“DST Asks”: The Use of Computerized Business Management Systems and their Potential for Generating ROI
Tremendous technological advances have made the use of computerized business management systems the paradigm of the aftermarket. All tiers of the supply and service chains have benefited from technology — manufacturers, warehouse distributors, jobbers, national and regional parts and service chains, multi-store independent parts and service enterprises and single-store independent parts and service facilities. Gone are the days when a capital investment in technology was merely another overhead expense. Savvy managers now know that computerized systems can become their own profit centers, generating an impressive ROI.
Executive Interview with Rich White, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, AAIA, and Executive Director of the Car Care Council
Rich White is vice president of marketing and communications for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). He oversees marketing, public relations, media relations, publications, Web sites and most recently, the Car Care Council and the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign. With National Car Care Month just around the corner, White provided aftermarketNews.com with an update on the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign and the Car Care Council’s plans for this year. He also shared how aftermarket companies can become more involved in the campaign.
The Results Are In: Seventy Percent Say AAPEX is Worth the Cost
The results are in from the first edition of “AMN Asks” — the new weekly aftermarketNews.com poll. Last week, we asked whether you thought the annual AAPEX Show in Las Vegas offers “complete value” for the amount of time and resources you spend to attend. The annual Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo, which takes place in Las Vegas every fall, is the largest gathering of aftermarket products and people under one roof. It’s a chance to network, check out new products and attend informative seminars. It’s fast-paced and frenetic and can be a world of fun, however, on the flipside, it’s also an exhausting week of glad-handing and schmoozing in a very pricey town. Is it offering the best bang for your buck?
Manufacturers’ Rep Conference Slated to Take Place in Conjunction with GAAS
AAIA has announced details of its upcoming Manufacturer’s Representative Conference, which takes place in conjunction with the 2004 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium. The conference, slated for May 16-17 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago, Ill., will address “Industry Partnerships – Developing Strategies for a Profitable Future.” Parts Plus President Mike Lambert is among a number of industry experts scheduled to speak at the event.
Oxford Automotive Names Two to Top Management Positions
Oxford Automotive, a $1 billion Tier 1 supplier of specialized welded metal assemblies, has announced two key management changes. Jeffrey Wilson, current president of Oxford Automotive’s North American division, has been appointed president and COO of Oxford Automotive Inc. Patrick Flynn, current vice president of strategic planning, has been named CFO, replacing Martin Welch who resigned last week to pursue other interests.
MACS Announces New Sponsorships for 2004 Convention
Four Seasons, a division of Standard Motor Products, has announced its sponsorship of “Crank it UP!” — the 24th annual Convention and Trade Show of the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide. The convention takes place January 22-24 at the Caribe Royale All-Suite Resort in Orlando, Fla. Sanden International has announced its gold sponsorship of the event, bringing drag racing legend Big Daddy Don Garlits to the convention to present the keynote speech during a luncheon on Saturday, January 24th at noon. Garlits will speak on teamwork and working toward success.
MPA Automates Catalog and Product Management with e-Publisher
Motorcar Parts of America (MPA) has partnered with Vertical Development Inc. (VDI) to consolidate its application and technical data into a single relational database. As a result, MPA’s customers can now access the latest product information linked to technical reference bulletins in a single lookup.
Aftermarket Veteran George Halford Dies
George Halford, co-owner and vice president of H.B. International Marketing Services, died this week. A Royal Air Force veteran who served in World War II, Halford emigrated to Canada in 1957 and entered the automotive business. In 1966, he purchased BMC dealership for Triumph, MG and Jaguar, and in 1976, opened three jobber stores. Halford formed Tandem Marketing Co., an automotive parts sales agency, in 1980, and in 1987 merged with Bearden Marketing Services to form H.B. International Marketing Services, Inc.
Bo Fisher to Succeed His Father as CEO and Chairman of Fisher Auto Parts
Following the death this week of his father Arthur Jay (Art) Fisher Jr., CEO of Fisher Auto Parts, Arthur Jay (Bo) Fisher III, has been unanimously elected to the position of CEO and chairman of the board. He has been president of Fisher Auto Parts since 1992 and owns a majority of the company.In addition, Gary Shifflett and Herb Godschalk have been promoted to become co-Presidents of Fisher Auto Parts.
Siemens VDO Automotive Names N.A. Williams “Sales Agency of the Year”
Automotive supplier Siemens VDO Automotive has named Atlanta, Ga.-based N.A. Williams Agency “Sales Agency of the Year” for 2003. N.A. Williams is responsible for Siemens VDO Automotive’s sales activities in the Southeast Region, including Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. The N.A. Williams Agency, which was founded in 1934, specializes in the automotive aftermarket, serving a variety of major manufacturers. They have been a representative of Siemens VDO for the past six years.