Automotive Communicators Discuss Preparing For and Dealing With Crisis
The Automotive Public Relations Council (APRC), the professional peer group of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association, will examine the issue of “Dealing with Crisis” during its annual Spring Conference. Slated to take place Wednesday, April 21, at the Dearborn Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Mich, this event will provide insight on how automotive public relations professionals should plan and execute successful crisis communications strategies.
Genuine Parts Co. Reports 2003 Results
Completing its 76th year in operation, Genuine Parts Co. (GPC) has reported sales and earnings for the year, which ended December 31, 2003. Sales in 2003 were $8.4 billion, up 2.3 percent compared to the previous year. Net income for the year, before the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles related to cash consideration from vendors and goodwill, was $354 million, compared to $368 million, for the same period in the prior year, a decrease of 4 percent.
CBS Segment Featuring ASA’s Ron Pyle Sparks Criticism from Insurers, Repairers
The Automotive Service Association’s (ASA’s) Chief Staff Executive Ron Pyle was recently featured in two CBS programs that addressed the issue of insurer-owned body shops. A number of insurers and repairers responded negatively to the segment, including the National Auto Body Council (NABC), which sent a stern letter to CBS News stating that the segment didn’t live up to its sensationalized billing, when Dan Rather told the viewing audience to stay tuned to see how consumers are possibly being ripped off by collision repair shops.
Lund International Announces Two Executive Appointments
Lund International has promoted Bob Schuetz to vice president of aftermarket sales. Schuetz joined Lund in October 2003 in the newly created position of vice president of new business development. Lund has also announced the appointment of John Whitten as director of sales engineering. Whitten brings with him 11 years of quality and product engineering, most recently working in automotive accessories on a contract basis for General Motors and DaimlerChrysler.
ASA Chief Staff Executive Addresses Consumer, Insurer Issues on Two CBS Programs
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and its Chief Staff Executive Ron Pyle played a significant role in two CBS programs that addressed the issue of insurer-owned body shops. Pyle was recently interviewed at ASA’s headquarters in Bedford, Texas, and appeared Wednesday, Feb. 11, on the “CBS Evening News” during its “Eye on America” segment. On Thursday, Feb. 12, Pyle provided follow-up coverage on this issue when he was interviewed again by CBS during an appearance on “The Early Show.”
How’s Business?
There are some very strong signs that business will be good in 2004. Optimism among repair shop owners is as high as it’s ever been during the three years we have been tracking this data.
New Ideas Should Help Old Favorite
After getting whacked by big upheavals in the automotive supply world, the wobbly SAE World Congress, Detroit’s biggest and most important trade show, seems to be finding its legs again.
Dana’s Terry Shively to be Featured on the C.A.R. Show
Terry Shively, vice president marketing and public relations for the Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group, will be featured on the C.A.R. Show radio program on Saturday, Feb. 7. The broadcast will air between 9 – 11 a.m. EST. During the broadcast, Shively will discuss the importance of preventative vehicle maintenance and the role that the Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group has played in supporting the Car Care Council’s “Be Car Care Aware” campaign. He will also discuss the need for the industry to continue to come together to capture a share of the $62 billion in unperformed vehicle maintenance.
Comergent Technologies Acquires Profile Systems, Inc.
Comergent Technologies, a leading provider of demand chain management applications, has acquired Profile Systems, a developer of product information (PIM) and inventory management companies for business-to-business e-business. Under the terms of the agreement, Comergent Technologies has acquired all the outstanding Profile Systems shares and technology. Profile Systems employees have been retained in the West Springfield, Mass., office.
Two Visteon Employees to be Honored by Society of Automotive Engineers
Two engineering professionals from Visteon Corporation will be honored with the prestigious Forest R. McFarland Award on Tuesday, March 9, at the Honors Convocation during the 2004 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress & Exhibition in Detroit.