New Tuner School Offers Insider Secrets to Working in the High-Performance Aftermarket Industry
Founded by Hennessey Performance Engineering President John Hennessey, Tuner School is a 14-week program dedicated to teaching its students the secrets to success in the high-performance automotive aftermarket. It was established as a way to offer its students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to hone their craft, learn from professionals in the field, and springboard their career in the aftermarket industry.
NAD Examines Advertising for Castrol GTX
Broadcast and website advertising claims, as well as claims included in a technical brochure, were challenged before NAD, the advertising industry’s self-regulatory forum, by Pennzoil-Quaker State Co.
LIVE FROM GAAS: The Delicate Process of Wooing New Markets
by Amy Antenora CHICAGO — While the U.S. economy struggles, many North American companies are increasingly turning to globalization as a way to balance out their portfolios, and tap into some powerful emerging markets. One of the most talked about emerging markets today is China. Steve Ganster, managing director of Technomic Asia based in Shanghai,
From Counterman.com: What About Telematics?
Last month, Counterman magazine presented its annual Top 10 Issue. As part of that issue, I pen an article that details the top 10 topics that most impact distribution. Of course, these topics don’t just impact distribution because, as we’d all agree, auto parts distribution certainly doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Those things that challenge the industry as a whole end up effecting distribution in one way or another, and to varying degrees.
ETI Presents Founder’s Award to Mazda’s Yoshifumi Uneme
Yoshifumi Uneme of Mazda Motor Corp. was awarded The Equipment and Tool Institute’s (ETI) 15th Founder’s Award at this year’s Japan Tech Week. As with most trade associations, ETI thrives on volunteerism from its members as well as its business partners. Unselfish dedication to the principles that drive ETI can also be demonstrated by individuals who work for the vehicle manufacturing community.
From Counterman.com: Survey Says
Counterman publisher Jon Owens discusses the importance of data in the aftermarket in his August column. He says the industry may believe that traditional distributors are losing business to OE dealer parts channels, but the data suggests otherwise.
From Counterman.com: Can Retailers Win My Business?
During an exhibitors’ night held last November at the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) convention in Las Vegas, I was button-holed by a representative of a major auto parts retailer who was obviously trying to introduce his company to the independent service sector. Usually, exhibitors can be dissuaded by a mild expression of interest and a polite “thank you” — not in this case. I was led by the elbow to a game on the roulette wheel and immediately “won” a few promotional items with the logo of a well-known manufacturer emblazoned on both. Quite frankly, I was taken aback by the sight of this major auto parts retailer — well-known for catering to the DIY crowd by selling at rock-bottom prices and providing “free” diagnostic services — openly mingling in the midst of a convention filled with well-informed shop owners. Clearly, this retailer believes that there’s no inherent conflict of interest in competing for the business
Superior Industries Reports Fourth Quarter and 2006 Results
Superior Industries International has announced financial results for the fourth quarter and 2006. For the three months ended Dec. 31, 2006 revenue increased 3 percent to $212,169,000 compared to $205,901,000 for the fourth quarter of 2005. Unit wheel shipments decreased 9.3 percent, which reduced capacity utilization and profitability.
Redefining Reman
For many reman products, the core market remains healthy. According to Frost & Sullivan, however, metal prices have gone up, creating increased competition for cores, making it more difficult for remanufacturers to obtain certain hard-to-find ones. The study says that scrap metal is so valuable that people are buying up starter and alternator cores to sell as scrap rather than for use by remanufacturers. Thus, among certain product categories, the core market is tightening up, creating additional pressures.
Airtex Named Preferred Vendor for National Pronto Association
Airtex has received preferred status for both new fuel pumps and new water pumps from the National Pronto Association. Recognition of Airtex as the vendor of choice by the group – recommended by Pronto’s board of directors and endorsed by the general membership – proves the Airtex commitment to providing quality products and programs designed to increase sales for the National Pronto Association’s members.