Executive Interview with Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of AAIA
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Schmatz became president and CEO of AAIA on Jan. 1, 2004. She had served as executive vice president of the association since January 2002. In addition to filling us in on her first few months at her new post, Schmatz shared with aftermarketNews.com updates on AAIA’s merger with AWDA, Right to Repair legislation and the Be Car Care Award Campaign.
Executive Interview with Rex Falkenrath, Founder and CEO of Hi-Tech Engine Components
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Rex Falkenrath, founder and CEO of Hi-Tech Engine Components. Falkenrath founded Hi-Tech in August of 1973. With more than 31 years in business, Hi-Tech Engine Components has developed a full line of engine parts and kits sold nationally through parts store chains and program distribution groups. Join us as we learn more about Hi-Tech Engine Components and the engine parts market.
DST Asks: What Topics Would You Like to Read About?
Right now, today, perhaps no other industry is as poised and ready to transform itself as the automotive aftermarket parts and service industry to leverage technology usage to dramatically enhance productivity and boost bottom-line performance. That’s why we took the opportunity, after publishing three months worth of weekly columns, to ask our readers what they would like us to discuss in the next three months. The responses were interesting and thought provoking. Here’s a general recap of what we’ve covered so far and, based upon your feedback, topics for the near future.
Auto-Wares Tech Expo Grows Customers & Skills
Every spring, Auto-Wares grows customer skills through a full weekend of technician training. Inside the Lansing Convention Center in Michigan, a line snaked out of the door that lead to a room where scores of automotive technicians were preparing to take the State of Michigan Mechanic Certification test, the state’s mandatory version of the ASE exam. Inside the Lansing Convention Center in Michigan, a line snaked out of the door that lead to a room where scores of automotive technicians were preparing to take the State of Michigan Mechanic Certification test, the state’s mandatory version of the ASE exam.
DST Asks: What Factors Do You Look at When Measuring the Cost of Managing Inventory?
Manufacturers and very large distributors have benefited from the productivity- and efficiency-enhancing features of automated warehouses for years. That technology is now available to virtually any size business. What factors do you take into account in measuring the cost of managing your inventory and do you have the data available to make those measurements?
Goodyear to Complete Purchase of Slovenia’s Sava Tires
In a move to further strengthen its position in the central and eastern European market, Goodyear Tire & Rubber is acquiring the remainder of Sava Tires d.o.o., a joint venture tire manufacturing company located in Kranj, Slovenia. In 1998, Goodyear acquired a 60 percent stake in the Sava Tires joint venture. In 2002, the company bought an additional 20 percent . Goodyear will exercise its call option and purchase the remaining 20 percent of Sava Tires owned by Slovenia’s Sava d.d. for approximately $52 million.
Lear Downplays SEC Inquiry
Lear Corp. CEO Robert Rossiter on Wednesday downplayed an informal investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission into its employment of corporate officers’ relatives and insider business transactions. The head of the Southfield, Mich.-based auto-interiors supplier also told analysts that the probe is strictly related to disclosure — not whether there was financial misconduct. Management, he added, quickly corrected the disclosure omissions as soon as they were pointed out.
Federal Panel Claims Cooper Breaks Labor Law
According to a federal labor panel, Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. is violating federal law by refusing to bargain with a union elected to represent workers at its Cedar Rapids, Iowa, distribution center.
California Legislators to Attend Car Care Month Event in Sacramento
ASC, CAWA and NASCAR will join AAIA in recognizing April as National Car Care Month at a special event for California legislators, local media and area aftermarket representatives. A reception and private showing of the new “Experience NASCAR” movie at the IMAX theater near the state capitol is scheduled for April 13.
Castrol SYNTEC Blend DIFM Sales Increase 80 Percent in 2003
Castrol Consumer North America offers operators a choice between conventional and synthetic motor oils, with Castrol SYNTEC Blend, a part synthetic motor oil, which provides added engine protection for severe driving conditions.