DST Asks: What Value Do You See in Sharing Detailed Sales Data?
An ongoing dilemma exists between all tiers of the supply chain due to the gulf caused by lack of collaboration and sharing of sales information that would ultimately benefit all — manufacturers, distributors, parts retailers and service providers. Where do you stand on these issues? Our objective is to generate the thought and dialogue that might provide energy to new initiatives. See our special offer at the end of this week’s column!
Metaldyne Names Wendy Needham to Board of Directors
Metaldyne has named Wendy Beale Needham to the company’s board of directors. Needham most recently served as managing director of global automotive research for Credit Suisse First Boston. Before retiring in 2003, she provided investment research on the automotive industry, including extensive research on economic factors driving industry demand trends, and impact on stock price performance.
CARDONE Industries Named O’Reilly Auto Parts 2003 Vendor of the Year
CARDONE Industries was recently named “2003 Vendor of the Year” by O’Reilly Auto Parts. CARDONE is a leading supplier of remanufactured automotive products, including a full line of brakes, drivetrain, electronics, motors, pumps and steering. CARDONE was selected for the award based on its high service levels, including effective sales support, ease of business and high order fill, according to the company.
Car Care Council’s Women’s Board Expands Sponsorship Opportunities
The Car Care Council Women’s Board is expanding its sponsorship program to allow for support of all of the Women’s Board activities for the year, which include industry outreach, consumer education and recruiting women to the industry, as well as serving as an advisory board to the “Be Car Care Aware” campaign.
Advance Auto Parts Hopes to Maintain Fast Pace of Earnings, Expansion
Roanoke, Va., is home to an automotive parts retailer that keeps pushing the pace. Advance Auto continues to expand, stretching itself across many markets. By the end of 2003, it had 2,546 stores in 39 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands with plans to open up to 135 in 2004. But how long can it keep up this speed?
DENSO Increases Motorsports Sponsorships for 2004
Japan-based DENSO Corp. has announced it will co-sponsor two new teams for the 2004 racing season — Panasonic Toyota Racing team in Formula One (F1), and Subaru World Rally team. DENSO will also continue to support the Panasonic Toyota Racing team as a technical sponsor.
ABC, ESPN to Provide Live Coverage of IRL Indycar Series
ESPN and ABC Sports have signed on to be the exclusive carriers of Indy Racing League (IRL) events, providing live television coverage of all 16 IRL IndyCar Series events for the 2004 season.
Herman Trend Alert: Competition for Recent Graduates
Employers are showing renewed interest in fresh college graduates. For years, these young people have experienced frustrating difficulty finding stimulating and rewarding jobs after graduation. Many companies that had traditionally conducted on-campus interviews have been missing; the interest in graduates has been unusually low. Things are changing. Employers are showing renewed interest in college seniors, increasing their recruiting efforts and demonstrating stronger response to inquiries from students taking the initiative to find their preferred career-starting job.
American Axle UAW Contract Expires at Midnight, Accord Expected
The 4-year UAW contract covering 7,500 workers at Detroit-based American Axle & Manufacturing Inc. will expire at midnight tonight. Negotiations between the two sides began in December but have yet to produce an agreement. Two UAW officials, who asked not be named, said a tentative agreement should be reached today.
AMN Perspectives by Thomas Group: Experience at Work
In our last article we raised the issue of conflicting department strategies without really addressing it. Let’s do that now. As an example, what happens when finance drives for lower inventory levels to minimize working capital costs, sales and marketing promises customers more inventory to improve service, and production plans long manufacturing runs with low flexibility to maximize favorable variances? The results will not be pretty.