Prolong International Appoints Two New Board Members
Prolong International Corp., parent company of Prolong Super Lubricants, which manufactures patented consumer automotive, commercial/industrial and household products, has appointed Cary Fitchey and Robert Lautz as members of its board of directors. Fitchey and Lautz fill existing vacancies on the board.
Snap-on Tools and NASCAR Driver Rusty Wallace Team-Up to Create Films on Fluid Maintenance
Snap-on Tools and NASCAR champion Rusty Wallace have joined forces to produce a series of films demonstrating to consumers the importance of regular maintenance of cooling, fuel, power steering and transmission fluid systems. One of NASCAR’s most successful and popular drivers, Rusty Wallace narrates each of the four episodes, explaining the function of cooling, fuel, power steering and transmission fluid systems and the benefits of properly maintaining those systems.
ExxonMobil Brings Two New Motor Oil Formulas to Market
ExxonMobil has unveiled a new synthetic motor oil for light trucks and SUVs. The new Mobil 1 Truck & SUV Formula, designed for use in both gasoline and diesel engines, protects truck and SUV engines in high temperature conditions, according to the company. The company also recently introduced its new Mobil 1 Racing 0W-30 formula, designed to give high-performance automotive enthusiasts the same boost and protection as professional race car drivers.
American Tire Distributors Hosts National TireStarz Dealer Conference
American Tire Distributors (ATD) hosted its first national TireStarz Dealer Conference March 4 – 7. Ninety-nine dealers and their guests attended the four-day session at the Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn. The meeting featured a series of seminars and workshops designed to give ATD dealers timely information on important market trends and strategies for building their business. Mark Emkes, outgoing chairman, CEO and president of Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, addressed the group, as did William “Bill” Berry, American Tire Distributors’ president and COO.
Ex-Detroit Exec Named to Alcoa Post
A former Detroit executive has been named vice president and general manager of Alcoa’s Warrick Operations – the highest position at the facility, the company said Thursday. Michael Lucas, who began his duties Monday, came to Alcoa from Piston Automotive, a diversified company that provides manufacturing, assembly and logistics services to the automobile industry. He served as chief operations officer for Piston.
Sell-Out Inventory Management Seminar Shows Industry’s Interest in Topic
The University of the Aftermarket’s Inventory Management Seminar, held March 8-9, drew a sell-out crowd, revealing the topic’s high interest to the industry. The event was hosted by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the aftermarket segment association of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). The seminar gave participants a better understanding of the fundamentals of inventory control management and the purchasing process. Major areas of focus were distribution center inventory management, store inventory management and supply chain inventory management.
Judge Dismisses Class Action Move Against Steeltex Tires
A California judge today dismissed a motion seeking national class action status for an on-going lawsuit alleging defects in Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire’s entire Firestone Steeltex line. The ruling, which came after months of delays, is expected to be appealed by attorney Joseph Lisoni, who has made it a personal crusade to force the court-ordered recall of all Steeltex tires.
Executive Interview with Tony Perticari, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Crown Remanufacturing
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Tony Perticari, a 35-year veteran of the automotive parts industry. Perticari joined Philadelphia-based Crown Remanufacturing in 1986. He currently serves as vice president of sales and marketing for the company and is responsible for all NAFTA and overseas sales and marketing activities. Join us as Tony Perticari tells us what makes Crown tick, and what it takes to stay ahead of the pack. He also shares with us his predictions for the future of the reman industry, and the company.
Henkel Technologies Earns Decoma President’s Award
Henkel Technologies recently received the Decoma International President’s Award for 2003 for innovations that lower costs while improving productivity and quality. The award recognizes Henkel’s efforts at two key Decoma facilities. Henkel Technologies was nominated by Decoma’s Norplas and Nascote facilities for separate technologies that help ensure production lines continue running efficiently.
Dana’s John Washbish to Discuss Technology and Training at GAAS
John Washbish, president of Customer Relationship Management for the Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group, will discuss “Technology and Training in Today’s Aftermarket” on Tuesday, May 18, at the ninth annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS). GAAS 2004 will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18-19, at the Hyatt Regency, Chicago.