Soy-Based Products Show Potential Under The Hood
As soy biodiesel continues to gain acceptance at the pump, soy-based lubricants are also fueling the automotive industry. Engine oil and hydraulic power steering fluid are two soy-based products showing potential “under the hood.”
Dealership Parts & Service Takes Aim at the Aftermarket
Would you sell parts to your competitor? In all probability, you already do. While your driver delivers aftermarket parts through the OE dealership service department’s front door, OE parts are going out that same dealership’s backdoor to your best installer customers.
Pep Boys Stores to Carry Royal Purple Synthetic Lubricants
Starting this month, Pep Boys will carry Royal Purple’s high-performance synthetic lubricants at its stores nationwide. Royal Purple’s line of synthetic lubricants and additives includes engine oils, transmission fluids, gear oil, coolant additives, fuel system cleaner, power steering fluid, chain lubricant, penetrating lubricant, assembly lube and shop compressor lubricant.
Appearance Accessories Capture More of Market
Over the past eight years, appearance/body accessory products have shown the largest growth of any product group in the industry, increasing 96.4 percent. Following closely is custom wheels, with performance chemicals in third place.
Dan Daniel Talks about the Future of ArvinMeritor’s LVA Business
Dan Daniel, president of ArvinMeritor’s Light Vehicle Aftermarket (LVA) division, shared his predictions and plans for the future of ArvinMeritor’s LVA unit during an exclusive presentation on May 11 to Babcox editors and media representatives. ArvinMeritor is an $8 billion dollar company, with $850 million in annual sales at its Light Vehicle Aftermarket division, which Daniel leads. Two-thirds of the company’s business is in North America.
Cooper Tire and Rubber Realigns Tire Division
Cooper Tire and Rubber has announced five new executive appointments, as a result of a realignment within the company’s tire group. The realignment was designed to better focus on target markets, support the company’s strategic plan and ensure the right resources are in place to grow the tire business globally, the company said.
Cooper Tire to Sponsor Saturn Motorsports Racing Program
Cooper Tire & Rubber and its subsidiary Mickey Thompson Performance Tires and Wheels, has announced a new sponsorship and supply agreement with Saturn Motorsports. The agreement positions Cooper Tire as a major associate sponsor of the Saturn Motorsports Pro FWD Ion, driven by three-time world champion and current NHRA point’s leader, Lisa Kubo. Cooper Tire will also title sponsor a Saturn Motorsports tuner car slated to compete later this year in Sport FWD.
Tenneco Automotive Launches New Line of DuPont Teflon Car Care Products
Tenneco Automotive has unveiled a new line of DuPont Teflon car care products. The new line is being manufactured and marketed by Tenneco Automotive through a strategic product alliance with DuPont. According to Michael Kullman, director of DuPont corporate marketing, DuPont Teflon car care products carry one of the world’s strongest consumer brands while delivering what consumers are looking for in car care products — a clean and shine that really lasts, combined with non-stick protection for their car finishes.
Executive Interview with Joe Puishys, President of Honeywell Friction Materials
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Joe Puishys, president of Honeywell Friction Materials. A 25-year veteran of the company’s automotive businesses, Joe Puishys has served as president of Honeywell Friction Materials since early 2002. His responsibilities include overseeing the most recent corporate effort to align closely with Honeywell’s business initiatives and operating plan. He has already played a major role in the cost cutting and six sigma programs occurring throughout the organization. Join us as Puishys gives us an update on Honeywell Friction Materials, including plans to expand manufacturing operations and launch new products.
Action Executive to Join Jeff Gordon, Inc.
John Bickford Sr., executive vice president of strategic alliances for motorsports merchandise company Action Performance, has resigned to take the position of vice president and general manager of star NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon’s Jeff Gordon, Inc. Bickford will also oversee Gordon’s other business related interests.