CAWA, AAIA Members Meet with Legislators to Discuss Right to Repair, Federal Repair Clause Bills
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Members of the California/Nevada/Arizona Automotive Wholesalers’ Association (CAWA), and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) met with members of Congress last week to discuss two critical pieces of legislation for the aftermarket — the Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act and the Federal Repair Clause bill. The first meeting with Congressman
Johnson Controls-Saft Named as Battery Supplier for Test Fleet of Ford Plug-in Hybrids
As increasing numbers of consumers look for fuel-efficient, low emission vehicle options, a test fleet of Ford Escape plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) is making its way on the road today. Powered by lithium-ion batteries from Johnson Controls-Saft, the demonstration fleet will examine the future of PHEVs as part of a complete vehicle, home and grid energy system. The fleet is the result of an ongoing collaboration among Ford, Johnson Controls-Saft, Southern California Edison (SCE) and Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).
Executive Interview with David Mestdagh, Director, North American Aftermarket Business, Continental Automotive Systems
David Mestdagh is director of North American aftermarket business for Continental Automotive Systems. He is responsible for overall business strategy, product quality, and performance; as well as development of effective sales and marketing activities in North America for the Continental, ATE, and VDO brand of products. Join us as Mestdagh brings us up to speed on Continental’s plans for the future, following last year’s acquisition of Siemens VDO.
General Motors Recognizes Best Suppliers
JACKSONVILLE , Fla. – General Motors Corp. recently recognized 97 companies with its highly coveted Supplier of the Year Award. There are 57 multiple-year winners among this year’s nominees. “GM is proud to honor our best suppliers with the Supplier of the Year Award, an award that we believe is the most meaningful honor in
Hybrid Registrations Continue to Rise, According to Polk
Nationwide registrations for new hybrid vehicles rose to 350,289 in 2007 — a 38 percent increase from 2006, according to R. L. Polk & Co. The Toyota Prius continued to lead the segment with 179,178 total new registrations – 51.2 percent of hybrid market share. "Auto buyers are benefiting from new hybrid launches and fleecing of old models that didn’t work. There is a lot of excitement being generated within the industry as manufacturers adjust plans to adapt to consumer demand," said Lonnie Miller, director of Industry Analysis at Polk.
Delphi Turnaround Plan Will Take Time Says Miller
Delphi Corp. Executive Chairman Steve Miller says the auto parts maker’s turnaround plan is generating $20 billion to $30 billion per year in new business that will be an engine of growth for the company when it exits bankruptcy protection. Leaving Chapter 11 will take more time, however. In the face of declining U.S. auto sales, tight capital markets have made investors wary about the Troy, Mich.-based company, making it difficult to pull together the financing it needs.
DuPont Automotive/SAE Survey: Environment Beats Costs as Top Industry Challenge
DETROIT – A new survey conducted by DuPont and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) shows that environmental issues top the list of challenges facing the automotive industry, outranking cost reduction for the first time in 14 years. A total of 53 percent of the respondents said that a basket of environmental factors such as
Honda Releases Position Statement on Aftermarket Parts for Collision Repairs
TORRANCE, Calif. — American Honda has announced the introduction of a new position statement regarding the use of aftermarket parts for collision repair and parts warranties associated with collision repair of Honda and Acura vehicles. The position statement reads as follows: USE OF AFTERMAKET / ALTERNATIVE PARTS ON HONDA VEHICLES The original body parts used
DENSO Announces Motorsports Sponsorships for 2008
KARIYA, Japan – DENSO has announced its motorsports sponsorship plan for the 2008 season. DENSO will continue to sponsor teams participating in the world’s top motor sports including FIA Formula One World Championship, FIA World Rally and FIM Road Racing World Championship. DENSO will also support Toyota Team SARD and Super GT. "We hope to
From Counterman.com: Maintenance vs. Repair — The Impact on Parts Sourcing
by Gary Goms Knowing what maintenance parts your customers need will make their vehicles safer and more reliable — and your revenue greater. Most people remember the tale of Rip Van Winkle sleeping for 20 years and waking up in an entirely new and unfamiliar world. Today, a jobber can awaken to a completely new