R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Looks at the Value of Motorsports Marketing Programs
Racing. Fortune magazine has called it the “fastest-growing, best-run sport.” One in three Americans consider themselves fans. And, today, businesses across all industries want a part of the action.Over the past decade, motorsports marketing and racing sponsorships have become among the most successful and lucrative vehicles for building brand awareness, so much so that companies today have executives dedicated solely to building their brands through motorsports marketing efforts. For this week’s Ask the Industry, we asked a number of aftermarket businesses that are active in motorsports marketing and racing sponsorships to tell us what they get out of it and where they see it all heading.
Executive Interview with Charles E. Johnson, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Proliance International
Charley Johnson is president, CEO and director of Proliance International, Inc. based in New Haven, CT. Johnson joined Proliance (which was formed by the July 2005 merger of Transpro, Inc. and Modine Aftermarket Holdings) in March 2001, ending a broad search for a new CEO of Transpro. The company’s customers include the leaders in aftermarket automotive distribution, such as AutoZone, NAPA, Advance, Pep Boys, O’Reilly and CARQUEST, among others. AftermakretNews.com spoke with Johnson about the origins of the merger, the challenges ahead and how the name Proliance came to be.
New Hampshire Store Manager Named 2005 Counterman Magazine Counterperson of the Year
When New England customers say that Sanel Auto Parts is their “first call” for auto parts, what they really mean is they rely on veteran store manager Dennis Call to solve their automotive parts needs.
Meridian Seeks Chapter 11 Aid
In what is becoming a fairly regular and disconcerting occurrence in today’s auto industry, Meridian Automotive Systems Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Tuesday, citing the high cost of steel and increased pricing pressure from its automaker customers.
Record Numbers Attend AAIA Leadership Days; Board Officers Announced
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) reported this week that a record number of people — 380 to be specific — converged upon Huntington Beach, Calif., last week to attend AAIA’s Spring Leadership Days. Volunteer board and committee members, VIP guests and professional staff participated in 28 group meetings and eight social events during the three-day program.
Executive Interview with Steve Marks, Chairman, National Car Care Month Committee
Steve Marks, senior vice president of marketing and advertising for Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, is currently serving as chairman of the National Car Care Month Committee, the group charged with the task of promoting and organizing National Car Care Month in conjunction with the Be Car Care Aware campaign. Here, Marks give us an update on the progress of this year’s National Car Care Month initiatives and some background on his involvement in the campaign.
CAWA Elects Four Board Members
The California/ Nevada Automotive Wholesalers Association (CAWA) has elected four members to its board of directors and appointed a new member to its Manufacturers Advisory Council. CAWA is an automotive aftermarket trade association representing more than 550 jobbers, warehouse distributors, retailers and manufacturers in California and Nevada.
DST Names Marketing Director
DST Inc., a provider of parts supply chain technology solutions, has named John Hamminga to the newly created position of marketing director. Hamminga has held several senior level marketing positions in service and parts technology based firms during his twenty year career in the automotive and truck aftermarket. In his most recent role, as owner of Chicago-based technology marketing consulting firm JH & Associates, Hamminga worked closely with clients including DST in developing and implementing marketing initiatives to enhance market presence.
R. L. Polk & Co. Introduces Aftermarket Inventory Efficiency Award
R. L. Polk & Co. has introduced a new award that recognizes and rewards outstanding aftermarket companies for process improvements relative to inventory efficiency. The Polk Aftermarket Inventory Efficiency Award will be presented at the 2005 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) being held May 11-12 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago.
Executive Interview: John Lampe, chairman, president and CEO of Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding
Two years ago on August 9, Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. — and the whole tire industry — changed for all time. John Lampe has been in the middle of the entire saga from day one. More importantly, as chairman, president and CEO of what is now Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding (BFAH) and the head of Bridgestone/Firestone North America Tire, the Kansas native has led the once-beleaguered company back from the brink.