Pro Motor Engines Wins 2008 MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown
Dennis Borem and Darrell Hoffman of Pro Motor Engines wasted no time in the 15 minutes and 59 seconds it took to win the 2008 MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown on May 20. They came away with the Randy Dorton Memorial Trophy and a cash prize of $26,000, as well as bragging rights for another year — they are winners two years in a row now having taken last year’s top prize with a 16:25 build.
GUEST COMMENTARY: A Missed Opportunity
The following guest commentary was written by Fred Meyers, founder and CEO of One Stop Parts Source in California, Denver and Dallas. Meyers, a panelist at the 2008 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium in Chicago, feels there was a golden opportunity that he missed while speaking at the event. Today, he shares with AMN what that is.
John Sanderson Retires from Continental’s North American Operations
John Sanderson has retired from Continental, effective June 1. Sanderson joined Continental in connection with Continental’s acquisition of Siemens VDO Automotive last fall, where he was president and CEO of the firm’s North American operations. In his role as President and CEO of Siemens VDO Automotive Corp., a position he was appointed to in 2000, Sanderson had responsibility for Siemens VDO’s North and South American business and profitability initiatives.
Federated Hits the Airwaves
Federated has kicked off a national broadcast advertising campaign featuring commercials on ESPN television and radio networks. The commercials will continue airing through October. “We are excited about launching our 2008 national advertising program on the ESPN networks,” said Phil Moore, director of marketing for Federated. “Federated and ESPN have had a great relationship over the years and we get tremendous feedback from our members about Federated’s association with ESPN. Our national advertising campaign is an important marketing tool for our members, providing a great support mechanism to help drive business.”
Lewicki to Rejoin Wilson Auto Electric
WINNIPEG, MB, Canada — Jeff Lewicki has rejoined Wilson Auto Electric as the vice president of sales and marketing. He will be responsible for national oversight of all U.S. and Canadian automotive and heavy duty relationships under the Wilson Auto Electric brand. Lewicki most recently served as the director of marketing and sales for Autoline
Mitchell 1 Adds Electronic Parts Ordering Information Section to Web Site
POWAY, Calif. – Mitchell 1 has added a Parts Ordering Information section to its Web site under the heading “Program Distribution Group.” With connections to the leading aftermarket parts distributors, professional technicians can connect with their current supplier of choice with the simple click of a mouse. “From invoicing to inventory control, Mitchell 1’s Manager/ManagerPlus
R. L. Polk & Co. Debuts PolkInsight for Europe
R. L. Polk & Co. has launched PolkInsight for the European marketplace, which provides automotive analysts and marketers with instant access to a wide range of European automotive information to help identify sales trends, understand competitors’ performance and develop marketing strategies.
BASF, Valvoline Sign Contract for Reciprocal Licensing of Engine Coolants
LEXINGTON, Ky. and SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — BASF SE and Valvoline have signed a new contract for the reciprocal licensing of engine coolants. This agreement replaces an existing licensing arrangement signed in 1994, the year Valvoline acquired the coolant business in North America from BASF including the Zerex trademark. Under the terms of the new agreement,
ACC Announces 2008 Automotive Scholarship Recipients
The Automotive Communication Council (ACC) has announced the winners of its two scholarships in the annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium Scholarship (GAAS) program. The ACC is a professional organization comprised of individuals in the automotive aftermarket specializing in marketing communications. The scholarships were earmarked for students focusing on marketing, public relations, journalism, advertising or a related field within the aftermarket. This year’s winners will each receive a $1,000 scholarship for the 2008-2009 academic year.
Executive Interview with Tom Perry, President of U.S. Chemical & Plastics
A lot of exciting things have been going on with U.S. Chemical & Plastics lately. Tom Perry was recently promoted from vice president, sales & marketing to president, and the company also earned the prestigious ISO 9001:2000 certification. The editorial staffs of aftermarketNews and BodyShop Business spoke with Perry, a 24-year industry veteran, about the latest developments at U.S. Chemical & Plastics.