Siemens VDO Automotive Service & Special Solutions Names New Director of Marketing and Business Development
Siemens VDO Automotive has named Howard Laster as director of marketing and business development for its Service & Special Solutions group. In this role, Laster is charged with developing new business opportunities for existing product offerings, as well as seeking new business relationships to utilize mutual manufacturing, engineering, customer base and sales and marketing expertise. He is also responsible for product management, marketing communications and pricing strategies.
North American Auto R&D Center to Set Up in China
North American market leader in automotive quality inspection, the PSA Group of Companies, has signed an agreement with two local firms to set up a research center in this southern boomtown. The Canadian firm’s major business in China is currently in sourcing auto parts for its North American and Japanese clients, including General Motors, Ford, DaimlerChrysler and Yazaki.
Executive Interview with Eric Sills, Director of Headquarter Operations, Standard Motor Products
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Eric Sills, director of headquarter operations at Standard Motor Products. It’s been just about one year since Standard acquired Dana’s Engine Management division. Join us as Sills brings us up to speed on the integration, and shares some of Standard’s goals and plans for the coming years.
Cadna Names New Managing Partners
Cadna Automotive, a supplier of belts and hoses to the aftermarket, has added two managing partners to its staff. Dan Clevenger and Fred Witmer have joined the company as co-managing partners. Clevenger has been named president of Cadna Automotive. Witmer will serve as vice president of the Memphis, Tenn.-based company.
From the Inside: Executive Interview with Craig Anderson, President, Hercules Tire & Rubber Co.
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Craig Anderson, president of Hercules Tire & Rubber Co. While Hercules has grown quietly, preferring to remain out of the spotlight, every year brings line expansions, new products and other enhancements designed to help its members and dealer customers grow their businesses. Even after selling off its core retreading business, Hercules posted its best sales year ever in 2002, and again in 2003, and saw each of its divisions turn a profit in 2003. Craig Anderson, president, sat for an interview with Jim Smith, editor of Tire Review magazine in April. The two discussed how the changes impacted Hercules, the company’s plans in the future, and how he sees the market moving in the near-term.
Leadership for Change — Selecting Your Initiatives
Last time we kicked off a series of articles on the subject of leadership for change. We identified critical responsibilities for change leadership, and talked about creating a vision. This week we’ll talk about how to convert that vision into action-through selecting and launching the right initiatives.
Actron Manufacturing Appoints New VP of Marketing and Business Development
Actron Manufacturing Co. has named Dave Schaar to the newly created position of vice president of marketing and business development. In this new position, he will be responsible for Actron’s overall marketing and business growth opportunities as well as the company’s new product development. He will also manage Actron’s business initiatives in the state emission inspection markets.
DST Asks: How Do You Track Sales Force Activity?
In his movie role as a high-maintenance NFL star in “Jerry Maguire,” Cuba Gooding Jr. won an Oscar and created an enduring pop culture catch phrase with his unique delivery of that memorable line — four words that perfectly sum up the objective of a successful sale. In the final analysis, sales management is all about maximizing the ability of your sales force to “Show me the money!!”
IAPA Holds Annual Meeting, Honors Outstanding Vendors
San Francisco and the Sonoma Wine Country provided the backdrop for the Independent Auto Parts of America (IAPA) recent annual membership meeting. IAPA’s 192 members, along with family, manufacturers, suppliers and guests attended the event, which took place at the world-renowned Fairmont Hotel on May 22-25.
Auto Pride Convention Focuses on EDI Initiatives
On the sun-drenched shore of Florida’s southern Atlantic coast, IWD (Independent Warehouse Distributors) Auto Pride/Truck Pride held its 19th Annual Membership Meeting on April 28 through May 2. The event included participation from 117 members and their families, as well as 137 manufacturers/suppliers in attendance. While the members participated in more than 10 strategy and program sessions, the manufacturers hosted a booth show during the second day of the event.