“Brain Reserve” Consultant to Address the Impact of Female Consumers on the Aftermarket at GAAS
Tiffany Vasilchik, a senior consultant with Faith Popcorn’s Brain Reserve firm, will address the subject of the emerging influence of women on the aftermarket. Her presentation — “Futurescape: How Trends and The Female Consumer Are Driving Change in the Automotive Aftermarket” — will take place on Tuesday, May 18 at the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) in Chicago.
ACC Becomes Silver Sponsor of the Car Care Council Women’s Board
The Automotive Communications Council (ACC) has announced it will sponsor the 2004 Car Care Council’s Women’s Board activities at the “Silver” sponsorship level. ACC is a national, non-profit organization comprised of marketing professionals engaged in public relations, advertising, branding and other communication practices for automotive aftermarket companies.
Challenge Ahead for Detroit’s Automakers
Detroit’s Big Three automakers — General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler — are going to have to make changes in their products if they want to stay competitive, says automotive trend watcher Micheline Maynard.
Radiator.com’s Marketing Drives Sales
A California company has found gold under the hood of America’s older vehicles – with a little help from Visteon Corp. In a little more than a decade, Radiator.com/1-800-Radiator has grown from a $2.5 million local business into a $60 million company with 34 locations nationwide.
Executive Interview with Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of AAIA
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Schmatz became president and CEO of AAIA on Jan. 1, 2004. She had served as executive vice president of the association since January 2002. In addition to filling us in on her first few months at her new post, Schmatz shared with aftermarketNews.com updates on AAIA’s merger with AWDA, Right to Repair legislation and the Be Car Care Award Campaign.
Executive Interview with Rex Falkenrath, Founder and CEO of Hi-Tech Engine Components
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Rex Falkenrath, founder and CEO of Hi-Tech Engine Components. Falkenrath founded Hi-Tech in August of 1973. With more than 31 years in business, Hi-Tech Engine Components has developed a full line of engine parts and kits sold nationally through parts store chains and program distribution groups. Join us as we learn more about Hi-Tech Engine Components and the engine parts market.
Timken Shareholders Elect New Director
Jerry Jasinowski, president of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), was elected for a three-year term on the Timken board of directors, expiring in 2007. Jasinowki was elected during Timken’s annual shareholders meeting held yesterday. James Griffith, John Luke, Jr., Frank Sullivan and Ward Timken have also been re-elected for three-year terms expiring in 2007.
DST Asks: What Topics Would You Like to Read About?
Right now, today, perhaps no other industry is as poised and ready to transform itself as the automotive aftermarket parts and service industry to leverage technology usage to dramatically enhance productivity and boost bottom-line performance. That’s why we took the opportunity, after publishing three months worth of weekly columns, to ask our readers what they would like us to discuss in the next three months. The responses were interesting and thought provoking. Here’s a general recap of what we’ve covered so far and, based upon your feedback, topics for the near future.
Compact Performance Sales Top $3 Billion in 2003
Sales of appearance accessories, handling and suspension parts and performance and racing products for compact performance vehicles topped $3 billion in 2003, according to SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association.
Executive Interview with Joe Puishys, President of Honeywell Friction Materials
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Joe Puishys, president of Honeywell Friction Materials. A 25-year veteran of the company’s automotive businesses, Joe Puishys has served as president of Honeywell Friction Materials since early 2002. His responsibilities include overseeing the most recent corporate effort to align closely with Honeywell’s business initiatives and operating plan. He has already played a major role in the cost cutting and six sigma programs occurring throughout the organization. Join us as Puishys gives us an update on Honeywell Friction Materials, including plans to expand manufacturing operations and launch new products.