Tenneco Automotive Expands ‘Expert Plus’ Rewards Program
Tenneco Automotive’s Monroe shocks and struts and Walker exhaust brands have expanded the Expert Plus automotive service promotions and technician rewards program for 2004. Expert Plus is a comprehensive offering of national trade and consumer promotions, marketing materials, merchandising tools and installation incentives for automotive repair facilities and professional technicians. The program attracted more than 20,000 members in 2003.
Stylin’ Concepts Expands Call Center
Stylin’ Concepts, a direct marketer of parts and accessories for light trucks and SUVs, is expanding its call center, retail and administrative operations in Independence, Ohio. The company will move some of its warehouse operations to another location. Due to the need for more office and retail space, the company said it will move some of its distribution functions to a site outside the Independence area. The move will affect approximately 20 warehouse employees, most of whom will be absorbed into existing company operations in Independence.
Bekaert Specialty Films Introduces Enhanced Automotive Film Cutting System
Bekaert Specialty Films (BSF) has introduced ComputerCut Version 3.0, a new enhanced version of its automotive window tint, paint protection film and vinyl graphics pattern cutting system. ComputerCut 3.0 maintains all the capabilities of earlier versions, but also offers a variety of new features, including the ability to manage a private image and pattern database, and to import custom graphics from programs such as Adobe Illustrator and Flexi Sign. In addition, ComputerCut 3.0 has a newly designed user-friendly interface, making the system easier to navigate and operate, according to the company.
AutoZone Enhances Top Management Team, NAPA’s Steve Handschuh Named Senior VP
AutoZone (AZ) has announced new responsibilities and additions to the company’s senior management team. Steve Handschuh, current president of NAPA Auto Parts, has been named senior vice president of AZ commercial. Handschuh spent the last seventeen years at NAPA building its wholesale business. Mike Longo, currently senior vice president of store operations for AZ commercial and ALLDATA, has been named senior vice president for growth initiatives. Additionally, Brad Bacon, vice president and general manager of store operations, will become senior vice president of store operations.
TIA Consolidates, Maryland Office Becomes New HQ
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) will consolidate all of its offices in Bowie, Md., as of Feb. 1. TIA’s operations in Kentucky will be relocated and the building will be put up for sale. TIA said this decision comes after months of in-depth analysis into the cost-effectiveness of operating two offices in different states. Two members of the Louisville staff, Senior Vice President of Education and Technical Services Kevin Rohlwing and Director of Training Chris Marnett, will be moving to the Maryland office.
Motor Industry Chiefs See More Mergers and Acquisitions Ahead, Especially in Asia
Automotive executives are losing their taste for strategic alliances and expect to see an increase in mergers and acquisitions in the industry over the next five years, particularly in Asia, according to the results of the fifth annual survey of the automotive industry by consultancy KPMG LLP. Consolidation was seen as occurring globally, but respondents in particular focused on Asia, where 73 percent said they expect an increase. Sixty percent pointed to an increase in Europe, while 50 percent of those polled saw stepped up M&A activity in North America.
Executive Interview with Wolfgang Winzer, Vice President and General Manager of Siemens VDO Automotive Corp. Service & Special Solutions, North America
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Wolfgang Winzer, vice president and general manager of Siemens VDO Automotive Corp. Service & Special Solutions, North America. Winzer recently talked with aftermarketNews.com about the company’s extensive history in the OE market and how this will help them build a stronger aftermarket segment. He shared some of the company’s goals for its aftermarket business in the coming years.
NACE Announces Dates and Location for 2004 Event
The 2004 International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) will take place during the same week as Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) in Las Vegas. NACE will be held Nov. 3-6, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, in Las Vegas. NACE is the world’s collision repair event and draws an attendance of more than 30,000 from around the globe. It features more than 60 educational sessions and an exposition with approximately 500 exhibiting companies. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) sponsors NACE.