MEMA Names Inaugural Winners of Joseph A. Magliochetti Industry Champion Award
Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-Mich.) are the winners of the first-ever Joseph A. Magliochetti Industry Champion Award, which has been established by MEMA to recognize public officials for outstanding leadership on behalf of the automotive supplier industry. The first ever presentation of the award, named in honor of the late president and CEO of Dana Corp., will be held at a gala dinner on Wednesday, May 5, during the MEMA Legislative and Public Policy Summit in Washington, D.C.
AAIA Executives Make Presentation to Wall Street Investors
Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO, and Al Gaspar, president emeritus, addressed a group of 30 Wall Street investors at a luncheon meeting at the Yale Club in New York City last week. The latest statistics and trends on the size, shape and structure of the aftermarket were addressed, as well as profiles of AAIA’s market-growing initiatives: Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES), category management, Right to Repair Act and the “Be Car Care Aware” campaign.
Automotive Communicators Discuss Preparing For and Dealing With Crisis
The Automotive Public Relations Council (APRC), the professional peer group of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association, will examine the issue of “Dealing with Crisis” during its annual Spring Conference. Slated to take place Wednesday, April 21, at the Dearborn Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Mich, this event will provide insight on how automotive public relations professionals should plan and execute successful crisis communications strategies.
Siemens VDO Automotive to Establish Diesel Systems Group; Focus on R&D, Testing
Siemens VDO Automotive has announced plans to establish a new division with headquarters in Columbia, Richland County, S.C. The new division — Powertrain Diesel Systems North America — will become a national center for research and development, engineering and testing of diesel fuel technology, including piezo electronic fuel injectors, diesel pumps and fuel rails, said the company. The company will invest $25 million in the new facility, which will employ 120 people, 70 of whom will be new hires from the region.
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.
Clemson Nabs Top Leader For Auto Project
The new director of Clemson’s automotive research center drives a minivan, but Robert Geolas does not recall how many pistons it packs. Geolas, a North Carolina State grad, said his Honda CRV was built in 1991. Or was that 1992? His wife once told him he did not have enough automotive experience to change a tire. “I hope they didn’t hire me to be an automotive expert,” Geolas said. But Geolas said there are plenty at Clemson. He said the university has automotive engineering talent and the vision to build a graduate program designed to attract research and higher-paying jobs to South Carolina.
Friday is Deadline to Submit Info for AASA Top Suppliers List
Friday, Feb. 13 is the deadline to submit information for participation in the 2004 Top Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers List, published by Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the aftermarket segment of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA).
Fewer U.S. Vehicles are Being Scrapped, According to R. L. Polk & Co.
The fact that vehicles are staying on the road longer is a boon for the aftermarket, and according to recent research from R. L. Polk & Co., the numbers are moving even more in the aftermarket’s favor. Vehicle scrappage rates declined 9.1 percent in 2003, according to recent Polk research. The number of passenger cars scrapped in 2003 was down 6.1 percent while light trucks experienced a 12.7 percent decrease. Both numbers were factors in driving the scrappage rate down for all vehicles, a trend since 1970, according to Polk.
Deadline Approaching for Participation In Top Aftermarket Suppliers List
The deadline for participation in the 2004 Top Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers List, published by Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the aftermarket segment of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), has been extended to Friday, Feb. 13. Produced by Babcox Publications, this multi-page, full-color publication will feature insightful information on the largest suppliers to the automotive aftermarket. The form to participate is available online at http://www.aftermarketnews.com/top70.asp. The 2003 AASA Top Aftermarket Suppliers list is also available at the link.
New Import Parts Specialist Certification Tests Available
Aftermarket firms can begin the new year with a competitive edge by encouraging employees and customers to take the newly updated Auto International Association (AIA) Import Parts Specialist and Master Import Parts Specialist certification tests. Better-trained counter personnel and service technicians are vital to ensuring quality repairs and satisfying import nameplate customers. These tests address the pressing need for professionals with knowledge and training to help drive improved sales and provide the best customer service to import nameplate owners.