NASTF Updates OE Service Information Matrix
The National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) has updated its OE Service Information Matrix. NASTF established the OE Service Information Matrix in 2001 with the assistance of the International Automotive Technicians’ Network (iATN). The matrix provides OE company contacts for obtaining service information, training materials and tools. The update incorporates revisions since the October 2003 update. The matrix is updated quarterly, with the next update scheduled for April 2004.
DST Unveils New Automated Email and Fax Options for its DSTWare Suite of Products
DST Inc. has launched new automated e-mailing and faxing options for users of its iSeries-based DSTWare suite of products. KeyesMail and KeyesFax were developed by Computer Keyes, a Woodway, Wa.-based software developer. Both KeyesMail and KeyesFax are full function automated packages for the iSeries systems.
Larry Samuelson Named President of U.S. Automotive Parts Group
Larry Prince, chairman and CEO of Genuine Parts Company (GPC), announced yesterday that Larry Samuelson has been named president of the U.S. Automotive Parts Group, effective immediately. The position was previously held by Bob McKenna, who departed in 2003. GPC CEO Tom Gallagher held the position in the interim. Samuelson is currently president and CEO of NAPA Canada/UAP Inc. He will continue to hold these responsibilities in addition to his new ones with the U.S. Automotive Parts Group.
UAP Announces Senior Executive Appointments
Larry Samuelson, CEO of UAP Inc., has announced four senior executive appointments. Robert Hattem has accepted the position of president and COO of UAP Inc. Terrence LeBlanc has been named executive vice president of the auto parts division. Pierre Vocelle has accepted the position of regional vice president of auto parts for Quebec and Scott LeProhon has been appointed senior vice president of special marketing projects.
Michelin North America and ACCC Sign Three-Year Contract Extension
Michelin North America has extended its partnership with American Car Care Centers (ACCC), signing a three-year contract extension to supply the independent dealer network with Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal and private and associate brand tires. This new agreement extends a strategic partnership between the two companies which began in 1993. ACCC is one of the largest networks of independent tire and automotive service dealers, with more than 1100 locations nationwide.
New Tire May Put Goodyear on Track
It’s a mystery tire that’s making a lot of tire dealers, analysts and investors excited — and seems to be pushing the stock upward. Goodyear Tire & Rubber plans to launch a new high-end line of passenger tires next month with huge fanfare at its annual convention of dealers and distributors in Orlando, Fla. Some say the tire line, known as Assurance, could become Goodyear’s hottest-selling new line in a decade, a move that could go a long way to helping the Akron, Ohio-based company boost its flagging sales and turn around three years of losses.
The Results Are In: Seventy Percent Say AAPEX is Worth the Cost
The results are in from the first edition of “AMN Asks” — the new weekly aftermarketNews.com poll. Last week, we asked whether you thought the annual AAPEX Show in Las Vegas offers “complete value” for the amount of time and resources you spend to attend. The annual Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo, which takes place in Las Vegas every fall, is the largest gathering of aftermarket products and people under one roof. It’s a chance to network, check out new products and attend informative seminars. It’s fast-paced and frenetic and can be a world of fun, however, on the flipside, it’s also an exhausting week of glad-handing and schmoozing in a very pricey town. Is it offering the best bang for your buck?
Pep Boys Names Transpro Primary AC Line Supplier
Pep Boys has named Transpro as the primary supplier of its air conditioning product line. The agreement extends Transpro’s existing relationship with Pep Boys whereby they currently purchase Ready-Rad Radiators and Ready-Aire Heater Cores and A/C Condensers from Transpro.
ASA Announces Dates, Location, Theme for CARS 2004
The 2004 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) will be held Nov. 4-6. CARS 2004, sponsored by the Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) Mechanical Division, is an official event of Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW), held annually in Las Vegas. This year’s event will take place at a new venue — The Flamingo Las Vegas — more conveniently located near the Sands Expo Center, the home of the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX).
Wix Filters Named to NASCAR Performance Product Line-Up
WIX Filters has received endorsement as an exclusive NASCAR Performance Partner. The launch of NASCAR’s Performance brand — targeting installers and consumers — provides automotive aftermarket products a point of difference in the highly competitive retail marketplace. NASCAR will promote the new NASCAR Performance Network through a marketing program that promotes vehicle maintenance and directs consumers to nearby service facilities. The network, which is housed on NASCAR.com, features a shop locator service for driving directions, store hours, services and certifications.