ANSA Automotive Names Mitch Williams National Sales Development Manager
Mitch Williams, founder of Vehicle Performance Systems, a recently formed international sales and marketing agency, has joined the ANSA Automotive sales team. Heading up National Sales Development, he will focus on expanding and managing the independent outside rep base and developing major WD relationships for both Silverline and ANSA SPORT performance exhausts.
National Tire Safety Week Participation Growing
The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) has announced that participation in the third annual National Tire Safety Week has doubled this year, with more than 8,000 tire retail stores participating. As part of the campaign, tire retailers will distribute “Be Tire Smart” brochures produced by RMA. The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) has announced that participation in the third annual National Tire Safety Week has doubled this year, with more than 8,000 tire retail stores participating. As part of the campaign, tire retailers will distribute “Be Tire Smart” brochures produced by RMA.
Automotive Exterior Market Expected to Grow
The automotive exterior market is expected to grow by more than 10 percent by 2009, according to a report from consulting firm CSM Worldwide. The automotive exterior market is expected to grow by more than 10 percent by 2009, according to a report from consulting firm CSM Worldwide.
Dealers Turning to Independents for Service Contracts
Car dealers sell more optional service contracts (such as extended warranties and mechanical-breakdown protection) when they utilize independent providers as opposed to plans offered from their respective factories. According to a study released by J.D. Power and Associates, dealers that use independents have sales rates of 32 percent to new-car buyers and 40 percent to used-car buyers. In contrast, dealers who use factory plans report 28 percent and 33 percent respectively.
Industry Veteran Bob Hall Loses Battle with Cancer
Industry veteran Bob Hall lost his battle with cancer on Monday, March 8, at his home in Carlisle, PA. He was 56 years old. Hall began his career as a sportswriter before moving on to MotorWeek and then becoming publicist for the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and later the Imperial Palace Auto Collection. In conjunction with those duties, he became host of “Las Vegas Motor Speedway on the Air,” a show that eventually evolved into “All About Cars,” the program he hosted until his death.
Aftermarket eForum — Solutions Today for Tomorrow’s Technology Challenges
This year’s Aftermarket eForum — Solutions Today for Tomorrow’s Technology Challenges — will take place Monday, Aug. 2 through Wednesday, Aug. 4 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago. Building on the success of the past three years, the 2004 eForum will feature an expanded format that includes breakout sessions and a full vendor trade show. New technology and e-commerce are rapidly reshaping the vehicle aftermarket.
Crump to Chair NACE 2004 in Las Vegas
The International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) has re-appointed Vernon Crump, body shop director for John Eagle Collision Center in Dallas, Texas, as chairman for NACE 2004, which will be held Nov. 3-6, in Las Vegas, to coincide with Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW). Crump was NACE 2003 chairman and received accolades for his leadership and experience, and for the innovative programs he introduced at NACE to spotlight new technologies and to strengthen industry and global relationships.
Congress Could Consider Tire-Aging Legislation
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently studying the issue of whether aging has a detrimental effect on tires (since some rubber compounds may deteriorate over years, regardless of use). Sen. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) wants to introduce legislation that will require NHTSA to study the issue and prepare a report to Congress within three years.
MEMA Joins Aftermarket eForum as Sponsor
MEMA has joined as a sponsor of the 2004 Aftermarket eForum scheduled for Monday, Aug. 2, through Wednesday, Aug. 4, in Chicago, Ill. Other sponsors of this industry-wide event include the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association and the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA), R.L. Polk & Co., Comergent, Evant, Gcommerce, Prescient Technology, DST and WorldPac.
Former National Dragster Editor-in-Chief Passes Away
Former Editor-In-Chief of National DRAGSTER, John Raffa, lost his battle with cancer and passed away on Jan. 20. Raffa had an extensive background in drag racing publishing, including editor/publisher of Super Stock & Drag Illustrated magazine and managing editor of Car Craft magazine. Raffa also worked as director of communications for Norwalk Raceway Park and as a guest columnist for Drag Racing Online.