DST Asks: How Do you Make Strategic Business Decisions
There are almost as many sources of reference for making strategic business decisions as there are choices for planning and securing your future. Our respondents to last week’s question were in agreement that it takes collaborative efforts to design and implement a corporate roadmap, including internal management, consultants, observing and copying competitors’ strategies, industry journals and publications and technology supplier partnerships.
Federal-Mogul Announces Heavy Duty Sales Reorganization
Federal-Mogul has announced a realignment of the heavy duty aftermarket sales organization. Don Reimondo, vice president of distribution and heavy duty sales, said that William Mirth has been appointed to the position of regional sales manager, heavy duty West. This position will report directly to Reimondo. Mirth will continue to have national responsibility for FP diesel sales.
Rising Auto Recalls Eat Profits
General Motors Corp., Toyota Motor Corp. and two other U.S. carmakers have in six months exceeded the vehicle recalls for last year, reducing profit. GM recalled 7.92 million cars and light trucks as of July 2, and said repair costs had helped cut first-quarter profit in North America by 18 percent. Toyota recalled 367,000 Highlander sport-utility vehicles, surpassing last year’s total by 74 percent. DaimlerChryslerAG’s Chrysler and Honda Motor Co. also are ahead of 2003.
Much of Coastal U.S. May Follow California on Car Emissions
California’s plan for sharp cuts in automotive emissions of global warming gases could eventually lead much of the coastal United States to turn to vehicles that are substantially cleaner, and by extension more fuel efficient, than those in the rest of the nation.
DST Asks: Parts Distributors — Do Your Customers Order Parts Online?
Help Wanted – Parts Counterman, Requirements: Must be willing to work 365 days per year, 24 hours per day. Understands and has committed to memory a world-class multi-line parts catalog. Always knows correct pricing of each item. Processes parts orders in nanoseconds. Never puts customers on hold. Works for electricity – no salary or extra benefits. Any bets on how many responses you’ll get to that classified ad? Selling auto parts would be a lot easier and less costly if you could make those kinds of hires. Actually, it turns out that such resources are available today, just not human resources, the kind we would advertise for in the local paper. Instead, we might call them “cyber-employees” – a new species that forms the backbone of e-business and works in the world of browser-based technology on the Internet.
Peggy Fisher Elected to TIA Secretary Position
Peggy Fisher, president of Fleet Tire Consulting in Rochester Hills, Mich., has been elected secretary of the Tire Industry Association (TIA). The election took place on May 21, during the TIA Board of Directors meeting held in Clearwater, Fla.
Yellow Roadway Expands Relationship with Michelin
Yellow Roadway Corp. has expanded its relationship with Michelin for new tires, retreads and service for the Yellow and Roadway fleets. Michelin said it expects Yellow Roadway will become one of its largest North American tire and retread customers. Michelin will supply more than half of the tires and retreads required to support the 450,000 consolidated wheel positions for Yellow Roadway.
Bandag and Yellow Roadway End Roadway Express Outsourcing Relationship
Yellow Roadway Corp. has said it will not renew its existing agreement with Bandag for the outsourcing of Roadway Express tire and wheel services. The agreement has been in place since 1999. Under the existing agreement Yellow Roadway is obligated to repurchase all tires and wheels owned by Bandag and used on the Roadway Express fleet by Aug. 1. Bandag estimates the value of the tires and wheels to be approximately $37 million.
BFNAT Introduces Three New Truck Tires
This week, at BIZCON 8, Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire’s (BFNAT) annual dealer conference in Chicago, Ill., the tiremaker unveiled three new truck tires. The new radial tires – the R287 steer, M726 EL drive and R195F free-rolling trailer – offer long-haul and long regional haul fleets longer tire life and lower cost per mile, according to the company.
SKF/Chicago Rawhide Launches Redesigned Web Site
SKF/Chicago Rawhide has redesigned and relaunched its Web site — www.vsm.skf.com . The newly redesigned site combines interactive elements with a user-friendly, navigable layout to service the automotive and heavy duty aftermarkets, according to the company. SKF/CR designed the Web site to include interactive cataloging and product information. The company said it also worked to address the requests and needs of its distributor partners during the redesign.