O’Reilly Teams with IRI to Drive Assortment and Space Planning Optimization
Information Resources, Inc., a provider of consumer, shopper and retail market intelligence and insights, has announced that O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. is the latest retailer to implement the IRI space planning software suite, including Apollo Designer Workstation and Apollo Professional, to optimize category assortments and planograms for its 1,700 stores.
Dana Supplying Propshafts, Thermal Technology for New Nissan Rogue Crossover Vehicle
TOLEDO, OH — Dana Corp. has announced that it is supplying propshafts and auxiliary transmission oil coolers for the new Nissan Rogue crossover vehicle. "Dana is proud of its affiliation with Nissan, which today ranks as one of our largest automotive customers," said Michael Burns, Dana chairman and CEO. "Through collaboration with Nissan engineers, we
DCR Systems and Spray-Tech Form Alliance to Engineer Auto Refinish System
Mentor, OH-based DCR Systems and Ontario, CA-based Spray-Tech have formed a strategic research and development relationship to engineer an automotive refinish system with operational standards unique to the industry. The joint R&D between the two companies has resulted in a process featuring high-speed, quality and consistency in output, including advanced undercoating applications, advanced curing capability and processing methodology, standardized tooling and products, and standardized operating procedures, practices and training.
Continental AG and Siemens VDO Automotive AG Join Together to Form Automotive Supplier at Forefront of Global Market
With the biggest acquisition in its 136-year history, Continental AG, Hanover, is investing itself with what it calls excellent prospects for the future in a global market that, while demanding, is equally rich in opportunities.Continental is buying the Siemens VDO Automotive AG from Siemens AG, Berlin/Munich, for $15.6 billion. Today, the supervisory boards of Siemens AG and of Continental AG, in Munich and Hanover respectively, gave their consent for the transaction. Execution of the acquisition is contingent on the approval of the appropriate antitrust authorities. As per 2006, Continental and Siemens VDO Automotive AG realize aggregate annual sales of around $34 billion with a worldwide workforce of close to 140,000.
NAPA Brakes Unveils New Adaptive One Hybrid Ceramic Disc Brake Pads
NAPA Brakes has unveiled a new type of brake pad designed to adapt to any driving style. According to NAPA Brakes, Adaptive One Hybrid Ceramic Disc Brake Pads are unlike any brake pad on the market today because the inboard and outboard pad in each set has its own specially engineered friction material. This formulation was designed to provide long-lasting, dust-free, quiet performance that’s tailored to each driver’s style with coverage focused on passenger cars and light trucks and SUV’s.
Belron to Acquire Safelite
Belron S.A., one of the world’s largest vehicle glass repair and replacement companies, has announced plans to acquire Safelite Group Inc., a leading U.S. provider of replacement and repair services as well as automotive glass insurance claims management, retail fulfillment, automotive glass manufacturing and wholesale distribution. The transaction is expected to close in March and the integration of Belron Inc., the U.S. operation of Belron and Safelite operations will begin at that time. Upon closing, the newly combined organization will be called Belron.
Alliance Members Vast-Auto Distribution and Base Automotive Warehousing Form Partnership in Ontario
For more than a year, Montreal-based Vast-Auto Distribution Ltd. has been looking for growth opportunities in Eastern Canada. Yesterday, the company announced it had found one. John Del Vasto, president of Vast-Auto Distribution Ltd. and Mark Mandel, president of Base Automotive Warehousing Ltd., announced that they had formed a strategic partnership in Ontario through the acquisition of the business operations of Base Automotive. Both companies are members of Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance and both go to market under the Auto Value brand. Base Automotive Warehousing has served the Ontario market since 1977.
Remy International Announces Third Quarter 2006 Results
Remy International today announced financial results for the three and nine month periods ended Sept. 30. Net sales for the third quarter of 2006 were $354.7 million, an increase of $38.8 million or 12 percent compared with the corresponding period last year. The third quarter sales increase occurred in all product categories. The company said automotive OEM sales increased about 15 percent and continued to reflect ramp up of the alternator business, while a 10 percent sales increase in heavy duty OEM benefited from improved demand. The sales increases in both OEM businesses were also impacted by the pass through of higher commodity price with no associated margin. Powertrain sales increased approximately 52 percent due to continued strong demand for diesel engine parts. Electrical aftermarket sales were up modestly at 1 percent.
Clarity of Structure: More than an Organizational Chart
The following article is part two of a three-part series by special guest contributor Chuck Udell, a senior partner at Essential Action Design Group. The article, inspired by a popular presentation Udell has given to numerous aftermarket professionals, addresses the importance of building a sense of ownership among all employees from top brass, to floor staff. As we witness dramatic changes in the North American aftermarket, a sense of ownership and loyalty among all employees may play a critical role in the future success of our industry, says Udell.
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.