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
The Week In Review (Aug. 21-25, 2006)
THE WEEK IN REVIEW (August 21-25, 2006) _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ASSOCIATION & LEGISLATIVE NEWS: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ASA to Communicate with Members through New Blog The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is among the latest in the aftermarket industry to launch a blog website. ASA’s new blog (http://blog.asashop.org) will provide commentary and analysis about the automotive service industry
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.
Sterling Bearing Celebrates 70th Anniversary
Sterling Bearing, Inc., a wholesale distributor of internal engine parts for passenger, performance, agricultural, truck and heavy-duty applications, will celebrate its 70th year in business this April. Sterling Bearing is a charter member of the Engine Parts Group, Inc. (EPG), a buying and marketing group of internal engine parts distributor specialists operating 32 warehouses nationally.