Executive Interview with Ric Alameddine
This week we talk with Ric Alameddine, vice president of marketing, North American Aftermarket, for Tenneco Inc., manufacturer of Monroe shocks and struts, Monroe premium brakes, Walker exhaust products, DynoMax performance exhaust, Rancho performance suspensions and shocks, and DuPont Car Care appearance and performance chemicals. In our exclusive interview, Alameddine talks about Monroe’s foray into the brake category and how the company keeps its branding and marketing initiatives fresh.
New Website Focuses on Ride Control Education
As part of an industry-wide consumer awareness program, Tenneco’s new website can help teach drivers about the role of shocks and struts play in daily driving and vehicle safety. The site – at http://www.MyShocks.com – was developed as part of Monroe’s “Safety Triangle” campaign and emphasizes the suggested 50,000-mile shock/strut replacement schedule and the importance
Merlin Muffler & Brake Changes its Name; Now Called Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops
In order to reflect the fact that cars today last well over 100,000 miles, as well as emphasize a company-wide commitment to helping their customers get the most from their vehicles, Merlin Muffler & Brake shops across the country have changed their name to Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops. The name change is meant to better communicate the chain’s long-term strategy of dominating a poorly served market within the auto maintenance and repair industry and capitalize on a major consumer trend, according to Frank Smola, president of Merlin’s Franchising, Inc.
Brembo Selected for Frost & Sullivan Product Innovation of the Year Award
Frost & Sullivan has presented the 2006 Automotive Rotors & Drums Aftermarket Product Innovation of the Year Award to Brembo North America Inc. for its development of Easy Check, the first brake rotor that indicates to vehicle owners and installers when it is time to replace the part. Frost & Sullivan presents its Product of the Year Award each year to companies that have demonstrated excellence in new products and technologies within their industry. Recipients have shown innovation by launching a broad line of emerging products and technologies.
Brembo Selected for Frost & Sullivan Product Innovation of the Year Award
Frost & Sullivan has presented the 2006 Automotive Rotors & Drums Aftermarket Product Innovation of the Year Award to Brembo North America Inc. for its development of Easy Check, the first brake rotor that indicates to vehicle owners and installers when it is time to replace the part. Frost & Sullivan presents its Product of the Year Award each year to companies that have demonstrated excellence in new products and technologies within their industry. Recipients have shown innovation by launching a broad line of emerging products and technologies.
Car Care Council Supports ‘Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day’
The Car Care Council is helping to drive home the importance of a properly maintained brake system during ‘Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day,’ conducted by the National Society of Professional Engineers on Oct. 10.
Lift Association Elects Officers and Directors
The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) re-elected Gary Kennon of Rotary Lift (Madison, IN) to serve as chairman of its board of directors at its recent annual membership meeting. Other board members are: Chris Edwards of Western Manufacturing (National City, CA), Jerry Lentz of Challenger Lifts (Louisville, KY), Pete Liebetreu of Hunter Engineering (Bridgeton, MO), Rick Wells of Mohawk Resources (Amsterdam, NY), Doug Grunnet of ALM Auto Lifts/Mach. Corp (Streator, IL) and Harold Yeo of Wheeltronic (Mississauga, ON, Canada). Bob O’Gorman was appointed ALI president by the board and was also elected ALI secretary/treasurer.
Carcare.org Consumer Web Site Now Features Activant Service Intervals Database
Activant Solutions Inc., a provider of vertical ERP solutions, and the Car Care Council have announced that the extensive Activant Service Intervals vehicle maintenance database is now available for use by consumers through the carcare.org Web site.
Satisfied Brake Products Wins Growth Strategy Leadership Award in North American Friction Materials Aftermarket
Frost & Sullivan’s recent analysis, North American Brake System Parts Aftermarket — Friction Parts, selected Satisfied Brake Products as the recipient of the 2005 Growth Strategy Leadership Award for successfully increasing sales and expanding its customer base in the highly competitive North American friction materials aftermarket.
Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Takes Be Car Care Aware Message to the Track
For the first time in the Be Car Care Aware campaign history, an aftermarket partner has placed the campaign’s message on its sponsored NASCAR vehicle. Beginning at the Busch series race held at New Hampshire International Speedway on July 16, the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper sponsored No. 79 Dodge driven by 2004 NASCAR rookie-of-the-year, Kasey Kahne, will sport the Be Car Care Aware logo on the vehicle’s decklid.