Modine Expands Aftermarket Radiator Model Coverage
The aftermarket division of Modine Manufacturing has added more than 100 complete replacement radiators to its 2004 product line. The expanded radiator line, currently available, includes thousands of applications from domestic and import cars and light trucks. Modine’s aftermarket supplies replacement radiators both nationally and internationally, including distribution through major national accounts like NAPA, Pronto, Parts Plus, APA, independent automotive parts distributors, and more than 25,000 local repair outlets.
Fusor Named Preferred Supplier by Keystone Automotive
Keystone Automotive has named Lord Corporation’s Fusor Automotive Repair Adhesives a preferred supplier. Fusor Automotive is a provider of metal and composite bonding solutions for automotive body repair. Lord Corp. provides its full product-line of Fusor Automotive Repair Adhesives to Keystone Automotive Industries, specifically their adhesives for metal bonding, plastic repair and bumper repair; as well as their seam sealers and foams. According to the Keystone supplier performance summary, Lord earned 100 points on a rating scale with a total possible 100 points. Program criteria included quality, order fill rate and order lead-time.
Holley and DuPont to Sponsor Second Annual NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion, June 18-20
Holley and DuPont Automotive Finishes, the major sponsors of last year’s inaugural NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion, have signed on again for the second annual event. The second annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion, presented by DuPont Automotive Finishes, is set for June 18-20, at Beech Bend Park, in Bowling Green, Ky. Like last year, Holley is the title sponsor while DuPont Automotive Finishes is the presenting sponsor.
“DST Asks”: Adding Service/Installation as an Additional Profit Center in a Parts Enterprise
How many readers know that Starbucks, the ubiquitous coffee retailer, actually began operating as a coffee roaster in Seattle, selling bags of whole bean coffee in Pike Street Market? It took a visionary leader, Howard Schultz, coupled with an ambitious operating plan and enterprise management technology to morph the business into the worldwide coffeehouse chain and merchandising success story we see today. And this all happened in an incredibly short period of time…with growth from 17 outlets in 1987 to 7,225 outlets today. All of this was based on the simple premise, “We already have customers who buy our coffee beans — what if we brewed the coffee for them, too?” We see a similar opportunity in parts distribution.
Executive Interview with Terry McCormack, President, Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group (AAG)
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Terry McCormack, president of Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group (AAG). McCormack talked to aftermarketNews.com about the recent news that Dana will divest its aftermarket group. He shared details of the announcement as well as his insights on what this major change means for the company and the division.
Earl Scheib Elects Independent Chairman, Adopts New Nominating Process
The board of directors for Earl Scheib Inc. has elected Robert Smiland as independent chairman of the board. Smiland replaces interim chairman Christian Bement, who continues as the company’s CEO. Additionally, the board has reconfigured its director-nominating process to establish that nominations will be reviewed and approved by the three current independent directors.
Tenneco Automotive Expands ‘Expert Plus’ Rewards Program
Tenneco Automotive’s Monroe shocks and struts and Walker exhaust brands have expanded the Expert Plus automotive service promotions and technician rewards program for 2004. Expert Plus is a comprehensive offering of national trade and consumer promotions, marketing materials, merchandising tools and installation incentives for automotive repair facilities and professional technicians. The program attracted more than 20,000 members in 2003.
OE and Replacement Tire Shipments Increased in 2003
Medium truck tire shipments in 2003 – both OE and replacement – saw their biggest increases in years, according to preliminary tire shipment data released by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA). Meanwhile shipments of passenger and light truck tires saw only modest growth. Despite a wild year of carmaker and dealer incentives, it doesn’t appear the OE market had such a good 2003. Compared to 2002 shipments, OE P-metric tire shipments actually fell 4.9 percent, totaling 54.54 million units. Meanwhile, OE shipments of LT-metric tires fell 4.2 percent vs. 2002, reaching just 7.95 million units for the year.
Michelin North America and ACCC Sign Three-Year Contract Extension
Michelin North America has extended its partnership with American Car Care Centers (ACCC), signing a three-year contract extension to supply the independent dealer network with Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal and private and associate brand tires. This new agreement extends a strategic partnership between the two companies which began in 1993. ACCC is one of the largest networks of independent tire and automotive service dealers, with more than 1100 locations nationwide.
International Speedway Reports Fourth Quarter And Year-End Results
International Speedway Corp. (ISC) has reported results for the fourth quarter and year, which ended on Nov. 30, 2003. Total revenue for the 2003 fourth quarter was $164.7 million, compared to $171.7 million in 2002. Operating income for the fourth quarter was $56.5 million compared to $65.3 million for the prior year. Net income was $31.6 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, compared to $37 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2002.