DST Asks: Parts Distributors — Do Your Customers Order Parts Online?
Help Wanted – Parts Counterman, Requirements: Must be willing to work 365 days per year, 24 hours per day. Understands and has committed to memory a world-class multi-line parts catalog. Always knows correct pricing of each item. Processes parts orders in nanoseconds. Never puts customers on hold. Works for electricity – no salary or extra benefits. Any bets on how many responses you’ll get to that classified ad? Selling auto parts would be a lot easier and less costly if you could make those kinds of hires. Actually, it turns out that such resources are available today, just not human resources, the kind we would advertise for in the local paper. Instead, we might call them “cyber-employees” – a new species that forms the backbone of e-business and works in the world of browser-based technology on the Internet.
European Block Exemption Is Among Top Priorities of Aftermarket Suppliers Group
The European Aftermarket Forum, a peer group of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), has said defining terms in the European Union (EU) block exemption regulations for automotive aftermarket manufacturers trying to gain access to EU markets will be one of its top priorities. The AASA European Aftermarket Forum is a peer group for discussion of aftermarket commercial business issues and actions. Its quarterly meetings are open to aftermarket
Modine Named One of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens for Fifth Year in a Row
For the fifth year in a row, Modine Manufacturing has been named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens for 2004 by Business Ethics magazine. Modine finished 32nd overall, the same ranking as last year, ahead of such companies as Delphi, Eastman Kodak, Fed Ex and PepsiCo, Inc.
O’Reilly Automotive Selects Evant Enterprise Information Management
Evant, a provider of multi-channel planning and advanced replenishment solutions, announced today that O’Reilly Automotive Inc. is in the process of deploying Evant Enterprise Information Management (EIM) to serve as the platform for its enterprise data registry and data synchronization initiatives with key suppliers.
Society of Automotive Engineers Establishes New SAE Alabama Section
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has formally approved the formation of its first new section in 12 years — the SAE Alabama Section.
Timken Shareholders Elect New Director
Jerry Jasinowski, president of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), was elected for a three-year term on the Timken board of directors, expiring in 2007. Jasinowki was elected during Timken’s annual shareholders meeting held yesterday. James Griffith, John Luke, Jr., Frank Sullivan and Ward Timken have also been re-elected for three-year terms expiring in 2007.
MEMA Holds Second Annual Counterfeiting Seminar
MEMA presented its second annual seminar dedicated to the issue of counterfeiting of automotive and truck parts. The event, “Taking Action Against Automotive/Truck Parts Counterfeiting, Diversion and IPR Violations” was held on Monday, April 5 at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Mich. Described by Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Vice President Paul Foley as a “major industry initiative,” the seminar was developed to educate the industry on the nuances of counterfeiting, share best practices, solicit media support and provide networking and exhibitor opportunities.
High-tech is Giving Drivers Another Set of Eyes on Highways
Advances in automotive technology are giving drivers another set of eyes. There is parking assistance that backs a car into a parking space, miniature cameras that help a driver see at night and in blinding sunlight, detection devices that sound an alert when a driver crosses into a lane without activating the turn signal or starts to get too close to a pedestrian.
Panel to Address China’s Effect on U.S. Manufacturing
A panel of industry and trade representatives will address China’s effect on U.S. manufacturing during the MEMA Legislative and Public Policy Summit: Advancing American Manufacturing, which will be held on Thursday, May 5-6 in Washington, D.C.
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.