R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Looks at the Hot Performance Items for 2007
This is the time of year that major corporations, automotive or otherwise, unveil new toys and new technologies for consumers. Keeping with that theme, for this week’s Ask the Industry we asked several aftermarket professionals well versed in the performance and accessories market what they anticipate will be the hot item(s) in the performance segment this year.
Tomorrow’s Technician Editor Serves as Team Judge to Winning Team in National Student Auto Skills Competition
Earlier this week, 50 two-person student teams from across the country competed against each other, and against the clock, to accurately diagnose and fix vehicles in the 2006 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills National Finals. The competition took place June 27 in Dearborn, MI. Two aspiring techs Bradley Bolton and Aaron Clay, seniors at Paris High School in Paris, TX, only needed 29 minutes and 34 seconds to accurately diagnose and fix their Ford Mustang Convertible and win the 2006 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills national finals on Tuesday. Ed Sunkin, editor of Tomorrow’s Technician, a B-to-B automotive tech magazine that is distributed to 1,200 NATEF-certified schools, reaching more than 50,000 automotive technician students, served as a Team Judge for the Paris, TX, duo.
Ford Designers Allowed to be Bolder in Rally Plan
Ford Motor Co. says it’s making “Bold Moves” more than just an advertising campaign. It’s also a directive — to scrap the bureaucracy, rip up the stale product plans and unleash creativity. And Ford’s automotive designers say that’s allowing them to dream over a future that seems more daring than doubtful.
Terry Huch Named ArvinMeritor Director of Investor Relations
ArvinMeritor has named Terry Huch director of investor relations for the company, effective June 5. In this role, he will be responsible for global investor strategy, which encompasses developing and communicating ArvinMeritor’s financial fundamentals and strategic vision to the company’s shareowners and financial constituents.
Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Achieves Record Attendance at its ‘Turning up the Heat’ National Training Convention
More than 1,700 part stores, certified service centers, warehouse distributors and manufacturers got the hottest seats in San Antonio at Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance’s “Turning up the Heat” convention April 19-23. The third national convention for Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper proved to be the best yet with record breaking attendance, according to the Alliance.
Automotive Expert and Radio Personality Bob Long Joins Online Motoring Community
Motoring enthusiast website AutoGeek.com , will now feature audio car reviews from radio personality and host of Mototrend and AutoWorld Radio, Bob Long. Visitors to the site can download the scoop on what Long thinks of some of the new vehicles on the market today. Long, lucky enough to test drive vehicles such as the Mustang GT500, gives his firsthand opinion on the most powerful Mustang ever to thunder off the assembly line. You’ll also hear Carroll Shelby talk about his feelings on making the car available to “the little guy,” who can’t afford the more expensive performance vehicles.
Corsa Performance Exhausts Now Offered Through Keystone Automotive
Keystone Automotive is now offering CORSA Performance’s line of stainless steel exhaust systems featuring patented Reflective Sound Cancellation Technology. “Keystone represents huge opportunities for CORSA, and we look forward to reaching a larger, more diverse market of automotive enthusiasts through this dominant distribution channel,” said Jim Browning Sr., founder and president, CORSA Performance.
Polk Presents Tenth Annual Automotive Loyalty Award Winners
R. L. Polk & Co. presented the 10th Annual Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards on Tuesday at the 2006 Automotive News World Congress.
Ford Executives Point the Way Forward
A top Ford Motor Co. executive said Monday that Detroit needs to rally its spirits and pull up its sleeves in order to get its automotive business back on track because the region’s pessimism is actually hurting the future.
AAPEX 2005: A Winning Experience for Buyers and Exhibitors
The 2005 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) that took place last month in Las Vegas, set new records and exceeded registration goals, according to show organizers.