Deadline is Today for CARS Early-Bird Registration
BEDFORD, TX – From EVAP systems to hybrids and technology trends, the Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) will offer 12 technical courses for this year’s event – the most technical training in CARS history. Automotive experts and the nation’s leading instructors will teach these technical training courses at The
Leadership’s Role: Define and Communicate the Three Clarities
The following article is part one of a three-part series by special guest contributor Chuck Udell, a senior partner at Essential Action Design Group. The article, inspired by a popular presentation Udell has given to numerous aftermarket professionals, addresses the importance of building a sense of ownership among all employees from top brass to floor staff. As we witness dramatic changes in the North American aftermarket, a sense of ownership and loyalty among all employees may play a critical role in the future success of our industry, says Udell.
Metaldyne To Be Acquired by Japanese Chassis and Powertrain Supplier
Metaldyne Corp., a supplier of powertrain and chassis systems and components, is being sold to Asahi Tec Corp., a Shizuoka, Japan-based chassis and powertrain component supplier in the passenger car/light truck and medium/heavy truck segments. Headquartered in Shizuoka, Japan, Asahi Tec primarily designs, manufactures and sells ductile iron cast auto parts for truck and construction machinery OEMs, aluminum casting parts and aluminum wheels for OEMs.
The Week In Review (Aug. 21-25, 2006)
THE WEEK IN REVIEW (August 21-25, 2006) _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ASSOCIATION & LEGISLATIVE NEWS: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ASA to Communicate with Members through New Blog The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is among the latest in the aftermarket industry to launch a blog website. ASA’s new blog (http://blog.asashop.org) will provide commentary and analysis about the automotive service industry
DENSO Announces Second Major Expansion of Kentucky Manufacturing Facility
New investment dollars and more jobs are coming to Kentucky’s Montgomery County. Global automotive supplier DENSO Corporation’s subsidiary, KYOSAN DENSO Manufacturing Kentucky in Mt. Sterling, KY, plans to expand its 80,700-square-foot facility by 84,500 square feet.
Tom Easton Named CARS 2006 Keynote Speaker
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced that Tom Easton, senior partner with Essential Action Design Group, will be the keynote speaker for the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS). Easton, whose tasteful humor and down-to-earth style have earned him a reputation as one of the best keynote speakers in America, is slated to appear during the CARS Keynote Luncheon, Nov. 4.
R. L. Polk & Co’s Ask the Industry: Synching Up Customer and Provider Expectations When it Comes to Pricing
As an industry, what can we do to get all service providers on the same page, in terms of getting a fair price for service and repair expertise, and being able to charge accordingly, without consumers feeling like they are being gouged?
SmarTire President and CEO Resigns; New Exec Appointed
SmarTire Systems announced today that Leif Pedersen, a senior sales and marketing executive with extensive global experience in electronic systems, has been appointed the new president and CEO of SmarTire, effective immediately. Pedersen replaces Al Kozak, who has left the company to pursue other interests.
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Looks at the Impact of Hybrid Vehicles
Last week, as part of a speech on his Advanced Energy Initiative, President Bush called for increased spending on scientific R&D and incentives for makers and consumers of alternative sources of energy in order to reduce the United States’ dependency on foreign sources of energy. The most promising breakthrough in alternative energy, the president said, is the hybrid vehicle. As interest in hybrid vehicles grows, it also raises many questions both for consumers and the technicians who must eventually repair these cars.
Executive Interview with Bob McKenna, President and CEO of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association
This week we catch up with Bob McKenna, president and CEO of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). McKenna came to MEMA in Sept. 2005, after 35 years with Atlanta-based Genuine Parts Company (GPC). At GPC, he served as group vice president and chairman of the board for the National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA). Under his leadership, NAPA strengthened its position as a leading distributor in the traditional automotive aftermarket.