The Week in Review (Oct. 27-31, 2008)
The Week in Review offers a snapshot of the most highly read stories of the week as seen on aftermarketNews. To access the complete stories, simply click on the highlighted links. If you missed reading one of our daily news emails, just click on the link that says “News Archives” at the bottom of the page to begin catching up on the latest industry news.
Barry Soltz to Join AMRA/MAP
The board of directors of the Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association (AMRA) and the board of trustees for the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) have jointly announced the selection of Barry Soltz as the organization’s executive director and president. Soltz, who most recently served as program manager for CARFAX, Inc., will officially take over upon the retirement of Larry Hecker on June 30. Soltz previously was president and CEO of the Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association.
Progressive Automotive Systems Announces R.O. Writer Smart eCat Internet Parts Acquisition Tool
Progressive Automotive Systems, Inc. (PAS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Midas International, had announced the release of R.O. Writer Smart eCat, an Internet parts acquisition tool that reaches out to IAP, AConneX and independent online parts vendors for real-time parts availability and pricing. R.O. Writer Smart eCat was demonstrated in November to industry participants at the SEMA, CARS and AAPEX tradeshows in Las Vegas, according to Paul Van Camp, PAS director of sales.
From Counterman.com: Up is Up
For those in a more retail-type store environment, things are looking a little brighter. Not by much, but as a wise man once said, “up is up.” Conventional wisdom in the industry says that the retail, walk-in, do-it-yourself (DIY) trade is a low-growth business. As vehicles get more complicated, it will get harder for the average shadetree mechanic to work on vehicles. But recent research suggests otherwise. According to the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), reversing earlier trends, all types of DIY activity increased last year. That’s good news for everyone in the aftermarket, but particularly those who depend on strong DIY sales to make their numbers.
AMRA Announces Retirement of Larry Hecker
The board of directors of the Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association (AMRA) has announced the retirement of Executive Director and President Larry Hecker. Hecker will step down effective June 30, 2008, after 14 years with the association. Hecker will also be retiring from his leadership post at the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP), a subsidiary of AMRA, at the same time.
The First Automechanika Canada Premiers Next Week
TORONTO — The premier of Automechanika Canada will take place Sept. 26 – 28. Show organizers have said that anticipation is building for Automechanika Canada, which will be held at the International Centre in Toronto, Ontario. The show will feature more than 200 exhibitors from 16 countries. Manufacturers will be displaying products from around the
Jiffy Lube Adds Operations and Customer Experience Executives to Senior Management Team
HOUSTON — Jiffy Lube International (JLI) has named two new senior managers to its team. Rick Altizer recently joined the company as general manager, global operations, and Craig Linington arrived earlier this year to serve as customer experience manager. In his new role, Altizer, who previously worked at Midas International, is responsible for the operation
Northwood Presents Automotive Aftermarket Education Award, MAAP Designations at AAPEX Luncheon
Northwood University honored 10 automotive aftermarket leaders with its annual Automotive Aftermarket Education Award today at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. The awards were presented during a luncheon at the annual Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo Show (AAPEX). In addition, Northwood’s University of the Aftermarket presented the MAAP (Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional) designation to two longtime distribution professionals, Doug Washbish and Timothy Trudnowski.
AFS 2006 Offers a View from Wall Street, BB&T Capital Markets on AFS 2006 Agenda
F. Cristello of BB&T Capital Markets will address a “View from Wall Street” during the 2006 Aftermarket Financial Symposium (AFS), which takes place Sept. 26-27 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago. The presentation, scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 27, will focus on the investment community’s view of the aftermarket, including how developing trends might impact different areas of the aftermarket (including such sectors as DIY, DIFM and collision repair) and how that might translate into potential investment opportunities. Cristello will also cover how valuation metrics of publicly traded aftermarket companies differ.
Uni-Select Inc. Reports a 4.7 Percent Increase in Net Earnings for the First Quarter
Uni-Select recorded an increase in net earnings of 4.7 percent for the first quarter of 2006 to reach $5,646,000 or 29 cents per share compared to $5,394,000 or 28 cents per share last year. Sales were reported at $262,514,000 in the first quarter of 2006, a 1.1 percent decrease compared to sales in 2005. The company said the decrease in sales is primarily due to the fluctuation in exchange rates between Canadian and American currencies.