This week, we learned of the passing of respected industry veteran Art Lottes Jr., who died Sept. 2 at the age of 94. Lottes was part of the aftermarket industry for more than 50 years, until his retirement at age 84 in 2001. He served his country during World War II. Following the war he began a successful business career that spanned over 50 years in the automotive aftermarket with A. E. Lottes Co., a CARQUEST member. Lottes served on the boards of AWDA and CARQUEST, and was a past recipient of the Northwood Education Award. He was well-known as a gentleman, an astute businessman and as a mentor to many. “He loved the industry because of the wonderful and well-grounded people who made it up," said his son, Art Lottes III.
Northwood University’s University of the Aftermarket this week kicked off Session I of the 2011-2012 Leadership 2.0 executive development experience. According to University of the Aftermarket Director Brian Cruickshank, MAAP, the class is the largest in program history and represents virtually every segment of the industry. Developed through collaboration between industry leaders and the faculty of Northwood University’s DeVos Graduate School of Management, the Session I curriculum includes a blend of industry research and market analysis, discussion and debate on aftermarket challenges and competitive strategies, and a variety of leadership education activities. Click here to see the complete list of members of the 2011-2012 Leadership 2.0 class.
Within the distribution segment this week, the Automotive Distribution Network was happy to announce that its 2012 national convention has sold out – more than five months in advance. Meeting and ballroom space for the event, which will be held Feb. 26–29 at the Wynn Las Vegas Resort, is booked to capacity, according to Mike Lambert, president of the Network. Because of the remarkable demand, the Network says it has spared no expense for the entertainment headliner: Gordie Brown, one of the most popular performers on the Strip, whose unique act of music parodies and celebrity impressions has earned him appearances on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” will close the festivities.
In other top news this week, Aisin World Corp. of America (AWA), a global, Tier One automotive supplier of original equipment and aftermarket components, has announced it will transfer the sales and marketing of its aftermarket brake products business to ADVICS North America Inc. ADVICS will now independently embark on sales, service and distribution of its aftermarket brake products effective Jan. 1, 2012. The ADVICS Group was established globally in July 2001, when Aisin, Denso Corp., Sumitomo Electric Industries and Toyota Motor Corp. joined together to create a company to develop and sell automotive brake systems. Aisin has since produced and supplied components for ADVICS’ brake system development. “This transition has been part of the overall, combined strategy of Aisin and ADVICS since the beginning,” said AWA’s Director of Aftermarket Sales Bob Clark. “We are taking the next, logical step in the development of a relatively young, but healthy company, which enjoys a solid foothold in the North American aftermarket business.” The two companies will share exhibit booth space (No. 1844) at AAPEX in November, with executives from both companies available to discuss the transition.
Last in our round-up of the week’s top news is the announcement that Jim Wade will transition out of his role as president of Advance Auto Parts during the remainder of 2011, following his election to Advance’s board of directors. The 17-year veteran of Advance will serve on the board’s finance committee. CEO Darren Jackson will take on the additional role of president, effective Jan. 1, 2012.
