AAPEX Branding Strategy Featured As Best Practice in EXPO Magazine
The branding strategy used to build a new look for the 2004 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) was chosen as a Best Practice by EXPO magazine and featured in the publication’s March issue. The article, “Extreme Makeover,” details the steps taken to create a new look that would brand AAPEX as a must-attend event for the $250 billion automotive aftermarket industry.
Accounting Concerns Jolt GM’s Stock
General Motors Corp.’s stock skidded Wednesday after accounting experts cast doubt on how the automaker reported certain transactions with former subsidiary Delphi Corp., its largest supplier. The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that several accounting experts it contacted had looked askance at the choices made. A GM spokeswoman insisted the accounting was appropriate and that the experts did not have complete knowledge of the transactions.
Gail Farnsley Named Cummins Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Gail Farnsley has been named vice president and CIO for Cummins Inc. As the leader of Cummins Information Technology (IT), Farnsley will implement a global IT strategy to drive standard processes, architecture and applications across Cummins. She will also work with business and IT leaders to develop policies and prioritize IT initiatives focused on driving down the cost of day-to-day operations in order to increase the resources available for strategic investments.
NASCAR Sponsorship Revs Stocks’ Engines
Racing fans weren’t the only ones riveted to the corporate logo-covered NASCAR racers in Sunday’s Daytona 500: Wall Street has picked up on the huge popularity of auto racing and is rewarding companies that are connected with it. Companies such as Ford Motor, General Mills and Georgia-Pacific have enjoyed big returns on the stock market after announcing they are sponsoring a NASCAR team, according to a study of 24 sponsors.
Former Employee Indicted on Charges of Stealing Auto Parts
A former auto worker has been indicted on charges he took part in a scheme to steal auto parts and sell them on eBay, U.S. Attorney James Martin said Monday. Ronald Casagrande, 45, of suburban St. Louis, Mo., worked as a maintenance technician for the DaimlerChrysler assembly plant in Fenton, Mo.. From November 2002 to December 2003, he allegedly stole auto parts from the plant and sold them, according to the indictment.
Mike Lambert and Mike Kamal Share Details on ADN
On Jan. 14, aftermarketNews.com broke the news of the merger between the Parts Plus and IAPA programmed distribution groups. This major news follows closely on the heels of the merger between Quebec’s Uni-Select and New York-based MAWDI, which seems to confirm the sea change that has been taking place over the past few years — with strong but small groups merging to form even stronger collaborations, in an effort to ensure their future in the automotive aftermarket distribution market. Mike Kamal, executive director of IAPA and Mike Lambert, president of Parts Plus, will serve as co-presidents of the new group, to be called the Automotive Distribution Network (ADN). Yesterday, Kamal and Lambert spoke at length with aftermarketNews.com about the merger – how it came together, the synergies involved and thoughts on the future of The Network.
Northwood Receives $3 Million Gift from Board Trustee
Northwood University has received a $3 million gift from Midland, Mich., resident Patricia Naegele. She and her husband, Robert, who passed away in August 2000, have been actively involved with Northwood for a number of years. The Naegeles both served on the University’s board of trustees. Mrs. Naegele is a current member.
Herman Trend Alert: Recruitment Intensifying
Employers are becoming noticeably more active in recruiting. The volume of employment advertising is increasing, including an unusual December growth in The Wall Street Journal. Professional recruiters report that the people they’re calling have received other inquiries, as well. Forward-looking employers are already seeking top talent, even during this usually quiet holiday season.
IMS President Tony George Presented First Autosport Pioneering and Innovation Award
Tony George, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and CEO, was given the inaugural Pioneering and Innovation Award at the Autosport Awards held Dec. 5 in London. George was recognized for his leadership in the development of the Steel and Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) Barrier. The SAFER Barrier, under development by the Indy Racing League and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Midwest Roadside Safety Facility since 1998, absorbs energy during impacts with retaining walls and is one of the more important safety breakthroughs in motorsports. NASCAR joined in the development of the system in September 2000.
IBM Unveils New PartnerWorld Industry Network for Automotive Business Application Software Providers
Yesterday, IBM unveiled the new PartnerWorld Industry Network for independent software vendors (ISVs) focusing on the automotive industry. According to IBM, more than 100 ISVs already have committed to join the PartnerWorld Automotive Industry Network, including: PeopleSoft, Inc.; Rockwell Automation, Inc.; DST, Inc.; Informatica Corp.; DMS Systems Corp.; C&A Systems Inc.; and MSC.Software Corp.