The Week in Review (July 7-11, 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
DuPont to Expand Capacity in China
DuPont has announced the expansion of compounding capacity at its manufacturing site in Shenzhen, China. The site produces DuPont Zytel nylon 6,6 resins and DuPont Zytel HTN high-performance polyamide resins for use in the automotive and electronics markets.
Visteon In-dash Entertainment/GPS System Now Available
The Visteon Navigation Radio System is now available for North American passenger vehicles. Available through automotive dealerships and mobile electronics retailers, the system expands on the functionality and convenience of original equipment (OE) radio head units. Featuring a 7-inch color digital LCD touch-screen monitor, the new system combines dozens of advanced capabilities within a single unit that fits in most vehicles with a double-DIN radio opening. The system is compatible with existing steering wheel controls on most vehicles, plus rear (backup) cameras and satellite radio modules.
Keystone Announces New Summer Aftermarket Rewards Promotion
Pomona, Calif. – Keystone Automotive has announced that Aftermarket Rewards customers can now earn 250 bonus points for every 10 Keystone codes they redeem, as part of the new “Sizzlin’ Summer Deal.” According to Keystone Director of Marketing Services Mary Kunz, “The ‘Sizzlin’ Summer Deal’ is just one of many earning opportunities that we offer
AAPEX Organizers Reporting Strong Exhibitor Registrations Despite Tough Economy
Despite challenging economic conditions, organizers of the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) are reporting strong exhibitor registrations, slightly exceeding numbers for the same time last year. To date, 1,101 exhibitors have registered for AAPEX 2008, compared with 1,096 at the same time last year. Total number of booths is down only 3.3 percent, show organizers said. Approximately 11,000 buyers are already registered to attend.
Onward Coatings Begins Production of ‘Eco-Friendly’ Chrome Alternative Technology
Onward Coatings held a press conference on July 3 at its headquarters in Mentor, Ohio, to highlight its “eco-friendly” decorative chrome technology and showcase its production line that offers an alternative to the traditional chrome-plating process. While the product candidates for this “green” technology are numerous, automotive applications, particularly wheels, are the first to benefit.
AAIA Partners With China Ministry of Commerce
Building on its initiative to meet member interest in learning more about doing business in China , the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) has established a formal partnership with the China International Auto Parts Expo (CIAPE), a division of the China Ministry of Commerce. The partnership agreement calls for Ministry of Commerce to provide an educational program at AAPEX on how to sell to the Chinese aftermarket. The program will include information on the Chinese aftermarket, government regulations and business practices
The Alliance’s Dale Hopkins to Discuss e-Commerce Initiatives at MIS Council Fall Conference
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Dale Hopkins, vice president of information technology for Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, will be a featured speaker at the 2008 Fall Conference presented by the MEMA Information Services Council (MIS Council), slated for Sunday, Oct. 12, through Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Marco Island, Fla. Hopkins will discuss the e-commerce and
Tomax and WHI Solutions Announce Product Integration
SALT LAKE CITY — Tomax Corp., a provider of real-time merchandising and store execution applications and services, has announced the integration of WHI Solutions’ eCatalog and eCommerce modules into its own Retail.net and Customer Experience Architecture (CXA) solution. CXA is a retail management application for automotive service businesses. The addition of WHI’s integrated eCommerce module
PPG to Sell Controlling Interest in Auto Glass Business to Kohlberg & Co.
PPG Industries has signed an agreement with an affiliate of funds managed by Kohlberg & Co., under which PPG will divest its automotive glass and services business to a new company formed by Kohlberg. PPG will receive $330 million in gross cash proceeds plus a minority ownership interest of approximately 40 percent in the new company, subject to closing adjustments.