International Automotive Technicians’ Network Celebrates 15-Year Anniversary
Group evolved from a small, 50-member e-mail-based communication service into the world’s largest online community of automotive technicians, repair shop owners and other allied service professionals with more than 72,000 active members representing 158 countries.
Gentlemen, and Ladies, Build Your Engines
In what is believed to be the world’s most hands-on super car program, customers who order a 2011 Corvette Z06 or ZR1 can choose an option to help assemble their cars’ LS7 or LS9 engines at General Motors’ Performance Build Center (PBC) in Wixom, Mich.
VDO Door Systems Program Expanded 400 Percent
More than 750 new VDO power door lock actuators, power window regulators and motor/regulator assemblies have been added to the line.
UPDATED: Lear Added to List of Auto Parts Suppliers Being Investigated for Possible Collusion
Late yesterday, Southfield, Mich.-based Lear Corp. announced that it was notified by the EU that it is part of an investigation into anticompetitive practices among automotive electrical and electronic component suppliers.
The Week in Review (Feb. 22-26, 2010)
The Week in Review offers a snapshot of the most highly read stories of the week as seen on aftermarketNews. To access the complete stories, simply click on the highlighted links. If you missed reading one of our daily news emails, just click on the link that says “News Archives” at the bottom of the page to begin catching up on the latest industry news.
More Collision Shops Joining Facebook, Twitter to Increase Market Presence
While no body shop owner is ready to claim a staggering sales boost as the result of being on Facebook, social networking/micro-blogging site Twitter or any other social networking site, some collision shops are creating presences for their businesses on these sites and feel they’re reaping some benefits from using what amounts to free marketing tools.
A Raymond Acquires Tinnerman to Form Combined Fastener Group
Merger talks between the two companies began six months ago.
FTC Publishes Final Guides Governing Endorsements, Testimonials
The revised guides also make it clear that celebrities have a duty to disclose their relationships with advertisers when making endorsements outside the context of traditional ads, such as on talk shows or in social media.
Northwood University International Auto Show Puts the Aftermarket on Display
The completely student organized show featured more than 400 cars and booths for aftermarket companies including Roush, NGK and NAPA.
Industry Veteran Andy Barbieri Appointed VP of Sales at Staun USA
Barbieri is a 30-plus-year automotive aftermarket industry veteran, who most recently served as the national sales manager at Skyjacker Suspension.