Using The Internet As A Tool To Promote Your Shop
For many people the Internet has become the primary medium for finding information, addresses, products and services — including auto repair. If your business does not yet have its own Web site, you’re missing a great opportunity to tell people who you are and what you can do for them.
European Block Exemption Is Among Top Priorities of Aftermarket Suppliers Group
The European Aftermarket Forum, a peer group of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), has said defining terms in the European Union (EU) block exemption regulations for automotive aftermarket manufacturers trying to gain access to EU markets will be one of its top priorities. The AASA European Aftermarket Forum is a peer group for discussion of aftermarket commercial business issues and actions. Its quarterly meetings are open to aftermarket
ArvinMeritor Introduces Gabriel ReadyMount Struts
ArvinMeritor’s Light Vehicle Aftermarket (LVA) group has unveiled a new line of Gabriel ReadyMount struts. The new struts, available through distributors, automotive supply retailers and installers nationwide, are pre-assembled with bumpers, strut mounts, coil springs and boots designed for fast and easy installation.
Executive Interview with Max Dull, Vice President and General Manager of Beck/Arnley
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Max Dull, vice president and general manager of Beck/Arnley. Join us as Max shares insights from his extensive aftermarket experience, fills us in on what’s new at Beck/Arnley and explains the Beck/Arnley business philosophy.
Rep. Knollenberg Introduces Bill To Fight Counterfeit Goods
U.S. Representative Joe Knollenberg (R-Mich. 9th District) yesterday introduced legislation to strengthen the federal law used to prosecute counterfeiters whose products threaten public health, harm American manufacturers and cost jobs in the U.S. The Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act would require the mandatory destruction of equipment used to manufacture and package counterfeit goods. In addition, the proposed legislation addresses methods that counterfeiters have used to evade prosecution, such as the selling of patch sets or medallions that can later be attached to generic merchandise and given the appearance of a genuine product, as well as placing a counterfeit mark on goods not specifically listed in the trademark registration.
New AAIA Chairman Outlines Vision for the Aftermarket in New Century
David Caracci, newly elected chairman of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association’s (AAIA) Board of Directors, has outlined his vision for the future of the aftermarket. In a statement issued late last week, Caracci said he has a “positive vision for the aftermarket as we work together to meet the challenges and potential of today and tomorrow.” He is calling for industry-wide involvement and participation to assure a “robust, healthy future for our industry.”
A&A Midwest/Enginequest to Partner with Australia’s Toowoomba Metal
A&A Midwest/Enginequest, a parts dealer that buys, processes and sells drive train components for the automotive remanufacturing and recycling industries, has entered into a long-term exclusive trade agreement with CMI Operations Pty Ltd., trading as Toowoomba Metal Technologies. Toowoomba Metal Technologies is the largest independent foundry and machining facility operating in Australia, and the original manufacturer of the Lighting Performance Cylinder Head product.
CARQUEST’s Pete Kornafel Talks About His New Book on Inventory Management
Pete Kornafel, vice chairman of CARQUEST, recently wrote and published “Inventory Management and Purchasing — Tales and Techniques from the Automotive Aftermarket,” a practical guide to inventory management for wholesale distributors and stores that supply “hard goods.” Kornafel took some time last week to speak with aftermarketNews.com about the inspiration for his new book.
Firms Eye Cooper, Dana Auto Part Units-Sources
A handful of large private equity firms are considering bids for two key automotive parts businesses on the auction block, sources close to the situation said. Both Dana Corp. and Cooper Tire and Rubber Co. have announced they may divest their auto parts businesses. Each unit may separately fetch $1 billion or more, analysts estimate.
Collins & Aikman Reveals Insider Deals
Collins & Aikman Corp. revealed Wednesday that it paid a board member $300,000 to serve as vice chairman for six months in 2002 and did millions of dollars of business with another board member. The company had failed to fully disclose details on those transactions to shareholders.