Odland’s Legacy Tied to POS
The automotive aftermarket continues to be an extremely complex challenge to high-flung retailing executives. Steve Odland’s recently announced departure from the top position at AutoZone is just the latest in a long line of high-level executive escapes from our unheralded industry. I wish Odland the best of luck at Office Depot, where (and, I don’t care how much White Out you use) the challenge to “profitably grow” would seem to be much easier. However, this is not so much a commentary on Odland leaving AutoZone, as it is on the ever-increasing complexity and challenges of our market.
SEMA Delegation to Visit Australian Aftermarket Trade Show in April
SEMA announced in its eNews electronic newsletter this week that it is organizing a delegation to visit the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association Trade Show (AAAA) April 7-9 in Sydney, Australia. AAAA is the largest automotive aftermarket event in the southern hemisphere, spanning more than 20,000 square meters.
U.S. Industry Associations Sponsor 2005 Australian Aftermarket Trade Show
Several major U.S. industry associations have offered their support for the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) in promoting its 2005 AAAA Trade Show. The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) has announced it will promote the show, as the event will provide AAIA members the opportunity to reach key buyers in the emerging Asian-Pacific markets. In addition, the Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (APRA) has signed on as a co-sponsor of the event. The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association and a number of other U.S. aftermarket associations will also sponsor the event.