Executive Interview with Terry McCormack, President, Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group (AAG)
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Terry McCormack, president of Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group (AAG). McCormack talked to aftermarketNews.com about the recent news that Dana will divest its aftermarket group. He shared details of the announcement as well as his insights on what this major change means for the company and the division.
OE and Replacement Tire Shipments Increased in 2003
Medium truck tire shipments in 2003 – both OE and replacement – saw their biggest increases in years, according to preliminary tire shipment data released by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA). Meanwhile shipments of passenger and light truck tires saw only modest growth. Despite a wild year of carmaker and dealer incentives, it doesn’t appear the OE market had such a good 2003. Compared to 2002 shipments, OE P-metric tire shipments actually fell 4.9 percent, totaling 54.54 million units. Meanwhile, OE shipments of LT-metric tires fell 4.2 percent vs. 2002, reaching just 7.95 million units for the year.
Save the Date: MEMA Legislative and Public Policy Summit – Advancing American Manufacturing, May 5-6
MEMA and its market segment associations – AASA, HDMA and OESA – will host the inaugural “MEMA Legislative and Public Policy Summit: Advancing American Manufacturing” on Thursday and Friday, May 5-6 in Washington, DC. The Summit has been created to raise awareness among Washington policymakers of the supplier industry’s many contributions to the nation’s economy. MEMA intends to bring members to Washington, DC, to collectively share their priorities and concerns with members of Congress and the Bush administration. While in Washington, they will discuss best practices in government affairs for our industry, and provide updates and dialogue on legislative, regulatory and political developments from senior administration officials, members of Congress and other experts.
TIA Off-The-Road Tire Conference Set for Feb.
The Tire Industry Association’s (TIA) Off-The-Road (OTR) Tire Conference is set to take place next month in central Florida. This annual event attracts the largest gathering of executives and business owners that manufacture, service, repair, retread or supply products for the OTR market. Off-road racer Walker “The Legend” Evans will be the keynote speaker for the event. The OTR Tire Conference takes place Thursday through Saturday, February 26-28, at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Fla.
Deadline for 2004 GAAS Scholarship Is March 31; Applications Available Online
The deadline to apply for a Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) scholarship – awarded to students planning an aftermarket career – is Wednesday, March 31. The scholarships are available to students in two-year technical college programs and vocational schools and four-year college programs.
OE Suppliers May Drop By 50 Percent: Group Predicts Half Will Go Under by 2010
The auto industry is on track to lose half of its parts suppliers by 2010 because of escalating pressure to reduce component prices. That prediction from the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA), a trade group that represents suppliers, comes in response to a new survey that found automakers are demanding more and steeper price cuts from parts makers.
Executive Interview with Rich White, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, AAIA, and Executive Director of the Car Care Council
Rich White is vice president of marketing and communications for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). He oversees marketing, public relations, media relations, publications, Web sites and most recently, the Car Care Council and the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign. With National Car Care Month just around the corner, White provided aftermarketNews.com with an update on the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign and the Car Care Council’s plans for this year. He also shared how aftermarket companies can become more involved in the campaign.
Allstate Insurance Co. Wins Ruling on Texas Law Prohibiting Claim Referrals
Allstate Insurance Co. has won a temporary injunction that will allow it to continue to refer claimants to Allstate-owned Sterling Autobody Centers, the company said Wednesday. Allstate Insurance Co. has won a temporary injunction that will allow it to continue to refer claimants to Allstate-owned Sterling Autobody Centers, the company said Wednesday.
Learn How to Work Leaner, Faster, Better at GAAS 2004
Early registrants for the ninth annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) program will learn how the aftermarket will work leaner, faster and better at a substantial savings. GAAS 2004 is set for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18-19, at the Hyatt Regency, Chicago, Ill. Dr. Jeffrey Rosensweig, economist and professor at Emory University, heads the lineup of speakers at GAAS 2004. NASCAR Driver Bill Lester is the featured lunch speaker on Tuesday, May 18. GAAS 2004 will also include two pre-conference events: the 2004 Manufacturers’ Reps Conference on Sunday and Monday, May 16-17, and the University of the Aftermarket Pre-Symposium Seminar on Monday, May 17, “How to Accelerate Your Sales Growth through Increased Customer Loyalty.”
Deadline to Participate in AASA 2004 Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers List is Feb. 6; Form Available Online
Time is running out to participate in the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) 2004 Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers List. Produced by Babcox Publications in Akron, OH, this multi-page, full-color publication will feature useful information on the largest suppliers to the automotive aftermarket, and will rank suppliers by annual North American aftermarket sales. Deadline for submissions in the publication, which will be distributed this spring, is Feb. 6.