Quick Hits …
(A few short items to get us started this week)
• Pro Reps Sales Inc. has announced an exclusive sales representation partnership with Anchor Industries. The agency will rep Anchor’s complete line in Georgia, Florida, Mississippi and Alabama.
• The National Pronto Association presented its Pronto Partnership Award to DuraGo during the Automotive Parts Services Group virtual national conference and expo. The award recognizes members, suppliers and people for their dedication and commitment to Pronto and its membership.
• The Automotive Distribution Network reports that more than 250 participants representing 37 shareholders and 26 supplier companies took part in its virtual fall shareholder meeting Aug. 31 to Sept. 1. The meeting included a tradeshow-style event with more than 200 virtual one-on-one meetings between shareholders and suppliers.
• Registration is now open for the Virtual AAPEX Experience, where, at no cost, automotive service and repair professionals can sharpen their skills with technical and management training, watch new product and equipment demonstrations, and conduct business with exhibitors during pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings. The event will take place Nov. 3-5. Attendees can begin setting up business meetings with exhibitors starting in early October.
• Attendee registration for the 2020 PRI Show is now open. Because of the coronavirus pandemic and related health and safety guidelines, there will be a limited number of attendee badges allocated. This will limit the overall capacity of the show. PRI is scheduled for Dec. 10-12 in Indianapolis.
Manufacturer Showcase Applications Now Being Accepted For SEMA360
Manufacturers of automotive specialty equipment may now submit applications to participate in SEMA360, a virtual, trade-only online marketplace taking place Nov. 2-6. The event replaces the traditional, in-person 2020 SEMA Show, which has been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
SEMA360 is designed to connect manufacturers with qualified worldwide resellers and members of the media.
With the SEMA360 platform, manufacturers can create custom showcases to promote their companies and products. Customer service reps are assigned to assist with logistical and technical aspects, according to SEMA. Manufacturer showcase pages cost $495 for SEMA members and $1,495 for nonmembers.
In addition to manufacturer showcase pages, SEMA360 includes dedicated areas for new products, project vehicles, seminars and private forums.
Registration for buyers and media members will be available mid-September. For additional details, visit sema360.com.
68% Of Shops Expect To Increase Their Purchase Of Private-Label Parts
Independent repair shops have increased their purchase of private-label and store-brand parts since 2018, according to a new report from IMR Inc.
In 2018, 33.4% of shops surveyed by the research firm indicated that they had increased their purchase of private-label parts over the past two years. Now, 65.8% of respondents said that they have increased their purchases of these parts. And according to IMR, 68.0% of the shops surveyed expect to increase their purchase of private-label parts over the next year.
A little more than 45% of the shops’ parts purchases were private-label parts in IMR’s most recent survey.
The primary reason for increasing the purchase of these parts, as expressed by 33.9% of respondents, was “customers trying to save money due to pandemic uncertainty.”
Kevin Judge Of NTN Inducted Into Federated Vendor Hall Of Fame
Federated Auto Parts has inducted Kevin Judge of NTN Bearing Corp. of America into its vendor hall of fame. The award recognizes people who demonstrate dedication to excellence, as well as helping to make a difference for Federated and its members.
A 40-plus-year veteran of the automotive aftermarket, Judge is the vice president of sales and marketing for the automotive aftermarket at NTN. He has been with the company since 2015.
Prior to NTN, Judge held a variety of leadership roles with Monroe/Tenneco Automotive, Brake Parts Inc./Echlin/Dana, Brenton Productions and Fras-le Brakes. He is a 1971 graduate of Northwood University.
“Kevin has worked with Federated almost from the start. His insight and expertise have been very helpful to our members, and he has been a valued partner throughout the years,” said Federated Chairman Bo Fisher. “Kevin can always be counted on to provide counsel and support, an example of what this award is all about.”
University Of The Aftermarket Foundation Sets Scholarship Record
The University of the Aftermarket Foundation has awarded a record $644,500 (461 scholarships) to students throughout the United States. A list of recipients can be found here.
Recipients will be attending two-year or four-year colleges or universities or accredited automotive vocational programs during the 2020-21 academic year. The vast majority are studying to become mechanical, collision or heavy-duty repair professionals, or are pursuing business or engineering degrees that will lead to a career in the automotive aftermarket.
