Candid Insights Abound at the Automotive Distribution Network’s Joint Advisory Council Meeting
Last week in Monroe , MI , something unusual happened. For the first time in four years, members of the Automotive Distribution Network’s (formerly Parts Plus’ and IAPA’s) Network Jobber Advisory Council and Network Service Dealer Advisory Council got together as a group and talked — really talked — about the issues that are impacting their businesses today.
Ford to Sell or Close Ex-Visteon Plants
The plan for job cuts and plant closings announced by Ford Motor Co. on Friday includes a 2008 deadline for selling off or closing 14 plants that the automaker took over last year as part of a bailout of parts supplier Visteon Corp. In October, Ford took back 17 plants from Visteon, which Ford spun off in 2000. The deal to bring Visteon back was aimed at making the supplier profitable and ensuring a stable flow of parts to the automaker. Ford created a subsidiary, Automotive Components Holdings LLC, for the plants and for six non-manufacturing facilities that it also took back.
Tenneco Enhances Online Brakes Catalog
MONROE, MI — Tenneco has enhanced its online parts catalog for the Monroe brakes product line. The company plans to provide continual data updates, including expanded coverage of late-model domestic and import applications. The Monroe brakes eCatalog, available at http://www.monroebrakes.com, now includes 872 part numbers covering hundreds of leading applications. After launching more than 40 new
Week in Review
THE WEEK IN REVIEW (August 14-18, 2006) _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ASSOCIATION & LEGISLATIVE NEWS: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Updates Made to NASTF OEM Service Information Website NASTF recently added updated information to its OEM Service Websites page. According to NASTF, three notable changes have occurred within the listings: Acura and Honda have significantly reduced their annual subscription rates;
“Dog Days of Dynomax” Promotion Heats Up the Summer for Performance Enthusiasts
Not only can performance enthusiasts heat up the summer with the thrilling sound and performance of a brand-new DynoMax exhaust system, they can earn a free die-cast truck through the “Dog Days of DynoMax” Internet promotion.
Intermet to Reorganize Manufacturing Operations
Intermet Corp., a manufacturer of cast-metal automotive components, has announced plans to reorganize its manufacturing operations into five distinct business groups. The new plan, which is effective immediately, is designed to improve overall manufacturing efficiency and reduce costs, the company said.
Executive Interview with Ric Alameddine, VP of Marketing and Engineering, North American Aftermarket, Tenneco
This week we talk with Richard Alameddine, vice president of marketing and engineering, North American Aftermarket, for Tenneco Inc., manufacturer of Monroe shocks and struts, Monroe premium brakes, Walker exhaust products, DynoMax performance exhaust, Rancho performance suspensions and shocks, and DuPont Car Care appearance and performance chemicals.
Tenneco Expands Walker, Dynomax Product Lines
Tenneco will introduce 575 additional part numbers to its Walker and DynoMax aftermarket emission control product lines in April, continuing the company’s aggressive expansion of coverage for domestic and import passenger vehicles. The new product SKUs ranging from cat-back exhaust systems to direct-fit catalytic converters and premium muffler assemblies will increase Tenneco’s exhaust coverage to more than 92 percent of the North American passenger car population.
Tenneco to Host Aftermarket Overview Seminar in April
Tenneco will be the host of the University of the Aftermarket’s Aftermarket Overview Seminar April 25 and 26 at the company’s location in Monroe, MI, south of Detroit. This seminar will provide the latest information on all facets of the industry. Attendees will learn how this industry manages the opportunities and challenges that face the manufacturers, warehouse distributors, jobbers, programmed distribution groups, retailers and the heavy-duty marketplace.
Monro Muffler Brake to Acquire Assets of ProCare Automotive Service Solutions Out of Bankruptcy
Monro Muffler Brake has entered into an agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of ProCare Automotive Service Solutions, L.L.C., a privately owned automotive service retailer, for approximately $14 million in cash. The transaction is to be effected under the authority of the United States Bankruptcy Court overseeing ProCare’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy case, which began March 5. Monroe also has agreed to provide ProCare with a $3.65 million debtor-in-possession financing facility to be used by ProCare for its general working capital needs pending approval and consummation of the transaction.