Winning Indianapolis 500 Car Entrant Kraines Dies at 85
Maury Kraines, the winning Indianapolis 500 car entrant of 1992, died in Rancho Mirage, Calif. He was 85.
CAWA Launches New Web Site
The California/Nevada Automotive Wholesalers Association announced the launch of its new Web site, cawa.org. The site has been enhanced and updated and will be touted as the association’s resource for member benefits, programs and services, business and automotive aftermarket-related information.
PPG Announces Summer/Fall Management Training Schedule
PPG Automotive Refinish has announced the upcoming schedule for its MVP Body Shop Management Series of seminars. These seminars provide valuable information on a broad range of topics – from financial analysis to production management -that shop owners and managers across North America can use to grow their businesses and improve customer satisfaction.
CAWA Announces Board Appointments
Lyle Burgess, chair of the CAWA Board of Director’s has appointed the following individuals to serve on the Association’s Manufacturers Advisory Council (MAC).
ASA Announces Collision Division Operations Committee, Mechanical Division Operations Committee
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced its 2005 Collision Division Operations Committee. Darrell Amberson, AAM, Lehman’s Garage, Bloomington, Minn., will continue to serve as Collision Division director. As such, Amberson serves on ASA’s board of directors and chairs the ASA Collision Division Operations Committee.
Executive Interview with Richard Alameddine, Vice President of Marketing, North American Aftermarket, Tenneco Automotive
Richard Alameddine is vice president of marketing, North American Aftermarket, for Tenneco Automotive, manufacturer of Monroe shocks and struts, Walker exhaust products, DynoMax performance exhaust, Rancho performance/off-road suspension technologies and DNX products for the tuner market. Among the company’s other key products are DuPont Car Care appearance and performance chemicals, developed through a strategic product alliance with DuPont. Tenneco Automotive is based in Lake Forest, Ill., with aftermarket product engineering and marketing operations in Monroe, Mich.
Kumho Moving to New U.S. Headquarters
Kumho Tire USA Corp. has leased an 830,000-square-foot warehouse and office building in a new Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., industrial park and plans to move its U.S. headquarters and distribution center there by July.
CAWA Holds Legislative Day in Sacramento
The California/Nevada Automotive Wholesalers Association (CAWA) held its annual legislative day in Sacramento last week. A series of meetings were held with key legislative leadership and the executive director of the Bureau of Automotive Repair. The day kicked off with a luncheon with Sen. George Runner (R-CA), the guest of honor. Members discussed with Sen. Runner issues critical to their businesses and the aftermarket industry.
Falken Tire Unveils Contingency Program for 2005 Formula Drift Series
Falken Tire Corp. has unveiled its 2005 contingency program for the Formula Drift series. Falken Tire is a member of the Sumitomo Rubber Industries Group. In addition to assembling what the tire company says is the largest “Works” team competing in the U.S. series, Falken will also offer payouts to any drivers/teams (“Works” or privateer) competing on Falken Tires that meet the rules and regulations of the program.
Hopkins Manufacturing Acquires Carrand Co.
Hopkins Manufacturing Corp. has acquired privately owned Carrand Co., a designer and marketer of specialty cleaning tools and accessories for the automotive aftermarket. Based in Rancho Dominguez, Calif., Carrand will operate from its current facility as a subsidiary of Hopkins Manufacturing and will continue to be led by Carrand President Rand Rognlien. Carrand shareholders David Rognlien, Rand Rognlien and Brock Robertson have invested in Hopkins as part of the transaction.