G8 Encourages More Remanufacturing
At the recent G8 Summit Meeting held in Savannah, Ga., on June 8-10, 2004, the leaders of the eight industrialized countries announced their commitment to remanufacturing.
Collision Industry Raises $1,500 for Washington, D.C., Children
The National Auto Body Council (NABC) recently donated $1,500 to the National Children’s Medical Hospital during a meeting held in Washington, D.C.
Castrol Launches New Business Improvement Training Series for Lube Installers
Castrol has created a new Business Improvement Training Series (BITS) developed to offer lube installers a cost-effective training solution. BITS incorporates video-based modules along with a leader’s guide and a training handbook for facilitators, learning guides for participants, assessments and evaluation forms. BITS was developed to meet all of the requirements of Castrol’s ASE-certified Continuing Automotive Service Education program. The series covers training issues that are most important to installers, said Castrol.
Pickups Plus Appoints New COO
Pickups Plus, a leading retailer and national franchiser in the $38 billion truck and SUV aftermarket accessory industry, has appointed Sean Hayes COO. Hayes who joined Pickups Plus, in April 2003, will lead the integration of the company’s new acquisition, Auto Preservation, into the company’s corporate structure and expansion plans. Hayes will also be in charge of disseminating appropriate information to shareholders and the expansion of the company’s franchising business.
Executive Interview with Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of AAIA
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Schmatz became president and CEO of AAIA on Jan. 1, 2004. She had served as executive vice president of the association since January 2002. In addition to filling us in on her first few months at her new post, Schmatz shared with aftermarketNews.com updates on AAIA’s merger with AWDA, Right to Repair legislation and the Be Car Care Award Campaign.
New Mobile Air Conditioning Climate Protection Goal Announced
In conjunction with Earth Day yesterday, a new partnership agreement between select members of industry, government and environmental advocacy organizations was announced. The new collaborative effort will work to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the operation of motor vehicle air conditioning (A/C) systems.
High-tech is Giving Drivers Another Set of Eyes on Highways
Advances in automotive technology are giving drivers another set of eyes. There is parking assistance that backs a car into a parking space, miniature cameras that help a driver see at night and in blinding sunlight, detection devices that sound an alert when a driver crosses into a lane without activating the turn signal or starts to get too close to a pedestrian.
More States Proclaim National Car Care Month
The Car Care Council has reported that the states of Connecticut, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey and Tennessee recently signed proclamations officially declaring April 2004 as National Car Care Month. The mayor of the District of Columbia has also made the designation official.
Experts Warn Industry’s Growth in South Carolina Will Be Flat at Best
South Carolina is chasing automotive manufacturing jobs even as the industry’s work force is slipping away from the U.S. Some experts warn South Carolina will lose its auto jobs too, as automakers and parts companies move jobs abroad or squeeze out jobs at home through efficiency gains. Some experts warn South Carolina will lose its auto jobs too, as automakers and parts companies move jobs abroad or squeeze out jobs at home through efficiency gains.
Three States Officially Proclaim April as National Car Care Month
The governors of Nebraska, South Carolina and Wisconsin recently signed state proclamations, officially declaring April 2004 as being National Car Care Month, according to the Car Care Council.