Executive Interview with Mike Fitzgerald, Vice President of Marketing, Standard Motor Products
Michael Fitzgerald was elected vice president marketing for Standard Motor Products (SMP) in May 2007. From July 2003 to May 2007, Fitzgerald held a variety of sales and marketing positions in the company, including director of sales and marketing — NAPA. Celebrating its 90th year in business this year, SMP recently made a major announcement that it would bring its popular import brand Intermotor to the U.S. In this exclusive interview, Fitzgerald talks to aftermarketNews about the introduction of SMP’s Intermotor brand to the U.S. and shares his insights and predictions for the import market going forward.
CABA Announces 20 New Education Classes for Maryland, Delaware and D.C. Independent Shops
The program runs from Jan. 30 through Feb. 25, 2010, and includes 20 education sessions presented at three locations (Catonsville, Rockville and Salisbury) around the State of Maryland.
OTC Continues to Extend Pegisys Offerings
New “J” Kits continue lineage of best-in-class offerings; include additional diagnostic repair functionality and J2534 reprogramming capability, advanced vehicle coverage, and a special trade in offer.
The Pulse: Use of Premium vs. Second Line Parts, Month by Month
In this installment of “The Pulse,” we take a closer look at the state of business today at the repair shop level. In this edition, we will review rolling month-by-month data for the percentage of premium parts used in repairs versus second line parts. Utilizing data from IMR Inc., this week we review the numbers for August 2008 through August 2009.
Activant Honored as R.O. Writer ‘Partner of the Year’ By Progressive Automotive Systems Inc.
PAS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Midas International Corp., selected Activant as its primary parts data provider in 2002.
New Powertrain-Focused Metaldyne Formed by Sale to MD Investors
The purchase was made under a court supervised 363 auction process. MD Investors paid approximately $40 million in cash.
Pittsburgh Glass Works Marks One-Year Anniversary as Independent Auto Glass Supplier
Fuel economy savings and Mercedes-Benz contract highlight inaugural year.
Executive Interview: AASA President and COO Steve Handschuh Talks About the Association’s New Know Your Parts Initiative
Next month at AAPEX in Las Vegas, the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) will reach out to the aftermarket community on its new “Know Your Parts” initiative that was recently unveiled. Here, AASA President and COO Steve Handschuh shares some early details.
General Motors and Tengzhong Sign Definitive Agreement for Sale of HUMMER
Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Tengzhong will acquire the ownership of the HUMMER brand, trademark and tradenames, as well as specific IP license rights necessary for the manufacture of HUMMER vehicles. Tengzhong will also assume the existing dealer agreements relating to HUMMER’s dealership network.
Automotive Parts Associates Keeps the Excitement Rolling with Summer and Fall Promotions
APA’s $10,000 Scratch & Win promotion was launched on Oct. 5.