Our AMN Executive Interview with Automotive Distribution Network President Mike Lambert takes the top spot in our recap of the week’s most popular news. In the exclusive interview, Lambert talks about some of the significant changes that have taken place at the Network in recent months, including the addition of Auto Pride and CMB to the group. He also shares his goals for the Network and his thoughts on what’s ahead for the distribution segment as a whole.
In other top news this week, Affinia Group’s Terry Heffelfinger was among those to testify before the California Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee, offering comments on SB 346, a bill that would mandate a reduction in the use of copper in brake products. Heffelfinger, director of product engineering, R&D and quality for Affinia Global Brake and Chassis, testified on behalf of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and its affiliate associations and operating councils. In his testimony, Heffelfinger raised the point that the 2025 deadline provided for in the bill does not allow suppliers and vehicle makers to collaborate in the introduction of acceptable new brake systems that meet customer expectations for stopping power and brake system performance. He also noted that the committee should consider a timeline that allows for sufficient R&D to test, validate and verify the manufacture of safe and effective brake materials.
In the performance parts segment, Edelbrock this week announced that Chicago-based private equity firm Industrial Opportunity Partners (IOP) has made an investment in Edelbrock Corp. With $185 million of committed capital, IOP focuses on acquiring and managing middle-market manufacturing and value-added distribution businesses. According to Vic Edelbrock, the investment will allow the company continue to expand this focus on developing new and exciting products, such as its supercharger line, across a wide range of applications. Edelbrock and President John Colaianne will continue to manage the company.
Advance Auto Parts this week announced the launch of a new suite of online services for customers. The auto parts retailer has added a number of new features to the “Your Garage” area on AdvanceAutoParts.com. Some of the new features include service alerts, assistance with diagnostics, price estimates and recall notices. Registered users who currently have an online “Garage” on the Advance website will be upgraded automatically to the new functionality. Registered users can save multiple cars in their garage and can use this functionality with any car they have saved in the system.
The final item in our round-up of the week’s top news is a look at some of the highlights of the upcoming MEMA Technology Council (MTC) Annual Fall Conference, slated for Oct. 10-12, in Marco Island, Fla. Representatives of Auto-Wares, National Pronto Association, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Uni-Select will discuss their companies’ e-commerce programs, future growth plans and initiatives in Customer Roundtables at the event. More details, the conference agenda and registration information are available on the Fall Conference page of the MTC website.
