Genuine Parts Company (GPC). At GPC, he served as group vice president and chairman of the board for the National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA). Under his leadership, NAPA strengthened its position as a leading distributor in the traditional automotive aftermarket.
AMN’s Top Ten Week: Top Ten News Stories
If nothing else has been made clear by the events taking place in the automotive industry over the past 12 months, this much is true: The automotive aftermarket is changing — in dramatic ways. Here, the editorial staffs of Counterman and aftermarketNews takes a month-by-month look at the key events that have shaped this industry’s destiny over the past year.
AMN Top Ten Week: The Top 10 Newsmakers of 2005
Now in its second year, aftermarketNews, together with its sister publication Counterman magazine, present the Top 10 Newsmakers list. While it is difficult to whittle down the number of influential leaders who are making an impact on this industry today, our editorial team has carefully compiled a list of individuals whom we believe to have left a distinct impression on the marketplace in 2005, and perhaps for years to come.
MEMA Announces Paul Foley’s Resignation as Aftermarket Association President
Bob McKenna, president and CEO of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), announced the resignation of Paul Foley as executive director of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). Foley is leaving AASA to serve as executive director of the Golf Course Builders Association of America, based in Lincoln, NE, effective Jan. 2, 2006.
Executive Interview with Terry McCormack, President and CEO, Affinia
Every other week, aftermarketNews.com offers an interview with high-profile individuals in the automotive aftermarket. We give executives free reign to express their views on anything from the state of their corporations to recent legislative news to future trends in their niche markets. Here you see what matters to the newsmakers themselves. This week we catch up with Terry McCormack, president and CEO of Affinia.
AAPEX 2005: A Winning Experience for Buyers and Exhibitors
The 2005 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) that took place last month in Las Vegas, set new records and exceeded registration goals, according to show organizers.
MEMA Honors Long-time Members
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) this week honored 14 companies marking membership anniversaries from 25 to 65 years. The members were recognized at the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Executive Reception on Oct. 31 at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas, and with displays in the AASA Business/Meetings Center, Rooms 104-106 of the Sands Expo Center.
EPA Approves Audit of OEM Web Site
It was announced today that the EPA will proceed with an audit of the OEM Web sites to measure the independent aftermarket technician’s ability to access repair information. The audit was delayed due to the need for a formal review process through the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Last week OMB approved the OEM Audit. As a result, the EPA will be initiating the full-scale audit process shortly.
MEMA Promotes Two to New Management Positions
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) has promoted two of its executives to new management positions: one to direct the association’s efforts in strategic services and technology, and the second to emphasize market research. Chris Gardner has been named vice president, strategic services and technology. He will coordinate new association-driven activities reflecting an emphasis on core business processes developed by MEMA and its market segment associations: the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA). Frank Hampshire has been promoted to senior director of market research for MEMA and its market segment associations. This promotion reflects the association’s increased emphasis on its market research and analysis services.