LIVE FROM GAAS: Aftermarket Must Communicate with Service Technicians, Panel Says
The rapid increase in global sourcing of parts requires that aftermarket manufacturers provide more information to service technicians, Steve Handschuh, president and COO of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association, and Ron Pyle, chief executive of the Automotive Service Association, told attendees of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium. “The repair technician is confused about what’s in the box anymore,” Handschuh said. “We have the end-user who may have been forgotten or neglected.”
LIVE FROM GAAS: Respecting Cultural Norms is Key When Doing Business in New Markets
by Amy Antenora CHICAGO — Mirroring similar comments made earlier in the day at the 2008 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium, Ernst & Young’s (E&Y) Mike Hanley stressed the importance of respecting cultural norms when looking to do business in another country. This was just one of the many recommendations he made during his presentation on
IMR and Counterman Magazine Partner to Produce Second Annual Consumer Aftermarket Behavior Study
For the second year in a row, Counterman magazine has partnered with IMR, Inc. to provide profiles of consumer and technician product sourcing trends. Research for this year’s report has been compiled in the Consumer Aftermarket Behavior Study (CABS), which can be seen in the May issue of Counterman. Counterman magazine is read by more than 45,000 parts store, warehouse distribution and headquarter professionals each month.
Donald Stebbins Named Visteon CEO, Michael Johnston to Continue as Executive Chairman
The board of directors of Visteon Corp. has elected Donald Stebbins as president and chief executive officer, effective June 1. Stebbins, who currently serves as president and chief operating officer, will succeed Michael Johnston in the CEO role. Johnston will continue as executive chairman. Stebbins, 50, has been president and COO since joining Visteon in 2005, following 13 years in senior leadership positions with Lear Corp. Expanding Stebbins’ leadership role is a timely and logical step in Visteon’s long-term executive succession planning process, according to Johnston.
General Motors Recognizes Best Suppliers
JACKSONVILLE , Fla. – General Motors Corp. recently recognized 97 companies with its highly coveted Supplier of the Year Award. There are 57 multiple-year winners among this year’s nominees. “GM is proud to honor our best suppliers with the Supplier of the Year Award, an award that we believe is the most meaningful honor in
AMI Announces 2008-2009 Board of Trustees
The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) has announced the lineup for its 2008-2009 Board of Trustees. George Witt, AAM, George Witt Service, Inc., Lincoln, Neb., was re-elected as chairman; Bob Pearson, AAM, Precision Auto Collision Center, Shakopee, Minn., was re-elected as treasurer and Freda Thompson, AAM, Ace Auto Body, Inc., Hartselle, Ala., was re-elected as secretary.
Metaldyne Completes Closure of Three U.S. Locations
PLYMOUTH, Mich. — Metaldyne has completed the closure of two of its U.S. manufacturing plants and one commercial office to adjust for excess capacity caused by lower vehicle sales from its North American customers and to reduce structural costs in fiscal 2008. "The economic dynamics in North America has created production softness for some time
Standard Motor Products Announces First Quarter 2008 Results and a Quarterly Dividend
Standard Motor Products has reported its consolidated financial results for the three months ending March 31. Consolidated net sales for the first quarter of 2008 were $208.1 million, compared to consolidated net sales of $199.8 million during the comparable quarter in 2007. Earnings from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2008 were $13.3 million or 68 cents per diluted share, compared to $2.9 million or 16 cents per diluted share in the first quarter of 2007.
DENSO Announces Changes to Board of Directors and Managing Officers
KARIYA, Japan – DENSO Corp. has announced changes to its board of directors and managing officers, which will take place after its annual shareholders meeting on June 25. New Directors appointed to the Board: Koichi Fukaya, Vice Chairman (from President and CEO) Nobuaki Katoh, President and CEO (from Senior Managing Director) Hiromi Tokuda, Executive Vice
Discussion on Promoting Supplier-Technician Dialogue Slated for 2008 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Steve Handschuh, president and COO of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), and Ron Pyle, president of the Automotive Service Association (ASA,) will present "Let’s Talk: Promoting Dialogue Among Suppliers and Technicians" at the 2008 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) on Tuesday, May 20, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in