Americans Will Drive Three Trillion Miles by 2006, Finds AASA Report
According to the 2004 Automotive Aftermarket Status Report just released by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Americans will drive 3 trillion miles per year by 2006. What does this mean for the aftermarket? A continued demand for aftermarket parts.
From the Inside: Executive Interview with Craig Anderson, President, Hercules Tire & Rubber Co.
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Craig Anderson, president of Hercules Tire & Rubber Co. While Hercules has grown quietly, preferring to remain out of the spotlight, every year brings line expansions, new products and other enhancements designed to help its members and dealer customers grow their businesses. Even after selling off its core retreading business, Hercules posted its best sales year ever in 2002, and again in 2003, and saw each of its divisions turn a profit in 2003. Craig Anderson, president, sat for an interview with Jim Smith, editor of Tire Review magazine in April. The two discussed how the changes impacted Hercules, the company’s plans in the future, and how he sees the market moving in the near-term.
AASA and the University of the Aftermarket To Develop Supply Chain Management Program
The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) has joined with the University of the Aftermarket to develop and promote a new supply chain management certification program. The supply chain management program is designed for aftermarket professionals involved in sales forecasting, purchasing, procurement, transportation, logistics, warehousing, production and materials control.
DST Asks: Does Your Computer Business System Help You Manage Inventory Consigned to Customers?
“The only way you could ever do business with me is if you gave me your product for free.” Somewhere along the line, a supplier frustrated in his inability to convince a retailer to carry a product line heard that rejection for the umpteenth time and finally decided to take the retailer up on it…literally. He thought, “Why not give him our product for free?” The concept of vendor consigned inventory was born.
Ira Davis Joins ARI
Ira Davis has joined ARI as vice president of purchasing and logistics. Davis brings broad experience in purchasing, remanufacturing and distribution to ARI. He comes from Forecast Products where he served as vice president, general manager for the company, with a focus on importing and distribution of automotive components, since 2002. Prior to that assignment, he worked with Beck/Arnley from 1976 to 2001.
Auto Trim Market Seen Growing
CSM Worldwide of Michigan Wednesday predicted the North American automotive interior trim market will grow to more than $10 billion by 2009.
Ninth Annual GAAS Kicked Off in Chicago
While the theme of this year’s Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) — Leaner, Faster, Better — may connote the automated efficiency of a well-run machine, the true focus of the day’s numerous presentations was on the talented pool of people who make up that machine and how to make better use of them. “The core of any great business is the people,” said GAAS founder and chairman Mort Schwartz, who welcomed approximately 400 aftermarket executives to the event.
Yokohama Announces Changes in Corporate Governance, Fiscal Results
On May 13 at its board of directors meeting, The Yokohama Rubber Co. announced changes in directorships and the introduction of the position of “corporate officer.” The changes will become effective upon approval at a shareholders meeting scheduled for June 29. Hisao Suzuki, vice president, representative director, will retire from the board of directors, and Yasuo Tominaga will assume the responsibilities of chairman and representative director. Tadanobu Nagumo will become president and representative director.
DST Asks: What Information Would You Like to Capture About Your Customer Base?
“Can I have your telephone number?” That’s not just a question asked by a hopeful suitor after a chance meeting and lingering cocktails with another stranger in the night anymore. It’s now heard every time a pack of batteries is sold at any RadioShack in the country. And who said romance is dead?
TRW Reports Net Income Plunges 96 Percent
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. said first-quarter net income fell 96 percent as the company posted $47 million in debt-repayment costs. The Livonia-based company, which counts seat belts, air bags, and brakes among its products, said it posted net income for the latest quarter of $2 million, or 2 cents a share.