“This new milestone shows how dedicated our industry is to helping the next generation of aftermarket professionals advance their education,” said Bob Egan, chairman of the foundation. “We can’t thank our donors enough for their generosity. Their commitment to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation helps ensure that our industry remains vibrant and strong for many more years to come.”
Women In Auto Care Awards Over $100,000 In Scholarships, Tools
Women in Auto Care is awarding more than $100,000 in scholarship funding and starter tool sets this year. Scholarships will go to 40 female students across the United States who want to begin careers in the auto care industry. Click here to find a list of recipients.
This marks the third year in a row in which more than $100,000 in funds have been awarded. Women in Auto Care has given out over $560,000 in scholarships since 2004.
Autopart International’s Kinney Named Industry Chair At Northwood University
Northwood University on Aug. 31 formally announced Michael Kinney as its automotive industry chair. This marks the university’s first such appointment, which allows the chair, Kinney, to remain employed in the industry.
His primary responsibilities at Northwood include leading the academic content and quality of the automotive aftermarket management program, as well as working to promote and grow all Northwood’s automotive-related programs.
Kinney, a Northwood alumnus, is director of the global sales division of Autopart International. He has been an adjunct professor at the university. “I’m truly inspired by the Northwood students I’ve met. They love the aftermarket as much as I do,” Kinney said. “I look forward to helping Northwood strengthen the aftermarket program through our amazing alumni network and deep industry connections.”
“At the 1988 AAPEX show, I was introduced to the legendary aftermarket professor John Castle,” he added. “He recruited me to the university and changed my life by introducing me to the ‘Northwood Idea.’ I’ll do my best to live up to what he, Dr. Stauffer, Dr. Turner and so many other great educators have meant to this university and to the aftermarket program.”
Kinney attended Northwood’s Midland, MI campus from 1988-‘93 and was an active member of the automotive aftermarket fraternity, Alpha Rho Mu, and the university’s lacrosse team before starting his aftermarket career with the Echlin Manufacturing Company. Over the years, he has been a key account manager for Rubber Queen Floor Mats, vice president of sales and marketing for Electra Accessories and Jerrico Industries, and director of heavy-duty distribution for Noregon Systems.
“I would like to thank Northwood’s leadership for this incredible appointment that allows me to give back to my university and industry. Northwood has afforded me so many opportunities over my career, and I am extremely honored to be in a position to help the university’s aftermarket program,” Kinney said. “I also want to thank Autopart International Senior Vice President Rich Jolivet, who has allowed me to thrive and grow in my current role, but who has also encouraged me to give back to the future leaders of the aftermarket.”
The half-time position does not require a teaching load but allows the industry chair to teach as an adjunct. Kinney will teach two classes this fall in addition to his chair responsibilities.
Kinney and his wife, Julie, reside in Midland with their three children, Cole, Alexandra and Cooper.
Joe Sotolongo Joins Skyward Automotive Products
Skyward Automotive Products/SKP has appointed Joe Sotolongo as senior director of product management and business development. Sotolongo has worked for major domestic and global manufacturers, including Renard Mfg., WAI, Auto 7, Interamericana – VW and Stant Corp.
“Joe brings a strong background in product development with over 30 years of Asian supply chain management,” said President Jim Murphey. “Joe has a unique ability to build brands that match customer needs, and it is this ability that makes him uniquely positioned to continue the expansion of the SKP brand.”
Gabriel Adds National Sales Director – Traditional Aftermarket
Paul Oleandi Jr. is now national sales director – traditional aftermarket for Gabriel Ride Control LLC, responsible for growing the business through traditional, independent WD, and national chain and independent repair centers.
Oleandi has spent the last five years with Brake Parts Inc. (BPI) in various roles, most recently as senior director of strategic accounts. Prior to BPI, he was vice president of sales and marketing for Dezod Motorsports.
Schaeffler Americas Appoints Director For Automotive Aftermarket Marketing
Anna Heinendirk is now director of marketing, strategy and business development for Schaeffler Americas’ automotive aftermarket division. Heinendirk joined Schaeffler in 2016, primarily supporting strategy development and corporate alignment for the newly established business division.
In her new role, Heinendirk leads all marketing activities for the automotive aftermarket in the Americas region. She also oversees all customer programs and digital marketing initiatives pertaining to the development of the company’s REPXPERT portal, which is designed to assist technicians in everyday repair and diagnostics.
