R. L. Polk & Co. and ROADTODATA Merge to Offer Global Price and Specifications Products
SOUTHFIELD, MI and LONDON – ROADTODATA and R. L. Polk & Co. have announced that they have reached an agreement for Polk to acquire a majority interest in ROADTODATA, a growing supplier of automotive price and specifications data. The announcement was jointly made by Stephen Polk, chairman, president and CEO of R. L. Polk &
Reception Offers Networking Opportunity at GAAS
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Attendees of the 2007 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) will have the chance to discuss the first day presentations and network with industry leaders at the opening day reception, which will take place from 5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Chicago. Organized by the Automotive
GAAS 2007 to Feature Exciting Speakers, Register Early to Take Advantage of Discount
Surviving in a Changing Aftermarket is the theme for the 2007 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) on Tuesday, May 8 and Wednesday, May 9 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago. Participants who register before Friday, March 23, 2007 will receive $200 off regular registration rates. Registration forms can be accessed at http://www.globalsymposium.org.
AAIA Announces New Asian Initiative, 2008 Aftermarket Expo in China Planned
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) this week unveiled its new Asian Initiative, including hosting the Asian Automotive Aftermarket Expo in Macao, China, at the Venetian facility in 2008. The announcement was made at a press conference in the Venetian during AAPEX. In addition to the expo in China, AAIA will reinforce its ongoing trade policy and promotions by hosting senior-level aftermarket executives at a seven-day Executive Enrichment Program in Shanghai and Beijing, China in March 2007.
Affiliate Sold Engines to Sudanese Military, Cummins Says
Representatives for Cummins Inc. recently traveled to China to smooth over controversy that erupted when Amnesty International reported in June that Cummins engines were found in military trucks sold to Sudan.
Roland Berger: Chinese Cars Can Redefine Entry-Level Segment
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of a Chinese vehicle imported into the U.S. for sale could range from $6,600 to $10,200, potentially redefining the entry-level segment of the market, according to Roland Berger Strategy Consultants. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of a Chinese vehicle imported into the U.S. for sale could range from $6,600 to $10,200, potentially redefining the entry-level segment of the market, according to Roland Berger Strategy Consultants.
TI Automotive Unit Earns GM Supplier of the Year Honors
TI Automotive’s Chinese operations recently received four major supplier of the year awards, including a General Motors award for outstanding performance. The company also received honors from Hainan Mazda, a joint-venture firm created in 1992 by Mazda; FAW VW, joint-venture between Volkswagen and First Automotive Works; and Brilliance Auto, one of China’s leading domestic car companies.
R.L. Polk & Co.’s Ask The Industry Explores the Philosophy of Collaboration
For this edition of Ask The Industry, we venture into the philosophy of collaboration. It’s a single word solution to an extremely complex problem for everybody in the automotive aftermarket, from manufacturer CEO to warehouse manager. Although that word has been spoken from prominent voices throughout the years, the reality is that there are still major hurdles that need to be dealt with before the industry can begin to chart a course to success via collaboration. We spoke with some industry executives to give us insight on how we may be able to arrive at that point.
Publisher’s Perspective: Outsourcing the Brand
I recently read an article that discusses a new retail strategy – Pay N Save – from aftermarket retailer CSK Auto. According to the article, the Pay N Save concept was created to provide a “convenient, easy-to-shop alternative to the mega-store hassle.” A Pay N Save spokesperson said, “you can think of a Pay N Save as a mini Costco meets a tool store meets a Michael’s.”
Cooper Reports Increase in Net Sales, Decline in North American Operating Profit
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. released its first-quarter financial results, which showed an increase in net sales of 7 percent, marking a new first-quarter record of $514 million. In the same period of 2004, net sales were $480 million.