Covisint Price Tag: $7 Million
Compuware Corp. paid $7 million to acquire Covisint LLC, the failed online automotive entity in which its owners invested more than $500 million, according to federal documents Compuware filed Wednesday. Compuware also disclosed that it has cut its workforce to fewer than 8,700 employees.
DST Asks: Parts Distributors — Do Your Customers Order Parts Online?
Help Wanted – Parts Counterman, Requirements: Must be willing to work 365 days per year, 24 hours per day. Understands and has committed to memory a world-class multi-line parts catalog. Always knows correct pricing of each item. Processes parts orders in nanoseconds. Never puts customers on hold. Works for electricity – no salary or extra benefits. Any bets on how many responses you’ll get to that classified ad? Selling auto parts would be a lot easier and less costly if you could make those kinds of hires. Actually, it turns out that such resources are available today, just not human resources, the kind we would advertise for in the local paper. Instead, we might call them “cyber-employees” – a new species that forms the backbone of e-business and works in the world of browser-based technology on the Internet.
100th Congressman Sponsors Right to Repair Act Legislation
Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., last week became the 100th member of Congress to sign on as a sponsor of the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (H.R. 2735).
iATN to Hold Technical Training Sessions at Annual Convention
The International Automotive Technicians’ Network (iATN) 2004 Convention will feature three technical sessions, two management classes, an interactive TechNight Live: West Coast Diagnostic Challenge, a special luncheon presentation on OBD-II Technology and a keynote dinner presentation on “The State of the Industry.” The convention will take place Sept. 24-26, at the Coast Anaheim Hotel, in Anaheim, Calif.
Toyo Tire North America Establishes Plant in U.S.
Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. has announced plans to invest $150 million to set up a tire manufacturing plant on a 150-acre site in the Atlanta area in response to growing demand in North America. The plant will be operated by a new subsidiary – Toyo Tire North America.
CSK Auto Corp. Reports First Quarter 2004 Results
CSK Auto Corp., parent company of CSK Auto Inc., has reported its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2004. Sales for the 13 weeks, which ended on May 2, increased $19.7 million to $397.1 million from $377.4 million for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2003. Same store sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2004 increased 5 percent compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2003.
European Block Exemption Is Among Top Priorities of Aftermarket Suppliers Group
The European Aftermarket Forum, a peer group of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), has said defining terms in the European Union (EU) block exemption regulations for automotive aftermarket manufacturers trying to gain access to EU markets will be one of its top priorities. The AASA European Aftermarket Forum is a peer group for discussion of aftermarket commercial business issues and actions. Its quarterly meetings are open to aftermarket
Exide Sponsors New NASCAR Radio Program
Exide Technologies is expanding its relationship with NASCAR through a new national radio program. Exide, which markets “The Official Battery of NASCAR,” is one of three sponsors of NASCAR Performance Live, a new weekly radio program for NASCAR fans. Created by NASCAR Automotive Aftermarket, the program is a live, one-hour talk show, airing Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. on the national satellite radio XM channel 144 and on MRN radio affiliates.
American Products Co. to be Featured Tonight on New TLC Show Overhaulin’
American Products Company (APC), a leading automotive aftermarket manufacturer of performance and accessory products, will be featured tonight, Tuesday, May 25, on an episode of the new TLC cable channel series “Overhaulin’.” Hosted by legendary fabricator Chip Foose, the show dupes unsuspecting vehicle owners by surreptitiously removing their vehicles and tricking them out without their knowledge. The vehicle is then returned to its owner during a surprise “reveal” in a completely modified, tricked, tuned and transformed configuration.
Delco Remy Named Top Volvo/Mack Aftermarket Supplier For Second Consecutive Year
For the second year in a row, Delco Remy, a leading supplier of heavy duty vehicle electrical systems, has received the Volvo/Mack Aftermarket Supplier of the Year Award. Volvo/Mack annually recognizes four leading aftermarket suppliers with the award.