AISIN World Corp. Names New Manager of North American Aftermarket Sales
Charles Pariano recently joined AISIN World Corp of America as its new manager North American Aftermarket sales. In this role, he will be responsible for sales and marketing strategies in North America. As an automotive parts distributor, AISIN sells a wide range of products worldwide, including brake and chassis, drivetrain and engine products. Based in Plymouth, MI, the company established its U.S. headquarters in 1970.
Federated to Expand Partnership with Brewco Motorsports
Federated Auto Parts is expanding its partnership with Brewco Motorsports for the 2006 season. Federated will be a full-time associate sponsor on both the #27 and #66 Brewco Motorsports NASCAR Busch Series entries in 2006. Federated will also serve as the primary sponsor for David Green and the #27 team during the Federated Auto Parts 300 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 10.
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Looks at the Value of Motorsports Marketing Programs
Racing. Fortune magazine has called it the “fastest-growing, best-run sport.” One in three Americans consider themselves fans. And, today, businesses across all industries want a part of the action.Over the past decade, motorsports marketing and racing sponsorships have become among the most successful and lucrative vehicles for building brand awareness, so much so that companies today have executives dedicated solely to building their brands through motorsports marketing efforts. For this week’s Ask the Industry, we asked a number of aftermarket businesses that are active in motorsports marketing and racing sponsorships to tell us what they get out of it and where they see it all heading.
Executive Interview with Mike Schultz Executive Vice President – Federated Auto Parts
A veteran of more than 30 years in the automotive aftermarket, Mike Schultz has served as executive vice president (EVP) for Federated Auto Parts since 2003. Federated is one of the industry’s premier programmed marketing groups, with more than 3,800 Federated Auto Parts Stores and 2,400 Federated Car Care Centers nationwide. Schultz recently brought aftermarketNews (AMN) up to speed on his role at Federated, having celebrated his first year as executive vice president. He also shared with AMN his thoughts on the future of programmed distribution groups and Federated’s role in the marketplace.
PERA 59th Annual Convention to be Held in Newport Beach, California
The 59th Annual Production Engine Remanufacturers Association’s (PERA) Convention will take place Sept. 29 – Oct. 2, at The Sutton Place Hotel in Newport Beach, Calif. On Oct. 1, Kathleen Schmatz, president of AAIA, will present the Keynote Address, and will discuss “The Current State of the Automotive Aftermarket.”
Jasper Engines & Transmissions to Purchase Remanufacturing Facility
Jasper Engines & Transmissions has purchased the assets of a former remanufacturer of gas and diesel engines. A letter of intent has been signed to purchase the 83,000-square-foot engine remanufacturing plant in Willow Springs, Mo. The plant, located approximately 60 miles east of Springfield, has been closed since December of 2003. Jasper plans to restart the plant by July 5th, producing 40 to 45 gas engines a day, and will expand into producing transmissions.
Rema Tip Top/North America Announces Two Executive Appointments
Rema Tip Top/North America’s TRM division has expanded its national account department and appointed two new executives. As part of the expansion, Kevin Sapp has been named national account manager. In this new role, Sapp will continue to develop Rema Tip Top’s business with OEM tire manufacturers, retread material manufacturers, retail tire chain, mass merchandisers and automotive distribution chains. Additionally, the company has named Michael Gibson as its new south central zone territory manager. Gibson brings 11 years of experience to the position, coming from Schrader-Bridgeport where he fulfilled various responsibilities in sales, operations and purchasing.