Fortive Intends To Proceed With Vontier Spinoff
Fortive Corp. (Everett, WA) on Sept. 1 announced plans to separate Vontier Corp. via a spinoff of 80.1% of the outstanding shares of Vontier common stock to Fortive shareholders.
When completed, the transaction will result in two independent, publicly traded companies: Vontier and Fortive. Vontier will focus on the transportation and mobility markets, and will be comprised mainly of Matco, Gilbarco Veeder-Root and Teletrac Navman.
Fortive intends to distribute 80.1% of the outstanding shares of Vontier to Fortive shareholders on a pro-rata basis in a distribution intended to be tax-free to Fortive. After the spinoff, Fortive plans to divest its 19.9% retained shares in Vontier “in a tax-efficient manner.” Details on the transaction can be found here.
The spinoff is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2020, subject to final approval from Fortive’s board of directors, as well as market, regulatory and other customary conditions.
Myers Industries Adds Dow Vets To Oversee Selling, Procurement, M&A Integration
Akron, OH-based Myers Industries, a manufacturer of polymer products and parent company to Myers Tire Supply, has added three Dow Chemical Company veterans to its leadership team.
In an announcement dated Sept. 1, Myers Industries President and CEO Mike McGaugh — who is a 24-year Dow Chemical veteran — said the new executives will strengthen Myers’ selling, procurement and acquisition integration.
Jim Gurnee joins Myers as vice president of sales and commercial excellence. Gurnee is tasked with developing the company’s sales, marketing and innovation capabilities. He spent 37 years with Dow in multiple sales and marketing roles, most recently as global innovation discipline director, responsible for implementing and leading innovation best practices and processes.
Dave Basque is now the president of Myers’ Buckhorn division as well as Myers’ vice president of integration. (Buckhorn manufactures reusable storage products, including intermediate bulk containers, handheld containers and pallets). In addition to overseeing Buckhorn’s business operations, Basque is responsible for building Myers’ acquisition integration capabilities. He spent more than 35 years with Dow in various commercial and technical leadership roles, most recently as vice president of Dow Global Technologies.
Jeff Baker joins Myers as vice president of procurement. Baker spent nearly 35 years leading procurement teams at Dow, where he was responsible for raw material, logistics and packaging purchasing, predominately supporting the plastics supply chain.
Redline Detection Selected For GM Essential Equipment Program
Redline Detection has designed, engineered and built PowerSmoke equipment for General Motors dealerships to test the integrity of turbo-boosted high-pressure systems in one procedure. Redline’s technology has been designed essential, meaning that the equipment will be used at roughly 4,550 GM dealership locations across North America.
Snap-on Business Solutions is administering the essential equipment program. GM dealership locations are scheduled to receive the equipment between now and year’s end.
MBE Group Touts Expertise In Virtual Events, Product Launches And Demos
The Marx Buscemi Eisbrenner Group (MBE Group), a marketing communications agency based in Bloomfield Hills, MI, has launched a virtual services program designed to help aftermarket parts manufacturers reach their audiences using an immersive online experience.
“As every event in the auto care industry has been cancelled or gone virtual, companies need to stay connected to their audiences, maintain relationships and find ways to grow,” explained Frank Buscemi, CEO and chief creative officer. “While some virtual events may give suppliers a way to network, we wanted to take it a step further by giving them tools to engage with their customers, prospective customers and the media, at any time, in an impactful way. There’s no need to wait for an event to happen in order to announce news or launch a new product.”
The MBE Group offers four services …
• Virtual media events, including news conferences, media roundtables and corporate updates.
• Custom digital tools to help a company tell its story to customers and prospects.
• Virtual corporate events, such as employee and sales meetings.
• Virtual product launches and demonstrations.
The services allow suppliers to control the timing of their engagement — at a lower cost than an in-person event, according to the agency — while extending the lifespan of their engagement by packaging it digitally. Click here for additional information.
Auto Care Association Expands TrendLens Product Group Coverage
The Auto Care Association has announced a Version 2.0 update to its TrendLens interactive data platform. This includes an expansion of its Demand Index tool by 26 new or revamped product groups, including air filters, brake pads, brake rotors, control arms, hub bearings, intake and exhaust manifolds, shocks, struts and wheel bearings, to name a few.
