Dealership Parts & Service Takes Aim at the Aftermarket
Would you sell parts to your competitor? In all probability, you already do. While your driver delivers aftermarket parts through the OE dealership service department’s front door, OE parts are going out that same dealership’s backdoor to your best installer customers.
GAAS Scholarships Awarded to 145 Students
The Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) continues its work to ensure a strong future talent pool for automotive aftermarket companies and service outlets through its highly successful scholarship program. A total of 145 students will receive $1,000 GAAS scholarships in 2004, with the majority of recipients entering automotive vocational-technical programs, which will help address the critical shortage of automotive technicians.
Indiana Visteon Workers Approve Four-year Pact
After a 15-day strike marred by violence, workers at a Visteon Corp. auto parts plant in Bedford, Ind., approved a contract Sunday that union leaders say includes wage concessions and a guaranteed limit on job cuts. Union members at the Bedford plant voted 528-410 to accept the four-year contract, announced Saturday, said Tom Jones, vice president of International Union of Electrical Workers-Communications Workers of America Local 907. Employees were to report for work on Tuesday.
Behr America Expands Production at Dayton, Ohio, Facility
Behr America has completed the first phase of a multi-million-dollar expansion plan in Dayton, Ohio, which has the company taking full ownership of Behr Dayton Thermal Products. Previously, Behr Dayton Thermal Products was co-owned by Behr America and DaimlerChrysler Corp., a joint venture that lasted two years. Behr America, a subsidiary of German company Behr GmbH & Co. KG, supplies engine-cooling and air-conditioning systems to the automotive industry.
Wade&Partners Releases New Distributor Profitability Training Manual
Wade&Partners has released its latest training manual focusing on how to create a profitable operation of distribution and the importance of customer service in the heavy-duty parts and service market. Wade&Partners specializes in management services for aftermarket parts businesses.
Herman Trend Alert: Exploratory Job Seeking
Some workers are engaging in more exploratory job seeking. We’re hearing from employers that the rate of flow of resumes and query letters and calls has increased, a sign of restlessness and hopefulness on the part of unhappy workers. Sensing the improving economy and new job opportunities that will be opening, the “A players” are testing the waters, probing for possibilities.
MACS Now Accepting Nominations for Simon Oulouhojian Technical Achievement Award
MACS is currently accepting nominations for its Simon Oulouhojian, Sr. Technical Achievement Award. Created to honor the legacy of MACS President Emeritus, mobile A/C industry leader and technical training advocate Simon Oulouhojian, Sr., the Technical Achievement Award recognizes and encourages efforts by industry service technicians to work to attain a high level of technical knowledge and proficiency.
Herman Trend Alert: The New Recruiting
Recruiting has increased across industry lines in recent weeks. The numbers are not dramatic yet, but the trend is steady. That signal is positive, compared to the fluctuating numbers we have seen recently.
NARSA Selects Company to Manage Operations
The National Automotive Radiator Service Association (NARSA) has formed a strategic partnership with Association Headquarters (AH), a Mt. Laurel, NJ, based association management company, which will provide strategic management services to NARSA as well as day-to-day operations of the organization.
Thomson Delmar Learning to Distribute CDX Global Products
Educational resources provider Thomson Delmar Learning has signed a distribution agreement with CDX Global, a provider of comprehensive automotive training programs based in Brisbane, Australia. Under the new agreement, Thomson Delmar Learning will become exclusive distributor for the CDX product line in 21 states.