iATN Heads to Southern Cal for 2004 Convention
The International Automotive Technicians’ Network (iATN) will hold its 2004 convention Sept. 24-26, at the Coast Anaheim Hotel, in Anaheim, Calif. Traditionally a casual event, the convention will offer several technical and business management sessions, in addition to networking opportunities. The convention will also feature “TechNight Live: iATN West Coast Diagnostic Challenge.” There will also be a special luncheon address, as well as a dinner and reception for attendees.
Pilot Travel Centers to Sell Goodyear Truck Tires
Goodyear Tire & Rubber is the second tiremaker this week to announce a new supply agreement with Pilot Travel Centers LLC, one of the largest truck stop networks in North America. Pilot Travel Centers will stock and sell Goodyear truck tires at its travel centers.
American Tire Distributors Adds to Team of Equipment Specialists
American Tire Distributors has added to its team of equipment specialists with the recent hiring of Ralph Bachemin. Bachemin, who joined American Tire Distributors in January, handles automotive equipment sales and service for the company’s Mobile, Ala., distribution center, covering Southern regions of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. Bachemin joins a network of approximately 45 equipment specialists employed by American Tire Distributors across the U.S. who assist dealers in establishing and maintaining a productive automotive services shop.
TIA Unveils New Logo for the TIA World Tire Expo
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has unveiled a new logo for the TIA World Tire Expo, the conference and exhibition for the commercial tire, retreading and recycling industries. The event is scheduled to be held April 20-22, 2005, in Louisville, Ky. “The new WTE logo works with our logo to insure that the tire industry knows that TIA is running this international show geared towards the commercial, retreading and recycling segments of the market,” said Larry Morgan, president of TIA.
AASA Creates New Aftermarket Council Forum for European Market Issues; Elects Leaders
The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) has established the European Automotive Aftermarket Manufacturers Council, a new discussion group for aftermarket executives heading their businesses’ European operations. The European Automotive Aftermarket Manufacturers Council will provide a forum for AASA members’ senior executives in Europe. The members will meet quarterly to discuss industry issues and solutions, share best practices and network with peers.
AADCO Automotive to Acquire Coreline Auto Parts Ltd.
AADCO Automotive Inc., a supplier of Like, Kind and Quality (LKQ) used auto parts, has signed an agreement to acquire Coreline Auto Parts Ltd. of Milton, Ontario. Founded in 1977, Coreline Auto Parts is the third largest automotive core and materials broker in Canada doing business from coast to coast. A privately held company with annual revenues of $1.5 million, Coreline will significantly expand the AADCO distribution network across Canada, according to AADCO CEO Charles Hodgkinson.
Campaign to Bring Back the “Midas Touch”
Midas wants to return to its core value of trust with the resurrection of a marketing campaign first used in Midas advertising in the 1980s. The company’s new national advertising agency DDB Chicago is collaborating with Ogilvy & Mather Toronto on the “Trust the Midas Touch” campaign. The campaign will include commercials that take place in a Midas shop and show a humorous dialog between a customer of Midas and a Midas service employee, who is hooked up to a polygraph machine. The commercials are the first in a long-term campaign to grow Midas’ category-leading shares in brakes and exhaust and to support the expansion of its services, including oil changes and other routine maintenance services.
ChevronTexaco Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Havoline Brand
ChevronTexaco Global Lubricants is launching a year-long program to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Havoline brand. As part of the centennial celebration, ChevronTexaco said it is investing in numerous marketing programs and consumer promotions to drive the Havoline name in 2004, including sponsorship of the U.S. Olympic Team competing in the 2004 Athens Summer Olympic Games, retro product packaging and a sweepstakes with a grand prize of $1 million.
Hankook Tire Boosts Sales in 2003
Hankook Tire America Corp. has reported one of its strongest 12-month sales periods in the company’s history. Increased supply from overseas and major OE contracts played pivotal roles in boosting 2003 sales, according to Bill Bainbridge, marketing director for Hankook.
ASC Adds West Coast National Accounts Manager
ASC Industries has hired Alfred Cardoza as its new West coast national accounts manager. In this new role, Cardoza will be responsible for growing sales and managing account activity West of the Rocky Mountains. ASC recently expanded its distributor network in the West.