The Pulse: Tire Dealers Rank Their Top Business Concerns
Each week, The Pulse provides insight into the buying, sourcing and brand-loyalty habits of counter personnel and professional technicians. This week, using Babcox Research, we look at the top five business concerns for tire dealers today.
The Pulse: What Percentage of Tire Dealers Perform Auto Service?
Each week, The Pulse provides insight into the buying, sourcing and brand-loyalty habits of counter personnel and professional technicians. This week, using Babcox Research, we look at the number of tire dealers that perform automotive and light truck vehicle service.
Executive Interview with Chicago Pneumatic’s Jay Lewis
Today’s Executive Interview features Jay Lewis, GM Charlotte Operations & Chicago Pneumatic Vehicle Service Americas, for Chicago Pneumatic. In this role he provides strategic support for the growth and development of the Chicago Pneumatic Vehicle Service market in the Americas. A 23-year tool and compressor industry veteran, Lewis joined Chicago Pneumatic in 2002. Prior to joining the company, he held multiple sales and management positions in the tool and compressor industry. Lewis holds a bachelor of general studies degree in marketing from the University of Iowa.
VIDEO FEATURE: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Announces its Top Picks for 2008
Thirty-four vehicles have earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award for 2008. The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side and rear crashes based on ratings in the Institute’s tests. Winners also have to be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC), which research shows can significantly reduce the risk of crashing.
Twelve Suppliers Win Prestigious 2007 Automotive News PACE Award
Twelve automotive suppliers won 2007 Automotive News PACE Awards for innovation during a black tie ceremony held earlier this week at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit, MI. Automotive manufacturers were also honored during the program with three Automotive News PACE Innovative OEM Collaborator Awards. The 13th annual awards program for innovation in the automotive supply chain was open to suppliers that contribute products, processes, capital equipment or services directly to the manufacture of cars or trucks worldwide.
Danica Patrick Kicks Off Hometown Racing Promotion with PEAK Antifreeze
Danica Patrick, 2005 IndyCar Rookie of the Year, returned to her hometown this week to announce the details of the new PEAK Antifreeze 300 for the 300 Sweepstakes at a press conference held July 25 at Chicago’s ESPN Zone. If Patrick finishes in first place at the 2006 PEAK Antifreeze Indy 300 presented by Mr. Clean on September 10, one lucky racing fan will take home $300,000, courtesy of PEAK and Mr. Clean.
2006 Legislative Summit: MEMA Members Discuss Issues with Members of Congress
Last week in Washington, D.C., the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) held its annual legislative summit. The association’s aim was to lobby in support of various issues that have heavily impacted the aftermarket and manufacturing industry. The two-day event began with a supplier fair, which featured manufacturers such as Delphi, Federal-Mogul and Bendix. The fair familiarized congressional officials with the companies’ products and upcoming initiatives. The opening day was also filled with strategic preparation for the next day’s congressional meetings. As MEMA President and CEO Robert McKenna explained, the association wanted to make the meetings more efficient than last year to allow members to thoroughly present their issues to members of Congress.
Martin & Company Advertising Adds Four Clients to Company Roster
Martin & Company Advertising has added four new clients to its roster: E3 Spark Plugs (Pointe Vedra, FL), Howell Engine Developments, Inc. (Marine City, MI), Advanced Power Systems Incorporated (Lakeville, CT) and Gagliano’s Image 10 (Knoxville, TN). Martin & Co. is a full service advertising and public relations agency specializing in the automotive aftermarket.
HKS USA Names Driven Media Communications as PR Agency of Record
HKS USA, Inc., a manufacturer and supplier of automotive aftermarket performance parts and accessories, has retained Driven Media Communications as its new public relations agency of record to support its 2005 communications initiatives.
E-Publisher to Produce Catalog for New Spark Plug Company
Vertical Development (VDI), through its e-Publisher content management system, is now helping aftermarket newcomer E3 Spark Plugs introduce its advanced ignition technology throughout North America. Founded in 1997, E3 invested years of research developing an advanced electrode for spark plugs that would increase power output, reduce fuel consumption and decrease emissions. When they began marketing their new spark plug line earlier this year, E3 contracted Vertical Development.