Executive Interview with Rich White, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, AAIA, and Executive Director of the Car Care Council
Rich White is vice president of marketing and communications for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). He oversees marketing, public relations, media relations, publications, Web sites and most recently, the Car Care Council and the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign. With National Car Care Month just around the corner, White provided aftermarketNews.com with an update on the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign and the Car Care Council’s plans for this year. He also shared how aftermarket companies can become more involved in the campaign.
Oxford Automotive Names Two to Top Management Positions
Oxford Automotive, a $1 billion Tier 1 supplier of specialized welded metal assemblies, has announced two key management changes. Jeffrey Wilson, current president of Oxford Automotive’s North American division, has been appointed president and COO of Oxford Automotive Inc. Patrick Flynn, current vice president of strategic planning, has been named CFO, replacing Martin Welch who resigned last week to pursue other interests.
R. L. Polk Canada Announces Management Changes
Kendra Rawls has been appointed vice president, R. L. Polk & Co. and general manager, R. L. Polk Canada, Inc. In this position, Rawls is responsible for managing Polk’s activities in Canada including vehicle registration reporting, automotive intelligence and analysis and marketing solutions. Rawls replaces Bill Murray who has been named vice president of international development at Polk’s international headquarters in Southfield, Mich. Murray is now responsible for overseeing operations in Brazil, Canada and Mexico plus the development of product offerings in Polk’s emerging markets.
Stoneridge Adds Two New Directors to Its Board
Automotive components manufacturer Stoneridge has appointed John Corey and William Lasky to the company’s board of directors. Corey is president and CEO of Safety Components International, a supplier of air bags and components. He previously held positions as president of the Stanley Mechanics Tools Division, AlliedSignal’s automotive aftermarket products division and Moog Automotive. Lasky is chairman, president and CEO of JLG Industries, a diversified construction and industrial equipment manufacturer. Prior to joining JLG, Lasky spent 22 years in various positions of increasing responsibility with Dana, including president of its Filtration Products Worldwide business from 1997 to 1999.
Siemens VDO Automotive Presents 2003 Rep of the Year Award
Siemens VDO Automotive has presented Mike Wirth and Doug Mathe of RepWorks Marketing with their 2003 Rep of the Year Award. RepWorks Marketing is responsible for Siemens VDO’s automotive aftermarket sales activities in California, Arizona and Nevada. RepWorks Marketing has represented Siemens VDO Automotive for approximately four years. RepWorks is headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif., and has an office in Phoenix, Ariz.
aftermarketNews.com Unveils New Features in 2004
aftermarketNews.com (AMN) kicks off 2004 with a number of new editorial features that will provide readers with more comprehensive industry news coverage and useful advice for improving aftermarket businesses. AMN will launch two new features in January, including “DST Asks,” a new technology-themed online reader survey sponsored by information technology services provider DST Inc. Also new this month is “AMN Perspectives by Thomas Group: Experience at Work” which will offer applied techniques for successful implementation of business objectives. Thomas Group is a professional services firm, specializing in improving strategic business processes. Twice a month on AMN experienced Thomas Group consultants will provide practical advice for improving your bottom line.
MPA Automates Catalog and Product Management with e-Publisher
Motorcar Parts of America (MPA) has partnered with Vertical Development Inc. (VDI) to consolidate its application and technical data into a single relational database. As a result, MPA’s customers can now access the latest product information linked to technical reference bulletins in a single lookup.
Pep Boys Names Transpro Primary AC Line Supplier
Pep Boys has named Transpro as the primary supplier of its air conditioning product line. The agreement extends Transpro’s existing relationship with Pep Boys whereby they currently purchase Ready-Rad Radiators and Ready-Aire Heater Cores and A/C Condensers from Transpro.
Coatings Manufacturer Valspar Acquires De Beer Lafkabrienken B.V.
Coatings manufacturer Valspar Corp. has purchased De Beer Lakfabrieken, a privately-owned, manufacturer and distributor of automotive refinish coatings based in The Netherlands. The acquisition includes De Beer’s subsidiaries in the U.K. and Australia. De Beer, which sells products in more than 65 countries, had sales of approximately $39 million ($50 million at current exchange rates) in 2003. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Allstate Insurance Co. Wins Ruling on Texas Law Prohibiting Claim Referrals
Allstate Insurance Co. has won a temporary injunction that will allow it to continue to refer claimants to Allstate-owned Sterling Autobody Centers, the company said Wednesday. Allstate Insurance Co. has won a temporary injunction that will allow it to continue to refer claimants to Allstate-owned Sterling Autobody Centers, the company said Wednesday.