New Lighting Technologies Could Reduce Nighttime Pedestrian Accidents, Says MVLC
With the end of Daylight Saving Time and the approach of winter in North America, nighttime arrives earlier each day. This natural occurrence — combined with the U.S. Congress’ newest directive to NHTSA to more closely study reducing pedestrian fatalities — has put nighttime driving issues in the spotlight. Each year approximately 5,000 pedestrians (which includes bicyclists) are killed along U.S. roads – 65 percent of them occurring at night — and another 70,000 pedestrians are injured in traffic crashes, according to a 2003 NHTSA report.
Bell Automotive Acquires Victor Products
Bell Automotive Products, Inc. has acquired Victor Products, a marketer and packager of automotive accessories, parts and supplies for mass merchants and specialty automotive retailers. Victor is a division of Barjan Products, L.L.C. Following the close of the transaction, the Victor and Monkey Grip product lines, which include tire repair kits, gauges, sealants and other automotive related products, will be integrated into the Bell family of products.
Executive Interview: A Sneak-Peak into Continental Teves’ New ATE-Branded Brake and Rotor Program
In late August, aftermarketNews’ Brian Cruickshank met with the marketing team from Continental Teves at its Frankfurt, Germany headquarters. He was invited to attend a special advance look into Continental Teves’ plans to roll out a greatly expanded all-makes premium brake and rotor program for the North American aftermarket. Cruickshank sat down with the program’s key marketing leaders to discuss the announcement, which will be officially made at the AAPEX Show in Las Vegas.
American Axle & Manufacturing Reports Third Quarter 2005 Financial Results
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (AAM) this week reported sales and earnings for the third quarter of 2005. Third quarter earnings were $19.3 million or 38 cents per share. This compares to earnings of $36.4 million or 68 cents per share in the third quarter of 2004. AAM’s earnings in the third quarter of 2005 reflect the impact of a retroactive metal market cost recovery agreement under which AAM was reimbursed for costs incurred in the first half of 2005. This retroactive benefit was partly offset by costs related to other provisions of the metal market recovery agreement and other retroactive purchased material cost adjustments we incurred in the quarter. The net favorable impact of these agreements was $6.2 million in the quarter or 8 cents per share.
Gold Eagle Takes ‘Engine Answerman’ on the Road
Gold Eagle Co. has tapped eight-time STA-BIL National Lawn Mower Racing Series champion Bobby Cleveland to tour the country as ‘the Engine Answerman.’ The unique promotion is designed to reach out to consumers across the U.S. with expert advice on virtually all engine-powered vehicles and equipment.
New Life in the Aftermarket
Pricey auto accessories like Lamborghini-style flip-up doors, 24-inch rims and 10-inch television screens are fueling the latest spending craze in the automotive industry, with young enthusiasts and old hot-rodders alike “pimping out” their cars. It’s a booming $31.5-billion-a-year business, whose customers no longer fit the stereotypical image of street thugs, hip-hop stars and celebrities.
Firestone and Mario Andretti Launch Driver Safety Education Campaign
Firestone and legendary racer Mario Andretti are teaming up in order to save lives with a new driver safety education campaign. The program includes a series of television and print ads in which Andretti stresses the importance of proper tire inflation and maintenance, and urges drivers to check their tires every month.
NASCAR Partners with Ecolab for New Line of Autocare Products
NASCAR has teamed with Ecolab, Inc., to create a new line of professional auto appearance products from waxes to wheel cleaners. Branded as NASCAR Autocare by Ecolab, the products are now available at leading retailers nationwide.
DOJ Determines Not to Proceed against Myers Industries
Myers Industries, Inc. announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has notified the company that it has determined not to proceed against the company or its employees for those matters described in the company’s voluntary reporting and internal investigation.
Power Heavy Duty Announces Participation in Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week
Power Heavy Duty Marketing Group announced that it will join the growing group of leading heavy duty industry aftermarket groups sponsoring the first-ever Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW), set for Jan. 23-27, 2006, at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Power Heavy Duty will hold a membership meeting, an advisory council meeting as well as a member/manufacturer reception during the week.