Our round-up of the week’s top news begins with the re-launch of Bosch’s aftermarket website – www.BoschAutoParts.com – which has been revamped with a specific focus on improved visitor engagement and ease-of-use. Although it covers a wide range of product lines, special promotions and other features, the new website is designed to be more visually engaging and especially easy to navigate, Bosch says.
In other top news this week, O’Reilly Automotive has reported record revenues and earnings for the first quarter ended March 31. The company reported first quarter sales of $1.53 billion, an increase of 11 percent or $147 million, compared to the same period one year ago. O’Reilly also announced that it repurchased 1.8 million shares of its common stock at an average price per share of $87.01. Subsequent to the end of the first quarter and through the date of this release, the company repurchased an additional 0.1 million shares of its common stock at an average price per share of $89.96. In all, the company has repurchased a total of 17.7 million shares of its common stock since the program began in January 2011
The latest financials from Federal-Mogul also were among the most-viewed news items on AMN this week. For its first quarter 2012 financial results, Federal-Mogul reported increased numbers, bolstered by record sales in the OE segment. The company’s total sales were $1.8 billion, up 2 percent versus the first quarter of 2011, reflecting 5 percent growth in constant dollars, partially offset 3 percent by weakness of international currencies, primarily the euro, against the U.S. dollar.
AMN readers also stopped to reflect on the sudden passing of Glen Ray Howard, who died March 8 at the age of 56. Howard began his career in the automotive industry right out of high school picking and packing orders and driving the local delivery truck for Moog Louisville Warehouse. He spent more than two decades at Crane Cams, eventually serving as VP of sales and marketing. He was most recently employed by United Engine and Machine out of Carson City, Nev. He leaves behind two sons, Kyle and Ryan, both in college.
Last in our recap of the week’s most-viewed industry news items, Counterman Editor Mark Phillips reports live from the Federated Auto Parts Annual Member meeting taking place this week in Phoenix. On Thursday, Phillips reported on the technology upgrades Federated is making to streamline the supply chain and automate sales activities. Today, he reported on the Vendor Award banquet taking place last night. To see the full list of those vendors and individuals honored at the banquet, click here.
