Aftermarket Associations Sue CARB Over Extended Warranty
A coalition of 10 state and national aftermarket trade associations have filed legal action against the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in the Superior Court of the state of California for Los Angeles County. The lawsuit challenges anti-competitive regulations promulgated by CARB that would require car companies to extend emissions warranties for parts found defective by emissions warranty information reporting requirements.
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Talks to Female Industry Executives About Their Vehicle Maintenance Habits
During the annual winter meeting of the Car Care Council Women’s Board held last week in Savannah, GA, Van Kirk, of Kirk’s Auto Repair, told the board that today approximately 72 percent of his customers are female. This number is in line with industry statistics that show females are becoming more actively involved in vehicle maintenance for their households. We asked several members of the Car Care Council Women’s Board how their habits compared to the numbers. We asked them: Who is the primary vehicle maintainer in their households, and how do they decide where to take their cars when it’s time for maintenance or repair?
Darrel Amberson Appointed Event Chairman Appointment for NACE 2007
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and the 2007 International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) announced that Darrell Amberson, current ASA collision division director, has accepted the appointment as the 2007 event chairman. This appointment includes leading a 25-member NACE Attendee Advisory Council in the logistical plan developments, formulated for the betterment of future NACE events.
Denver Parts Store Owner Selected as 2006 NAPA/ASE Parts Specialist of the Year
NAPA Auto Parts and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) have named Michael Akens the 2006 NAPA/ASE Parts Specialist of the Year. Akens, who co-owns Bookcliff Auto Parts, Inc. in Grand Junction, CO, with his wife, Donna, is the seventh individual to receive this national award, which provides special recognition to a parts professional within the NAPA system and the auto parts industry.
GM Chairman to Take Over Day-to-Day Operations
With troubles at the General Motors Corp.’s mammoth North American car and truck business dragging GM stock to 10-year lows, Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner surprised investors and insiders alike by announcing he was taking over the day-to-day operations himself.
U.S. Steps Up Public Campaign Against China’s Pirated Products
U.S. Commerce Secretary Donald Evans publicly backed General Motors Corp.’s claims that a Chinese auto maker is using stolen design information to build a rival car, underscoring how increasingly sophisticated Chinese piracy is threatening foreign businesses and roiling trade relations.
The Year in Review – A Look at the Top 10 News Stories of 2004
Whether you believe 2004 was a good or bad year for the aftermarket, no one can argue this was a big news year for our industry. The year included noteworthy shifts in leadership, mergers, acquisitions and more, most of which will significantly impact the industry for many years to come. Here’s a month-by-month look at what aftermarketNews.com considers to be biggest news events that happened in our industry in 2004.
NACE 2004 Space Draw Results Exceed 2003
The recently completed Space Draw for the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) 2004 event in Las Vegas showed an increase over 2003 in the number of participating companies and the amount of space assigned, indicating a strong start to NACE being held during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) in November.
Crump to Chair NACE 2004 in Las Vegas
The International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) has re-appointed Vernon Crump, body shop director for John Eagle Collision Center in Dallas, Texas, as chairman for NACE 2004, which will be held Nov. 3-6, in Las Vegas, to coincide with Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW). Crump was NACE 2003 chairman and received accolades for his leadership and experience, and for the innovative programs he introduced at NACE to spotlight new technologies and to strengthen industry and global relationships.