“DST Asks”: The Use of Computerized Business Management Systems and their Potential for Generating ROI
Tremendous technological advances have made the use of computerized business management systems the paradigm of the aftermarket. All tiers of the supply and service chains have benefited from technology — manufacturers, warehouse distributors, jobbers, national and regional parts and service chains, multi-store independent parts and service enterprises and single-store independent parts and service facilities. Gone are the days when a capital investment in technology was merely another overhead expense. Savvy managers now know that computerized systems can become their own profit centers, generating an impressive ROI.
Executive Interview with Rich White, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, AAIA, and Executive Director of the Car Care Council
Rich White is vice president of marketing and communications for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). He oversees marketing, public relations, media relations, publications, Web sites and most recently, the Car Care Council and the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign. With National Car Care Month just around the corner, White provided aftermarketNews.com with an update on the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign and the Car Care Council’s plans for this year. He also shared how aftermarket companies can become more involved in the campaign.
The Results Are In: Seventy Percent Say AAPEX is Worth the Cost
The results are in from the first edition of “AMN Asks” — the new weekly aftermarketNews.com poll. Last week, we asked whether you thought the annual AAPEX Show in Las Vegas offers “complete value” for the amount of time and resources you spend to attend. The annual Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo, which takes place in Las Vegas every fall, is the largest gathering of aftermarket products and people under one roof. It’s a chance to network, check out new products and attend informative seminars. It’s fast-paced and frenetic and can be a world of fun, however, on the flipside, it’s also an exhausting week of glad-handing and schmoozing in a very pricey town. Is it offering the best bang for your buck?
Oxford Automotive Names Two to Top Management Positions
Oxford Automotive, a $1 billion Tier 1 supplier of specialized welded metal assemblies, has announced two key management changes. Jeffrey Wilson, current president of Oxford Automotive’s North American division, has been appointed president and COO of Oxford Automotive Inc. Patrick Flynn, current vice president of strategic planning, has been named CFO, replacing Martin Welch who resigned last week to pursue other interests.
Cooper Tire Ups Investments in U.S. Manufacturing Plants, Hires 116 Plant Workers
Cooper Tire & Rubber has increased capital equipment investments in three of its four U.S. tire manufacturing facilities. The company said this increase provides additional production capacity of more than 2.4 million units to meet the steadily increasing demand for the company’s tires. The $32.1 million investment will include the purchase of new tire building machinery and presses. An additional 116 manufacturing employees will also be hired.
R. L. Polk Canada Announces Management Changes
Kendra Rawls has been appointed vice president, R. L. Polk & Co. and general manager, R. L. Polk Canada, Inc. In this position, Rawls is responsible for managing Polk’s activities in Canada including vehicle registration reporting, automotive intelligence and analysis and marketing solutions. Rawls replaces Bill Murray who has been named vice president of international development at Polk’s international headquarters in Southfield, Mich. Murray is now responsible for overseeing operations in Brazil, Canada and Mexico plus the development of product offerings in Polk’s emerging markets.
Stoneridge Adds Two New Directors to Its Board
Automotive components manufacturer Stoneridge has appointed John Corey and William Lasky to the company’s board of directors. Corey is president and CEO of Safety Components International, a supplier of air bags and components. He previously held positions as president of the Stanley Mechanics Tools Division, AlliedSignal’s automotive aftermarket products division and Moog Automotive. Lasky is chairman, president and CEO of JLG Industries, a diversified construction and industrial equipment manufacturer. Prior to joining JLG, Lasky spent 22 years in various positions of increasing responsibility with Dana, including president of its Filtration Products Worldwide business from 1997 to 1999.
Siemens VDO Automotive Presents 2003 Rep of the Year Award
Siemens VDO Automotive has presented Mike Wirth and Doug Mathe of RepWorks Marketing with their 2003 Rep of the Year Award. RepWorks Marketing is responsible for Siemens VDO’s automotive aftermarket sales activities in California, Arizona and Nevada. RepWorks Marketing has represented Siemens VDO Automotive for approximately four years. RepWorks is headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif., and has an office in Phoenix, Ariz.
Coatings Manufacturer Valspar Acquires De Beer Lafkabrienken B.V.
Coatings manufacturer Valspar Corp. has purchased De Beer Lakfabrieken, a privately-owned, manufacturer and distributor of automotive refinish coatings based in The Netherlands. The acquisition includes De Beer’s subsidiaries in the U.K. and Australia. De Beer, which sells products in more than 65 countries, had sales of approximately $39 million ($50 million at current exchange rates) in 2003. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Allstate Insurance Co. Wins Ruling on Texas Law Prohibiting Claim Referrals
Allstate Insurance Co. has won a temporary injunction that will allow it to continue to refer claimants to Allstate-owned Sterling Autobody Centers, the company said Wednesday. Allstate Insurance Co. has won a temporary injunction that will allow it to continue to refer claimants to Allstate-owned Sterling Autobody Centers, the company said Wednesday.