ACDelco Offers Updated Version of WISE e-Business Solution
ACDelco is now offering shop owners a new version of its Web Integrated Service Environment (WISE) e-Business solution. WISE 3.0 is a PC-based system that links ACDelco Independent Service Centers and ACDelco Warehouse Distributors to help streamline ordering, distribution and service processes. Launched earlier this year, WISE 3.0 allows shop owners to pick and choose the WISE 3.0 components that are right for their businesses instead of purchasing just one integrated offering under the WISE 2.0 version.
Nick DiVerde is the general manager of the shop management solutions group at Mitchell 1, a leading provider of shop management systems to the automotive aftermarket. In his current position, DiVerde establishes product and business direction for the shop management and estimating product lines for both the Mitchell 1and ShopKey brands.
Automotive Engineers Wanted: There are Jobs, but Some Require Changing Industries
From Detroit Free Press Rial Hamann was laid off from his engineering job at General Dynamics Corp. in January. It was the third layoff since 2002 for the 63-year-old Macomb Township engineer. Hamann, who has worked in and out of the automotive industry, knows the drill. He hits the major online job boards. He sends
“Winning Customers Together:” ACDelco’s National Convention by the Numbers
ACDelco has reported that its recent 2006 National Convention in Las Vegas dealt was attended by more than 6,000 ACDelco customers – Warehouse Distributors (WDs), Total Service Support (TSS) accounts and Jobbers – as well as employees. With a theme of “Winning Customers Together," the 2006 ACDelco National Convention showcased the tools ACDelco provides to help build relationships and grow the business.
PERA Restructures Membership Criteria
In order to better adapt to a changing business environment, the Production Engine Remanufacturers Association (PERA) has restructured its membership criteria for 2007, making membership available to engine builders that are building 25 engines per month or averaging one per day.
Vange Proimos of AP Exhaust Elected Chairman of AASA
Vange Proimos, president of AP Exhaust in Goldsboro, NC, has been elected chairman of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Board of Governors. Proimos and his brothers founded the USA Muffler Shop chain in the 1970s. The business grew to more than 20 shops throughout northeast Indiana and included a distribution center to service the muffler shops. In 1994, he and his family started Catco Catalytic Converters, known today as one of the largest aftermarket converter manufacturers in the country. Catco specializes in universal, direct fit and OBDII technology converters. In 1998, Proimos acquired the AP Exhaust Aftermarket Division with manufacturing facilities in Goldsboro, NC. Manufacturing exhaust products for the past several years under the Goerlich’s, Merit, TruckEx and Xlerator brands, the company will begin to market their products as AP Exhaust in 2007.
TechShop Top 5 Tools Award Presented to 16 Companies
TechShop – Equipment, Tools & Supplies magazine recently awarded 16 companies with the magazine’s second-annual Top 5 Tools Award. The 2006 Top 5 Tools Award Winners include: ALLDATA, Fluke, iATN, Ingersoll-Rand, Mac Tools, Makita, Matco Tools, Mitchell 1, OTC, Power Probe, Raytek, Rotary Lift, RTI Technologies, Snap-on Diagnostics, Snap-on Tools and Vetronix. The awards for 2006 were announced in the October issue of TechShop. Each award winner was presented with a unique Top 5 Tools plaque.
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry: How to Find Great Employees
When it comes to news coverage about employment issues in the automotive industry, we typically hear of plant layoffs or the much talked about technician shortage. With all the negative press these days, we thought it might be time to focus on something a bit more positive. We asked a repair shop owner, a part store manager and an HR director for an aftermarket software company: “What channels does your company use to attract and retain the best and brightest young professionals?”
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Talks about Protecting Against Software Piracy
Thanks to increased legislative and media attention, the issue of counterfeiting has been pushed to the forefront of the American business’ consciousness. Blamed for the loss of billions of dollars every year, product counterfeiting is estimated to cause about $12 billion in lost sales annually for American automotive suppliers. Within the aftermarket, counterfeiting isn’t limited only to trademark violations or manufacture of knock-off parts. It also includes the illegal copying or ‘pirating’ of software, a primary business for a number of companies in the aftermarket. For this week’s “Ask the Industry,” we spoke with several companies that develop software solutions for the automotive aftermarket to find out how they protect against software piracy.
Management Expert Bob O’Connor Returns to AAPEX
ORLAND PARK, IL – Management expert Bob O’Connor of RLO Management Solutions, returns to the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), Tuesday, Oct. 31, through Thursday, Nov. 2, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, with seminars on how to increase profits and better partner with customers. O’Connor’s seminars are geared toward key segments of