Proliance International, ACP of Florida Enter Long-Term Supply Agreement
Proliance International has entered into a supply agreement with ACP of Florida, LLC (doing business as Cooling Parts Southeast). The agreement expands the availability of Proliance’s broad product offering of heat exchange and temperature control products in southern U.S. markets. Along with this action, the company announced that it is closing an additional nine branch locations as part of its previously stated initiative to develop the best "go-to-market strategy" for each of the regions and customer groups it serves. In addition, ACP will purchase select assets and assume the supply and servicing of Proliance products to local-market installer customers previously served by the nine Proliance locations.
PUBLISHER’S PERSPECTIVE: Let’s Make a Deal
During a recent e-mail exchange on the topic of e-cataloging with a friend from a large WD, my friend pointed out that he was losing an estimated 15 percent of sales due to parts not being listed in the most current and (supposedly) up-to-date e-catalogs. After some dialogue back and forth about whom is to blame and why, he suggested a solution that struck a chord with me. To summarize his idea: The entire industry should collectively agree to abolish all paper catalogs and earmark the entire amount saved to upgrading and updating the current e-catalogs. It makes perfect sense to me, so much so that I’m going to begin a crusade, starting with this column.
The Top Ten News Stories of 2007
For the fourth year in a row, the editorial staffs of aftermarketNews and Counterman magazine have selected what they determined to be the most significant events to impact the automotive aftermarket in the past year. News stories are presented in chronological order.
The Top Ten Newsmakers of 2007
For the fourth year in a row, the editorial staffs of aftermarketNews and Counterman magazine have selected 10 individuals who have made an impact on the industry this past year. The list is presented in alphabetical order.
GM, UAW Announce Buyout Plan: Deal Aims to Reap Savings of New Contract
From Detroit Free Press DETROIT — General Motors Corp. and the UAW announced Tuesday an agreement to offer the first phase of retirement and buyout incentives intended to help the automaker take advantage of cost-saving measures in its new labor contract. In the first phase of its special attrition program, GM will offer buyouts and
Federal-Mogul to Emerge from Chapter 11 on Dec. 27
Federal-Mogul Corp. announced this morning that its Plan of Reorganization is scheduled to become effective on Dec. 27, marking the company’s emergence from Chapter 11.The Michigan auto parts maker’s Plan of Reorganization was confirmed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on Nov. 8 and affirmed by the U.S. District Court on Nov. 14. The Confirmation Order relating to the Plan has become final and non-appealable.
Robert Bosch Group to Buy Holger Christiansen from Hella for Undisclosed Price
Robert Bosch Group GmbH said it plans to buy Danish-based auto parts maker Holger Christiansen A/S from Hella KGaA Hueck & Co for an undisclosed price. Under the deal Bosch will take over Holger Christiansen, brands HC-Parts and Cargo, along with four factories in Europe and eight sales points in Europe and the U.S., which employ some 900 workers.
Executive Interview with Michael Tate, General Manager, MAHLE Clevite Inc.
In September, Michael Tate joined MAHLE Clevite as general manager. He brings 26 years of aftermarket experience to MAHLE Clevite, most recently with SPX Service Solutions. In addition to SPX, Tate held a variety of sales management positions with such companies as Parker Automotive, Dorman Products and Phillips & Temro Industries. As GM of MAHLE Clevite, Tate has management responsibility for all North American Aftermarket activities for the MAHLE Group, which includes MAHLE Clevite Inc., MAHLE Clevite Canada, ULC and the Aftermarket division of MAHLE Componentes de Motores S.A. de C.V.
Delphi Can Begin Bankruptcy Vote Process
Delphi Corp. can begin soliciting votes for its plan to exit bankruptcy, the company’s lawyer said on Friday, a major step toward letting the auto parts maker proceed with a restructuring that would shed thousands of jobs in plants across the country. Delphi attorney Jack Butler said bankruptcy judge Robert Drain verbally approved the order on Friday and that if all changes the judge requested meet his requirements, he would enter an order today. Delphi’s reorganization plan includes shrinking its unionized work force to a fraction of its former size and shifting manufacturing overseas.
AOCA Uncovers Misleading Warranty Notice Scheme in Canada
DALLAS — The Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA), which represents the fast lube industry in North America, recently investigated the following notice found printed under the hood of several Chrysler vehicles in Ontario, Canada: The notice read: Daimler Chrysler Canada reserves the right to deny warranty coverage if not all of the recommended scheduled maintenance