GAAS 2007: AAIA and Lang Marketing Resources Unveil New, Expanded Aftermarket Factbook
By Arianne Anderson Managing Editor, Counterman There have been many different estimates about the size and scope of the total automotive aftermarket. Most estimates are around the same amount, but they haven’t necessarily been solid and proven numbers. Now, for the first time, there is an estimate of the full size of the automotive aftermarket
Nearly 20,000 Tire Retailers to Participate in Sixth National Tire Safety Week
According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), more than 17,000 tire and vehicle service outlets are planning to participate in events surrounding the sixth annual National Tire Safety Week (NTSW), sponsored by the RMA. This year’s NTSW – taking place Apr. 22-28 – will include a revised “Be Tire Smart” brochure with a new look and additional information about tire pressure monitoring systems, nitrogen inflation and helping consumers locate a vehicle’s tire information placard.
Big Three or Detroit Three?
From Area Development Site and Facility Planning The compass points appear to be turning again. In recent years, it has seemed like South was the only direction that automakers knew when looking for places to build or grow U.S. assembly plants. More recently, though, the old Rust Belt seems to have taken on a new
Executive Interview with Hytec Automotive, a DeBartolo Company
This week, we hear from two top executives charged with leading the direction of Hytec Automotive, a DeBartolo Company. Hytec, based in Columbus, OH, has manufacturing facilities in China . Prior to this foray into the automotive aftermarket, DeBartolo was best known for its involvement in development, real estate, retail and professional sports. Hytec made its industry debut last year at AAPEX. Tim Zahler, founder and president of Hytec Automotive, along with Jerry DeNicholas, president and CEO of DeBartolo Holdings, recently gave us an update on the new company’s progress.
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Looks at the Role of the Internet in Business Today
The Internet has become a mainstay of life today. A flexible, affordable and robust business tool, the Internet has become a primary vehicle for communicating with customers and business partners in the aftermarket. Its uses vary — from e-catalogs to online promotions and product demos — and the quality and ease of use can vary too. The aftermarket executives we spoke with for this week’s “Ask the Industry” touched upon the benefits and challenges of doing business online.
PUBLISHER’S PERSPECTIVE: Membership Has Its Privileges
You can point to many industry influences, but none can hold a candle to the importance of programmed distribution. Its evolution within this market has been the single-most influential phenomenon our industry has ever seen. Nobody sells more automotive products (combined) today than NAPA, the industry’s very first group. With some 6,000 participating outlets, no other entity (program group or retailer) can match their overall reach. From the time they started some 80 years ago, they’ve repeatedly set new standards of performance excellence across many distribution and store functions. You could argue that no program group concept, in any market or industry, has come close to the level of success and brand recognition than NAPA. While they are quite an impressive bunch, the success of programmed distribution does not end with them.
EDITORIAL: How GM Lost Its Status
It would be safe to say that over the last 30 years, millions of words have been written discussing the problems of the automotive industry. The most misleading statistic overused to prove the perpetual and relentless decline of General Motors (GM) has been: “Not so many years ago, GM controlled 50 percent of the American car market, yet today its market share is less than 24 percent.”
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Talks to Shop Owners about National Car Care Month
With National Car Care Month (NCCM) just a couple of weeks away, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to find out what a few shops have planned. Using the Carcare.org website, we randomly called shop owners across the country and asked: What are you planning for this year’s NCCM? Is this the first time you’ve hosted a NCCM event? If not, do you think drivers are recalling the campaign and improving their vehicle maintenance habits?
Executive Interview with Mike Coppola, CEO of Advance Auto Parts
In 2005, Mike Coppola was named the new CEO of Advance Auto, the country’s second largest, but arguably most progressive, retail chain. aftermarketNews recently met with Coppola to discuss Advance and its plans for future growth in the automotive aftermarket.
MEMA Applauds Rep. Knollenberg, NHTSA, For Addressing Rewrite of 108 Standard
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) is applauding Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) for his efforts and support of the rewrite of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108. FMVSS 108 sets minimum safety performance standards applicable to all motor vehicles and automotive lighting equipment in the U.S.