Demand Index tracks unit-level point-of-sales transaction data for various product groups. The 2.0 update gives users access to both entirely new product groups as well as more specific product groups.
Additionally, TrendLens users can now cross-analyze all of the platform’s data — including economic and industry indicators like vehicle miles driven or consumer sentiment — with any available product groups in the Demand Index.
“With the new fitted double y-axis feature in TrendLens, you can now compare datasets with different scales, like vehicle miles driven versus gasoline prices,” said Daniel Zenko, director of data innovation for the association. “Users can now see all their TrendLens data within the ‘Trends Comparison’ and ‘Indexed Comparison’ sections of the TrendLens Economic & Industry Indicators, transforming TrendLens into each user’s very own aftermarket insight sandbox.”
With these updates, the association is rolling out new subscription packages. The “Product” package is geared toward manufacturers producing a limited scope of products. It gives these businesses access to two Demand Index product groups. The “Product Plus” package is tailored to manufacturers that produce a larger scope of products and includes four Demand Index product groups. For more information, visit autocare.org/trendlens.
Auto Tech New-Entrant Demand Up; Postsecondary Completions Down
The TechForce Foundation has released its 2020 Technician Supply & Demand Report indicating that there were 770,100 auto technicians employed in the United States in 2018, according to the Bureau Of Labor Statistics (BLS). By 2028, BLS expects that number to decrease 0.8% to 763,600, an indication that demand is leveling off.
The foundation contends that the “catch-up demand” the industry has been experiencing since the Great Recession of 2008 has been filled and demand is now back on a more even keel.
Current automotive technician new-entrant demand is higher than previously forecasted, which the foundation attributed to a stronger-than-expected economy over the past year. As in the past, the majority of new-entrant demand has been created by the retirement of Baby Boomers in addition to turnover, according to the study.
Postsecondary auto tech completions declined from 37,413 in 2017 to 36,742 in 2018, extending a downward trend that began in 2012. According to the foundation, that there are no reliable numbers regarding high school shop programs, which also provide a source of new-entrant technicians, or for those who come off the street with no formal technical education.
The study concludes that supply is “woefully short” in meeting the needs of the industry. According to the foundation, the following moves are needed both in the near-term and the long-term …
• Focus as an industry on increasing awareness of the career opportunities that exist for new-entrant technicians.
• Turn that awareness into interest.
• Turn that interest into enrollments in high school and postsecondary training programs.
• Engage with schools to bring their students into mentorships and apprenticeships to bridge the gap between education and industry.
• Turn mentorships and apprenticeships into employees.
• Retain these employees through competitive pay, good benefits and a company culture focused on caring for its employees.
Leeds West Hires General Counsel, Real Estate Portfolio Manager
Leeds West Groups (LWG) has added Lance Goeddel as its senior vice president of legal compliance and general counsel. Goeddel oversees the growth and implementation of compliance programs designed to identify and mitigate legal and regulatory risk. He also manages the company’s real estate and lease portfolios, alongside future acquisition legal matters.
Goeddel was the general counsel and real estate portfolio head for Full Speed Automotive (Grease Monkey International, Havoline Express Lube and SpeeDee Oil).
Colorado-based LWG owns and manages a portfolio of roughly 105 franchised auto repair shops (Midas, Big O Tires and SpeeDee Oil) across 18 states.
PartsTech Tires Integrates With Omnique, Shop Boss
PartsTech’s new tire-ordering feature, powered by TireConnect, is now fully integrated with Shop Boss and Omnique, giving users the ability to search for tire fitment and availability information by VIN with several national and regional distributors. Additionally, users can shop for parts and tires together from one interface accessible directly within the shop management software. PartsTech Tires also provides live pricing and inventory updates, along with support from PartsTech and Shop Boss/Omnique.
A New Owner Coming For Epicor
Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) — a private investment firm with offices in New York and London — has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Epicor Software Corp. from the global investment firm KKR. The transaction is valued at $4.70 billion.
“We welcome this new partnership with CD&R, which shares our vision for growing the company, and I thank KKR for a highly successful partnership these past few years,” Epicor CEO Steve Murphy said in an announcement dated Aug. 31. “We are excited to work with CD&R to increase investment in our market-leading product portfolio and to enhance our ability to support an ever-increasing range of customer needs.”
