Vange Proimos of AP Exhaust Elected Chairman of AASA
Vange Proimos, president of AP Exhaust in Goldsboro, NC, has been elected chairman of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Board of Governors. Proimos and his brothers founded the USA Muffler Shop chain in the 1970s. The business grew to more than 20 shops throughout northeast Indiana and included a distribution center to service the muffler shops. In 1994, he and his family started Catco Catalytic Converters, known today as one of the largest aftermarket converter manufacturers in the country. Catco specializes in universal, direct fit and OBDII technology converters. In 1998, Proimos acquired the AP Exhaust Aftermarket Division with manufacturing facilities in Goldsboro, NC. Manufacturing exhaust products for the past several years under the Goerlich’s, Merit, TruckEx and Xlerator brands, the company will begin to market their products as AP Exhaust in 2007.
Babcox ‘Tech Group’ Magazines Present 2006 Readers’ Choice Awards
For 10 straight years, Underhood Service, ImportCar and Brake & Front End magazines have recognized the advertisers that are the foremost communicators in the industry with their annual Readers’ Choice Award. Awarded by each magazine to only 10 companies, the winners are determined by surveys conducted by Babcox Research that asks readers which ads they recall seeing and reading.
Bando Adds Two New Regional Sales Managers
ITASCA, IL — Bando USA has announced the addition of two new regional sales managers to its team. Bill Flaherty has accepted a position with Bando USA as eastern regional sales manager. Flaherty has more than 15 years of industry experience, most recently with the Tomkins Automotive Aftermarket Group. He previously held various positions within
The Week in Review (Sept. 11-15, 2006)
By Amy Antenora Editor, aftermarketNews The most widely read story this week was the announcement that GPC has launched a new Heavy Vehicle Parts Group. The new unit, based in Atlanta, GA, will supply quality replacement parts for the repair and maintenance of heavy-duty trucks and trailers, allowing GPC to grab its share of the
Federated Inducts Two Members into the Federated Vendor Hall of Fame
Federated Auto Parts recognized two Hall of Fame inductees at its annual meeting in Orlando, FL, according to Mike Schultz, president of Federated Auto Parts. “Each year Federated selects an outstanding individual to be part of the Federated Hall of Fame. This year, we are proud to include two outstanding individuals: Matt Forner of Grote (2004) and Frank Doria of USA Industries (2005),” said Schultz. “Matt and Frank have been tremendously dedicated suppliers and friends to Federated, and we want to honor them for their service.”
LIVE FROM GAAS: Adapting to the Changing Automotive Aftermarket — The Supplier’s Perspective
A panel of industry leaders, moderated by Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) President and CEO Bob McKenna, tackled the subject of the rapidly evolving automotive aftermarket from a supplier’s point of view at the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium in Dearborn, MI. The subjects of change and collaboration were at the forefront of the discussion.
Network Amid Automotive History GAAS Reception on May 17
The Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Reception scheduled for 5:30-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17, will offer participants the opportunity to network with industry colleagues while experiencing automotive history at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, MI. Sponsored by Universal Underwriters Group and Industrial Market Research, the event concludes the symposium’s first day of presentations by top-level industry leaders and analysts. GAAS participants will be taken from the symposium venue at the Hyatt Regency to the nearby Automotive Hall of Fame via buses, sponsored by BB&T Capital Markets.
Automotive Supplier Representatives to Discuss Challenges and Opportunities at 2006 GAAS
A panel of automotive supplier representatives will examine the challenges and opportunities they face in today’s global economy on May 17 at the 11th annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) at the Hyatt Regency, Dearborn, MI. Participants can save $200 by registering before Friday, March 24.
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry: Readers Respond
Two weeks ago, in our last “Ask the Industry” column, we talked about the impending tech shortage that seems to be making waves around this industry as of late. As we’ve highlighted several times before in these pages, the article intended to point out that perhaps it’s not all about the numbers, but about helping technicians and shop owners do their jobs better. We asked you, our readers, to share with us any aftermarket-specific technician recruitment or training initiatives that you know of.
CAWA Announces Board Appointments
Lyle Burgess, chair of the CAWA Board of Director’s has appointed the following individuals to serve on the Association’s Manufacturers Advisory Council (MAC).