By leaps and bounds, the most popular story published on aftermarketNews.com this week reveals the names of AutoZone’s top suppliers for this year. The auto parts retailer recognized a slew of suppliers with its annual “Extra Mile” award. Four Seasons, Automotive Innovations, Cardone Industries, Dayco, Dorman, Spectra Premium Industries and Valvoline were presented “Extra Mile” awards. In addition, Great Neck Saw was named "Extra Miler: Supplier of the Year." To see the list of companies that were given AutoZone’s "WITTDTJR" (What It Takes To Do The Job Right) Award as well, click here.
Twenty-seven automotive aftermarket professionals received some special recognition of their own last week when after completing the University of the Aftermarket’s Leadership 2.0 program. The 2010-2011 class ranks as one of the largest in the history of the program. Offered with significant financial support from the independent University of the Aftermarket Foundation, Leadership 2.0 is the motor vehicle aftermarket industry’s signature executive development experience. The annual program comprises two weeks of industry-focused study, discussion and skills development. Demand for admission to the program has set new records in each of the past four years, according to University of the Aftermarket Director Brian Cruickshank, who adds that industry professionals are already inquiring about the 2011-2012 class, which begins in September.
Also highly read this week was our exclusive Executive Interview with NUCAP Industries CEO Vince Butera. NUCAP was founded in 1994, however, the company’s heritage dates back more than 35 years, when owner Ray Arbesman developed a unique proposition for the supply of brake backing plates to aftermarket friction companies. Today, in addition to providing efficiency for friction companies, NUCAP also supplies value-added products that increase safety, enhance durability, minimize NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) and provide a better manufacturing solution for friction suppliers. In this interview, Butera talks about NUCAP’s growing global presence and his forecast for the future of the braking products segment.
This also was an important week for those who have put their support behind proposed Right to Repair legislation. Reps. Todd Platts (R-Pa.-York) and Edolphus Towns (D-N.Y.-Brooklyn) have introduced the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (HR 1449) into the 112th Congress. Supporters of the bill say the need for the Right to Repair Act has become apparent due to the growing use of computers and electronics that control nearly every function of a vehicle, from air bags and brakes to ignition, fuel injection and tire pressure monitoring systems. Although these computer systems provide benefits to consumers through improved fuel-efficiency, comfort and safety, they also provide increasing opportunities for car companies to deny access to car owners and the repair shops where they normally obtain service for their vehicle, the supporters say.
It was a big week for the Automotive Distribution Network as well. On Wednesday, the Network announced the addition of State Automotive Warehouse as a new member under its Auto Pride brand. State Automotive Warehouse, owned and founded by Robert Daly, has been in business for 30 years. The company has its headquarters in Providence, R.I., and operates its retail store under the Action Auto Parts name. The company’s two locations in Providence service all of Rhode Island, Southern and Southeastern Massachusetts. A day later, the Network announced three more new members: Los Angeles-based Auto Supply Co.; Automotive Hard Parts in Rockland, Mass.; and Fayetteville, N.C.’s Southeastern Automotive, according to Mike Lambert, president of the Network. These three new members were introduced at the Network’s recent spring membership meeting.
