New Grote Catalogs Introduce 700 New Products
Grote Industries recently made two new catalogs available that detail more than 700 new product additions to its lighting and electrical connection and accessory offerings. The 2006 Master Catalog (56-9513-26) includes full color listings and illustrations of the entire Grote offering. The 248 page book is organized by the 13 separate product lines, and features easy to use color coded thumb tabs. The Master Catalog includes plenty of quick references and model index listings. Competitive interchanges as well as frequently asked tech questions can be found in the back of the book.
Exide Launches Two New Automotive Battery Brands
Exide Technologies has launched two new automotive battery brands — Exide Marathon and NASCAR Extreme — in the United States. Both the Marathon and the NASCAR Extreme batteries are premium offerings engineered to deliver optimal performance in even the harshest conditions. Because high heat and vibration are the leading causes of premature battery failure, the technology developed for these products was tested and proven under extreme conditions in taxi fleets in Las Vegas and Phoenix; in these environments, the batteries consistently lasted longer than other lead calcium products, according to the company.
PIES 5.0 Released for Industry Use; Latest Version Supports Imaging Best Practice and CARQUEST Enhancements
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) has announced publication of the latest version of the Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES). PIES version 5.0 includes support for the exchange of product images in compliance with the Imaging Best Practice Guideline, also published by AAIA. The latest version of PIES also includes additions that bring the industry standard and a similar CARQUEST specification into closer alignment.
American Tire Distributors Acquires Silver State Tire and Golden State Tire
American Tire Distributors has announced plans to acquire 100 percent of the stock of Silver State Tire Co. and Golden State Tire Distributors. This acquisition establishes a distribution footprint for American Tire Distributors across the state of Nevada and expands the company’s presence in Northern California.
CARE Announces Changes in its Board of Directors
The Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE) announced changes and additions to its board including a new chairman and two new directors. On behalf of the board, David Parde, president of CARE, announced that Ted Wise, co-president of O’Reilly Auto Parts, has been elected as the new chairman. He replaces Art Lottes III, president of CARQUEST, who is retiring from CARQUEST and CARE after serving for the past three years as chairman of the CARE board.
Pickups Plus Inc. Adds Two ValuGard Authorized Warranty Centers
Pickups Plus, a retail company that specializes in the aftermarket accessory and environmental protection businesses, has added two ValuGard Authorized Warranty Centers to its nationwide chain.
DENSO Announces First-half Financial Results
DENSO Corp. has announced global financial results for the first six months, which ended on September 30. “The financial results for this first half year were fairly satisfactory,” said Koji Kobayashi, managing officer of DENSO Corp. “The increase in domestic and overseas car production for Japanese auto manufacturers contributed to the increase in sales and the increase in production volume in Japan and Asia and Oceania contributed to the increase in operating income.”
Peterson Announces New Master Product Catalog for 2006
Peterson Manufacturing (PM) rounds out its 60th anniversary year by announcing the availability of its 2006 Master Catalog. The new edition is the most comprehensive in company history, reflecting the addition of nearly 250 new safety light and accessory items to Peterson’s product coverage.
DENSO Announces First-quarter Financial Results
Some of the highlights include a consolidated net sales totaling $6.8 billion, a 10.7 percent increase from the first quarter of last term; operating income totaling $641.4 million, an 18.7 percent increase from the first quarter of last term; and a 3.3 percent increase in income before income taxes and minority interests from the first quarter of last term.
BASF Enhances Website Featuring Glasurit Resource Center
BASF has introduced an enhanced website for its premium Glasurit refinish systems. The website offers more information, including the interactive Glasurit Resource Center.