R. L. Polk & Co’s Ask the Industry: Synching Up Customer and Provider Expectations When it Comes to Pricing
As an industry, what can we do to get all service providers on the same page, in terms of getting a fair price for service and repair expertise, and being able to charge accordingly, without consumers feeling like they are being gouged?
ACDelco Congratulates Its Technician Of The Millennium IV Regional Semi-Finalists
Only 40 technicians remain in ACDelco’s fourth annual Technician of the Millennium (TOM) IV Regional Semi-Finals. These 40 automotive service professionals – whose Independent Service Centers (ISCs) participate in ACDelco’s Total Service Support (TSS) program – will compete against the clock – and each other – in ACDelco’s Technician of the Millennium (TOM) IV Regional Semi-Finals.
Wave of Retiring Japanese Workers Could Force Big Changes
No one knows spindles like Katsuya Hyodo. For more than three decades, the diminutive factory worker, armed with only a junior high school education, has studied and designed the whirring cylinders at the heart of automotive machine tools. “I like spindles,” Hyodo says. “There are so many different kinds.” His expertise and passion are priceless to a small company like his employer, machine tool manufacturer Nishijimax (annual revenue: $30 million). Just one problem: Katsuya is 72 years old. That’s why he spends Sunday afternoons at home transcribing everything he knows about spindles into his computer. He wants to make sure his wisdom reaches the next generation. “I am not just doing it for myself,” he says.
Former NFL Players Sayers and Lewis Form New Race Team
Two professional football league superstars have joined together to form a new racing team. Football hall of famer Gale Sayers and World Champion Most Valuable Player Ray Lewis, along with entrepreneur Mark Bloomquist, have formed The Milestone Co. The operation will run both cars and trucks under its new name: S&L Racing. The team will be headquartered in North Carolina.
Former Ford Exec Named Collins & Aikman EVP Commercial & Program Management
Mary Ann Wright has been appointed executive vice president commercial and program management for Collins & Aikman, effective immediately. In this position, Wright will be responsible for organizing, planning and implementing the overall marketing, sales, business development and program management activities for the company.
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry: Are We Doing Enough to Attract the Next Generation?
For this edition of Ask the Industry, we asked executives representing a number of market segments including manufacturing, service and training: Are we doing enough to attract bright young professionals to this industry? If not, what more needs to be done? And, what are the dealerships doing that we can’t or haven’t?
Executive Interview with Duane Miller, Executive Director of GM Service and Parts business channels – GM Service and Parts Operations (SPO)
This Executive Interview features Duane Miller, who is the Executive Director of GM’s Service and Parts business channels (GM Service and Parts Operations [SPO]). Miller was appointed to his position back in April 2005. He took time from his busy schedule to discuss with AftermarketNews.com his new responsibilities, the outlook of ACDelco going forward and how “Real Car Guys” know ACDelco.
Rich White Promoted to AAIA Senior Vice President, Marketing and Member Relations
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) vice president of marketing and member relations, Rich White, has been promoted to the position of senior vice president, marketing and member relations. White has been with AAIA since it was established in 1999.
Industry Associations Applaud Passage of Association Health Plan Bill
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) both applauded the House of Representatives on its 263-165 vote to approve the “Small Business Health Fairness Act” (H.R. 525). The bipartisan legislation, often referred to as Association Health Plans (AHP), would allow small businesses to purchase affordable health care coverage through a trade association.
The Car Coach, Lauren Fix, Joins Oprah’s “Live Your Best Life Tour” 2005
One of the industry’s hardest working advocates, Lauren Fix, also known as “The Car Coach” will present automotive tips, car buying tips and safer driving seminars as part of Oprah’s “Live Your Best Life Tour” 2005.