Tenneco Reports Second Quarter Results
LAKE FOREST, IL — Tenneco reported second quarter 2007 net income of $40 million, or 84 cents per diluted share, a significant increase from $24 million, or 51 cents per diluted share in second quarter 2006. Net income was $41 million, or 87 cents per diluted share, versus $33 million, or 71-cents per diluted share
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Looks at Technology’s “Next Big Thing”
In honor of the annual Aftermarket eForum taking place today and tomorrow in Chicago, Ask the Industry this week explores the topic of technology. In our recent Executive Interview with Jim Franco, we asked the Autologue Computer Systems CEO, what he thought was ‘the’ new technology today that is doing the most to help make the aftermarket industry more efficient. Franco’s answer: the Internet. Franco wasn’t the only one to sing the praises of the ‘Net. We asked a number of aftermarket professionals working in the technology arena to answer the same question.
From Counterman.com: The Globalization of the Groups
It was bound to happen: Globalization has come to programmed distribution. Of course, it was just a matter of time, as the industry quickly moves in directions that increasingly point outside U.S. borders, sometimes across entire oceans.
Executive Interview with Ric Alameddine
This week we talk with Ric Alameddine, vice president of marketing, North American Aftermarket, for Tenneco Inc., manufacturer of Monroe shocks and struts, Monroe premium brakes, Walker exhaust products, DynoMax performance exhaust, Rancho performance suspensions and shocks, and DuPont Car Care appearance and performance chemicals. In our exclusive interview, Alameddine talks about Monroe’s foray into the brake category and how the company keeps its branding and marketing initiatives fresh.
Federal-Mogul’s Champion Brand Goes Live with New Virtual Reality ‘AlwaysAChampion.com’ Website
Federal-Mogul today announced the launch of its new AlwaysAChampion.com website. The site offers a behind-the-scenes virtual reality experience featuring Federal-Mogul’s legendary Champion spark plug brand. Developed in conjunction with the Champion brand’s 100th anniversary, AlwaysAChampion.com celebrates the heritage of one of the industry’s best known and most respected brands by looking into the future of ignition technology for the next generation of hardworking engines. The unique, new global site features key Champion milestones over the past 100 years and takes visitors into the “Champion Garage,” where they will be able to compete for a wide range of attractive prizes through the Champion “Crew Chief Challenge” interactive driving skills competition.
Exide Technologies to Supply Batteries to Murray’s Discount Auto Parts Stores
Exide Technologies has announced the expansion of its supply agreement with CSK Auto. As part of its expanded agreement, Exide will supply batteries to all Murray’s Discount Auto Parts Stores. Recently acquired by CSK, Murray’s is a 122-store operation with retail outlets in Michigan, Ohio and Illinois. Exide already supplies CSK-owned Checker Auto Parts, Kragen Auto Parts and Schuck’s Auto Supply locations. Exide will now also provide Murray’s with its full line of batteries for transportation and specialty applications. Products include the Exide Marathon and Autolite brands.
General Tire Unveils New Logo Designed to Reflect Revitalized Brand
As part of its overall plan to revitalize the General Tire brand, parent company Continental Tire North America Inc., (CTNA) has introduced a dynamic new logo to represent the brand for both the Passenger/Light Truck and the Commercial Vehicle Tire divisions in the Americas. The new logo symbolizes this re-dedication with bold new type and graphic elements. The mark is comprised of two trademarked elements: the words, General Tire, accompanied by the “GT” symbol contained in the shield.
Affinia Group Launches New Website
Affinia Group has re-launched its website — http://www.affiniagroup.com – to provide insights into the company’s sense of mission and information on its industry-leading brands. Visitors to the site will find information about Affinia’s industry-leading brands, including WIX filters and Raybestos brand brakes, along with hot links to individual brand websites. In addition, the site includes a section devoted to recruitment with the latest information on careers at Affinia.
Top 20 Super Stores
After several years of mega mergers among the nation’s largest store owners, 2007 proved to be an anomaly: Among the 20 largest store chains in the U.S, not a single one was acquired. That’s not to insinuate that acquisitions didn’t occur; in fact, 2006 posted the greatest overall store count growth for the top 20 store chains in the last five years. As a group, total store counts grew by more than six percent.
Executive Interview with Tom Tecklenburg, VP of Sales and Marketing, Bendix Brakes North America
This week we hear from Tom Tecklenburg, vice president of sales and marketing for Bendix Brakes North America. He joined the Bendix organization in November 2004 after the commitment by Honeywell to reinvest and reinvigorate the Bendix brand. Prior to joining the Bendix team, he spent 15 years working on the FRAM, Prestone and Autolite brands in numerous functional areas, including finance, supply chain, operations, sales and marketing. In his tenure, he has worked with customers in various channels including original equipment, auto and commercial vehicle aftermarket. Tecklenburg has spent the last two-plus years repositioning the Bendix brand while driving sales growth and improved profitability by utilizing his past experience and the Honeywell enablers of Six Sigma and Digital Works. Join us as Tecklenburg brings us up to speed on the future of the Bendix brand and the friction market in general.