Cold Steel, Hard Times for Industrial Suppliers
On one hand, Ed Hoener is being forced to pay 30 percent more for cold-rolled steel since the start of the year. On the other are customers who won’t accept higher prices from Hoener, or fight him for months before finally paying.
AWDA Names Larry Northup to Direct Segment at AAIA
The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) has appointed Larry Northup to direct its day-to-day operations, as a segment of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). AWDA joined forces with AAIA in January 2004. Northup, who currently serves as senior director of segment management at AAIA, immediately assumes the role of AWDA liaison. Working closely with the AWDA volunteer leadership and AAIA’s professional staff, he will be responsible for coordinating the segment’s membership marketing and recruitment activities, meetings and conferences, including the annual one-on-one meetings, government relations and communications.
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.
Aftermarket Leaders to Discuss Industry Trends at GAAS
A foursome of distributor and retail leaders will share their thoughts on aftermarket industry trends on Wednesday, May 19, at the ninth annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS). GAAS 2004 will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18-19, at the Hyatt Regency, Chicago.
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.
Bosch Launches Free Gas Card Promotion
Robert Bosch Corp. has launched a new promotion designed to help increase sales of its spark plugs and oxygen sensors. Bosch is offering drivers the opportunity to earn up to $20 in free gas with the purchase of four Bosch Platinum Series Spark Plugs and one Bosch Oxygen Sensor.
WIX Filtration Products Receives CARQUEST Vendor of the Year, Order Fill Awards
WIX Filtration Products was presented with the 2003 CARQUEST Vendor of the Year award and two Order Fill Awards in recognition of its impressive ship-and-fill rates, outstanding marketing programs and customer service. WIX is the exclusive manufacturer of CARQUEST’s Premium Blue and Red Filter lines.
DST Asks: Do You Support Vendor Managed Inventory as a Business Practice?
“The Right Goods at the Right Price in the Right Place at the Right Time…”
Experts Warn Industry’s Growth in South Carolina Will Be Flat at Best
South Carolina is chasing automotive manufacturing jobs even as the industry’s work force is slipping away from the U.S. Some experts warn South Carolina will lose its auto jobs too, as automakers and parts companies move jobs abroad or squeeze out jobs at home through efficiency gains. Some experts warn South Carolina will lose its auto jobs too, as automakers and parts companies move jobs abroad or squeeze out jobs at home through efficiency gains.
Sell-Out Inventory Management Seminar Shows Industry’s Interest in Topic
The University of the Aftermarket’s Inventory Management Seminar, held March 8-9, drew a sell-out crowd, revealing the topic’s high interest to the industry. The event was hosted by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the aftermarket segment association of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). The seminar gave participants a better understanding of the fundamentals of inventory control management and the purchasing process. Major areas of focus were distribution center inventory management, store inventory management and supply chain inventory management.