Pricedex and Illumaware Announce New Strategic Alliance at eForum
Yesterday at the Aftermarket eForum in Chicago, two product information management (PIM) software and data management services providers – Pricedex Software, Inc. and Illumaware Corp. — announced a new alliance. Pricedex Software and Illumaware Corp. will work together to offer comprehensive, scalable end-to-end PIM and data management solutions to aftermarket manufacturers, distributors and retailers that can be tailored to their specific financial and performance requirements.
Polk VP Mike Gingell to Receive Automotive Hall of Fame’s Young Leadership and Excellence Award
Mike Gingell, vice president of strategic markets for R. L. Polk & Co., has been selected to receive the Automotive Hall of Fame’s prestigious 2006 Young Leadership and Excellence Award. The award recognizes women and men under 35 years of age who have demonstrated significant potential as future automotive industry leaders. Gingell will be recognized at the Automotive Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which will be held in Dearborn, MI, on October 3.
General Parts to Acquire Worldwide Auto Parts
General Parts Inc. of Raleigh, NC, will acquire Worldwide Auto Parts Inc. of San Diego, CA, this week, according to a report from the MEMA Financial Services Group Inc. (MFSG), the commercial subsidiary of MEMA. GPI has signed an agreement which provides for the purchase of all outstanding shares of Worldwide Auto Parts by General Parts subsidiary Golden State Supply, Inc. The closing is expected to be completed this week.
Executive Interview with Scott Luckett, Chairman of the Aftermarket eForum Planning Committee
This week, we hear from Scott Luckett, vice president of technology standards and solutions for AAIA. Luckett is also chairman of the Aftermarket eForum Planning Committee. The 2006 Aftermarket eForum takes place in Chicago next month – July 17-19 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. Join us as Luckett gives us an update on the aftermarket technology landscape.
AASA Report: Replacement Rates Increase as Consumers Perform Overdue Maintenance
Replacement rates for a number of aftermarket service jobs increased in 2005 as consumers performed overdue maintenance on their vehicles put off from the previous year. This is according to “2006 Replacement Rates of U.S. Automotive Parts,” a report compiled by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA).
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Goes to Washington
At MEMA’s recent Legislative Summit, congressional representatives discussed aftermarket issues with the association’s members. Counterman Managing Editor Michael Freeze spoke with a number of industry execs at the event, and asked: As an attendee at the MEMA Legislative Summit, what industry issue do you feel most passionate about?
ASPA Reports: Some Diesel Fuel Additives May Not Be Appropriate for Model Year 2007 Diesel Engines
Diesel fuel additives that are not clearly labeled as approved for use in model year 2007, or newer engines, should not be used in new diesel motor vehicles according to the Automotive Specialty Products Alliance (ASPA). ASPA made the announcement to coincide with the implementation of new ultra low sulfur diesel fuel requirements that went into effect June 1 that will enable 2007 model year, or newer, diesel (on-road) engines to reduce emissions by more than 90 percent.
Underutilized eMarketing Will Be Focus of Track Session During the 2006 Aftermarket eForum
One of marketing’s most underutilized tools – eMarketing –will take center stage at this year’s Aftermarket eForum conference. The 2006 Aftermarket eForum will be held July 17-19, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago. Early bird registration for eForum closes on Friday, June 16. The early-bird registration fee for AAIA, AIA of Canada, AWDA, MEMA, and SEMA members is $695 and $895 for non-member firms.
ThyssenKrupp Budd to Sell Aluminum Casting Unit
ThyssenKrupp Budd Co., a leading supplier to the automotive industry, has announced the sale of its aluminum castings operations as part of a restructuring plan announced earlier this year. ThyssenKrupp Stahl Co., a subsidiary which produces aluminum castings at foundries in Kingsville and Warrensburg, MO, has been sold to an equity-holding concern. The sale price was not disclosed. ThyssenKrupp Stahl employs 813 people.
Mission Technology: 2006 MIS Council Fall Conference to Highlight Security, Data Organization and Collaboration
Security, data organization and collaboration for automotive aftermarket and heavy-duty suppliers will be the focus of the 2006 Fall Conference presented by the MEMA Information Services Council (MIS Council). The conference is slated for Sunday, Oct. 15, through Tuesday, Oct. 17, in Marco Island, FL.