MEMA’s Brian Duggan Talks to CBS News About Counterfeit Auto Parts
The issue of controlling counterfeit motor vehicle parts continues to build momentum, grabbing the attention of the national media. On June 25, Brian Duggan, the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association’s (MEMA) director of international programs, was interviewed by “CBS Evening News” during a Consumer Report segment that focused on fakes and dangerous consumer products. During the interview, Duggan spoke to the high quality of today’s counterfeit products. “The parts are getting so good that they are making their way into what we would normally consider legitimate distribution channels,” said Duggan, who displayed a variety of fake parts ranging from brake pads to tensioners.
Mitsubishi Motors to Revise Organization
Scandal-tainted Mitsubishi Motors Corp. said Tuesday it will revise its organization, effective next Tuesday, to speed up its decision-making process and clarify responsibilities.
DST Asks: How Do You View the Industry and Your Career?
Every automobile in every dealer’s showroom in America displays an EPA fuel economy ratings sticker. The ratings are estimates developed by the automakers after testing a limited number of pre-production vehicles. The EPA then verifies the results on roughly 10 to 15 percent of the vehicles produced for that year. The tests, repeated the same way each time in a controlled environment, are the same for all autos and are supposed to simulate city and highway driving conditions. They can’t – and don’t – reflect the conditions under which every vehicle is driven; nor do they reflect the maintenance condition, type of fuel used, or – perhaps most importantly-the variety of driving styles that we all see everyday on the streets. What do mileage ratings and driving styles have to do with your aftermarket career? Plenty.
ACDelco Sponsors SkillsUSA
ACDelco is helping address the critical automotive technician shortage that the U.S. currently faces with its support of SkillsUSA. SkillsUSA is a national organization serving more than 264,000 high school and college students and professional members enrolled in training programs in technical, skilled and service occupations.
Be Car Care Aware Campaign Goes to Europe
AAIA executives have taken the “Be Car Care Aware” message abroad in the hopes that European aftermarket associations will take on the campaign. Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO, and Al Gaspar, AAIA president emeritus, were in Lisbon, Portugal, earlier this month to educate representatives of Europe’s premier aftermarket associations about the “Be Car Care Aware” campaign, the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act and AAIA’s technology industry standards.
Advance Auto Parts Launches Consumer Education DIY Program
Advance Auto Parts has launched a new consumer education campaign which claims that with a little knowledge and confidence, the average consumer can save between $500 and $1,000 a year on car maintenance and repair, simply by doing the work themselves. The Virginia-based auto parts chain recently launched “We’re Ready with Answers,” a program to show vehicle owners how easy it is to become a “do-it-yourselfer.”
Honda CR-Vs Recalled
Honda Motor Co. is recalling 130,617 CR-V sport-utility vehicles because the driver’s air bag might inflate incorrectly, federal regulators said Wednesday.
Bendix to Add More Than 30 New Jobs at Ohio Headquarters
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, said it will add more than 30 engineers, information technology specialists and supply chain professionals to support its staff. The company said surging demand for its medium- and heavy-duty truck products has resulted in the need for additional staff. Bendix currently employs 1,800 in North America, including 450 at its Elyria, Ohio, headquarters.
Monroe Recommends 50,000-Mile Shock and Strut Replacement
Tenneco Automotive’s Monroe brand of shocks and struts has introduced a new 50,000-mile ride-control replacement recommendation for vehicle owners who want to ensure desired ride and handling characteristics.
American Products Co. to be Featured Tonight on New TLC Show Overhaulin’
American Products Company (APC), a leading automotive aftermarket manufacturer of performance and accessory products, will be featured tonight, Tuesday, May 25, on an episode of the new TLC cable channel series “Overhaulin’.” Hosted by legendary fabricator Chip Foose, the show dupes unsuspecting vehicle owners by surreptitiously removing their vehicles and tricking them out without their knowledge. The vehicle is then returned to its owner during a surprise “reveal” in a completely modified, tricked, tuned and transformed configuration.