TIA, AIA Push Hard for Right to Repair in Canada
Canada has taken up the Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair fight, and heavy lobbying by TIA and other groups may bring legislation through the Canadian Parliament soon. Paul Hyatt, TIA president-elect and owner of Superior Tire Corp. in Toronto, and the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA) held a two-day lobby with MPs in Ottawa late last year to present the Be Car Care Aware Public Education campaign and to advocate the right of consumers to choose who repairs their car. Without legislation, Canadian consumers may be forced to take their vehicles to new-car dealerships even for emergency tire changes, Hyatt told the MPs.
USA TODAY Reports on Tech Shortage
The following article, which appears in the Thursday, Feb. 16 edition of USA TODAY, is one of many recent media reports reinforcing to the general public the idea that there is a dire shortage of technicians in the industry today. This article, and others, recognizes the work of AYES and other OE-supported technician recruitment initiatives while the aftermarket is rarely represented in these types of initiatives.
Thexton Names New Sales and Marketing Manager
James Sullivan has been named the new sales and marketing manager for Thexton Manufacturing Co., Inc. The appointment was announced by President Brian Tichy at Thexton headquarters in Shakopee, MN. Thexton is a manufacturer of automotive specialty tools, testers and diagnostic equipment and has been in business since 1907.
CARQUEST Brakes Announces Back To School Promotion Winners
CARQUEST Brakes has announced its “Back To School” promotion winners. Ten winners traveled to McHenry, IL, in October to the CARQUEST Brakes Training Facility for a week-long session on brake diagnostics and advanced ABS. Of the winners, Peter Gelinas of Seattle, WA, won an additional $500 CARQUEST Tools & Equipment Gift Certificate for having the highest score on a final exam, given at the conclusion of the weeklong training.
Detroit Diesel Makes Investment in Service Technicians
Detroit Diesel Corporation (DDC) is making certain that it’s in top shape to support its customers with the launch of G2 — or the Guild 2.0. With the launch of the new service technician program, service outlets are increasing their focus on ensuring faster service and improved quality for customers.
Thomson Delmar Learning Releases Three New Publications
Thomson Delmar Learning announced the publication of three new training publications: Introduction to OBD II Manual, Diagnostic Computer Based Training (CBT) Course and Instructor’s Guide.
Twenty-Seven New Products Receive AAPEX Awards
Twenty-seven companies that participated in this year’s Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) New Products Showcase received awards for their innovative new products that enhance the driving experience. Awards were announced on Nov. 1, opening day of AAPEX in Las Vegas.
Executive Interview with Howard Laster, Director of Marketing and Business Development, Siemens VDO Service & Special Solutions Group
This week we hear from Howard Laster, director of marketing and business development for Siemens VDO Service & Special Solutions group. Headquartered in Allentown, PA, the company manufactures and markets a wide range of products including replacement hard parts, monitoring systems, instrumentation, and performance accessories for the automotive aftermarket, marine, industrial, fleet and special OEM market segments.
Right to Repair Negotiations Break Down
Negotiations between aftermarket groups and vehicle manufacturers over the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (HR 2048) concluded without a non-legislative agreement, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE). Right to Repair legislation now being considered by Congress would mandate that car companies make the same information and tools available to the aftermarket that they make available to the new car dealers.
Executive Interview with Duane Miller, Executive Director of GM Service and Parts business channels – GM Service and Parts Operations (SPO)
This Executive Interview features Duane Miller, who is the Executive Director of GM’s Service and Parts business channels (GM Service and Parts Operations [SPO]). Miller was appointed to his position back in April 2005. He took time from his busy schedule to discuss with AftermarketNews.com his new responsibilities, the outlook of ACDelco going forward and how “Real Car Guys” know ACDelco.