Santech Introduces A/C Market Index
Santech Industries, a provider of engineered replacement parts for the global automotive air conditioning market, has announced the creation of the Santech AC Market Index. Located on the www.santech.com Web site under the tab “AC Market Index,” the index tracks the hot weather patterns associated with the automotive air conditioning market. The first of its kind, the index allows comparison of the historical effect of the weather against business results.
Federated Counterman Named Counterperson of the Year
Federated Auto Parts Store employee Randy Lipscomb has been named Counterman magazine’s 2004 Counterperson of the Year. The announcement was made by Counterman Editor Brian Cruickshank. Lipscomb is employed by Pat Young Service Co., a Cleveland, Ohio-area Federated Warehouse Distributor. “We are thrilled that one of our counter people won this prestigious award,” said Mike Schultz, executive vice president of Federated Auto Parts.
Stolen Bumpers Found at Venture
Law-enforcement officials last week broke up a long-running, stolen-auto-parts ring at a Michigan plant owned by bankrupt auto supplier Venture Corp.
Americans Continue to Log Miles Despite High Gas Prices; Aftermarket Expenditures May Suffer However
Higher prices at the gas pump haven’t kept Americans from driving, according to new market research conducted by MEMA’s Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). Total mileage for June and July, the most recent figures available, show that the miles American drivers are tallying up has increased from the same months in 2003.
Executive Interview with Randy Mordue, Director, Aftermarket Division, Akebono Corp.
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Randy Mordue, director, Aftermarket Division, Akebono Corp. Mordue joined Akebono North America in 1999. He has more than 20 years of sales, national account and new business development experience within the automotive aftermarket industry. Mordue recently took the time to talk with aftermarketNews.com and bring us up to speed on the latest developments at Akebono.
Classic Design Concepts Retains Quell Communications Group to Provide Marketing Services for SEMA
Classic Design Concepts LLC has retained Quell Communications Group to provide strategic counsel and marketing and sales materials for the 2004 SEMA Show. Quell specializes in the development and implementation of strategic communications, marketing, advertising and public relations programs for clients in industries that include automotive, manufacturing, professional services, consumer goods, retail, hospitality, healthcare and high-tech industries. The firm also provides brand management, event planning, multi-media production and Web and graphic design.
Douglas Battery Unveils New LegacyIII Gold Battery
Douglas Battery, one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of automotive and industrial batteries, has unveiled its newest generation of battery technology, the LegacyIII Gold. According to the company, industry testing shows that the new innovations involved in the LegacyIII Gold battery promise increased battery performance and life.
Today is the Deadline to Reserve Hotel Rooms for NACE
If you plan to attend NACE, or any of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week shows, and have not yet made your hotel reservation, show organizers are recommending that you do so immediately. Today (Friday, October 8) is the deadline for most hotels within the NACE 2004 room block. NACE hotels include the Mandalay Bay, Excalibur, Luxor, Hawthorn Suites, Monte Carlo and Motel 6. To make your hotel arrangements online, go to www.NACEexpo.com, and click on the Hotel & Travel section.
Brake Parts Inc. Receives Data Audit Certification (DAC)
Brake Parts Inc. announced this week that it is the first aftermarket company to pass all four groups of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association’s (AAIA) Data Audit Certification (DAC). DAC is part of AAIA’s Product Information Exchange Standards (PIES) program.
Pat Young Service Co. Parts Professional Named 2004 Counterman Magazine Counterperson of the Year
For residents of the Northeastern Ohio area, Randy Lipscomb is known simply as “Handy Randy,” the affable and knowledgeable host of local auto care television show, Handy Randy’s Car Care. But recently, he added another name: Counterperson of the Year. After a six month national search, the Barberton, Ohio, parts professional was yesterday named the 2004 Counterman Magazine “Counterperson of the Year.” The award was created in 1986 to recognize those who excel in the demanding parts distribution profession.