From Counterman.com: Fuel Surcharges – How Much Will Customers Pay?
Since the Arab oil embargo of the 1970s, sharp increases in fuel prices have become a fact of life for most Americans. Like it or not, rising fuel prices affect every sector of American business, including automotive parts distribution. Most of us who fix cars for a living understand that even a minor increase in the cost of oil diffuses throughout our economic structure and increases the cost of every function of modern society, from fueling our automobiles to manufacturing plastics used in shopping bags and other articles of everyday life. Of course, that doesn’t mean we’re happy about it.
Icahn Boosts Lear Bid, but Foes Aren’t Buying
From Detroit Free Press Headed toward a showdown against some other Lear Corp. shareholders next week, billionaire financier and legendary corporate raider Carl Icahn reluctantly raised his bid Monday for the Southfield, MI-based maker of automotive seats. But Icahn’s new bid — $37.25 per share instead of $36 — wasn’t enough to change the minds
The Week in Review (June 18-22, 2007)
By Amy Antenora Editor The Week in Review offers a snapshot of the most read stories of the week as seen on aftermarketNews. To access the complete stories, simply click on the highlighted links. If you missed reading one of our daily news emails, click on any of the dates listed at the bottom of
Federal-Mogul Launches New Line of Champion Brand Performance Additives and Lubricants
Federal-Mogul’s Champion brand has introduced an extensive new line of advanced performance additives and lubricants. Established in 1907, the “Performance Driven” Champion brand is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a new range of innovative products that address the needs of today’s consumers and vehicle service professionals.
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Talks to
Many aftermarket companies today are jumping on the “green” bandwagon and taking steps to reduce their companys’ overall impact on the environment — from office recycling programs to complete product redesigns. Consumers are showing a growing interest in vehicles and automotive products that are environmentally conscious as well. According to 2006 sales data from R. L. Polk & Co., there are 10.5 million alternative fuel vehicles on the roads today.
SKF Receives Third Consecutive NAPA Supplier of the Year Award
SKF recently accepted its third consecutive NAPA Under Car Sales Group Supplier of the Year award. NAPA presented SKF with the 2006 award for the solid and consistent support it provides the Under Car Sales Group through marketing materials, customer service and product sales support. Additionally, NAPA recognized SKF’s dedication to catalog accuracy and overall product support coverage.
The Week in Review (Nov. 27-Dec. 1, 2006)
By Amy Antenora Editor The Week in Review offers a snapshot into the most read stories of the week as seen on aftermarketNews.com. To access the complete stories, simply click on the highlighted links. If you missed reading one of our daily news emails, click on any of the dates listed at the bottom of
SKF Receives Sixth Consecutive NAPA 95 Percent Club Award
SKF recently received the NAPA 95 Percent Club Award for achieving a 97.8 percent shipping rate during 2005. This marks the sixth consecutive year SKF received the NAPA 95 Percent Club Award.
NASCAR Driver Rusty Wallace Takes on New Job as Spokesperson for Earth Biofuels
Legendary NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace has become the latest celebrity to lend his voice to the fight for alternative fuels. Wallace has joined the Earth Biofuels, Inc. Advisory Board and will also act as a spokesperson for the company. Wallace joins fellow advisory board member actress Julia Roberts and board of directors members country music legend Willie Nelson and actor Morgan Freeman in promoting the use of renewable fuels such as Earth Biofuels’ biodiesel and ethanol. The Earth Biofuels Advisory Board, which is chaired by Roberts, was recently formed to provide guidance to senior management on broadening biofuels awareness on a national scale.
Amalie Oil Co. Acquires Wolf’s Head Oil Co.
Amalie Oil Co. this week announced it has acquired Wolf’s Head Oil Co., a SOPUS Products brand, and a division of Shell Oil Co. Founded in Western Pennsylvania, the Wolf’s Head brand has been around for 127 years. The company makes motor oils for passenger cars and heavy-duty trucks. Tampa, FL-based Amalie has also reached the century mark and has been in business for 103 years. The company manufactures motor oils, transmission fluids, brake fluid, gear oils and greases.