ArvinMeritor Wins Transmission Technology Dispute
The U.S. Patent Board of Appeals and Patent Interferences has issued judgment in favor of ArvinMeritor against Eaton Corp. on all claims in two related transmission patent interferences. The decision was rendered on April 29. The interferences involved an ArvinMeritor U.S. patent on torque prediction technology. Torque prediction is an enabling technology for some automated transmissions.
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?
MEMA Holds First Automotive Suppliers’ Legislative and Public Policy Summit
Automotive suppliers, members of Congress and federal agency heads met to discuss automotive safety, energy and the environment, international trade and soaring health care and pension costs during the “MEMA Legislative and Public Policy Summit: Advancing American Manufacturing,” held May 5-6 in Washington, D.C.
DST Asks:Does Your Multi-Store Business Management System Capture and Consolidate Operating Information?
It’s the American way. Start your own business. Perfect your methods. Hire good people. Grow your customer base. Perfect the idea at one location, then expand by adding new locations that share the same business model. Thousands of successful retail enterprises have started in exactly this way. It’s a fundamental way to apply the principle we all learned in Economics 101 – economies of scale. Business 101 would call it leverage. Good entrepreneurs call it survival!
Challenge Ahead for Detroit’s Automakers
Detroit’s Big Three automakers — General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler — are going to have to make changes in their products if they want to stay competitive, says automotive trend watcher Micheline Maynard.
Executive Interview with Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of AAIA
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Schmatz became president and CEO of AAIA on Jan. 1, 2004. She had served as executive vice president of the association since January 2002. In addition to filling us in on her first few months at her new post, Schmatz shared with aftermarketNews.com updates on AAIA’s merger with AWDA, Right to Repair legislation and the Be Car Care Award Campaign.
Executive Interview with Rex Falkenrath, Founder and CEO of Hi-Tech Engine Components
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Rex Falkenrath, founder and CEO of Hi-Tech Engine Components. Falkenrath founded Hi-Tech in August of 1973. With more than 31 years in business, Hi-Tech Engine Components has developed a full line of engine parts and kits sold nationally through parts store chains and program distribution groups. Join us as we learn more about Hi-Tech Engine Components and the engine parts market.
Visteon Expands Its Radiator and Condenser Lines
Visteon Aftermarket has expanded application coverage in its radiator and condenser product lines, adding new products for 118 vehicle models. The Visteon radiator line has grown to cover 21 additional domestic models and 40 import models. Visteon also has added 18 new domestic nd 39 import models to its line of condensers.
Indiana Auto Body Association Joins SCRS Affiliate Ranks
The Indiana Auto Body Association (IABA), a new organization founded to address a gap in the professional needs of the state’s repairers, has announced its affiliation with the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS). Founded on January 15, the IABA currently includes more than 60 members, consisting mostly of collision repair professionals and a small number of suppliers.
MACS Creates Car Care PSA
In a continuing effort to educate drivers on the importance of professional mobile A/C and engine cooling system repair, the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide has created a 30-second video public service announcement.