Northwood University to Honor Seven Aftermarket Professionals
Northwood University will honor seven automotive aftermarket leaders with its annual Automotive Aftermarket Education Award on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. The awards will be presented during a luncheon at the annual Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo Show (AAPEX). Northwood’s Automotive Aftermarket Education Award recognizes leaders for their contributions to the educational process in the automotive aftermarket field. The award was created to insure that these individuals receive national recognition for their efforts to improve education inside and outside the industry.
HushMat Moves Into Larger Facility
LENEXA, KS — HushMat, a manufacturer of a full line of vibration damping, thermal insulation, tape and sound absorption materials for the automotive aftermarket, has moved. According to President Tim McCarthy, the company was in need of additional warehouse room and personnel as a result of a recent increase in business. “We have received quite
Pilot Automotive Acquires Assets of APC
Pilot Automotive has acquired the inventory and intellectual property of automotive accessories and performance company American Products Company (APC) of Corona, CA. It was reported earlier this year that APC was going out of business, at the time, aftermarketNews was unable to confirm these reports with the company. Established in 1983, Pilot Automotive Inc./Wang’s International supplies and distributes car and truck accessories, import performance accessories, lighting products and wiper blades to retail automotive chains, mass merchandisers, warehouse distributors and specialty markets.
Top 20 Super Stores
After several years of mega mergers among the nation’s largest store owners, 2007 proved to be an anomaly: Among the 20 largest store chains in the U.S, not a single one was acquired. That’s not to insinuate that acquisitions didn’t occur; in fact, 2006 posted the greatest overall store count growth for the top 20 store chains in the last five years. As a group, total store counts grew by more than six percent.
Executive Interview with Steve Frazier, Vice President, Automotive, Amazon.com
This week we hear from Steve Frazier, vice president of automotive for Internet retailer Amazon.com. In late 2006, Amazon.com launched its Automotive Parts & Accessories store, offering more than 1 million new, used and remanufactured parts from leading parts and accessories manufacturers. Frazier recently spoke with aftermarketNews about the launch of this new online store and the role the company hopes to play in the aftermarket.
Eighty-five Years and Counting
When the residents of North Philadelphia need a reliable part they go to Morris Auto Parts, because like the motto says, “Morris Has It.” Owner Harris Steinberg stands by that motto and that’s one of the many reasons he was named the 2006 Counterman Magazine Counter Professional of the Year, presented by WIX Filters.
Affinia’s Robert Gracey to Serve on the CVSN Education Committee
JACKSONVILLE, FL — The Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network has announced that Robert Gracey of the Affinia Group has agreed to serve on the CVSN Education Committee. Gracey, senior vice president, sales for Affinia Under Vehicle Group, will also be a presenter at the CVSN business conference next April in Kansas City. Gracey has dedicated his
Midas Reports Second Quarter Income of 17 Cents Per Share; Company Shops Achieve Break-Even
Midas reported net income of $2.6 million, or 17 cents per diluted share, for the second quarter ended July 1, compared to a loss of $2.5 million, or 16 cents per share in 2005, when the company recorded significant special items related to the company’s exit from exhaust manufacturing.
PPG to Acquire Australian Automotive Coatings Business
PPG Industries has reached agreement to acquire Protec Pty. Ltd., based in Adelaide, Australia, and all assets of Fortec Paints Ltd., Protec’s New Zealand business. The transaction is expected to close late this month.
PPG To Acquire Ameron’s Coatings Business, Buys Remaining Share in Dongju
PPG Industries has reached an agreement to acquire the Performance Coatings and Finishes business of Ameron International, based in Pasadena, CA. Completion of the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals, which are expected within 30 to 45 days.