Executive Interview: Bill Maggs and Michael Mitchell Talk About the Recent Merger of Pronto and RPM
Following on the heels of RPM Group’s merger with Pronto, Mitchell and Maggs sat down for a phone interview with aftermarketNews. The two men gave us the scoop on what changes are on the horizon for the newly merged group as well as their thoughts on the future of programmed distribution.
Executive Interview: Bill Maggs and Michael Mitchell Talk About the Recent Merger of Pronto and RPM
Following on the heels of RPM Group’s merger with Pronto, Mike Mitchell and Bill Maggs sat down for a phone interview with aftermarketNews. The two men gave us the scoop on what changes are on the horizon for the newly merged group as well as their thoughts on the future of programmed distribution.
Executive Interview: Bill Maggs and Michael Mitchell Talk About the Recent Merger of Pronto and RPM
Following on the heels of RPM Group’s merger with Pronto, Mike Mitchell and Bill Maggs sat down for a phone interview with aftermarketNews. The two men gave us the scoop on what changes are on the horizon for the newly merged group as well as their thoughts on the future of programmed distribution.
Car Nuts at Consumer Reports Produce Influential Reviews
Likely you’re familiar with Consumer Reports magazine and its reputation for scrupulous testing of vacuum cleaners, contraceptives, cordless drills, tuna, spray paint and, of course, automobiles. Its April “annual auto issue,” released in March, is must reading not only for car buyers but for car executives. It would be overestimating the reach of Consumer Reports to say it can make or break a vehicle, but not by much. With a circulation of more than 4 million — roughly triple the world’s largest automotive publication — the magazine’s effect is enormous.
APRA To Hold 2005 European Symposium in Amsterdam
The Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA) will hold its European Symposium on June 19-20 at the RAI Exhibition Centre in Amsterdam. The Symposium will be held during ReMaTec 2005 – the business forum for automotive/truck remanufacturing, rebuilding and distribution.
2005 Cruisin’ Hall of Fame Inductees Announced
Organizers of the Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous Presented by Firestone have announced the 2005 inductees into the Cruisin’ Hall of Fame. Four automotive icons will be inducted into the 2005 Cruisin’ Hall of Fame and Meguiar’s Wax will receive the 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award during the classic car show, the Route 66 Rendezvous. The Eleventh Annual Cruisin’ Hall of Fame Brunch & Induction Ceremony will be held Saturday, Sept. 18, at the Radisson Hotel & Convention Center in San Bernardino.
Beginning in 2006, Indy 500, IndyCar Series Will Use Ethanol
When the Indy Racing League kicks of the 2006 season of the IndyCar Series, the cars racing in the series will be partly fueled by ethanol. Ethanol is an alcohol derived primarily from grain. As a clean-burning and renewable fuel that is non-toxic and 100 percent biodegradable, it reduces harmful air pollution and improves racing’s environmental footprint. Its high octane rating delivers strong engine performance by helping engines resist detonation so they can run higher compression ratios.
Remy to Sponsor Paul Dana in the Ethanol Hemelgarn Indy Racing League Entry
Remy International has signed a three-year associate sponsorship agreement with driver Paul Dana for the #91 Ethanol Hemelgarn Racing entry in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series, starting with the 2005 season. Dana will pilot the Toyota-powered Dallara for the 17-race season. Ron Hemelgarn, a founding team owner in the Indy Racing League, will operate the team in an encore return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Publisher’s Perspective — Afterthoughts About the Aftermarket
Ever heard the term “aftermarket?” What does it mean? I’ve heard of the “after life,” and I’ve had an “afterthought” (or two). But, what is an “aftermarket?” Apparently there must be some sort of “before” market. How else could you explain the “after” market? And, if so, what is the “before” market?
Mike Lambert and Mike Kamal Share Details on ADN
On Jan. 14, aftermarketNews.com broke the news of the merger between the Parts Plus and IAPA programmed distribution groups. This major news follows closely on the heels of the merger between Quebec’s Uni-Select and New York-based MAWDI, which seems to confirm the sea change that has been taking place over the past few years — with strong but small groups merging to form even stronger collaborations, in an effort to ensure their future in the automotive aftermarket distribution market. Mike Kamal, executive director of IAPA and Mike Lambert, president of Parts Plus, will serve as co-presidents of the new group, to be called the Automotive Distribution Network (ADN). Yesterday, Kamal and Lambert spoke at length with aftermarketNews.com about the merger – how it came together, the synergies involved and thoughts on the future of The Network.