Popularity of Aftermarket Parts a Mounting Threat to OEs
Collision repair components are growing at a rate double that of most automotive wear replacement components, according to new research from Frost & Sullivan. In the past, the dealer channel was the avenue of choice for replacement components in North America, but with the establishment of aftermarket certification organizations such as CAPA and MQVP Inc., that have boosted the fit, quality and durability of aftermarket components, as well as the recent rulings in the Avery versus State Farm case, lower cost aftermarket component sales have flourished, the research firm said.
Coni-Seal Inc. Awarded for Lean Manufacturing Leadership
Frost & Sullivan has presented the 2005 Lean Manufacturing Leadership Award to Coni-Seal Inc. for its cost-efficient production of hydraulic brake components for the North American aftermarket.
Pricing Pressures Impact Aftermarket Friction Revenues, Study Says
As the majority of automobile manufacturers employ disc-braking systems, demand for premium and ceramic brakes is on the rise in the United States and Canada. Despite their high cost, continued demand in the aftermarket is expected.
Satisfied Brake Products Wins Growth Strategy Leadership Award in North American Friction Materials Aftermarket
Frost & Sullivan’s recent analysis, North American Brake System Parts Aftermarket — Friction Parts, selected Satisfied Brake Products as the recipient of the 2005 Growth Strategy Leadership Award for successfully increasing sales and expanding its customer base in the highly competitive North American friction materials aftermarket.
Dayco Celebrates Its First Hundred Years
With its celebration slogan “Continuing the Legacy,” Dayco Products, LLC is celebrating its 100th year as a company. In these days of corporate buy-outs and mergers, Dayco has maintained its identity, and in some ways returned to its early roots, to become a highly-respected, worldwide manufacturer of belts, hose, tensioners and related parts for the automotive original equipment and replacement markets. The legacy it celebrates is one of a strong company that has a reputation for an insatiable craving to develop new products, improve established products and increase manufacturing efficiencies.
Executive Interview with Mort Schwartz, Chairman of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium
Next week, the tenth annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) will take place (May11&12) in Chicago. Celebrating this decade of annual events, the theme for this year’s GAAS is “Lessons from the Past, Perspectives on the Future.” In honor of the this tenth-annual event, we asked Mort Schwartz, chairman of GAAS, to reflect back and give us his own perspective on changes taking place in the industry in the past ten years as well as his favorite memories from past symposiums.
Durakon Names New Plant Manager for Lapeer Facility
Durakon Industries, a leading provider of thermoformed products and paint film technology to the automotive industry, has appointed Bert McGoff plant manager of its Lapeer, Mich., facility.
Bosch Produces its One Billionth Fuel Injector
Robert Bosch Corp. is celebrating the production of its one billionth fuel injector for gasoline engines. Bosch produces more than 80 million fuel injectors each year for vehicles all over the world. According to Chuck Ruth, director of Product Management, Engine Management Systems, for Bosch, the company produces almost 220,000 units daily at seven production facilities around the world.
Vector Products Receives Patent for Smart Battery Charger Technology; Sues Schumacher for Patent Infringement
Vector Products, which does business as Vector Manufacturing, has received U.S. Patent No. 6,822,425 from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the technology contained in its line of high frequency Smart Battery Chargers. Vector’s Smart Battery Chargers include measuring circuitry for testing a vehicle’s alternator, and Vector’s engine-start models can produce boost current sufficient to jump start a vehicle. The patent was granted on Nov. 23, 2004.
Vector Manufacturing Receives Patent for Smart Battery Chargers
Vector Products, doing business as Vector Manufacturing, Ltd., announced this week it has received a U.S. patent for its industry-leading technology contained in its line of high frequency Smart Battery Chargers. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Vector Manufacturing, is a leading developer of automotive aftermarket portable power products.