Vange Proimos of AP Exhaust Elected Chairman of AASA
Vange Proimos, president of AP Exhaust in Goldsboro, NC, has been elected chairman of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Board of Governors. Proimos and his brothers founded the USA Muffler Shop chain in the 1970s. The business grew to more than 20 shops throughout northeast Indiana and included a distribution center to service the muffler shops. In 1994, he and his family started Catco Catalytic Converters, known today as one of the largest aftermarket converter manufacturers in the country. Catco specializes in universal, direct fit and OBDII technology converters. In 1998, Proimos acquired the AP Exhaust Aftermarket Division with manufacturing facilities in Goldsboro, NC. Manufacturing exhaust products for the past several years under the Goerlich’s, Merit, TruckEx and Xlerator brands, the company will begin to market their products as AP Exhaust in 2007.
Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Launches National Charity Program
A new nationwide program that helps victims of domestic violence and abuse gain their freedom through the donation of refurbished cars has been launched by Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper. This unprecedented vehicle gift program is sponsored by the warehouses, parts stores and certified service centers flying the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper flags. Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, parent company of Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper, announced the new program yesterday at AAPEX.
Eagle One Wins Web Award
Eagle One and its interactive agency, Digital Intelligence Group, have won the Web Marketing Association’s Automobile Standard of Excellence Award. The company was recognized for the Eagle One – Never A Dull Moment Contest on http://www.eagleone.com. Eagle One, part of the Valvoline family of brands, is a marketer of a broad line of premium car-care
Prestone ‘Universal’ Coolants Case Sent to the FTC
The three-year debate over ‘universal’ coolants continues. The question of whether Honeywell Consumer Products Group (CPG) has the right to claim its Prestone Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant is universally compatible has now been referred to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Chinese Aftermarket Expected to Triple Over Next 10 Years to $12.2 Billion
China’s automotive aftermarket is currently under developed and ready for market contenders to enter, according to Market Analysis, a quarterly newsletter published by the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). Referencing multiple government surveys and certain internet sources, MEMA estimates the value of China’s aftermarket to be worth $12 billion by 2015. This market, which held a value of $4.4 billion in 2005, is predicted to more than triple in size it 10 years.
More Sponsors Mean More Growth for DHRA
How can you tell what is the most exciting and fastest growing spectator sport? Just listen for loud rumbles, earthmoving vibrations and a cloud of exhaust. Diesel racing is unlike any other sport and has exploded onto the scene, turning heads and raising eyebrows. Luckily for the sport and its fans, sponsors are scrambling to get in on the action.
Ray Evernham Speaks at Valvapoolza
Ray Evernham, president and CEO of Evernham Motorsports, recently spoke at the Ashland/Valvoline New Product Development Laboratory in Lexington, KY, as part of Valvoline’s “ Valvapalooza 2006: FutureTech” event. The company has joined forces with Evernham to form Valvoline Evernham Racing. The press gathering showcased not only Valvoline’s relationship with Evernham, but the work and research that goes into its products such as motor oil, coolant and other lubricants.
Honeywell Responds to NAD Ruling on Universal Coolants
On Tuesday, aftermarketNews broke the news that the National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Better Business Bureau issued a recommendation that Honeywell Consumer Products Group discontinue its advertising that suggests its Prestone Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant can be used in all makes and models of automobiles and light trucks and is compatible with all other antifreeze products. Today, in an exclusive interview, Michael Timmerman, VP of communications at Honeywell Transportation Systems and its Consumer Products Group, discusses the NAD ruling.
Better Business Bureau Makes Recommendation on ‘Universal’ Coolants
Last week, the debate regarding “universal” coolants pressed forward as the National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Better Business Bureau issued a recommendation that Honeywell Consumer Products Group discontinue advertising that suggests its Prestone Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant can be used in all makes and models of automobiles and light trucks and is compatible with all other antifreeze products. This recommendation is the latest in a debate that dates back to 2003, according to John Wesley, senior vice president of The Valvoline Company.
GPI Gives $2 Million Gift to Northwood’s Aftermarket Building Project and Program
Northwood President Dr. David Fry announced late last week that General Parts Inc. (GPI) presented the university with a $2 million dollar gift toward the university’s planned 25,000-square-foot automotive aftermarket facility on its Midland, MI, campus. The gift was announced on behalf of the company by O. Temple Sloan III, president of GPI on Monday, February 20, during a gathering of 1,100 of their suppliers, associates and the extended Sloan family in Raleigh, NC. The building will be named The Sloan Family Building for Aftermarket Studies.