The Automotive Distribution Network welcomed more than 500 guests to Vegas with its AAPEX Opening Night Reception Nov. 2 at the Venetian Resort Hotel. Representatives from all brands under the Network umbrella — Parts Plus, CMB, IAPA, Auto Star and Auto Pride — together with 175 of its manufacturer partners and the group’s vendor partners, gathered to discuss the industry and cultivate business relationships at the reception. To see photos and read more about the evening event, click here.
Also in conjunction with AAPEX 2010, Timken’s Automotive Aftermarket division presented its annual Manufacturer’s Representative Awards. Glazier Sales Associates was selected as the 2010 Manufacturers’ Representative Agency of the Year. Agencies were judged on four criteria: agency growth, professionalism, communication and visibility. To see the complete list of companies joining Timken’s Million Dollar Sales Club this year, click here.
In other news from the manufacturing sector this week, Dorman Products announced the launch of its new mobile site, which features a part look-up function that allows users to search for Dorman parts on the latest mobile electronics. The smartphone-compatible website also allows users of the most popular smartphones to download a free icon to place on their mobile desktop to quickly launch the site. The icon is downloadable by clicking a link at the top of the website when viewing on a mobile device. Click here to learn how to access Dorman’s mobile site.
In Legislative News this week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued a significant new use rule (SNUR) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for the chemical substance 1-Propene, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro, also known as HFO-1234yf. The EPA significant new use rule states that the substance is to be used only as a refrigerant in new motor vehicles and that any other use must first be approved by the EPA. The agency is also considering a proposed rule that falls under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) that would allow for the use of 1234yf as a substitute for R-12 in new motor vehicles. The action requires persons who intend to manufacture, import or process the chemical substance for a use that is designated as a significant new use by this final rule to notify the EPA at least 90 days before commencing that activity. The EPA believes this action is necessary because the chemical substance may be hazardous to human health.
Last in our recap of the week’s top news comes word of Fiat’s return to the North American market. The Italian vehicle brand makes its return to the North American market with the 2012 Fiat 500 (Cinquecento), which is being unveiled today at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. In addition, Chrysler this week announced it has selected 130 of its dealers across the country to represent the Fiat brand in the United States.
