Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Sails Into Florida for Annual Meeting; Outstanding Vendors Honored
SAN ANTONIO — The shareholders of Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc. (Alliance) gathered this week in Boca Raton, FL, for the group’s annual winter meeting. The meeting is a culmination of the past year’s efforts of the Alliance, which markets for Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper parts stores and certified service centers. Reports and breakout meetings
Charley Johnson of Proliance Elected 2007-2008 MEMA Chairman
Charles "Charley" Johnson, president, CEO and director of Proliance International in New Haven, CT, has been elected 2007-2008 chairman of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Board of Directors. Johnson joined Proliance in March 2001. Proliance International is a leading global manufacturer and distributor of aftermarket heat exchange and temperature control products for automotive and heavy-duty applications serving North America, Central America and Europe.
Dayco Products’ Dennis Welvaert Named New AASA Chairman; New Board Members Elected
Dennis Welvaert, president, North American aftermarket division, Dayco Products LLC., Tulsa, OK, took office as chairman of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Board of Governors at the board’s Nov. 8 board meeting in Chicago. Welvaert is a 37-year veteran in the automotive industry. His career started with Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. where he held various technical positions in research and development before moving into the OEM Sales division.
NH Parts Plus Store Comes to the Aid of NASCAR Angels
MEMPHIS, TN – Sanel Auto Parts, a Parts Plus Autostore owned by Automotive Supply Associates (ASA) in Concord, NH, recently teamed with the NASCAR Angels TV program to aid in their goal to help provide safe, reliable transportation for deserving motorists. Hosted by former NASCAR champion Rusty Wallace and Shannon Wiseman, a NASCAR.com reporter, NASCAR
Tom Rafferty Named Director of Program Group Distribution for Affinia
Affinia Group has named Tom Rafferty to the position of director of program group distribution, reporting to Bob Gracey, senior vice president of sales. In his new position, Rafferty will be responsible for all aspects of Affinia’s program group business, including retention, development and growth of existing group customers. He will also manage product and marketing programs and serve as liaison between group headquarters offices and Affinia.
APA Launches Scratch and Win Promotion
LENEXA, KS — Professionals’ Choice Auto Parts is launching its spring Scratch and Win promotion and one lucky customer will win a 2007 Harley Davidson Sportster Motorcycle. APA’s participating warehouse distributors will give customers a scratch card each time they purchase a product from one of the sponsoring manufacturers. Instant winners will receive gift certificates
Bob Lutz of GM to Deliver Luncheon Address at 2007 GAAS
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC — Robert Lutz, General Motors vice chairman of product development, will deliver an inspirational speech on Tuesday, May 8, as the luncheon speaker at the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) held at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago. Lutz has served GM in various capacities since 2001, including chairman of GM
GAAS 2007 to Feature Exciting Speakers, Register Early to Take Advantage of Discount
Surviving in a Changing Aftermarket is the theme for the 2007 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) on Tuesday, May 8 and Wednesday, May 9 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago. Participants who register before Friday, March 23, 2007 will receive $200 off regular registration rates. Registration forms can be accessed at http://www.globalsymposium.org.
Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Holds Annual Winter Meeting in Sunny Florida
The shareholders of Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc. gathered in Boca Raton, FL, for the group’s annual winter meeting held Dec. 2-6. Each shareholder of the Alliance was represented. The meeting is a culmination of the past year’s efforts of Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper parts stores and certified service centers. Reports and breakout meetings focusing on marketing, product and education were reviewed. New vendors were reviewed and approved and the 2007 marketing strategy was presented.
Vange Proimos of AP Exhaust Elected Chairman of AASA
Vange Proimos, president of AP Exhaust in Goldsboro, NC, has been elected chairman of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Board of Governors. Proimos and his brothers founded the USA Muffler Shop chain in the 1970s. The business grew to more than 20 shops throughout northeast Indiana and included a distribution center to service the muffler shops. In 1994, he and his family started Catco Catalytic Converters, known today as one of the largest aftermarket converter manufacturers in the country. Catco specializes in universal, direct fit and OBDII technology converters. In 1998, Proimos acquired the AP Exhaust Aftermarket Division with manufacturing facilities in Goldsboro, NC. Manufacturing exhaust products for the past several years under the Goerlich’s, Merit, TruckEx and Xlerator brands, the company will begin to market their products as AP Exhaust in 2007.