Corteco Announces Second Edelbrock Engine Winner
Vic Edelbrock, Jr., president and CEO of Edelbrock Corp., joined with Corteco at the Performance Racing Industry Show in Indianapolis last month, to draw the name of the second winner in the first Edelbrock Engine Sweepstakes.
FTC Letter Rekindles Right to Repair Flame
In the continuing legislative process regarding HR 2735 — The Motor Vehicle Owner’s Right to Repair Act, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently sent a letter to U.S. Rep John Dingell (D-Mich.), a member of the Energy and Trade Committee, in response to the Dingell’s request for feedback from the FTC on the proposed legislation.
California Approves Strict Air Standard
California air regulators unanimously approved the world’s most stringent rules to reduce auto emissions that contribute to global warming on Friday — a move that could affect car and truck buyers from coast to coast.
MEMA Asks Congress to Audit Effectiveness of Current Process Between Automakers and Independent Aftermarket
In a letter delivered to Congressman Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.), the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) urged Congress to request a study from the General Accounting Office assessing the effectiveness of the current non-legislative voluntary system between the automakers and the independent repair industry on non-emissions related diagnostic, service and repair information. Rep. Stearns is chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. In addition to this news, MEMA yesterday announced that it has developed a position regarding the aftermarket industry’s “Right to Repair” issue, which was heard before a Congress subcommittee yesterday.
Remy International Creates New Aftermarket Services Division
Remy International, which recently changed its name from Delco Remy International, has formed a new aftermarket services department to coordinate brand management and analysis. The new division will report to President and CEO Thomas Snyder but will also be directly responsible to the heads of diesel, electrical, Knopf and locomotive divisions. Al Rowley has been named vice president of the new aftermarket services department.
ArvinMeritor Files Lawsuit over Transmission Patent Infringement by Eaton Corp.
ArvinMeritor has filed a lawsuit in Charlotte, N.C., Federal Court against Cleveland, Ohio-based Eaton Corp. for infringement over a transmission patent. The patent covers an ArvinMeritor transmission automation technology, which was developed for the ArvinMeritor ESS transmission, a model that has been superceded by higher technology. ArvinMeritor seeks an injunction to stop the sale of Eaton Transmission models UltraShift and AutoShift, which use this technology, as well as for damages for past infringement.
Executive Interview with Paul Foley, Vice President, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA)
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Paul Foley, vice president of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), a market segment of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). Join us as Foley brings us up to speed on the rapid growth of AASA since its creation two years ago, as well as several industry initiatives AASA is currently focusing on.
Delco Remy International Changes Name to Remy
As of Aug. 1, Delco Remy International, Inc. will be known simply as Remy International, Inc. The company is changing its corporate name to mark the tenth anniversary of its spin off from General Motors. The company said it will continue to market certain starters and heavy-duty alternators for original equipment and aftermarket customers under the Delco Remy trademark, which is licensed to the company by General Motors. The company will also add the Remy trademark to its brand portfolio for a variety of automotive products in addition to using Remy International as the new corporate name.
System Allows Consumers to Buy Salvage-Yard Auto Parts from New-Parts Dealers
Joseph “Joey” Woodfin IV seized an opportunity. He noticed how automotive salvage yards, such as his Woodfin Auto Parts business in Chesterfield County, Va., had been looking for ways to sell more used car parts to consumers. Also, national auto-parts retailers wanted to be able to offer different merchandise to keep shoppers coming back. Woodfin decided to merge the needs, creating a budding national business that links auto recyclers with car parts retailers. His new EverDrive LLC serves as a conduit for auto parts retailers to have access to a vast supply of used parts through a network of more than 200 auto recyclers across the country.
Shortage of Technology-Oriented Mechanics May Lead to Higher Repair Costs
Motorists, already facing soaring gas prices, can expect higher repair costs in the future because of a lack of qualified mechanics. Even as today’s cars and trucks become more technologically advanced, there are fewer students who can read well enough to understand manuals that explain how to repair them, mechanics and automotive instructors say.