Global Symposium Awards Scholarships to 115 Students in 2008
The Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship Committee recently announced the awarding of scholarships to 115 students pursuing aftermarket careers in 2008. The $1,000 and $2,000 scholarships will be granted to 105 students in the U.S. and ten in Canada. In the history of the scholarship program, more than 1,400 students have received aid totaling approximately $1.4 million.
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,
The Week in Review (May 12-16, 2008)
By Amy Antenora The Week in Review offers a snapshot of the most highly read stories of the week as seen on aftermarketNews. To access the complete stories, simply click on the highlighted links. If you missed reading one of our daily news emails, just click on the link that says "News Archives" at the
OEConnection Int rod uces ServiceAdvantage Electronic Service Menu for GM Dealerships
OEConnection, a provider of online buying, selling and analysis of original equipment parts, has expanded into dealership service lanes with the introduction of ServiceAdvantage to General Motors dealerships. This customizable Web-based tool designed collaboratively with General Motors dealerships, was built to help dealership service consultants quickly and professionally communicate an automaker’s recommended routine maintenance based on a vehicle’s make, model, year and mileage. ServiceAdvantage supports GM’s Simplified Maintenance Schedules by consolidating and synchronizing the hundreds of owner’s manual service recommendations for easy and on-demand Internet access by any General Motors dealership in the U.S.
Uni-Select Reports 3.9 Percent Increase in Sales in 2007
For the year ended Dec. 31, 2007, sales were $1,168,289,000, an increase of $44,386,000 or 3.9 percent compared to the previous period. Net earnings, for their part, were recorded at $40,841,000 or $2.07 per share, a 3.4 percent decrease compared to net earnings of $42,264,000 or $2.15 per share in 2006. The results for the 2007 period include the contribution to earnings resulting from recent acquisitions significantly reduced by the unfavorable U.S. exchange rate compared to the Canadian dollar.
Ford Files Design Patent Infringement Complaint on Mustang
Ford Global Technologies recently filed a Section 337 complaint at the International Trade Commission (ITC) against manufacturers and U.S. distributors of automotive collision repair parts alleging infringement of design patents for certain exterior repair parts for the 2005 Ford Mustang. This follows a 2005 ITC complaint by Ford that alleged infringement of design patents for 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 F-150s. An administrative law judge of the ITC ruled that seven of 10 design patents directed to parts for the Ford F-150 truck were enforceable and infringed Ford’s design patents, but agreed with Keystone Automotive Industries and other companies that had vigorously contested the case that three patents were invalid due to Ford’s prior public use of the designs. The ITC then issued a cease and desist order to stop the importation of these parts into the United States.
Learn More about Government Affairs and Private Equity’s Role in the Aftermarket and More
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Aftermarket industry veterans and experts will discuss a wide range of topics focusing on the theme of "Shift Forward" at the 2008 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS), which takes place Tuesday, May 20, and Wednesday, May 21, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago. "Let’s Know Them Before We Need
Exclusive: aftermarketNews gets Up Close Look at Akebono’s Kentucky Facilities
In an area of the country better known for distilling bourbon, Akebono Brake Corporation is distilling its OE expertise into aftermarket disc brake pads. Kentucky currently is the home to all Akebono North American manufacturing facilities and its North American headquarters. Recently, aftermarketNews was given an exclusive tour of Akebono’s Aftermarket brake pad plants. The Springfield, Ky., facility manufactures its own aftermarket lines and private-brand brake pad lines, plus brake pads and components for Original Equipment Service (OES).
The Week in Review (April 28 – May 2, 2008)
By Amy Antenora The Week in Review offers a snapshot of the most highly read stories of the week as seen on aftermarketNews. To access the complete stories, simply click on the highlighted links. If you missed reading one of our daily news emails, just click on the link that says "News Archives" at the
Arthur “Butch” Smith Named Director of Product and New Business Development for Proliance’s Ready-Aire Division
Proliance International has named Arthur “Butch” Smith director of product and new business development for Ready-Aire, the company’s line of air conditioning and temperature control products for the automotive and light truck aftermarket in the U.S. Smith will be headquartered at Arlington, Texas, where the company’s center of operations for its domestic air conditioning business is located.