Action & Reaction: The Effect of Smaller Sales Forces
Remember manufacturer sales people? There might be a connection between their reduction and a renewed strength of the OE brand. I was never a whiz at math, and I guess that’s why I ended up in journalism. Words and sentences just seem to make much more sense to me than numbers and algebraic variables. But at least like most people, I do understand Newton’s Third Law of physics: Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
Installer or Technician — What Are You?
“He thinks I’m working on parts. I’m working on concepts.” I recently came across this sentence in the book “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.” Unfortunately, this sentence describes the mentality of some elements in the aftermarket. It really got me thinking about an incident that happened to me earlier in the week. I was talking to a person involved in the aftermarket and he kept using the word “installer” to describe shops and technicians. Personally, I find the word “installer” to be very offensive. It does not describe the full role of the professional automotive technician in the aftermarket. It reduces technicians to merely “parts swappers” and not diagnosticians.
ASC Expands its Sales Force, Hires National Account Manager
ASC Industries in North Canton, Ohio, has named Steve Massarelli to the position of national account manager. According to Jeff Sandt, vice president of sales and marketing, the company has successfully expanded its customer network, becoming the top aftermarket new water pump manufacturer and necessitating the need for more sales support.
Executive Interview: John Washbish Talks About the Dana AAG Acquisition
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features John Washbish, president of customer relationship management for the Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group (AAG). On Friday it was officially announced that New York-based investment firm Cypress Group agreed to buy Dana AAG for $1.1 billion. We had the opportunity to talk to Washbish just hours after the announcement was made. Join us as he shares some of the preliminary details on the acquisition and talks about the future of the Automotive Aftermarket Group.
Updated: Cypress Group to Buy Dana AAG Unit
It’s official. Dana Corp. has finally named a buyer for its Automotive Aftermarket Group (AAG). As first-reported early this morning in a ”Breaking News” bulletin from aftermarketNews.com, New York-based buyout firm Cypress Group has agreed to purchase the Dana AAG unit for approximately $1.1 billion in cash. Dana AAG President Terry McCormack and John Washbish, the AAG unit’s president of customer relationship management, along with their executive team will continue with the company. According to Michael Finley, managing director of Cypress, former Echlin top execs Larry McCurdy and Joe Onorato have signed on to serve as directors of the new company.
Executive Interview with USA Industries President and Owner Vince Trapani
Vince Trapani, owner and president of USA Industries, recently took some time to talk with aftermarketNews.com. Trapani talked about the rapid growth his company has undergone since its founding in the mid-80s. He also shared his insights on the starter and alternator segment of the industry, competition from China and a recent factory visit from President Bush.
Bendix-Dana Joint Venture Officially Begins Business
As scheduled, Bendix and Dana’s joint venture — Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC — officially began business yesterday following corporate approvals from both partners. The joint venture, headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, will operate technology centers in Elyria and Kalamazoo, Mich., to produce a full portfolio of advanced wheel-end braking systems components.
Beck/Arnley Announces New Part Numbers
Beck/Arnley has added 491 new part numbers to its product line, according to Max Dull, vice president and general manager of Beck/Arnley. In addition to the new part numbers, Beck/Arnley has increased its carry-up coverage through a research process that identifies later model applications that use the same parts as earlier model applications.
Advanced Bosch Training Focuses on Solving Today’s Automotive Service Challenges
In today’s environment of ever-more-complex and sophisticated automobiles and trucks, training is all-important to the technicians who service and maintain these vehicles. Robert Bosch Corporation, a supplier of automotive systems and components, has placed itself in the forefront of those that supply the advanced technical training needed by the automotive service community.
Dana and Bendix Form Joint Venture
Dana Corp. and Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, a member of the Knorr-Bremse Group, have formed a North American joint venture focusing on commercial vehicle foundation brake components and technologies. The joint venture, which is expected to close on June 30, will operate under the name Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC. Completion of the transaction is subject to final corporate approvals at both companies.