CD&R Operating Partner Jeff Hawn stated: “We look forward to partnering with the Epicor management team to further expand Epicor’s product portfolio as well as make strategic acquisitions to meet customers’ evolving digital transformation needs.”
Hawn will serve as chairman of the Epicor board upon close of the transaction, which is expected later this year. He has more than 20 years of experience across a variety of senior executive roles in software and technology-related businesses, including time as the chairman and CEO of Quest Software, Vertafore and Attachmate.
UBS Investment Bank was the financial adviser and Debevoise & Plimpton was the legal adviser to CD&R. Barclays was the lead financial adviser, BofA Securities and Jefferies LLC were financial advisers, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett was the legal adviser to KKR and Epicor.
Toyota Expanding Tech Training Program
In September, Toyota Motor North America’s Technician Training & Education Network (T-TEN) program will launch its Technical Education College Support Elite (TECS) initiative, which will expand its reach by eight U.S. locations, giving Toyota a total of 44 sites.
The TECS program designates Advanced Automotive Technology programs at certain locations as certified training centers for Toyota and Lexus vehicles. The eight new locations are …
• Andrada Polytechnic High School in Tucson, AZ.
• Cherry Creek Innovation Center in Centennial, CO.
• Collin College Technical Campus in Allen, TX.
• Contra Costa College in San Ramon, CA.
• Fresno City College in Fresno, CA.
• Hartnell College in Salinas, CA.
• Lincoln College of Technology in Columbia, MD.
• Vehicles for Change in Baltimore.
T-TEN technician training is available with different programs, degrees and certificate options. The typical program length is two years. Once participants complete the program, they have the ability to apply for open tech positions at Toyota or Lexus dealerships or at any automotive service operation, including independent repair shops.
Since its inception in 1986, the T-TEN program has graduated nearly 12,000 students.
UTI Hires Senior VP For Marketing, Recruitment
Bart Fesperman has joined Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in the newly created role of senior vice president and chief commercial officer. Reporting to CEO Jerome Grant, Fesperman is responsible for UTI’s marketing and student recruitment functions, as well as student engagement from lead generation through graduation.
Fesperman brings more than 20 years of marketing and sales leadership experience to the role. He was chief commercial officer for I.C.E. Enterprises, responsible for leading and executing key growth strategies in addition to the company’s marketing and sales programs. Prior to that, Fesperman was executive vice president of sales and marketing for DirectBuy Inc.
Spiffy Expands Fleet Management Program To New Markets
Get Spiffy Inc. (Research Triangle Park, NC) — an on-demand car care, technology and services company — has announced its expansion into six new markets. This brings the company’s Fleet Management as a Service model to Baltimore; Dover, DE; Palm Springs, CA; San Diego; St. Louis; and Tucson AZ, providing a one-vendor program that covers in-fleeting, preventative maintenance and de-fleeting for each client.
Spiffy’s fleet initiative launched with rental car companies in June 2019 and has evolved to cover medium- and heavy-duty trucks as well as vehicle disinfection.
RNR Tire Express Now Has 400 Locations Under Contract
The custom tire and wheel franchise RNR Tire Express opened seven new locations over the first half of 2020 and expects to open more than 10 additional shops before year’s end.
Additionally, the company has signed agreements for nearly 50 new locations across the United States, including 29 in Ohio, seven in Kentucky and five in Colorado.
This gives RNR roughly 400 shops under contract as of Sept. 1.
The company is seeking both single-unit and multi-unit franchise owners, noting that it has room for growth in markets across the United States, including Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The initial franchise fee is $35,000, with a total single-unit investment ranging between $500,000 and $700,000.
Service King Collision Selects CCC For Parts E-Commerce
Following an initial pilot program, Service King Collision has named CCC Information Services as its parts e-commerce provider. This systemwide transition to CCC One repair management technology and CCC Parts network equips Service King shops to select vendors and order parts electronically from inside the CCC work file with real-time information on vendors, cost-effectiveness and availability. Additionally, they get access to various customer enhancement tools, including online photo estimates, shop scheduling and remote payments.
Service King operates more than 300 shops across 24 states and the District of Columbia.
