Number-one on our list of the most popular news stories on AMN this week is the announcement that ACDelco has streamlined its field organization. The restructuring includes the addition of new field sales personnel, as well appointing employees to fill six newly expanded Regional Manager Aftermarket positions. ACDelco has also stepped up training efforts for its field sales staff, as well. All of this is being done in an effort to become more responsive to the market, the company said.
General Motors, which currently owns ACDelco, is also being featured in the top AMN news stories of the week. The automaker has reportedly been in talks with Delphi to possibly buy back parts of the company that were spun-off more than a decade ago. The discussions, which have been going on since December, include up to five Delphi plants that produce parts exclusively for GM, including steering systems, radios and air conditioners. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, the possible buy-backs are part of a strategy to help GM qualify for additional government loans.
On the distribution front, more than 400 parts stores and certified service center members of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance will make their way to Nashville, Tenn., next month for “Aftermarket Jam,” the program group’s annual National Training Convention. The convention, which takes place March 4-8, will include more than 18 workshops ranging from employee management to how to increase business. In addition, attendees can visit the Vendor Expo with more than 300 sales representatives and executives manning 100 booths.
The industry is also keeping close watch on the latest progress with regard to President Obama’s $800 billion stimulus plan. Senate majority leader Harry Reid said that the Senate would likely vote on the package later today and that the finished product could be sent to Obama’s desk soon thereafter. While the plan does not include the much-talked about ‘Cash for Clunkers’ amendment, it does include the Auto Ownership Tax Assistance Amendment, which makes interest payments on car loans and state sales or excise car tax deductible for new cars purchased between Nov. 12, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2009.
Rounding out our top stories this week is a two-part special feature written by ImportCar Editor Mary DellaValle. In the series, titled “The Aftermarket & The Economy,” DellaValle interviews four repair shop owners to gauge their take on the state of the economy today and any changes they are seeing in the independent repair sector as a result. The shop owners share their candid business projections and expectations for 2009.
To read Part One, click here.
For Part Two, click here.
