NASCAR Champion Parsons Dies of Cancer-Related Complications
From Associated Press via MEMA Industry News Benny Parsons, a taxi driver who became a NASCAR champion in 1973, died Tuesday from lung-cancer complications, his son Keith said. He was 65. Parsons died in Charlotte, NC, where he had been hospitalized since December 26. A member of NASCAR’s 50 greatest drivers and a lovable fixture
R. L. Polk & Co. Hires Scott Huston to Initiate Aftermarket Consultancy
Scott Huston has been named solutions consultant for the aftermarket team at R. L. Polk & Co. In this position, Huston will be responsible for the development and implementation of Polk’s Aftermarket Consultancy Services. The announcement was made by Mike Gingell, vice president of Polk’s Strategic Markets group.
AASA Promotes Theresa Spera to Director of Marketing and Member Services
Theresa Spera has been promoted to director of marketing and member services for the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the aftermarket segment association of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). In her new role, Spera will be responsible for process development and strategic planning for the Marketing Executives Council, Fuel Pump Manufacturers Council and will represent AASA on the MEMA Human Resources Council. Her duties will include management of overall marketing strategy and sponsorship opportunities for AASA.
GAAS 2007 to Feature Exciting Speakers, Register Early to Take Advantage of Discount
Surviving in a Changing Aftermarket is the theme for the 2007 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) on Tuesday, May 8 and Wednesday, May 9 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago. Participants who register before Friday, March 23, 2007 will receive $200 off regular registration rates. Registration forms can be accessed at http://www.globalsymposium.org.
The Top Ten Newsmakers of 2006
For the third year in a row, the editorial staffs of aftermarketNews and Counterman magazine have selected 10 individuals who have made an impact on the industry this past year. The list is presented in alphabetical order.
R. L. Polk & Co’s Ask the Industry Looks at Predictions for Raw Materials in 2007 (Part II)
In this week’s edition of Ask the Industry, MEMA Senior Market Research Analyst Richard Anderson provides his predictions for some of the industry’s most important raw materials. In our interview with Anderson , he indicated that petroleum, steel, aluminum, copper and nickel will be the top five raw materials for the aftermarket to keep an eye on in 2007. Below, are his thoughts on two of the most talked about raw materials for this industry — petroleum and steel.
Dale Swanson Elected Chairman of MIS Council
Dale Swanson, division information technology manager, Parker Hannifin, has been elected chairman of the MEMA Information Services Council (MIS Council) Board for 2006-2007. The MIS Council provides leadership, education, industry interaction and idea exchange regarding matters of common interest to information technology and e-commerce professionals in the automotive aftermarket and heavy duty industries. Members include executives and professionals of AASA and HDMA member companies who are responsible for information technology (IT), information services (IS) and e-commerce.
OAC Recognizes 25 Year Members
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC — The Overseas Automotive Council (OAC) recently inducted four new members into its Quarter Century Club, which honors members on the 25th anniversary of their enrollment. The inductees for 2006 are: • Fred Lewicki, president, Wilson Auto Electric Ltd., Winnipeg, Canada; • Jose Manuel Pascal B., general manager, Pascal Y Cia.
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Looks at Predictions for Raw Materials in 2007
The U.S. automotive industry is one of the top consumers of a number of raw materials – steel, petroleum, aluminum, plastic resins, to name a few. The fluctuating cost of raw materials over the past few years has caused major problems for the automotive aftermarket, impacting nearly every sector of the industry.
ArvinMeritor’s Kline Elected Chairman of HDMA
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – Dennis Kline, vice president, worldwide truck sales and marketing for Arvin Meritor Commercial Vehicle Systems in Troy, MI, was elected 2007 chairman of the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) on the group’s Nov. 8 meeting. Kline has been a member of the HDMA board since 1998, serving as secretary in 2004,