Fel-Pro Introduces Advanced PermaDryPlus Design
Federal-Mogul’s Fel-Pro brand of engine sealing technologies, has introduced an advanced PermaDryPlus replacement intake manifold gasket design, created to solve chronic coolant leakage issues in light trucks and sport-utility vehicles.
FAIA Inducts Its Youngest President, Addresses Vehicle Right to Repair Issue at Annual Conference
The Florida Automotive Industry Association (FAIA) has inducted Eileen Sottile, director of government relations at Keystone Automotive, as president of the association for a term of one year. At age 37, Sottile is the youngest person ever to receive this title, and only the second woman to head the association in its 50 year history. Sottile was inducted at FAIA’s Golden Anniversary Celebration and Conference held in Orlando, Fla., in July.
Education Abundant at SEMA Show 2004
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, has announced it will offer a full schedule of educational and technical seminars to SEMA Show attendees, beginning on Monday, Nov. 1 (Education Day) through Nov. 5. SEMA’s educational programs will run in conjunction with the annual SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Executive Interview with Steve Christie, Executive Director, Automotive Oil Change Association
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Steve Christie, executive director of the Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA). Christie has served as executive director of AOCA since 1992. With more than 20 years of progressive management experience in trade associations, professional societies and issue oriented organizations, Christie has led the AOCA to dramatic growth in membership and revenues during his tenure as head of the 1,200 plus member organization. Last week, Christie took some time to give us a ‘virtual’ tour of the AOCA, the services it provides as well as its plans for the future. Read on to learn more about the AOCA and the important projects on which the association is currently focusing.
Eighty-Nine Percent of NASCAR Fans Are Aware of Nextel Sponsorship, According to Knowledge Networks Study
A new study by Knowledge Networks (KN) indicates that NASCAR’s title sponsor, Nextel, has achieved awareness among nine in 10 fans of the nation’s most-watched auto racing series. Results of the study appeared in yesterday’s issue of Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal. The study found that in only the first season of the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, which began in February, 89 percent of NASCAR fans age 18-49 are aware of Nextel’s sponsorship; and almost three-quarters of NASCAR fans believe that Nextel has done a “very good” or “good” job of connecting with NASCAR and its fans.
Valeo Launches New Premium Aftermarket Wiper Blade Line
Valeo has announced the launch of a new line of premium wiper blades for the aftermarket, featuring the same technology as it uses in its OE product. “With original equipment design and quality and Valeo innovations such as Tec3 rubber, these wipers will ensure a long lasting quality wipe and continued customer satisfaction. Simply put, these wiper blades will wipe like new, longer,” said Marc Senaux, aftermarket business & product development manager for Valeo Wiper Systems North America.
EPA to Host Special Session Before CARS
As a prelude to this year’s Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will host a special session to discuss the implementation of the original equipment manufacturers’ service information Web sites. The session will take place Wednesday, Nov. 3, at the Flamingo Las Vegas. Several OEMs will be present to provide live demonstrations of their Web sites. In addition, the EPA will present its plan for a formal audit of all the automakers Web sites.
Hemmings Motor News to Be Inducted into Cruisin’ Hall of Fame
Hemmings Motor News is being inducted into the Cruisin’ Hall of Fame for creating a publication that has met for 50 years the demands of automobile enthusiasts. A monthly publication, Hemmings, is known as one of the world’s largest antique, classic, vintage, muscle, street rod and special interest auto marketplaces.
David Krohn Named President and COO of Engineered Machined Products
Engineered Machined Products, Inc. (EMP) has appointed David Krohn to serve as president and COO of the company. Previously, this role was held by Brian Larche, founder and principal owner of EMP. Larche will continue to serve as chairman and CEO of the company.
SEMA Launches New Offroad Show
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has created an all new exclusive offroad event, which will take place Feb. 4-5, 2005 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Designed as a companion event to the well-established SEMA Spring Expo, and as an extension of the SEMA Show 2004 in Las Vegas, SEMA Offroad will target companies serving the recreational and performance offroad segments and aims to create new opportunities for this growing market.