NGK Expands West Virginia Manufacturing Facility
SISSONVILLE, W. VA — NGK Spark Plugs Inc. is expanding its operations in Sissonville, WV. The new spark plug producing plant will be constructed beside the existing NGK oxygen sensor plant and distribution center. Based on its positive 12-year history with a dedicated workforce at the Sissonville location and the cooperative efforts of government and
From Counterman.com: Where Have All the Product Reps Gone?
This week, read Counterman columnist Gary Goms’ perspective on the loss of product reps in today’s world. "Like the last of the dinosaurs, a few product reps are occasionally spotted in the steamy, warm climates of trade shows," Goms said. "But rarely are they spotted in an auto repair shop advising the installer how to use a product or how to sell its benefits to the paying customer."
Federal-Mogul Introduces New Print, Online Ad Campaign
SOUTHFIELD, MI — Federal-Mogul Corp. has introduced an extensive new print and online advertising campaign that invites millions of vehicle owners and maintainers to join the celebration of the Champion spark plug brand’s 100th anniversary. The “Always a Champion” campaign, featuring NASCAR Nextel Cup superstar Dale Earnhardt Jr., invites do-it-yourselfers and automotive professionals to experience
Federal-Mogul Celebrates Champion Brand’s 100th Anniversary
Federal-Mogul Corp. is celebrating the Champion brand’s 100th anniversary with a limited-edition pack assortment of Champion Double Platinum Power spark plugs. The special assortment features a commemorative over-pack highlighting Champion milestones of the past century as well as a custom-designed Champion anniversary die-cast racecar. The new Champion 100-year assortment includes 20 Double Platinum Power spark plug 4-packs and commemorative packaging as well as an in-pack 1/64th-scale limited edition racecar. Each assortment also includes a promotional poster and counter card merchandiser to help maximize consumer involvement in the brand’s centennial celebration while driving sales of Champion Double Platinum Power plugs.
From Counterman.com: Time and a Half
One of the hot-button issues in the independent automotive service industry is how to charge for diagnostic time. Currently, the debate is framed by two basic schools of thought. The practitioners of the first school are the shop managers who regard “free diagnostic code reads” as a marketing expense needed to lure potential customers into their doors. The practitioners of the second school are “hard-line” shop managers who believe that diagnostic time should yield profits commensurate with the tooling and training expense needed to diagnose complex powertrain and body control systems.
Honeywell CPG Unveils New Online Catalog and CD
Counterstaff, technicians and do-it-yourselfers have access to a plethora of product and repair information by logging on to the FRAM, Bendix and Autolite brand websites. Not only are there repair videos and the latest news from the brands, but now the sites feature Honeywell Consumer Products Group’s recently enhanced I-Parts online catalog. Users can simply log on to www.bendixbrakes.com, www.autolite.com or www.fram.com and click on the “Parts Catalog” or “IParts” icon. The site’s data, which is updated monthly, will list part information for passenger cars and light-duty trucks from model year 1936-2007.
University of the Aftermarket Now Accepting Applications for 2007-08 Leadership 2.0 Experience
MIDLAND, MI — The University of the Aftermarket has opened registration for the 2007-08 class of Leadership 2.0, an intensive executive development program to develop the next generation of visionary executives who will help drive the industry to new heights. The inaugural Leadership 2.0 experience (2006-07) was sold out, so aftermarket professionals are encouraged to
The Pulse: How Often Do Techs Get Their First Choice in Brand of Parts
Each week, The Pulse provides insight into the buying, sourcing and brand-loyalty habits of counter professionals and professional technicians. This week, using data from Industrial Marketing Research’s (IMR) recent Installer Survey, we look at the frequency with which techs get to use their first choice of brands when selecting parts for repair jobs.
Honeywell to March into China’s Automobile Aftermarket
Honeywell International Inc., one of the world’s top 500 companies engaging with aerospace, automation and control, performance materials, power and transportation systems, will bring its automotive maintenance and components businesses to China. The company will introduce products such as spark plugs, brake pads, all-purpose antifreeze and oil filters into China to grab the emerging but high-profit market.
Federal-Mogul to Seek Court OK: Hearing Today is on Firm’s Bankruptcy Exit Plan
After spending nearly six years in bankruptcy protection to settle hundreds of thousands of asbestos lawsuits, Federal-Mogul Corp. is due in a Delaware court Monday for the last major hearing in its bankruptcy case. The Southfield, MI-based auto-parts maker will ask U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Judith Fitzgerald to approve its reorganization plan, putting the company on the path to exit bankruptcy.