The Top Ten News Stories of 2007
For the fourth year in a row, the editorial staffs of aftermarketNews and Counterman magazine have selected what they determined to be the most significant events to impact the automotive aftermarket in the past year. News stories are presented in chronological order.
Executive Interview with Michael Tate, General Manager, MAHLE Clevite Inc.
In September, Michael Tate joined MAHLE Clevite as general manager. He brings 26 years of aftermarket experience to MAHLE Clevite, most recently with SPX Service Solutions. In addition to SPX, Tate held a variety of sales management positions with such companies as Parker Automotive, Dorman Products and Phillips & Temro Industries. As GM of MAHLE Clevite, Tate has management responsibility for all North American Aftermarket activities for the MAHLE Group, which includes MAHLE Clevite Inc., MAHLE Clevite Canada, ULC and the Aftermarket division of MAHLE Componentes de Motores S.A. de C.V.
Charley Johnson of Proliance Elected 2007-2008 MEMA Chairman
Charles "Charley" Johnson, president, CEO and director of Proliance International in New Haven, CT, has been elected 2007-2008 chairman of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Board of Directors. Johnson joined Proliance in March 2001. Proliance International is a leading global manufacturer and distributor of aftermarket heat exchange and temperature control products for automotive and heavy-duty applications serving North America, Central America and Europe.
Tom O’Brien Named VP of Automotive Sales for SKF Vehicle Service Market, North America
ELGIN, IL – SKF has appointed Tom O’Brien vice president of Automotive Sales of the SKF Vehicle Service Market (VSM), North America Business Unit, effective immediately. O’Brien will report to Mike McGrath, president of the VSM North America Business Unit. O’Brien will oversee the sales management team for the automotive aftermarket in North America. Additionally,
Dave Caracci Named Global Symposium Chairman
Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) founder and chairman emeritus Mort Schwartz recently announced the appointment of Dave Caracci as the new chairman of the symposium. Caracci is president of Caracci Aftermarket Strategies and past chairman of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association. In addition, he is the current chairman of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.
OBITUARY: Former Firestone President DiFederico Dies
AKRON, OH — Former Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. president Mario DiFederico, 86, died last week in Akron. DiFederico died on November 8, in Akron from complications of Parkinson’s disease. DiFederico graduated from the University of Akron in 1943 and attended the Sloan School of Management at The Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Upon graduation from
HDAW Panel to Address Access to Product and Service Information
ORLAND PARK, IL – A panel of senior executives from the commercial vehicle industry will discuss “Access to Product and Service Information, an Industry Perspective” during Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW). HDAW will be held Monday, Jan. 21 through Thursday, Jan. 24 at The Mirage in Las Vegas. Moderated by Dave Scheer, president of Inland
The Evolution of Aftermarket Product Lines, Part Three: Questions and Answers
Technology and the global economy is forcing some in the industry to ask some fundamental questions about the way suppliers and distributors address the products they make, buy and sell. Today, in part three of a five-part series, Dave Caracci takes an honest look at some of these questions and offers some possible answers.
The Evolution of Aftermarket Product Lines, Part Two
The complexities of today’s aftermarket product lines challenge every distributor and manufacturer. How did we get to this point and how will the future of domestic and off-shore sourcing shape tomorrow’s aftermarket? This week in a five-part series, Dave Caracci writes about new dynamics in the ever-changing supplier/distributor relationship. Today we bring you part two of a five-part series.
The Evolution of Aftermarket Product Lines: Where We Are Today and How We Got Here
The complexities of today’s aftermarket product lines challenge every distributor and manufacturer. How did we get to this point and how will the future of domestic and off-shore sourcing shape tomorrow’s aftermarket? This week, in a five-part series, Dave Caracci writes about new dynamics in the ever-changing supplier/distributor relationship.