Industry Veteran Bob Hall Loses Battle with Cancer
Industry veteran Bob Hall lost his battle with cancer on Monday, March 8, at his home in Carlisle, PA. He was 56 years old. Hall began his career as a sportswriter before moving on to MotorWeek and then becoming publicist for the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and later the Imperial Palace Auto Collection. In conjunction with those duties, he became host of “Las Vegas Motor Speedway on the Air,” a show that eventually evolved into “All About Cars,” the program he hosted until his death.
Michelin North America Signs Supply Agreement with Pilot Travel Centers
Michelin North America has signed an agreement to serve as a preferred supplier of Michelin and BFGoodrich commercial truck tires for Pilot Travel Centers, one of the largest interstate travel center operations in the U.S. Michelin North America has signed an agreement to serve as a preferred supplier of Michelin and BFGoodrich commercial truck tires for Pilot Travel Centers, one of the largest interstate travel center operations in the U.S.
American Tire Distributors Adds to Team of Equipment Specialists
American Tire Distributors has added to its team of equipment specialists with the recent hiring of Ralph Bachemin. Bachemin, who joined American Tire Distributors in January, handles automotive equipment sales and service for the company’s Mobile, Ala., distribution center, covering Southern regions of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. Bachemin joins a network of approximately 45 equipment specialists employed by American Tire Distributors across the U.S. who assist dealers in establishing and maintaining a productive automotive services shop.
GOJO Industries Launches New Automotive Web Site
GOJO Industries, a longtime leader in skin care solutions for the automotive industry, has launched a new automotive Web site, featuring tools and resources to help shop supervisors recognize and help prevent costly skin problems. The site offers material safety data sheets as well as information about products, dispensers and contact information to receive assistance from a GOJO skin care expert.
Technology Outpaces Would-be Technicians
Help Wanted: Automotive technician. Starting salary: $30,000. Benefits include medical insurance, plus two weeks paid vacation and two long weekends off — that’s Thursday through Sunday — a year. How difficult is it to fill a job like that in Michigan’s lackluster economy? Plenty, according to Stan Shephard, owner of Shephard’s Hi Tech Automotive in Detroit. Shephard posted his help-wanted sign 18 months ago, and today the position remains unfilled. He’s had only 15 applicants for the job.
Maxxis Announces Sports Sponsorships
In conjunction with its global branding efforts, international tire manufacturer Maxxis International has become the “The Official Tire of the Houston Rockets.” The sponsorship agreement remains in effect for the balance of the 2004 NBA season. Maxxis has also announced its sponsorship of LPGA Tour Golfer Candie Kung for the 2004 LPGA season.
Delphi Debuts New Ad Campaign; Aims to Bring Automotive Technology to Other Markets
Delphi has debuted a new television ad campaign aimed at showing how the company is taking automotive technology to other markets. The new campaign, created by McCann Erickson’s Detroit office, depicts how Delphi technologies can be used to benefit other industries outside the automotive arena, including medical, homeland security and computers.
Bankrupt Venture Might Sell Some Assets
Bankrupt auto supplier Venture Corp. plans to put itself up for sale to see if there is any interest in the Fraser firm’s assets or business contracts, say lawyers and others familiar with the struggling company. Venture, which makes plastic parts such as instrument panels for the auto industry, has asked the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Detroit for permission to market the company. A hearing to get approval and determine how marketing would be handled is scheduled for March 11.
Motormite/Dorman Names New Vice President of Traditional Market Sales
Motormite/Dorman has named Glenn Barco vice president of traditional market sales. In this role, Barco will be responsible for the management of the Motormite/Dorman regional sales force, which calls on traditional warehouse distributors and their subsequent customers. He will also be responsible for the management of the company’s independent sales agencies in the traditional market, and will report directly to Steve Kirchner, senior vice president of sales and trade marketing.
DST Asks: What Value Do You See in Sharing Detailed Sales Data?
An ongoing dilemma exists between all tiers of the supply chain due to the gulf caused by lack of collaboration and sharing of sales information that would ultimately benefit all — manufacturers, distributors, parts retailers and service providers. Where do you stand on these issues? Our objective is to generate the thought and dialogue that might provide energy to new initiatives. See our special offer at the end of this week’s column!