Car Makers Cut Free Maintenance
In an effort to trim costs, car makers are eliminating their free-maintenance programs — a move that could cost drivers thousands of dollars in additional upkeep over the life of a vehicle. Now, however, a growing number of manufacturers — including some of the same brands that kicked off the free-maintenance movement more than a decade ago — are requiring new customers to pay for maintenance services like oil changes, tire rotations and other routine tasks that used to be free.
Henkel Teams Up with NASCAR Stars Bobby and Terry Labonte for Brumos Porsche 250 at Daytona International Speedway
Henkel in North America has teamed up with NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series stars Bobby and Terry Labonte as they race for the checkered flag in today’s Brumos Porsche 250 at Daytona International Speedway. The talented brothers will combine their skills to champion the No. 44 Doran Racing Pontiac Doran sponsored by Henkel, its Loctite brand, and Daytona USA.
Executive Interview with Guy Bargnes, Director of Marketing, North American Operations for BASF Corp. Refinish Group
Guy Bargnes has spent his entire life in the collision repair industry. He was born and raised in Buffalo, NY, where his father ran a family business, V. H. Bargnes Co., Inc., which distributed automotive paints, supplies and equipment to area collision shops. In 1992 Bargnes joined BASF full-time, and he is now director of marketing, North American Operations, for the Refinish Group. Bargnes recently sat down to a phone interview with aftermarketNews and shared with us some of the insights from his lifelong career in the industry. Join us as Bargnes talks about BASF’s four leading principles, trends in the refinish business and the return of paint companies to industry trade shows.
Cleveland-Based Buyout Firm Acquires Phillips & Temro Industries
Morgenthaler Partners, private-equity buyout firm based in Cleveland, Ohio, has acquired Phillips & Temro Industries (PTI), a supplier of products for diesel engine related markets. Phillips & Temro supplies cold start and emissions control products to both the aftermarket and original equipment market through its brands ZeroStart, Temro, EM Products, Cowl and Cab Power.
J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Gas Mileage Concerns Influence SUV Shoppers
Concerns about gas mileage continue to influence new-vehicle shopping, particularly among consumers who consider purchasing SUVs, according to the 2004 J.D. Power and Associates Escaped Shopper Study. The study, which examines the reasons new-vehicle shoppers consider but reject a vehicle finds that approximately 15 percent of new-vehicle buyers reject a model due to its gas mileage.
Flat Auto Part Prices Result in Lower Margins for Entire Supply Chain
The prices consumers pay for motor vehicle parts and equipment have increased very little since 1982, which has made growth in margins difficult, according to the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). In an analysis of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) appearing in MEMA’s bimonthly newsletter Market Analysis, the index shows that prices for auto parts have grown very little in the 22 years following the resetting of the CPI in 1982.
Executive Interview with Tom Ward, President, Snap-on Diagnostics
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Tom Ward, president of Snap-on Diagnostics, a global business focused on improving technician and workshop productivity around the world. Join us as Ward gives us an inside look at Snap-on Diagnostics, including information on some recently launched products. Ward also talks about the trends and challenges in automotive diagnostics and repair and how the division works to address these issues.
Executive Interview with Scott Meyer, President of MEMA
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Scott Meyer, outgoing chairman of the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). As he concludes his time as chairman of the association, he steps into a new role as interim president of MEMA, which is in the midst of celebrating its 100-year anniversary. Join us as Meyer shares his insights on the anniversary of MEMA’s centennial, and what lies ahead for both MEMA and the entire industry.
Goodyear Selects Boston-Based Arnold Worldwide for Ad Creative
Goodyear Tire & Rubber has handed over responsibility for the creative and image advertising and marketing for its Goodyear and Dunlop brands to Boston-based Arnold Worldwide. The agency network has four full-service offices throughout the U.S., including its Boston headquarters, New York City, Washington D.C. and St. Louis.
From the Inside: Executive Interview with Craig Anderson, President, Hercules Tire & Rubber Co.
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Craig Anderson, president of Hercules Tire & Rubber Co. While Hercules has grown quietly, preferring to remain out of the spotlight, every year brings line expansions, new products and other enhancements designed to help its members and dealer customers grow their businesses. Even after selling off its core retreading business, Hercules posted its best sales year ever in 2002, and again in 2003, and saw each of its divisions turn a profit in 2003. Craig Anderson, president, sat for an interview with Jim Smith, editor of Tire Review magazine in April. The two discussed how the changes impacted Hercules, the company’s plans in the future, and how he sees the market moving in the near-term.