Vince Daviero Named Director of Northwood’s University of the Aftermarket
Vincent Daviero has been named director of Northwood’s University of the Aftermarket, effective June 1. Daviero’s most recent position was director of training and education at Tires Plus franchise division of Bridgestone/Firestone-Morgan Tire & Auto Inc., where he produced materials for instructor-led sales training programs. His accomplishments include the conceptualization and development of instructional curricula and on-site instructor-led training programs.
Grote Unveils New Product and Technology Information System for Distributors and Installers
Grote Industries has launched a new set of catalogs and training materials for distributors and installers. The new system contains information about the company’s products and underlying technology, including information to facilitate product specification, selection, installation and troubleshooting.
Cooper Tire Reports All-Time Record Sales
Cooper Tire & Rubber has reported all-time record high sales of $974 million and a 56 percent increase in net income for the quarter, which ended on March 31. The record sales represent a 23 percent increase compared to the same period a year earlier. Net income increased by 56 percent, to $24 million, compared to $15 million in the first quarter of 2003.
Process Management Framework
Two articles back we talked about the role of the process owner. This person is a critical leader and driver of change, but can’t make it happen alone. Operational innovation in the process enterprise can produce significant performance improvement, but it requires close teamwork across multiple departments to achieve its full potential. Today’s article looks at the cross-functional infrastructure necessary to support the process owner in driving change.
Honeywell Receives APA’s Branded Products Award
Honeywell Friction Materials, which manufactures Bendix branded brake products, was recently recognized with the Automotive Parts Association’s (APA) Branded Products Award. The award was presented to Honeywell at the association’s 24th annual Shareholders & Manufacturers Conference held at the Wyndham Emerald Plaza in San Diego last month.
Cooper Tire to Raise Prices By June
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. said it would raise prices up to 5 percent on its flag, associate and private brand tires. The price increase will take effective June 1, according to the tiremaker.
SKF/Chicago Rawhide Launches Redesigned Web Site
SKF/Chicago Rawhide has redesigned and relaunched its Web site — www.vsm.skf.com . The newly redesigned site combines interactive elements with a user-friendly, navigable layout to service the automotive and heavy duty aftermarkets, according to the company. SKF/CR designed the Web site to include interactive cataloging and product information. The company said it also worked to address the requests and needs of its distributor partners during the redesign.
Raybestos Brand Brakes Becomes “Gold” Sponsor of the Car Care Council Women’s Board
Brake Parts Inc., on behalf of Raybestos brand brakes, has committed to a “Gold” level sponsorship of the Car Care Council’s 2004 Women’s Board activities. Brake Parts Inc., headquartered in McHenry, Ill., is a leading manufacturer of braking systems and components for the automotive aftermarket. The Car Care Council Women’s Board recently expanded its sponsorship program in order to support all the Women’s Board activities for the year. Those activities include industry outreach, consumer education and recruiting women to the industry, as well as serving as an advisory board to the “Be Car Care Aware” campaign.
High Price of Steel Leaves Consumer Feeling the Squeeze
The price of steel has risen substantially over the past few months, and many suppliers to the auto industry are feeling squeezed because they are big buyers of steel, according to a new study conducted by Frost & Sullivan consulting firm.
National Tire Safety Week Participation Growing
The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) has announced that participation in the third annual National Tire Safety Week has doubled this year, with more than 8,000 tire retail stores participating. As part of the campaign, tire retailers will distribute “Be Tire Smart” brochures produced by RMA. The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) has announced that participation in the third annual National Tire Safety Week has doubled this year, with more than 8,000 tire retail stores participating. As part of the campaign, tire retailers will distribute “Be Tire Smart” brochures produced by RMA.