Drivers Identify Almost 1,800 Unmet Needs, According to New Study
According to a new study conducted by global market research and consulting firm the RDA Group, automotive manufacturers are not keeping pace with their customers’ needs when it comes to such items as interior customization, vehicle control assistance, traffic awareness, vehicle monitoring, visibility enhancements, better in- vehicle food and beverage management, cabin temperature maintenance and child protection.
SEMA Expands Installer/Specialist Test Programs with Custom Wheel and Tire Accreditation Test
SEMA has added a custom wheel and tire specialist exam to its battery of certification tests. The new test, known as Z5, will measure real-world knowledge and skills of the wheel and tire professionals who install custom applications on passenger cars and light-duty trucks. SEMA has added a custom wheel and tire specialist exam to its battery of certification tests. The new test, known as Z5, will measure real-world knowledge and skills of the wheel and tire professionals who install custom applications on passenger cars and light-duty trucks.
“DST Asks”: What Do You Look For In a Computerized Business Management System?
Technology is breaking down the barriers that once hindered our ability to process and share information efficiently. As our industry taps into the power of new technologies, those businesses that adopt and embrace them sooner rather than later will realize new efficiencies and bottom-line improvements while simultaneously setting the revised standards of successful business operation. Those standards will be the benchmarks of competitive advantage that will steer the future of the industry.
Bill Grote Names Eric Morris President and COO of Grote Industries, Grote to Assume Chairman/CEO Role
Eric Morris has been appointed to the newly created post of president and COO at Grote Industries. William (Bill) Grote III will assume duties of chairman and CEO at the 103-year-old family owned company. Grote Industries is a designer and manufacturer of vehicle safety systems. Headquartered in Madison, Ind., Grote manufactures LED and incandescent lamps, mirrors, obstacle detection systems, reflective accessories and wiring components. The company has other manufacturing plants in Toronto and Waterloo, Canada, as well as Monterrey, Mexico.
“DST Asks”: What Ordering Methods Do You Offer to Customers?
Forecasting the future isn’t a task restricted to tabloid psychics or your TV weatherman. Whether we like it or not, running a successful business today that will remain successful in the future requires forecasting skills.
Diedrich Scholarship Applications Due
Incoming students planning to attend Northwood University in Midland, Mich., have until March 1 to apply for the Harvey Diedrich “Advantage” Scholarship. The award of $500 will go to a deserving student, majoring in either Marketing/Management or Automotive Aftermarket Management. Applications can be submitted online at www.northwood.edu. Diedrich was a longtime contributor to the aftermarket who passed away suddenly in June 2003. The scholarship was established by Diedrich’s friends and colleagues for his innovative marketing programs for Monroe shocks and Walker mufflers. He was principal architect of the highly successful “Walker Advantage” program.
Timken Receives Best Supplier Recognition from Oshkosh Truck Corp.
Timken was recently recognized as “Best Supplier” by the Oshkosh Truck Corp., a manufacturer of specialty trucks and truck bodies for the fire and emergency, defense, concrete placement and refuse hauling markets. The recognition honors Timken’s excellent performance in delivery, quality and product support. Last year was the first year Oshkosh formally recognized suppliers with this award.
Goodyear Selects ACS to Provide Human Resources BPO Services
Goodyear Tire & Rubber has signed a 10-year agreement with ACS for human resources (HR) services. Under terms of the contract, ACS, a premier provider of business process and information technology solutions, will provide a wide range of HR business process services for Goodyear’s Akron, Ohio-based North American operations. Approximately 100 HR positions in Akron have transferred to ACS as part of the agreement.
Comergent Technologies Acquires Profile Systems, Inc.
Comergent Technologies, a leading provider of demand chain management applications, has acquired Profile Systems, a developer of product information (PIM) and inventory management companies for business-to-business e-business. Under the terms of the agreement, Comergent Technologies has acquired all the outstanding Profile Systems shares and technology. Profile Systems employees have been retained in the West Springfield, Mass., office.
Industry Standards for Aftermarket Data to Be Held March 15-16
The Industry Standards for Aftermarket Data seminar will be held at the Hilton Austin Airport, Austin, Texas on March 15-16, 2004. It will be hosted by Activant Solutions (formerly CCITriad).