More Aftermarket Eye Candy at This Year’s North American International Auto Show
Although there’s no shortage of muscle on the main floor at this year’s North American International Auto Show — the 850-horsepower Chrysler ME412 concept is only the beginning — there’s also a subterranean performance theme that’s been missing from previous shows. Once the take-it-or-leave-it realm of marginal players like Daewoo and stillborns like the revival Cunningham sports car, Cobo Center’s downstairs Michigan Hall exhibit area is studded this year with an intriguing array of production vehicles enhanced by aftermarket bolt-on goodies: designer wheels, low-profile tires, oversize brakes, high-performance shock absorbers and more.
AutoZone Enhances Top Management Team, NAPA’s Steve Handschuh Named Senior VP
AutoZone (AZ) has announced new responsibilities and additions to the company’s senior management team. Steve Handschuh, current president of NAPA Auto Parts, has been named senior vice president of AZ commercial. Handschuh spent the last seventeen years at NAPA building its wholesale business. Mike Longo, currently senior vice president of store operations for AZ commercial and ALLDATA, has been named senior vice president for growth initiatives. Additionally, Brad Bacon, vice president and general manager of store operations, will become senior vice president of store operations.
Keystone Automotive Acquires Toronto-Based Quinte Bumper & Fender
Keystone Automotive Industries has acquired Quinte Bumper & Fender, a privately held company based in Ontario, Canada, that distributes automobile collision replacement parts. Quinte recorded sales of approximately $6.5 million during its most recent fiscal year. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition is a continuation of Keystone’s strategy to expand throughout Canada, according to Charles Hogarty, president and CEO of Keystone.
Delphi Appoints Three New Sales Managers in North America
Delphi Corp. has named three new sales managers for North America. Jim Eady, Darrel Reuss and Steve Tucker will serve as regional sales managers for vehicle electronics in North America for Delphi Product & Service Solutions. Eady will cover the Southeast, Reuss the Midwest and Tucker the Northeast and all will report to Scott Donnelly, North American vehicle electronics sales manager.
MPA Name Change is Official
In an exclusive interview from October 2003, Motorcar Parts & Accessories (MPA) Chairman, President and CEO Selwyn Joffe, indicated that MPA’s shareholders would soon vote on a proposal to change the company’s name. That name change is now official. Motorcar Parts & Accessories has changed its name to Motorcar Parts of America to better reflect its position in the markets it serves.
ASA Names New Vice President of Communications, New Manager of Web Operations
Angie Wilson has been named the Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) new vice president of communications. She replaces Ken Roberts, who has left the position to pursue opportunities in another industry, according to ASA. ASA has also promoted Colby Horton to manager of Web operations.
SEMA Show 2004 Space Selection Begins in February
Online space selection for the SEMA Show 2004 will begin the week of Feb. 9. The trade show is scheduled to take place Nov. 2 through Nov. 5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The online selection for exhibit location will be made according to a company’s seniority as SEMA Show exhibitor, and their membership in SEMA and/or the Tire Industry Association (TIA).
TIA Consolidates, Maryland Office Becomes New HQ
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) will consolidate all of its offices in Bowie, Md., as of Feb. 1. TIA’s operations in Kentucky will be relocated and the building will be put up for sale. TIA said this decision comes after months of in-depth analysis into the cost-effectiveness of operating two offices in different states. Two members of the Louisville staff, Senior Vice President of Education and Technical Services Kevin Rohlwing and Director of Training Chris Marnett, will be moving to the Maryland office.
Car Care Council Reports Increased Web Site Usage, Women’s Board Membership Up
In 2003, usage of the Car Care Council’s Car Care Newspaper Supplement (CCNS) Web site grew dramatically, the council said. The growth coincides with the first year of the Car Care Council’s “Be Car Care Aware” consumer-education campaign. In addition to the news of increased usage of Car Care Council materials, the Car Care Council Women’s Board’s announced that its membership more than doubled in 2003, setting a record high number.
Midas Completes Restructuring
Midas said it has completed its restructuring plan successfully, and on schedule. In April 2003, Midas announced agreements with AutoZone in the U.S. and Uni-Select in Canada for distribution of Midas brand and other automotive parts to the 1,900 Midas shops in North America. Midas’ timetable to exit the parts distribution business was the end of fiscal 2003. In April 2003, Midas announced agreements with AutoZone in the U.S. and Uni-Select in Canada for distribution of Midas brand and other automotive parts to the 1,900 Midas shops in North America. Midas’ timetable to exit the parts distribution business was the end of fiscal 2003.