DST Unveils New Technology Solution for Smaller Parts Distributors
MISSION VIEJO, CA — DST Inc. has added DSTZ as the newest member of its family of solutions. DSTZ is an Application Service Provider (ASP) business model, designed to meet the needs of parts distributors that want all the functionality of an in-house business management system without the capital investment and potential expense liability required.
DENSO Engineers Take Top Prize for Outstanding Paper at Convergence Conference
Three DENSO engineers have been awarded the 2006 Trevor O. Jones Outstanding Paper Award from the Convergence Transportation Electronics Association (CTEA). In 1992, the CTEA developed the Convergence Outstanding Paper Award, renamed the Trevor O. Jones Award in 2000 after the founder of Convergence, who made significant contributions to the field of transportation electronics. The award recognizes papers that cover aspects of passenger car, truck, and commercial vehicle electronics. This year’s winning paper, "Wireless Communications for Vehicle Safety: Radio Link Performance and Wireless Connectivity Methods," was authored by Brian Gallagher and Hidehiko Akatsuka, of DENSO International America, Inc., and Hideaki Suzuki, of DENSO Corp.
i-SHOP Standard Version 3.0 Now Available
BETHESDA, MD – A new version of the i·SHOP standard from the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) is now available. i·SHOP is a set of interconnectivity standards that eliminate non-productive data entry and bring needed information to the technician and shop management automatically. i·SHOP Version 3.0 incorporates Web Services and XML architecture in a specification
Magna and IBM to Develop Vehicle Systems
The Magna Electronics unit of Canadian auto parts maker Magna International Inc. has struck a five-year agreement to work with IBM to develop vehicle electronic systems. Magna and New York-based IBM "will partner in systems design, software development and engineering to enhance Magna Electronics’ vehicle-based computing systems," the companies announced Wednesday.
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Looks at the Future of Online Parts Ordering
Once considered nothing more than the latest trend for young and tech-savvy consumers, online shopping today is big business. While it has taken time for e-commerce to expand from its beginnings as a vehicle for primarily business-to-consumer purchasing, today, it has become a critical tool for successful business-to-business transactions. And, it seems that now, everyone wants in on the game. It’s not just a passing trend, but a must for those who want to keep their businesses current and on an upward growth track – especially in the automotive aftermarket. Simply type “buy auto parts” into Google and it will yield more than 50 million results.
Wrenchead Acquires icarz
Wrenchead, Inc., an ebusiness solution provider to the wholesale distribution and retail markets, today announced it has joined forces with icarz, Inc., a provider of web-based point of sale and warehouse solutions. The new company will be named WHI, Inc.
Mitchell 1 and CARQUEST Record 1,000th Partnership Sale
In early 2005, Mitchell 1 and CARQUEST joined forces to create a marketing partnership as part of Mitchell 1’s ongoing effort to expand its network of connectivity to automotive parts suppliers. In less than 12 months, Mitchell 1, in partnership with CARQUEST, has recorded the 1,000th sale of the Mitchell 1 OnDemand5 Manager/Manager Plus to the international network of CARQUEST customers.
Lear Introduces New ‘Core Dimension’ Product Strategy
Lear Corp. is rethinking the way it brings products to market with a new product strategy dubbed the “Core Dimension” product strategy. The company will now introduce product and technology solutions as one of seven consumer-focused dimensions: comfort & convenience, commonization, craftsmanship, environmental, flexibility, infotainment and safety. These categories highlight dimensions of consumer emphasis where Lear believes it offers products that make vehicles more attractive to consumers and can potentially influence a purchasing decision.
PARTnerShip Network Announces New Technical Support Offering
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) announced that PARTnerShip Network software will now be supported by GCommerce. PARTnerShip Network is a peer-to-peer software solution, developed by a group of aftermarket companies and administered exclusively by AAIA. It enables business partners to conduct secure and reliable e-commerce communications over the Internet without any value added network (VAN) or kilo-character charges. GCommerce is a provider of supply chain connectivity solutions for goods and services industries.
Mitchell Meets 60 Year Milestone
Mitchell International, a provider of performance management solutions for the automotive insurance claims and collision repair industries, is marking six decades in business this year. Originally successful for its publication of collision estimating and reference guides, the Mitchell organization has evolved into a provider of information and technology solutions.