Executive Interview with Denis Bruncak, Chairman and CEO, Hytec Automotive USA
Join us as Bruncak talks about his new appointment with Hytec and the company’s new water pump manufacturing facility in China. Brucak also talks about the momentum Hytec has built in only three years in business, as well as the company’s plans for AAPEX this year.
National Performance Warehouse Acquires Southern Performance Warehouse
MIAMI, Fla. — National Performance Warehouse (NPW) has acquired Southern Performance Warehouse (SPW) located in Clearwater, Fla. The Automotive Engineering retail stores were not part of the acquisition. According to NPW, the combination of the two operations now makes National the largest performance warehouse in Florida. According to NPW President and CEO Larry Pacey, this will be
California Getting the Lead Out
California will soon be lead-wheel weight free, thanks to a new agreement with one major automaker and wheel weight suppliers. Chrysler LLC, the last U.S. carmaker still using lead weights, signed a legal agreement with the California Center for Environmental Health, in which the automaker will stop selling lead wheel weights by the end of 2009.
Chrysler Says it Will End Leasing Next Week
Chrysler LLC will stop issuing new car and truck leases next week through its financial arm and instead turn its resources to financing loans for customers, it told surprised dealers Friday. This could mean car shoppers with less-than-perfect credit will have a harder time finding leases to acquire a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep. But those who want to purchase a vehicle with a loan through Chrysler might get better deals. The decision comes as the value plummets for used vehicles — in particular trucks and SUVs — leaving manufacturers with vehicles with poor value at auction once the leases expire.
Tales from the Track: When Racing on the Edge, Weird Stuff Happens
Dave Caracci, retired VP from Robert Bosch, has returned to his first love – racing. In this multi-part series, Caracci takes us behind the scenes on the road with Prime Time Racing, where he serves as Logistics Engineer. This time he writes about the trials and tribulations the team encountered in St. Petersburg for the Acura Sports Car Challenge.
The Week in Review (May 26-30, 2008)
By Amy Antenora 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
Tales from the Track: Dave Caracci Takes Us Behind the Scenes at Sebring
Dave Caracci, retired VP from Robert Bosch, has returned to his first love – racing. In this multi-part series, Caracci takes us behind the scenes on the road with Prime Time Racing, where he serves as Logistics Engineer. Stay tuned for more notes from Caracci’s race team travel journal.
Executive Interview with Michael Tate, General Manager, MAHLE Clevite Inc.
In September, Michael Tate joined MAHLE Clevite as general manager. He brings 26 years of aftermarket experience to MAHLE Clevite, most recently with SPX Service Solutions. In addition to SPX, Tate held a variety of sales management positions with such companies as Parker Automotive, Dorman Products and Phillips & Temro Industries. As GM of MAHLE Clevite, Tate has management responsibility for all North American Aftermarket activities for the MAHLE Group, which includes MAHLE Clevite Inc., MAHLE Clevite Canada, ULC and the Aftermarket division of MAHLE Componentes de Motores S.A. de C.V.
Centric Parts Acquires Power Performance Group
Centric Parts, a provider of aftermarket replacement brake and clutch parts, has acquired Power Performance Group, Inc, which further expands Centric’s growing portfolio of brake manufacturers. This announcement follows the company’s purchase last year of StopTech, which is now the performance engineering and manufacturing division of Centric Parts. Power Performance Group is the manufacturer behind the Power Slot brand of performance brake products. Founded in 1997 by Eric Breslow, Power Slot was the first performance brand to distribute a full line of direct fit replacement slotted brake discs. Power Slot is also the west coast’s largest shipping point for HAWK Performance brake pads.
Brake Parts Inc. Advances Consumer Education During Brake Safety Awareness Week
Brake Parts Inc. is a major supporter of the nationwide Brake Safety Awareness Week sponsored by the non-profit Motorist Assurance Program (MAP). The nationwide education program is scheduled for Aug. 26-Sep. 1. Motorists can receive a free brake inspection at thousands of participating automotive service centers across the country. Additionally, the participating service centers will be handing out free literature that discusses the importance of properly maintaining their vehicles.