AAIA Calls on Congress to Include Tax Credit for Vehicle Maintenance
Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), has called on the U.S. Congress to include in the economic stimulus package now being debated, a tax credit to American car owners for actions they take to maximize the fuel efficiency of their vehicles. Schmatz pointed to a recently released Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll that found Americans cite gasoline prices as the economic woe that most affects them.
The Week in Review (Jan. 28-Feb.1, 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, click on any of the dates listed at the bottom of
Bosch Stability Control System Receives International Recognition for Safety Contributions
Bosch has received prestigious awards from FIA (Federation Internationale l’Automomobile) and Prince Michael of Kent for its "contributions to worldwide road safety." The company was recognized for its stability control system, known in the U.S. as electronic stability control. Bosch developed the active safety system and was the first company to put it on the market in 1995.
Proliance International, ACP of Florida Enter Long-Term Supply Agreement
Proliance International has entered into a supply agreement with ACP of Florida, LLC (doing business as Cooling Parts Southeast). The agreement expands the availability of Proliance’s broad product offering of heat exchange and temperature control products in southern U.S. markets. Along with this action, the company announced that it is closing an additional nine branch locations as part of its previously stated initiative to develop the best "go-to-market strategy" for each of the regions and customer groups it serves. In addition, ACP will purchase select assets and assume the supply and servicing of Proliance products to local-market installer customers previously served by the nine Proliance locations.
PUBLISHER’S PERSPECTIVE: Let’s Make a Deal
During a recent e-mail exchange on the topic of e-cataloging with a friend from a large WD, my friend pointed out that he was losing an estimated 15 percent of sales due to parts not being listed in the most current and (supposedly) up-to-date e-catalogs. After some dialogue back and forth about whom is to blame and why, he suggested a solution that struck a chord with me. To summarize his idea: The entire industry should collectively agree to abolish all paper catalogs and earmark the entire amount saved to upgrading and updating the current e-catalogs. It makes perfect sense to me, so much so that I’m going to begin a crusade, starting with this column.
The Top Ten News Stories of 2007
For the fourth year in a row, the editorial staffs of aftermarketNews and Counterman magazine have selected what they determined to be the most significant events to impact the automotive aftermarket in the past year. News stories are presented in chronological order.
The Top Ten Newsmakers of 2007
For the fourth year in a row, the editorial staffs of aftermarketNews and Counterman magazine have selected 10 individuals who have made an impact on the industry this past year. The list is presented in alphabetical order.
GM, UAW Announce Buyout Plan: Deal Aims to Reap Savings of New Contract
From Detroit Free Press DETROIT — General Motors Corp. and the UAW announced Tuesday an agreement to offer the first phase of retirement and buyout incentives intended to help the automaker take advantage of cost-saving measures in its new labor contract. In the first phase of its special attrition program, GM will offer buyouts and
Federal-Mogul to Emerge from Chapter 11 on Dec. 27
Federal-Mogul Corp. announced this morning that its Plan of Reorganization is scheduled to become effective on Dec. 27, marking the company’s emergence from Chapter 11.The Michigan auto parts maker’s Plan of Reorganization was confirmed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on Nov. 8 and affirmed by the U.S. District Court on Nov. 14. The Confirmation Order relating to the Plan has become final and non-appealable.
Robert Bosch Group to Buy Holger Christiansen from Hella for Undisclosed Price
Robert Bosch Group GmbH said it plans to buy Danish-based auto parts maker Holger Christiansen A/S from Hella KGaA Hueck & Co for an undisclosed price. Under the deal Bosch will take over Holger Christiansen, brands HC-Parts and Cargo, along with four factories in Europe and eight sales points in Europe and the U.S., which employ some 900 workers.