AAPEX Organizers Warn: Counterfeiters Beware
While automotive trade shows can be a bonanza for counterfeiters of replacement parts, organizers of the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), which takes place Nov. 2-5, in Las Vegas, warn firms that make or sell fake parts to watch out. AAPEX has a long standing policy to take action against counterfeiting, according to Bill Glasgow of AAPEX show management company W.T. Glasgow Inc.
Executive Interview with Paul Foley, Vice President, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA)
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Paul Foley, vice president of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), a market segment of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). Join us as Foley brings us up to speed on the rapid growth of AASA since its creation two years ago, as well as several industry initiatives AASA is currently focusing on.
Hoon Chung Named President and CEO of DST
Former Activant Automotive Group executive Hoon Chung has been named president and CEO of DST Inc. Company founder Ray Stover was named chairman and vice president of business development. Stover said the entire DST family is energized by the appointment of Chung as president and CEO. “Hoon exemplifies the growing trend in the aftermarket to recruit the best of the best in supply chain management expertise to chart the course for an industry in vital need of next generation solutions,” said Stover.
Amerityre Names New CFO, New Sales and Marketing Manager
The board of directors of Amerityre Corp. has appointed Anders Suarez to serve as the company’s CFO. The board of directors of Amerityre Corp. has appointed Anders Suarez to serve as the company’s CFO.
Wheel Pros Implements ASA Tire Reporting Software
ASA Tire Systems, a software developer for the tire industry, announced that it has successfully deployed its business intelligence software system Analytix throughout the Wheel Pros organization. Tire and wheel dealer Wheel Pros will use the software at its 19 warehouses across the U.S.
Fiat, Microsoft in Joint Venture
Microsoft and Fiat reportedly have reached agreement to turn out a new onboard car-data system. The plan is to make a system running Microsoft’s Windows Automotive software available for every vehicle model from one of Europe’s biggest automakers, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer said.
MEMA, Department of Homeland Security Launch Cooperative Effort on Counterfeiting
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a division of the Department of Homeland Security, have initiated a major effort to increase cooperation and communication between automotive suppliers and border officials. As part of the effort, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will host an anti-counterfeiting seminar on Thursday, Sept. 9, at the Dearborn Inn in Dearborn, Mich. There is no cost to attend the event, which will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
R. L. Polk & Co. Introduces Polk Used Truck MarketView
R. L. Polk & Co. has launched its latest information solutions product. The Polk Used Truck MarketView provides commercial OEMs, fleet and leasing companies, dealers and aftermarket component manufacturers with comprehensive reports on used commercial vehicle information. The new product is accessible via Polk’s TIP Net Web-based commercial vehicle market intelligence system or available in report form on a subscription basis, and can be used to accurately analyze the commercial used vehicle market; plan inventory and sales strategy; identify new market opportunities; and take advantage of market conditions according to Polk.
House Bill Would Target Non-Compliant Products
To help deter the import of automotive and other products that falsely claim compliance with federal or industry safety standards, Representatives Sander Levin, (D-Mich.) and Dave Camp, (R-Mich.), have sponsored H.R. 4152, which would make unlawful the importation, sale for importation or sale within the U.S. after importation, of products falsely labeled or advertised as meeting a U.S. government or industry performance or safety standard. The bill would amend Section 337 of America’s trade law, a section well known by aftermarket companies who have used the law against imports that infringe upon their trademarks, patents and other intellectual property rights.
AASA: U.S. Trade Deficit Hurts Automotive Supplier Industry
The disparity between automotive parts exports ($48 billion) and parts imports ($74 billion) drove the U.S. auto parts trade deficit to $26 billion in 2003, according to the 2004 Automotive Aftermarket Status Report, just released by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA).