AMN Perspectives by Thomas Group: Experience at Work
In our last article we talked about inventory management as a trade-off. In most organizations there are conflicting inputs from various departments that affect inventory decisions: finance wants low inventory levels to minimize working capital costs; sales and marketing wants high inventory levels to ensure excellent customer service; production wants long-term planning with low flexibility to create high production efficiencies. Logistics wants to minimize transportation, handling and inventory holding costs.
ACDelco Announces Plans for National Car Care Month
ACDelco is stepping up its efforts to promote April’s National Car Care Month (NCCM) and the industry-wide “Be Car Care Aware” campaign, which educates consumers on the benefits of proper vehicle maintenance. In honor of National Car Care Month, ACDelco is teaming up with warehouse distributors in select markets to participate in its first-ever car care initiative, which will educate consumers about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair.
ASA Appoints John Scully Executive Vice President
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has appointed John Scully, AAM, to the position of executive vice president. Scully has served as ASA’s vice president of member services and operations since 1998. In announcing the promotion, Ron Pyle, ASA’s president and chief staff executive, said, “John has proven himself as a strong leader who considers the needs of our members as his top priority. Elevating his position to executive vice president equips John with the resources and authority needed to efficiently and effectively serve our members and this industry.
MANN+HUMMEL USA Names Thomas to Communications Post
MANN+HUMMEL USA has named Julie Thomas to the position of executive assistant to the president, with responsibility for the automotive supplier’s public relations programs.
Tenneco Automotive Expands ‘Expert Plus’ Rewards Program
Tenneco Automotive’s Monroe shocks and struts and Walker exhaust brands have expanded the Expert Plus automotive service promotions and technician rewards program for 2004. Expert Plus is a comprehensive offering of national trade and consumer promotions, marketing materials, merchandising tools and installation incentives for automotive repair facilities and professional technicians. The program attracted more than 20,000 members in 2003.
NAPA Windshield Receives Two Manufacturer of the Year Awards
NAPA Windshield Products has received the 2003 NAPA Manufacturer of the Year Award from the NAPA Underhood Sales Group as well as the NAPA Retail Sales Group, honoring it as the top supplier for these sales groups. The two awards were presented to the Windshield Products group at the NAPA Sales Meeting in Atlanta on January 15.
More Details on the Future of Honeywell’s Friction Materials Business
Yesterday, Honeywell announced that it had terminated discussions with Federal Mogul regarding the possible sale of its friction materials business, which manufactures and markets the well-known aftermarket brand Bendix. After several months of negotiations, the parties were unable to agree on terms of a deal. Now Honeywell has reported that the friction materials division will remain part of Honeywell and will become closely aligned with the company’s business initiatives and operating plan. According to Joe Puishys, president of Honeywell friction materials, the company is in the process of making investments in both the aftermarket and OE segments of the business.
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.
Federal-Mogul Appoints Jay Burkhart, Vice President, Global Marketing and Brand Strategy
Federal-Mogul has appointed Jay Burkhart to vice president, global marketing and brand strategy. In this new role, he will be responsible for marketing and brand strategy in aftermarket sales locations throughout the world. Prior to this promotion, Burkhart, who joined the company in 1998, was responsible for marketing in the North American aftermarket. He has been instrumental in helping the Federal-Mogul North American aftermarket organization achieve record performance in sales and numerous awards for marketing excellence, including most recently, the prestigious PACE Award for product innovation.
Brake Parts Inc. Names VP of Sales for Branded Products
Brake Parts Inc. has promoted Mike Fiorito to the position of vice president of sales – branded products. As part of its continuing focus on customer relationship management, the company is combining the leadership of its branded sales groups, according to Charlie Westmoreland, senior vice president of sales.