Federal-Mogul and Champion Brands Strike Multi-Year Licensing Deal
Federal-Mogul Corp. and Champion Brands, LLC have announced a long-term licensing agreement adding the Champion “Bow Tie” logo to a line of performance additives for automotive, heavy truck, marine and specialty industries. The new products are in addition to the full line of performance additives and lubricants Champion Brands currently manufactures. The new line will be targeted to national accounts and mass merchants channels.
Sell-Out Inventory Management Seminar Shows Industry’s Interest in Topic
The University of the Aftermarket’s Inventory Management Seminar, held March 8-9, drew a sell-out crowd, revealing the topic’s high interest to the industry. The event was hosted by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the aftermarket segment association of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). The seminar gave participants a better understanding of the fundamentals of inventory control management and the purchasing process. Major areas of focus were distribution center inventory management, store inventory management and supply chain inventory management.
Executive Interview with Tony Perticari, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Crown Remanufacturing
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Tony Perticari, a 35-year veteran of the automotive parts industry. Perticari joined Philadelphia-based Crown Remanufacturing in 1986. He currently serves as vice president of sales and marketing for the company and is responsible for all NAFTA and overseas sales and marketing activities. Join us as Tony Perticari tells us what makes Crown tick, and what it takes to stay ahead of the pack. He also shares with us his predictions for the future of the reman industry, and the company.
Cooper Tire Re-Launches Avon Brand; Unveils Three New Lines
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. has re-launched its historic Avon tire brand and also announced an exclusive distribution deal with The Tire Rack and the unveiling of three new lines. The announcement was made at a meeting attended by top Cooper officials and The Tire Rack executives at The Tire Rack’s headquarters in South Bend, Ind.
Midas Completes Debt Refinancing
Midas has entered into a three-year, $115 million credit facility to refinance its existing debt. The new facility consists of a $55 million revolving loan and a $60 million term loan from a group of lenders led by Bank One, NA.
APA Honors Henry Jacobs; Re-Elects Three Board Members During Annual Shareholders Meeting
The Automotive Parts Associates, Inc. (APA) honored Henry Jacobs for his 50 years of automotive aftermarket service at its annual shareholders meeting in San Diego, Calif. Jacobs is the founder of Automotive Warehouse in Wichita, Kan. Also during its Annual Shareholders Meeting, APA announced the re-election of J. Michael Faley, Robert Jacobs and Silvia Martinez to its board of directors.
Dana’s John Washbish to Discuss Technology and Training at GAAS
John Washbish, president of Customer Relationship Management for the Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group, will discuss “Technology and Training in Today’s Aftermarket” on Tuesday, May 18, at the ninth annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS). GAAS 2004 will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18-19, at the Hyatt Regency, Chicago.
Hi-Tech Engine Components to Supply AAM/Parts Pro Group
Hi-Tech Engine Components has been selected as a program vendor to AAM/Parts Pro by a unanimous vote of its members. According to Tim Odom, president of AAM/Parts Pro, having access to Hi-Tech’s arsenal of engine kits for more than 15,000 applications was just one of many reasons for the decision.
AutoXray Lands on the Shelves of NAPA Auto Parts
AutoXray, a provider of automotive diagnostic scanners, is now offering its products through NAPA Auto Parts stores. NAPA has made the AutoXray EZ Scan line of diagnostic scan tools available in more than 6,000 stores nationally.
3M and Graco Launch Co-Branded Product Line
3M Automotive Aftermarket Division and Graco Industrial/Automotive Equipment Division have formed an alliance to offer a new line of paint spray guns to the automotive aftermarket. According to Bob MacDonald, vice president, 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division, the two companies worked with painters from across the country to develop the line.