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.
Cooper Tire to Sponsor Saturn Motorsports Racing Program
Cooper Tire & Rubber and its subsidiary Mickey Thompson Performance Tires and Wheels, has announced a new sponsorship and supply agreement with Saturn Motorsports. The agreement positions Cooper Tire as a major associate sponsor of the Saturn Motorsports Pro FWD Ion, driven by three-time world champion and current NHRA point’s leader, Lisa Kubo. Cooper Tire will also title sponsor a Saturn Motorsports tuner car slated to compete later this year in Sport FWD.
ACDelco Wants to Reach “Real Car Guys”
ACDelco is launching new trade and consumer advertising campaigns this week designed to catch the eye of “Real Car Guys.” The campaign is being launched at this time to coincide with April’s National Car Care Month, in an effort to encourage proper vehicle maintenance. Playing off of its longstanding history in the business, ACDelco is using this new campaign to position itself as the most trusted name and leading brand in the aftermarket, for virtually all makes and models.
DST Asks: Do You Sell from Inventory Locations that are Not Your Own or Are You Making Plans To?
The old maxim “You can’t sell from an empty shelf” has become outdated. Why? Because technology can ensure that shelves are never bare, at least from the customer’s standpoint, with the advent of the Virtual Inventory Network (VIN) — a term coined by DST to encompass B2B, B2C, and Peer-to-Peer e-commerce. A VIN, also sometimes referred to as a Virtual Sales Network, can provide leverage and cohesiveness of shared inventory across multiple trading partners both up and down and across the supply chain.
Executive Interview with Joe Puishys, President of Honeywell Friction Materials
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Joe Puishys, president of Honeywell Friction Materials. A 25-year veteran of the company’s automotive businesses, Joe Puishys has served as president of Honeywell Friction Materials since early 2002. His responsibilities include overseeing the most recent corporate effort to align closely with Honeywell’s business initiatives and operating plan. He has already played a major role in the cost cutting and six sigma programs occurring throughout the organization. Join us as Puishys gives us an update on Honeywell Friction Materials, including plans to expand manufacturing operations and launch new products.
New AAIA Report Provides Insight Into Auto Repair Professional’s Tool Buying Habits
A new market research report published by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) reveals that technicians, shop owners and service managers prefer to purchase their tools from mobile tool distributors. The report — “Tool Purchasing Trends” — offers insight into current and future purchasing decisions of professional users of tools and equipment for automotive repair based on surveys of more than 1,340 respondents.
Pilot Travel Centers to Sell Goodyear Truck Tires
Goodyear Tire & Rubber is the second tiremaker this week to announce a new supply agreement with Pilot Travel Centers LLC, one of the largest truck stop networks in North America. Pilot Travel Centers will stock and sell Goodyear truck tires at its travel centers.
DST Asks: Can Your Business Measure Return on Customer Investment?
Although most businesses have the means for measuring their Return On Investment, DST has coined the term Return on Customer Investment as a more accurate method of determining profitability of the customer base. Many firms believe that their largest customers, or the ones they have been supplying for the longest time, are the most profitable ones, but access to pertinent data can contradict those assumptions.
Restructuring Charges Drive Midas to a Net Loss of $76.2 Million in 2003
Midas reported a net loss of $76.2 million — or $4.93 per diluted share — for fiscal 2003, which ended Jan. 3. Midas said the loss is primarily the result $102.6 million in charges related to its restructuring, completed in April. As part of the restructuring, Midas exited its wholesale distribution business and refocused its resources on retail franchising and real estate businesses.
Dana Corp. Prepares for 100th Anniversary Celebrations
Dana Corp. will kick off its centennial-year celebrations at an automotive technology event in downtown Detroit, this while banners announcing the anniversary will begin peppering downtown Toledo. The Toledo firm, which turns 100 on April 1, will start its centennial celebration at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress. Dana will return to the March 8 to 11 event at Cobo Center for the first time since 2001 after bowing out, along with other large suppliers, for business and financial reasons.