Panel to Discuss ‘IT/IS and Business Unit: Friends or Foes?’ at MIS Council Fall Conference
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC — A panel of motor vehicle parts manufacturer IT experts will discuss “IT/IS and Business Units: Friends or Foes?” at the MIS Council Fall Conference on Monday, Oct. 15, at the Marco Island Marriott Resort, Marco Island, FL. The conference is slated for Sunday, Oct. 14-Tuesday, Oct. 16. Panelists include Judy
AASA Vision Conference to be Held Feb. 28-March 1, 2008
The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) has announced its upcoming landmark event: AASA Vision Conference 2008, the association’s first-ever member-only conference slated for Thursday, Feb. 28-Saturday, March 1, 2008, at The Swan and Dolphin Resort, Orlando, FL. “This new endeavor for AASA, which is the result of feedback from countless members who expressed their desire for a forum to discuss industry issues exclusively from the aftermarket supplier’s perspective, will focus on the important issues of the North American aftermarket supplier industry,” said Steve Handschuh, president and COO of AASA.
Motor Vehicle Parts Suppliers Applaud Fuel Efficiency Research Projects by Department of Energy
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) applauded the Aug. 8 announcement of $21.5 million for 11 cost-shared research and development projects with the goal of improving light-duty vehicle fuel efficiency. “Motor vehicle parts suppliers represent about 40 percent of total automotive research and development investment and are already working with auto companies on a wide range of fuel-saving technologies, from bio-fuels to clean diesels to fuel cells,” said Bob McKenna, president and CEO of MEMA.
Federal-Mogul’s Burkhart Elected to AASA Board
Jay Burkhart, senior vice president, global aftermarket, of Federal-Mogul Corp., has been elected to the Board of Governors of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). “We are very pleased to have Jay join the AASA Board of Governors. Having someone of his caliber is an excellent addition to our leadership,” said Steve Handschuh, AASA president and COO. “His experience and insight will blend well with the other members of the board and he offers a great deal to the overall organization and membership,” Handschuh said.
Handschuh Comments on Support for the Creation of the Inter-Agency Task Force Reviewing Imported Products
Steve Handschuh, president and COO of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the international association which exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products, has released a statement regarding the creation of the inter-agency task force.
PAACE AUTOMECHANIKA 2007: Not an Ordinary Trade Show
Last week, many North American automotive aftermarket professionals — including myself — packed their bags for Mexico City and the annual PAACE Automechanika trade show. The show this year drew more than 550 exhibitors and 19,000 attendees. In recent years, the show has started to become known as a place for U.S. companies to explore expansion plans into Mexico and South America. The show is sponsored Mexico’s Industria Nacional de Autopartes (INA) along with U.S. industry association heavyweights: the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), the Motor Equipment Manufacturer’s Association (MEMA), the Automotive Parts Rebuilder Association (APRA) and the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA).
All the World’s Vehicles Would Circle the Globe 120 Times
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – If all the world’s motor vehicles were lined up bumper to bumper, the line of traffic would circle the globe 120 times. According to the 2007-2008 World Motor Vehicle Market Report, the world’s motor vehicle population reached 789.8 million units in 2005 – a figure large enough to create the
Ted Wise of O’Reilly Auto Parts to Address AASA’s Breakfast at AAPEX
Ted Wise, co-president and COO of O’Reilly Automotive Inc., Springfield, MO, will address the Executive Breakfast presented by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 30, the kick-off event at Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas. Wise will be the featured speaker at the third annual event offered by AASA on the opening day of AAPEX. The breakfast is sponsored by Ernst & Young and will be held at The Venetian.
Pep Boys Executive Sells 20,000 Shares
The executive vice president of merchandising and marketing for Pep Boys — Manny, Moe & Jack exercised options for 20,000 shares of common stock, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing Friday. In a Form 4 filed with the SEC, Hal Smith reported he exercised the options for $15.65 apiece Friday and sold all the shares for $20.83 apiece the same day.
Head of CARB Resigns
From Sacramento Bee Capitol Alert via MEMA Industry News The head of the California Air Resources Board resigned Thursday, apparently as a result of a disagreement with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger over the agency’s decision to delay a smog reduction plan for the San Joaquin Valley. Schwarzenegger’s office confirmed that the chairman, Robert Sawyer, stepped down.