Ninth Annual GAAS Kicked Off in Chicago
While the theme of this year’s Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) — Leaner, Faster, Better — may connote the automated efficiency of a well-run machine, the true focus of the day’s numerous presentations was on the talented pool of people who make up that machine and how to make better use of them. “The core of any great business is the people,” said GAAS founder and chairman Mort Schwartz, who welcomed approximately 400 aftermarket executives to the event.
New Aftermarket Foundation Video to be Shown at AAPEX Town Hall Meeting
In an effort to increase industry awareness of the philanthropic organization, the Aftermarket Foundation has developed a new marketing video, along with a redesigned Web site and brochure. The approximately seven-minute video, shot by former NASCAR Performance producer Joe DePaulis, will be unveiled at the Town Hall meeting, which takes place this fall during the 2004 AAPEX Show.
U.S. Bank, Bridgestone, Labatt Blue Renew Return as Sponsors of 2004 Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland
Officials from the Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland announced that U.S. Bank will return to the annual Roar by the Shore summer event as presenting sponsor in 2004. Officials from the Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland announced that U.S. Bank will return to the annual Roar by the Shore summer event as presenting sponsor in 2004.
NHTSA to Release Defect Data to Public
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said this week data collected from its defect warning system will be made public sometime this year. The agency agreed to keep warranty claims and consumer complaints confidential after automakers claimed access to the data would allow competitors to learn proprietary information about their vehicles. However, NHTSA dismissed manufacturers’ attempts to limit some information, such as the states in which defect-related deaths are occurring.
Vince Daviero Named Director of Northwood’s University of the Aftermarket
Vincent Daviero has been named director of Northwood’s University of the Aftermarket, effective June 1. Daviero’s most recent position was director of training and education at Tires Plus franchise division of Bridgestone/Firestone-Morgan Tire & Auto Inc., where he produced materials for instructor-led sales training programs. His accomplishments include the conceptualization and development of instructional curricula and on-site instructor-led training programs.
USWA to Picket at BFS Plants
Hourly workers at Bridgestone/Firestone plan to picket today at several of the company’s plants. The workers say they will protest the state of labor talks, which ended in November.
APC Announces Winners of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Ticket Drawing
During each of the five A/C seminars that Automotive Cooling Products hosted this year, a pair of tickets to the August 12 NASCAR Nextel Cup race at the Michigan International Speedway were given away. Each winner received a pair of tickets to the race and two nights of lodging.
BFNAT Introduces Three New Truck Tires
This week, at BIZCON 8, Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire’s (BFNAT) annual dealer conference in Chicago, Ill., the tiremaker unveiled three new truck tires. The new radial tires – the R287 steer, M726 EL drive and R195F free-rolling trailer – offer long-haul and long regional haul fleets longer tire life and lower cost per mile, according to the company.
National Tire Safety Week Participation Growing
The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) has announced that participation in the third annual National Tire Safety Week has doubled this year, with more than 8,000 tire retail stores participating. As part of the campaign, tire retailers will distribute “Be Tire Smart” brochures produced by RMA. The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) has announced that participation in the third annual National Tire Safety Week has doubled this year, with more than 8,000 tire retail stores participating. As part of the campaign, tire retailers will distribute “Be Tire Smart” brochures produced by RMA.
American Tire Distributors Hosts National TireStarz Dealer Conference
American Tire Distributors (ATD) hosted its first national TireStarz Dealer Conference March 4 – 7. Ninety-nine dealers and their guests attended the four-day session at the Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn. The meeting featured a series of seminars and workshops designed to give ATD dealers timely information on important market trends and strategies for building their business. Mark Emkes, outgoing chairman, CEO and president of Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, addressed the group, as did William “Bill” Berry, American Tire Distributors’ president and COO.