Cooper Goes Online For HP Car Lovers
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.’s efforts to “take it to the street” now include taking it to the Internet. Cooper launched two interactive micro-sites targeting auto enthusiasts and tuners.
Editor’s Ink: Raw Materials Hit Raw Nerve For Suppliers
We make our livelihoods in the automotive business, a business born in steel foundries and petroleum refineries. That’s exactly why the market is seeing dire pronouncements from manufacturers as they release their quarterly earnings statements. Many justifiably blame sluggish bottom lines on the cost of the very stuff they need to make and deliver the products you and your customers need to stay in business.
New DIY Report Part of 2005 Automotive Aftermarket Status Report
The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) has added a new feature to its annual Automotive Aftermarket Status Report. This year, the annual market research report will include a new do-it-yourself (DIY) section that will examine DIY trends, different types of DIY repairs and more about this critical segment of the aftermarket industry.
AAIA President Promotes Aftermarket to Wall Street Investors
Wall Street investment analysts learned more about the aftermarket and initiatives to grow the industry during the first annual Automotive Aftermarket Conference held last week in New York City. Sponsored by Monarch Research at the Cornell Club in Manhattan, the conference was attended by representatives from JP Morgan Chase, Maynard Capital, Lipton Financial, Blue Harbor Group, SBZ Select, Vardon Partners, Pilot Advisors, Bozhardt Capital and Cantillon Capital. Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), spoke at the event.
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.
Toledo Auto Plant Worker Kills Supervisor, Then Self
An angry DaimlerChrysler employee shot three coworkers then killed himself at a Toledo, Ohio, assembly plant, the Toledo Blade reported Thursday. Police said Myles Meyers, 54, was working the night shift Wednesday and returned from a break with a concealed 20-gauge double-barreled shotgun.
AAIA’s Aaron Lowe Shares the History and How-to’s for its Annual Legislative Summit
Our latest Executive Interview features Aaron Lowe, vice president of government affairs for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association. On March 1 and 2, more than 200 aftermarket executives will gather in our nation’s capitol for the 2005 Aftermarket Legislative Summit. The annual event gives representatives of the aftermarket the opportunity to provide policymakers with the information they need to make educated and informed decisions about issues that impact the aftermarket. Major issues to be highlighted during this year’s Summit include: The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act; association health plans; anti-counterfeiting; and asbestos litigation reform legislation. Lowe recently shared with us some history about this industry-critical event and how you can get involved.
R. L. Polk & Co: U.S. Light Vehicles in Use Will Grow to 234.4 Million Units by 2008
The number of light vehicles in the United States will grow to 234.4 million units by July 1, 2008, according to a forecast report recently released by R. L. Polk & Co. The report features annual projections of total light vehicles-in-operation (VIO) for the United States. According to the VIO report, the number of light vehicles on the road will increase by 16 million vehicles over the next five years. VIO is defined as previously registered vehicles, plus new vehicle registrations for the year, less any vehicles that were scrapped during the year.
Metal-Stamping Plants that Supply Auto Parts Face Bleak Future, Experts Warn
Up to half of the U.S. metal stamping plants that supply parts for the automobile industry could be out of business in six years, an industry attorney and trade group warned Thursday.
Robert Bosch Sales Corp. Wins 2004 Aftermarket Web Challenge
The MEMA Information Services (MIS) Council recently selected Robert Bosch Corp. of Broadview, Ill., as winner of the 2004 Aftermarket Web Challenge (AWC) for its extranet application Bosch Online Advantage. The annual Web competition is the aftermarket’s oldest and most recognized award for excellence in Web applications.