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.
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Looks at the Ways WDs Are Handling Rising Gas Prices
As if trying to succeed in this industry wasn’t challenging enough, the past few months have made it even more difficult as gas prices have risen to more than $3 per gallon in some parts of the nation. Today, the national average for a gallon of gas is $2.77, nearly double what it was just one year ago. Every driver in the U.S. is feeling the pinch and taking steps to ease the burden, but what do you do if your business relies on a vehicle (or a fleet of vehicles) to transport parts to jobbers and installers? We asked three WDs from across the country how they are dealing with the rising cost of fuel.
IBM Offers Advanced Early Warning for Automotive Industry at Auto Tech 2005
IBM, at AutoTech 2005, unveiled a new automotive industry business solution that allows automakers and fleet owners to collect and analyze large quantities of data about their vehicles – from a variety of sources – to improve the identification of trends, better manage warranty coverage and help them adhere to government regulations.
Executive Interview with Patricia Law, Vice President and General Manager of ANSA Automotive
Patricia Law, VP and general manager of ANSA Automotive, recently sat down with aftermarketNews.com and shared her 25-plus years of market experience and some insight on the aftermarket. In addition to managing ANSA’s Macon, GA, distribution facility, she also actively supports industry initiatives and associations. She is currently serving her second term on the board of directors for AIA (Auto International) a segment of AAIA. She also recently completed the University of the Aftermarket/Northwood University Leadership 2010 Program.
SEMA Votes Jim Cozzie New Chair-Elect, Four Newcomers Join Incumbents To Round Out Board Elections
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has announced the results of the 2005 board of director’s elections. Jim Cozzie was voted incoming chair-elect; Richard Sherman, Doug Evans, Craig Chatt and Anne K. Johnson won seats on the 24-member board.
New SEMA Board Members Named
The results of the SEMA Board of Directors election are final. Mitch Williams has been elected SEMA Chairman of the Board, Vehicle Performance Systems Inc.; and Jim Cozzie was chosen as SEMA Chair-Elect, B&M Racing & Performance Products.
Vic Edelbrock, Jr. to Receive Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award
Hotrod & Restoration (HHR) magazine and Robert Petersen have announced Vic Edelbrock, Jr. as the fourth recipient of the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award. Launched in 2002 at the HRR show, the inaugural Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to NHRA founder Wally Parks. The award was presented to Carroll Shelby in 2003 and George Barris in 2004. Petersen selects the annual recipient based upon the candidate’s contributions to the evolution and prosperity of specialized automobiles. The trophy, a bronze sculpture by automotive artist Steve Posson, aptly titled “Running at the Lakes,” is on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
Executive Interview: John Lampe, chairman, president and CEO of Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding
Two years ago on August 9, Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. — and the whole tire industry — changed for all time. John Lampe has been in the middle of the entire saga from day one. More importantly, as chairman, president and CEO of what is now Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding (BFAH) and the head of Bridgestone/Firestone North America Tire, the Kansas native has led the once-beleaguered company back from the brink.
Pronto Grows Again; Adds 7th New Member This Year
Following through on its plans to aggressively grow its numbers this year, National Pronto Association announced yesterday that it added yet another shareholder to its membership. IMDA Automotive Warehouse located in Stoney Creek, Ontario, has become the newest member of the buying and marketing group. IMDA Automotive Warehouse becomes Pronto’s first Canadian shareholder.
Pronto Adds New California Member
Continuing the aggressive growth spurt that it has been on for the past several months, National Pronto Association announced yesterday that California-based Smothers Auto Parts and Performance Accessories has joined the programmed distribution group.