Major Wholesalers and Retailers Support PIES Transformation Software
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) is reporting unanimous support from leading aftermarket data receivers for the free Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES) Interchange Transformation Utility software the association recently published. The data receivers include Activant, Advance Auto, AutoZone, CARQUEST Auto Parts, CSK Auto, NAPA, O’Reilly Auto Parts and WHI Solutions. The software supports PIES and allows the easy transformation of interchange data files from a flat file format (spreadsheet) to the industry standard XML format.
ACC Announces 2008 Automotive Scholarship Recipients
The Automotive Communication Council (ACC) has announced the winners of its two scholarships in the annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium Scholarship (GAAS) program. The ACC is a professional organization comprised of individuals in the automotive aftermarket specializing in marketing communications. The scholarships were earmarked for students focusing on marketing, public relations, journalism, advertising or a related field within the aftermarket. This year’s winners will each receive a $1,000 scholarship for the 2008-2009 academic year.
Aftermarket Standards Compliance Roadmap Unveiled at NCMA
During the opening address at the National Catalog Managers Association (NCMA) Knowledge Exchange conference, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) unveiled a new Web page that presents the status of the leading data receivers in the aftermarket relative to the major technology standards. The Standards Compliance Roadmap indicates whether an industry standard, such as ACES or PIES, is required, preferred, supported or under development by the leading automotive resellers.
Proliance International Names Michael Barbee Vice President of Sales
Proliance International has announced the appointment of Michael Barbee as vice president of sales. He previously was group vice president for the southeast group of Genuine Parts/NAPA, where he spent 24 years, starting as a management trainee.
Bando Adds Two New Regional Sales Managers
ITASCA, Ill. — Bando USA has announced the addition of Robert Talavera and Michael Walsh to the Bando sales management team. Talavera has accepted a position with Bando USA as western regional sales manager. He has more than eight years of industry experience, most recently with the Cardone Industries as a zone manager for the
Fast Undercar Signs on as a Sponsor of CAWA’s Government Affairs Program
RANCHO CORDOVA, CA — The California/Nevada/Arizona Automotive Wholesalers Association (CAWA) has announced that Fast Undercar, Inc. has made a major financial commitment to CAWA’s government affairs program. Fast Undercar joins other supporters including NAPA, CARQUEST, AutoZone, Affinia (WIX and Raybestos), Standard Motor Products, Gates and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association. Bruce Douglass of Fast Undercar,
Michael Droullard Named VP of Sales for Precision Fleet Brakes
Precision Fleet Brakes has announced that Michael Droullard has joined the company as vice president of sales. In this position, he is responsible for all North American sales initiatives. Droullard brings to Precision Fleet Brakes more than 40 years of experience in both the operational and sales side of the business. During his career, he has held positions at Partex, European Parts Exchange, Raybestos, Echlin, Dana, and most recently, Affinia.
Polk Inventory Efficiency Award Goes Global
R. L. Polk & Co. is inviting all aftermarket organizations to apply for the 2008 Polk Inventory Efficiency Award. The Polk Inventory Efficiency Award recognizes and rewards outstanding process improvements relative to inventory efficiency in the automotive aftermarket. The purpose of this award is to educate, inspire and motivate the industry to address one of the largest problems it faces. To win, the initiative must pertain to a project within any global operations. Eligible projects must also have been implemented within the past 30 months; have a measurable business impact; be innovative; and improve processes and/or collaboration.
2007 Readers Choice Awards Announced
For 11 straight years, Underhood Service, ImportCar and Brake & Front End magazines have recognized the advertisers who are the foremost communicators in the industry with their annual Readers’ Choice Award. Given to only 10 companies from each magazine, the winners are determined by surveys conducted by Babcox Research that ask readers which ads they recall seeing and reading.
Mitchell 1 Makes Fourth Quarter Updates to OnDemand5 Manager/ManagerPlus Software
Mitchell 1 has made fourth quarter updates to its popular OnDemand5 Manager/Manager Plus, Version 5.9 software. The software now features more functionality and enhancements, which have been added to the integrated NAPA catalog, including an upgrade to display the NAPA stores’ quantity on-hand, cost and distribution center quantities.