OEConnection Int rod uces ServiceAdvantage Electronic Service Menu for GM Dealerships
OEConnection, a provider of online buying, selling and analysis of original equipment parts, has expanded into dealership service lanes with the introduction of ServiceAdvantage to General Motors dealerships. This customizable Web-based tool designed collaboratively with General Motors dealerships, was built to help dealership service consultants quickly and professionally communicate an automaker’s recommended routine maintenance based on a vehicle’s make, model, year and mileage. ServiceAdvantage supports GM’s Simplified Maintenance Schedules by consolidating and synchronizing the hundreds of owner’s manual service recommendations for easy and on-demand Internet access by any General Motors dealership in the U.S.
Uni-Select Reports 3.9 Percent Increase in Sales in 2007
For the year ended Dec. 31, 2007, sales were $1,168,289,000, an increase of $44,386,000 or 3.9 percent compared to the previous period. Net earnings, for their part, were recorded at $40,841,000 or $2.07 per share, a 3.4 percent decrease compared to net earnings of $42,264,000 or $2.15 per share in 2006. The results for the 2007 period include the contribution to earnings resulting from recent acquisitions significantly reduced by the unfavorable U.S. exchange rate compared to the Canadian dollar.
Ford Files Design Patent Infringement Complaint on Mustang
Ford Global Technologies recently filed a Section 337 complaint at the International Trade Commission (ITC) against manufacturers and U.S. distributors of automotive collision repair parts alleging infringement of design patents for certain exterior repair parts for the 2005 Ford Mustang. This follows a 2005 ITC complaint by Ford that alleged infringement of design patents for 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 F-150s. An administrative law judge of the ITC ruled that seven of 10 design patents directed to parts for the Ford F-150 truck were enforceable and infringed Ford’s design patents, but agreed with Keystone Automotive Industries and other companies that had vigorously contested the case that three patents were invalid due to Ford’s prior public use of the designs. The ITC then issued a cease and desist order to stop the importation of these parts into the United States.
Learn More about Government Affairs and Private Equity’s Role in the Aftermarket and More
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Aftermarket industry veterans and experts will discuss a wide range of topics focusing on the theme of "Shift Forward" at the 2008 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS), which takes place Tuesday, May 20, and Wednesday, May 21, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago. "Let’s Know Them Before We Need
Exclusive: aftermarketNews gets Up Close Look at Akebono’s Kentucky Facilities
In an area of the country better known for distilling bourbon, Akebono Brake Corporation is distilling its OE expertise into aftermarket disc brake pads. Kentucky currently is the home to all Akebono North American manufacturing facilities and its North American headquarters. Recently, aftermarketNews was given an exclusive tour of Akebono’s Aftermarket brake pad plants. The Springfield, Ky., facility manufactures its own aftermarket lines and private-brand brake pad lines, plus brake pads and components for Original Equipment Service (OES).
The Week in Review (April 28 – May 2, 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
Arthur “Butch” Smith Named Director of Product and New Business Development for Proliance’s Ready-Aire Division
Proliance International has named Arthur “Butch” Smith director of product and new business development for Ready-Aire, the company’s line of air conditioning and temperature control products for the automotive and light truck aftermarket in the U.S. Smith will be headquartered at Arlington, Texas, where the company’s center of operations for its domestic air conditioning business is located.
Bosch Registers 7 Percent Sales Increase in North America
The Bosch Group increased its sales in North America in 2007 by 7 percent to $9.5 billion, with all three of the company’s business sectors — Automotive Technology, Industrial Technology and Consumer Goods and Building Technology — contributing to the growth. Sales for the Bosch Group globally grew by roughly 8 percent to exceed $63 billion, after adjusting for currency effects.
AAIA Asks Congress to Support to H.R. 5638
BETHESDA, Md. — The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) has called on Congress to support H.R. 5638, legislation that would amend federal patent law to provide an exception from design patent infringement for alternative repair parts used for the purpose of restoring a vehicle to its original appearance. The bill was introduced by Representative Zoe
Delphi Turnaround Plan Will Take Time Says Miller
Delphi Corp. Executive Chairman Steve Miller says the auto parts maker’s turnaround plan is generating $20 billion to $30 billion per year in new business that will be an engine of growth for the company when it exits bankruptcy protection. Leaving Chapter 11 will take more time, however. In the face of declining U.S. auto sales, tight capital markets have made investors wary about the Troy, Mich.-based company, making it difficult to pull together the financing it needs.