Executive Interview with Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of AAIA
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Schmatz became president and CEO of AAIA on Jan. 1, 2004. She had served as executive vice president of the association since January 2002. In addition to filling us in on her first few months at her new post, Schmatz shared with aftermarketNews.com updates on AAIA’s merger with AWDA, Right to Repair legislation and the Be Car Care Award Campaign.
Executive Interview with Rex Falkenrath, Founder and CEO of Hi-Tech Engine Components
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Rex Falkenrath, founder and CEO of Hi-Tech Engine Components. Falkenrath founded Hi-Tech in August of 1973. With more than 31 years in business, Hi-Tech Engine Components has developed a full line of engine parts and kits sold nationally through parts store chains and program distribution groups. Join us as we learn more about Hi-Tech Engine Components and the engine parts market.
Chicago Rawhide Becomes “Gold” Sponsor of the Car Care Council Women’s Board
Chicago Rawhide (CR) has announced its sponsorship of the 2004 Car Care Council Women’s Board activities. CR will support the board at the “Gold” sponsorship level.
Beck/Arnley Updates its ElectriCat Database
Beck/Arnley has updated its ElectriCat database to include current Beck/Arnley catalog offerings. ElectriCat manages application details for import or domestic models, including: passenger car, agriculture, industrial, off-road, motorcycle, ATV, marine and light, medium and heavy truck. It currently houses coverage for the years 1912 to 2004, for the Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group’s complete underhood, undercar, electrical, filtration, cooling and driveline offerings.
Study Finds OEMs Jeopardizing Their Own Future, Industry Purchasing Practices Harming Competitiveness
Consolidation in the automotive industry — driven by intensive cost pressure from OEMs — is threatening those same OEMs’ competitiveness, according to one recent study. A new study by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) “Beyond Cost Reduction: Reinventing the Automotive OEM-Supplier Interface,” shows that over the past decade, automotive OEMs have outsourced central functions, which has left them dependent on ever fewer suppliers and their innovations.
Honeywell Receives APA’s Branded Products Award
Honeywell Friction Materials, which manufactures Bendix branded brake products, was recently recognized with the Automotive Parts Association’s (APA) Branded Products Award. The award was presented to Honeywell at the association’s 24th annual Shareholders & Manufacturers Conference held at the Wyndham Emerald Plaza in San Diego last month.
Process Performance Metrics
In the previous two installments, we discussed the process enterprise and how it is created in an organization. Last issue in particular, we identified that one of the key roles of the process owner is to identify important dimensions of process performance and establish appropriate measures. This week we’ll talk about key differences between traditional measures of performance and the new measures needed in a process enterprise.
Delphi Promotes National Car Care Month
Delphi Corp. announced its support of National Car Care Month, a vital part of the Be Car Care Aware educational campaign designed to increase public awareness about the benefits of good vehicle maintenance and repair.
NACE 2004 Space Draw Results Exceed 2003
The recently completed Space Draw for the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) 2004 event in Las Vegas showed an increase over 2003 in the number of participating companies and the amount of space assigned, indicating a strong start to NACE being held during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) in November.
NARSA Joins AAPEX, New Heat and Transfer & Mobile A/C Section to Be Established
The National Automotive Radiator Service Association (NARSA) has forged an agreement with the sponsoring associations of Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) for the establishment of a new Heat Transfer & Mobile A/C Section at the 2004 AAPEX show. The announcement was made today at the 51st Annual NARSA Convention & Tradeshow in Nashville, Tenn.