Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Launches National Charity Program
A new nationwide program that helps victims of domestic violence and abuse gain their freedom through the donation of refurbished cars has been launched by Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper. This unprecedented vehicle gift program is sponsored by the warehouses, parts stores and certified service centers flying the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper flags. Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, parent company of Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper, announced the new program yesterday at AAPEX.
H3R Performance Unveils New Website
LARKSPUR, CA — H3R Performance, makers of premium automotive, heavy-duty and RV fire extinguishers, has unveiled a new website at http://www.H3RPerformance.com. H3R Performance provides the automotive aftermarket with UL Listed products that are legal to sell in all 50 states. The company’s premium fire extinguisher lines are sold under the HalGuard and MaxOut brand names.
ArvinMeritor’s CVA Business Achieves Significant Remanufacturing Milestone
ArvinMeritor’s Commercial Vehicle Aftermarket (CVA) business is celebrating a key milestone this week — the remanufacture of its 10 millionth brake shoe and 50,000th axle differential carrier at its facility Plainfield, IN. The 275,000-square-foot facility has remanufactured brake shoes since 2000 and differential carriers since 1999. To better understand the milestone volumes, ten million brakes shoes are equivalent to approximately half-million tractor-trailer vehicles with approximately 20 shoes on each. Ten million shoes would stretch (end-to-end) 2,400 miles from Indianapolis to Vancouver, BC.
ACDelco Drives Business to ISCs with “Battery Bucks” Promotion
GRAND BLANC, MI — ACDelco has announced another promotion to help Independent Service Centers (ISCs) grow their businesses and improve customer retention. To promote ACDelco’s new “Battery Bucks” rebate promotion, the company has said it will sponsor up to 250 mailings to targeted customers of any ISC or ACDelco Total Service Support (TSS) account that
California Bureau of Automotive Repair Seeks to Shut Down Southern California EZ Lube Shops
The California Department of Consumer Affairs/Bureau of Automotive Repair (DCA/BAR) is reportedly seeking to shut down Southern California EZ Lube Shops. EZ Lube Inc. is an independently owned "quick lube service" business, with more than 70 locations in California, primarily in the Southern California area. The DCA/BAR said it is taking legal action against the company in what it describes as the “largest bureau investigation in recent history against an independently owned automotive repair corporation."
Merlin Muffler & Brake Changes its Name; Now Called Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops
In order to reflect the fact that cars today last well over 100,000 miles, as well as emphasize a company-wide commitment to helping their customers get the most from their vehicles, Merlin Muffler & Brake shops across the country have changed their name to Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops. The name change is meant to better communicate the chain’s long-term strategy of dominating a poorly served market within the auto maintenance and repair industry and capitalize on a major consumer trend, according to Frank Smola, president of Merlin’s Franchising, Inc.
Increased Awareness and Benefits of Performance Exhaust to Further Drive North American Exhaust Components Aftermarket
The adoption of direct-fit systems in the standard replacement market and cat-back units in the performance exhaust segment has added to the increase in average price of exhaust components. This growth presents an opportunity for manufacturers to introduce new and exciting products. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan’s Automotive & Transportation group North American Exhaust Components Aftermarket reveals that revenues in this industry totaled $751.1 million in 2005 and expect to reach$991.7 million in 2012.
Brembo Selected for Frost & Sullivan Product Innovation of the Year Award
Frost & Sullivan has presented the 2006 Automotive Rotors & Drums Aftermarket Product Innovation of the Year Award to Brembo North America Inc. for its development of Easy Check, the first brake rotor that indicates to vehicle owners and installers when it is time to replace the part. Frost & Sullivan presents its Product of the Year Award each year to companies that have demonstrated excellence in new products and technologies within their industry. Recipients have shown innovation by launching a broad line of emerging products and technologies.
Brembo Selected for Frost & Sullivan Product Innovation of the Year Award
Frost & Sullivan has presented the 2006 Automotive Rotors & Drums Aftermarket Product Innovation of the Year Award to Brembo North America Inc. for its development of Easy Check, the first brake rotor that indicates to vehicle owners and installers when it is time to replace the part. Frost & Sullivan presents its Product of the Year Award each year to companies that have demonstrated excellence in new products and technologies within their industry. Recipients have shown innovation by launching a broad line of emerging products and technologies.
Registration for ToolTech 2006 Now Online
The Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI) has announced that registration for ToolTech 2006, presented by ETI, is now available online. This two-day sales and marketing event will take place April 18-20 at the Scottsdale Plaza in Scottsdale, AZ. In a move to create an even more successful event this year, ETI has also changed its attendance policy for 2006. “During the 2005 event most of the activities were limited to only members of ETI. This year the entire event is open to the whole industry. Non-ETI members are invited to come and participate” said Brian Irish, marketing manager for ETI. “We see this as a win-win situation for ETI and the industry.”