Unperformed Maintenance Drops in 2005 to $52 Billion, According to AASA Research
Unperformed maintenance dropped to $52 billion in 2005, according to an upcoming report from the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). While the $52 billion represents a drop of $4 billion from 2004 figures, many American vehicle owners are still neglecting many of the vital maintenance and service procedures that their cars and trucks require to operate safely, reliably and fuel-efficiently, according to AASA.
Executive Interview with Ric Alameddine, VP of Marketing and Engineering, North American Aftermarket, Tenneco
This week we talk with Richard Alameddine, vice president of marketing and engineering, North American Aftermarket, for Tenneco Inc., manufacturer of Monroe shocks and struts, Monroe premium brakes, Walker exhaust products, DynoMax performance exhaust, Rancho performance suspensions and shocks, and DuPont Car Care appearance and performance chemicals.
ACDelco Launches ‘Winners Circle’ Promotion
ACDelco is inviting its customers to “step into the winner’s circle” with its latest promotion designed to support growth of undercar products. ACDelco Dedicated Distribution Group (DDG) members will award ACDelco Winner’s Circle game cards to Independent Service Centers (ISCs) that participate in ACDelco’s Total Service Support (TSS) program, Key Fleet customers and ISC accounts for purchases of ACDelco brakes, shocks, struts, chassis and power steering Undercar products.
Quality Not Price
During the AAPEX show this past November in Las Vegas, I visited the lower level where many overseas companies were exhibiting aftermarket parts. In small 10’x10’ booths arranged by country, they displayed their wares in hopes of a buyer. The former underground parking structure of the Sands Hotel and Casino was filled with the two best things America exports, capitalism and opportunity. But, it was also tempered with the universal evils of greed and ignorance. In this mixing pot of automotive culture, not only was it possible to get an international view of the aftermarket, but you could also get a better view of your own situation.
Executive Interview with Mac McGovern, Director of Training, KYB America
A successful independent shop owner for more than 30 years, Mac McGovern joined KYB as director of training in August of this year. Considered one of the aftermarket’s leading trainers and advisors, McGovern is implementing KYB’s innovative Ride Control Solutions from KYB program, which is helping to develop the understanding and co-operation between manufacturers, distributors and service centers in order to improve business practices and better take care of motorists’ needs.
Unperformed Maintenance Reached $56 Billion in 2004, According to New AASA Report
Unperformed maintenance in the American automotive aftermarket industry topped out at $56 billion in 2004, according to the soon-to-be-released 2005 AASA Automotive Aftermarket Status Report. High gas prices played a role in the unperformed maintenance total, according to Frank Hampshire, director of market research for MEMA’s Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association. “Consumers tended to perform maintenance when they felt it could improve their vehicle’s fuel efficiency,” he said.
Executive Interview with Richard Alameddine, Vice President of Marketing, North American Aftermarket, Tenneco Automotive
Richard Alameddine is vice president of marketing, North American Aftermarket, for Tenneco Automotive, manufacturer of Monroe shocks and struts, Walker exhaust products, DynoMax performance exhaust, Rancho performance/off-road suspension technologies and DNX products for the tuner market. Among the company’s other key products are DuPont Car Care appearance and performance chemicals, developed through a strategic product alliance with DuPont. Tenneco Automotive is based in Lake Forest, Ill., with aftermarket product engineering and marketing operations in Monroe, Mich.
Tenneco Launches Ready2Race Promotion
Selling Monroe shock absorbers and Walker exhaust products can earn service technicians a slew of prizes, including a chance in the NASCAR Total Pit Crew Experience sweepstakes, in Tenneco Automotive’s Ready2Race promotion in March.
Northwood Senior Named First Recipient of the Harvey Diedrich Advantage Scholarship
Brian Lesiewicz, a senior studying automotive aftermarket management at Northwood University, has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Harvey Diedrich “Advantage” Scholarship. The Harvey Diedrich “Advantage” Scholarship fund was established in 2003 by friends of the longtime aftermarket executive who created innovative marketing programs for Tenneco Automotive’s Monroe Shocks and Struts and Walker Exhaust product lines. Diedrich died in June 2003.
Car Care Council Women’s Board Announces Winners of the Automotive Communications Awards
The Car Care Council Women’s Board (WB) has announced the winners of the new Automotive Communications Awards (ACA). The awards were presented during the Women’s Board reception on Tuesday, Nov. 2 in Las Vegas, during AAPEX. The Automotive Communications Awards recognize companies/agencies that provide automotive information through outstanding advertising, marketing and PR efforts. The business-to-consumer awards have 14 categories for entry targeted to women, including car care clinics and direct mail piece or campaign/newsletter. The business-to-business awards consist of 21 categories with such options as logo design and special promotions and promotional events/trade show.