Again this week, news from Federated Auto Parts tops the list of most-read articles on AMN. This time, the news entails Federated’s recognition for five suppliers honored with the group’s Outstanding Supplier Support Awards for 2009. The awards were presented April 16 at Federated’s annual meeting held in Phoenix, Ariz., to suppliers that demonstrated excellent performance in each of five categories. The 2009 Federated Outstanding Supplier Support Awards were presented to:

·    Order Fill Vendor of the Year – East Penn;
·    Education/Training Vendor of the Year – Standard Motor Products;
·    Marketing Vendor of the Year – Federal-Mogul;
·    Sales Representation Vendor of the Year – Affinia; and
·    Electronic Catalog Vendor of the Year – Dorman.

Also of high interest on AMN this week was the news that Vista-Pro Automotive, the newly formed company comprised of the aftermarket assets of Visteon and Proliance, has sold its reman division – LTD Parts – to BBB Industries. Vista-Pro Chairman Roger Brown commented that, “The divestiture of LTD Parts substantially eliminates Vista-Pro’s debt and allows for a complete focus by management on achieving new levels of excellence as a leading supplier of climate control products.” LTD Parts provides premium remanufactured rotating electrical products and power steering products for the U.S. automotive and light truck aftermarket. BBB Industries is a leading participant in the U.S. rotating electrical remanufacturing industry.

Also this week, Vista-Pro announced Steve Scharnhorst as its new president and CEO. Scharnhorst replaces Roger Brown, who is stepping down from the role of CEO. A 30-year veteran of the aftermarket, Scharnhorst previously served as president and CEO of Excel Homes in Harrisburg, Pa.

In other news from the parts distribution segment, this week Queens, N.Y.-based The Parts Authority reported that its recent trade show, held under the theme, "2010 A Parts Odyssey" at Citi Field in New York, was a resounding success. “Our all-star cast of vendors stepped up and brought their best displays to Citi Field," said Randy Buller, president of Parts Authority Inc. "According to all, they were busy all night, customers were impressed with both the scope and the entertainment at the event." More than 5,000 attendees came to the event, including more than 4,000 technician customers. Approximately 100 vendors displayed their products at the trade show, and 589 "Ride and Drives" sponsored by Monroe took place. Also at the event, The Parts Authority held a pledge drive for its Haiti Relief Fund, through which more than $30,000 has been raised, thus far.

Affinia this week announced the return of industry veteran Charlie Kirkland to the company’s ranks. For more than 30 years, Kirkland wore several important hats for the company now known as Affinia Global Brake & Chassis, while working with the Raybestos brand as a district sales manager, regional sales manager and as western divisional sales manager. Now, after a brief hiatus, Kirkland is back with Affinia Global Brake & Chassis as the company’s newly appointed director of program distribution for branded sales. In his new position, Kirkland will report to Tom Rafferty, VP of sales – Branded Products, and will serve as the link between Affinia and the Automotive Distribution Network, Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Automotive Parts Associates, AutoPride, CMB, Elite, National Pronto Association and TruStar program distribution group offices.    

The final item in our roundup of the week’s top news comes from Counterman Editor Mark Phillips, who spent some time this week in Detroit with ACDelco. While attending the ACDelco eForum, which took place April 27-29 in Detroit, Phillips had a chance to speak with Paul Johnson, general director for GM’s Global Independent Aftermarket. At the event, Johnson told Phillips that ACDelco is looking to increase the company’s parts portfolio and broaden better program group participation for 2010 and beyond. ADCelco unveiled a number of initiatives and tools focused on maximizing the value of ACDelco parts inventory through innovative ecommerce solutions during the company’s fifth annual eForum. Prior to the eForum, ACDelco held its advisory council meetings, which Johnson said provide vital front-line intelligence to the company. Between the potential sale of ACDelco and the bankruptcy of GM, advisory council meetings were put on hold temporarily. "ACDelco is very much a part of the new GM," Johnson said. "We’re focusing on the right things – the competition."