Magoo’s Automotive Launches Its Re-Designed Website
Magoo’s Automotive Consultants, Inc., a nationwide vehicle inspections service provider, today announced the launch of its re-designed website at magoos.net.
Pricedex Software to Demonstrate New Product Information Solution at NCMA Conference
Pricedex Software, a developer of product, part and pricing information management solutions, had released the latest version of its off-the-shelf, end-to-end Product Information Management (PIM) software platform. This new version provides full PIES and ACES-compliance in one solution. Called AutoPIM Pro, the software will be demonstrated at the National Catalog Managers Association (NCMA) Conference taking place April 30- May 3 in Tempe, Ariz. The demonstration will focus in part on PIES and ACES compliance standards in the aftermarket.
Record-Setting Crowd at HDMA Breakfast Hears PACCAR’s Plimpton
The HMDA Breakfast & Briefing during the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS)a drew standing-room-only crowd to hear Tom Plimpton, president of PACCAR Inc. In his comments to the more than 650 attendees, Plimpton predicted a “robust market” for the heavy-duty sector. He also highlighted the increasing importance of information technology in the sector, noting that PACCAR has invested more than $1 billion in its IT services during the past 10 years.
Executive Interview with Dave Ellingen, President and CEO of Mitchell 1
Mitchell 1 got its start back in 1946 when Glen Mitchell started a business out of creating simplified parts replacement books. In those days, OE parts replacement books could be complicated and difficult for the counterperson to use. As a counterperson himself, Mitchell saw a better way to organize parts replacement books, and from his vision, Mitchell 1 was born. Dave Ellingen, president and CEO of Mitchell 1, shared with aftermarketNews.com some of his thoughts on the roadblocks to getting more repair shops to embrace technology, and how parts suppliers are working to move the effort forward.
Women Suggest Friendly Auto Design Features
Amy Ng, 27, of Farmington Hills, Mich., wants a place to keep her purse in her car so it doesn’t flop around on the passenger seat. Sophia Modelski, 47, of Metamora, Mich., wants the equivalent of a belt clip for her cell phone in the car, preferably near the stereo.Kitty Adler, 45, of Waterford, Mich., wishes she had vanity mirrors in the back seat so her daughters wouldn’t fight for the front seat to put on their makeup. These are simple solutions to problems that divert minds and eyes off the road and they came from female drivers and women in the auto industry at a breakfast Tuesday that featured a car designed by women.
Grammer AG Wins Volkswagen Best Supplier Award
Grammer AG – Automotive, a supplier of specialty automotive seating systems, has received a 2003 Best Supplier Award from Volkswagen’s Truck and Bus Division. Grammer’s Atibaia, Brazil operations produce all Volkswagen bus and truck seats manufactured in Brazil. Four companies out of Volkswagen’s more than 350 suppliers were selected for the recognition.
icarz PartsWatch Pricing Server Enhances Multi-Store Management Functions
Software solutions provider icarz has released version 2.13 of its PartsWatch single and multi-store part and tool distribution management solution. The release includes a new Pricing Server option, the first component of the icarz Enterprise Management Console centralized services solution slated for completion in 2005. Pricing Server enhances PartsWatch existing multi-store functionality with centralized controls that facilitate private or buying group pricing updates to multiple member stores simultaneously.
Executive Interview with Chris Gardner, Director of MEMA’s MIS Council
Our latest Executive Interview features Chris Gardner, director of the MEMA (Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association) Information Services (MIS) Council. The MIS Council is a peer group of individuals from MEMA member companies who are responsible for their companies’ IS operations and serves as a forum for industry interaction, education and idea exchange. Gardner has his finger on the pulse on the latest advancements in technology and how they can best be implemented in the aftermarket. Here, Gardner talks about MEMA’s efforts in the technology sector through the MIS Council and group initiatives.
Web-Based Direct-Connect Application Announced By MEMA
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) has announced a new initiative to connect warehouse distributors (WDs), program groups and retailers with suppliers, enabling them to conduct e-business and exchange data on a real-time basis. The new Web-based Direct-Connect application, developed by MEMA’s Management Information Systems Group, Inc. (MISG), is based on the aftermarket industry’s non-proprietary Internet Parts Ordering (IPO) standards and will be ready for production in 2005.
MISG Announces Major TRANSNET Initiative
MISG/TRANSNET has been the aftermarket’s premiere method for transmitting electronic purchase orders for almost 30 years. The system enables distributors and retailers to create paperless purchase orders and deliver them to aftermarket manufacturers. When warehouse distributors and retailers send Transnet orders directly to suppliers’ computer systems, errors and order-processing delays are essentially eliminated, resulting in more accurate and timely shipments and improved supply chain relations.