By Amy Antenora
The Week in Review offers a snapshot of the most highly read stories of the week as seen on aftermarketNews. To access the complete stories, simply click on the highlighted links. If you missed reading one of our daily news emails, click on any of the dates listed at the bottom of the page to begin catching up on the latest industry news.
Affinia Group’s announcement of an across-the-board price increase on all brands topped the list of most-read stories on aftermarketNews this week. As a result of what it described as “an unprecedented rise” in raw materials and energy costs, the company said it will increase prices by 3.88 percent on all filtration products, all chassis products and all brake products except drums, rotors, shoes and ABS. The increase will take effect on March 31.
Outside of money matters, AMN readers showed a high level of interest in this week’s featured article from our sister publication, Counterman magazine. In a column titled “The Honest Truth,” Counterman contributor Gary Garberg recalls the reaction he got after speaking candidly at a major manufacturer’s sales symposium. When asked how import specialists view that company as a distributor, Garberg told the audience he could sum up the answer to their question in four simple words.
AMN readers were also interested to learn more about Keystone Automotive Industries, following its recent merger with LKQ Corp. In an exclusive interview with aftermarketNews, Keystone VP Chris Northup outlines the company’s plans for future growth. He also shares his insights on the future of the automotive recycling business.
Recent personnel changes at Advance Auto Parts and Chrysler rounded out our list of top stories on AMN this week. Michael Moore has announced his resignation as executive vice president and CFO of Advance. In conjunction with Moore’s resignation, former Best Buy executive Darren Jackson, who was recently appointed to the president and CEO post of Advance, has recruited a few more Buy Buy execs to join the auto parts retailer, including Michael Norona, who will replace Moore.
As a result of Christine Cortez’ announcement of her intent to retire from her position as Chrysler’s senior vice president — Global Service and Parts, the automaker has announced several management changes. Simon Boag has been appointed as president — Mopar, Global Service and Parts, reporting to Press. Boag will be responsible for Global Service, International Service and Parts, Global Parts Marketing, Service Contracts and Global Parts Supply Chain Management. Scott Garberding replaces Boag and has been appointed vice president — Global Alliance Operations, reporting to Chrysler Vice Chairman and President Tom LaSorda. Garberding will lead the operations side of Chrysler’s automotive alliances designed to expand the company’s global presence.
To view all of the news from the past week, simply click on the link for each corresponding day: