GAAS 2007: Quality Customer Service Goes a Long Way for Lexus
By Arianne Anderson Managing Editor, Counterman Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc., is widely known by consumers for its quality and superior customer service. A driving force behind these good marks for Lexus is Nancy Fein, vice president, Customer Service, Lexus Division, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. , Inc. Fein is one
Melling Engine Parts Names Dennis Fox Western Regional Manager
CARSON CITY, NV — Dennis Fox has been named western regional manager for Melling Engine Parts, reporting to Marion Holt, vice president of sales & marketing for Melling Tool Co. / Melling Engine Parts. Fox is a 25 year veteran in the engine parts aftermarket, working the last 11 years with Dura-Bond Bearing Co. as
Uni-Select Announces New Management Appointments
Jacques Landreville, president and chief executive officer of Uni-Select, Inc., yesterday announced several changes to the company’s organizational structure. Richard Roy, currently vice president, administration and chief financial officer has been appointed to the newly created position of chief operating officer. As part of his duties, Roy will assume responsibility for the management of each of the business units of Uni-Select: Automotive Group Canada, Automotive Group USA and Heavy Duty Group. The appointment of Roy’s successor as CFO is forthcoming and, in the interim, Roy will continue to act in his current capacity.
Thexton Names New R&D Product Engineer
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Thexton Manufacturing Co., a manufacturer of automotive specialty tools, testers and diagnostic equipment, has announced that Michael Tichy, 24, has been named product engineer for Thexton Research & Development. In this role, Tichy will be responsible for new tool engineering involving Computer Aided Design, materials specifications and prototype machining. Many of the
MEMA Promotes Jeremy Denton to Director, Management Services Group
Jeremy Denton has been promoted to director of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association Management Services Group (MEMA MSG). In his expanded role, Denton’s responsibilities will include oversight of the Filter Manufacturers Council (FMC), the Motor Vehicle Lighting Council (MVLC) and the Transportation Safety Equipment Institute (TSEI). His duties will also incorporate membership recruitment and development of programs and services for MSG.
Buddy McAtee Promoted to President, COO of IMS Productions
INDIANAPOLIS – Buddy McAtee has been promoted to president, chief operating officer and executive producer of IMS Productions, effective immediately. The board of directors of the Hulman-George companies voted to promote McAtee at a recent meeting. IMS Productions is owned by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. IMS Productions, based in Indianapolis, is a full-service video production
AASA Promotes Theresa Spera to Director of Marketing and Member Services
Theresa Spera has been promoted to director of marketing and member services for the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the aftermarket segment association of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). In her new role, Spera will be responsible for process development and strategic planning for the Marketing Executives Council, Fuel Pump Manufacturers Council and will represent AASA on the MEMA Human Resources Council. Her duties will include management of overall marketing strategy and sponsorship opportunities for AASA.
Superior Industries Names Margaret Dano and Francisco Uranga to Its Board of Directors
VAN NUYS, CA — Superior Industries International has announced the appointment of Margaret Dano and Francisco Uranga to the company’s board of directors. Dano and Uranga succeed Raymond Brown, former senior vice president of Superior and a board member since 1972, and Jack Parkinson, a board member since 1983, who resigned from the board on
The Top Ten Newsmakers of 2006
For the third year in a row, the editorial staffs of aftermarketNews and Counterman magazine have selected 10 individuals who have made an impact on the industry this past year. The list is presented in alphabetical order.
R. L. Polk & Co’s Ask the Industry Looks at Predictions for Raw Materials in 2007 (Part II)
In this week’s edition of Ask the Industry, MEMA Senior Market Research Analyst Richard Anderson provides his predictions for some of the industry’s most important raw materials. In our interview with Anderson , he indicated that petroleum, steel, aluminum, copper and nickel will be the top five raw materials for the aftermarket to keep an eye on in 2007. Below, are his thoughts on two of the most talked about raw materials for this industry — petroleum and steel.