Proposed Honda, GM Alliance Would Include OnStar, HondaLink Technology
General Motors and Honda have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding regarding a North American automotive alliance. The scope of the proposed partnership includes a range of vehicles to be sold under each company’s distinct brands in addition to cooperation in purchasing, research and development, and connected services, such as OnStar and HondaLink.
Under the proposed alliance, Honda and GM will collaborate on a variety of segments in North America, intending to share common vehicle platforms, including both electrified and internal combustion propulsion systems that align with the vehicle platforms. Co-development planning discussions are to begin immediately with engineering work beginning in early 2021.
GM and Honda also plan to share R&D and engineering costs for select future co-developed vehicle and propulsion platforms, as well as collaborate on joint purchasing activities. The proposed purchasing pact would focus on the joint sourcing of material in addition to logistics and localization strategies.
The announcement builds on an April 2020 agreement to jointly develop two new electric vehicles for Honda based on GM’s flexible global EV platform and using Ultium batteries. Additionally, Honda will incorporate GM’s OnStar safety, security and connected services into the new electric vehicles, integrating them with HondaLink.
Based on that collaboration, GM and Honda plan to explore further co-development for future connected services.
Job Mart: Andy Raye
Atlanta-based senior sales/sales manager seeking a position with an automotive/truck aftermarket manufacturer. Experience in rivets, rivet nuts, thread repair, Huckbolt fasteners, and related hand, pneumatic and battery tooling. I have experience leading sales teams and working with rep agencies on a national scale. Recent customers include big-box aftermarket retailers, mobile jobbers and wholesalers. Success displacing major competitors in these spaces. Education: B.A. and MBA. linkedin.com/in/andyraye/ or andyraye@bellsouth.net.
Job Mart: Ilario Cirillo
A top-performing sales professional with 20+ years of experience in the automotive aftermarket. Results-oriented sales executive driving growth at all levels of distribution. Bachelors degree. Achieved several ASE certifications. Experienced with CRM and the Microsoft suite of products. Excellent communication skills both written and interpersonal. icirillo@charter.net | 920-988-7457 | linkedin.com/in/ilario-cirillo-a522858
Seeking Direct Sales Representative (USA) – Brake / Friction Products
As a leading North America Manufacturer & Brake Product Supplier, we are seeking an experienced individual to become a valuable addition to our growing and expanding team. … (more) … Click here to find out more.
Seeking National Sales Manager – Heavy Duty
Primary responsibilities: Lead nationwide sales team members to achieve sales targets. Communication and team management skills are essential for this position. Should be able to … (more) … Click here to find out more.
Talented Sales Manager to develop product and account strategies to expand distribution within the aftermarket retailers, heavy-duty truck, online retailers, industrial aftermarket, industrial OE, motorcycle aftermarket and marine. … (more) … Click here to find out more.
People Watching 9/8/20
• Gary Mercer of Continental Automotive Systems has been appointed to the CAWA board of directors. Mercer is responsible for sales of aftermarket products manufactured by Continental Corp.’s auto aftermarket division, including sales to the traditional distributor market in 26 western states. Mercer has served on the CAWA manufacturers’ advisory council for many years.
• Mike Eldard, national sales manager – aftermarket at Akebono Brake Corp., has been appointed to the CAWA manufacturers’ advisory council.
• Highline Aftermarket President and CEO Darcy Curran is a finalist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 Southeast award. The program honors business leaders who deliver innovation, growth and prosperity as they build and sustain successful, transformative businesses.
• Superior Industries International has named Tim Trenary as its executive vice president and CFO, effective Sept. 8. Trenary was the executive vice president and CFO of the Commercial Vehicle Group Inc. With this appointment, Troy Ford, who held the role of interim CFO, will resume his position as vice president of corporate finance.
• IHS Markit has hired David Goggins for the newly created role of vice president – automotive strategy and industry insights. He is tasked with helping to shape future strategy, products and services for IHS Markit customers, as well as optimizing current business and strengthening client relationships. Goggins brings 30 years of automotive industry experience, having worked with BMW, Audi, Land Rover, Bentley, Volkswagen and Mini in a variety of leadership roles across Europe, North America and Asia.
• Bridgestone Americas has hired former Harley-Davidson chief information officer (CIO) Taren Rodabaugh as its new CIO. She is responsible for leading the strategy and operations of Bridgestone Americas’ information technology efforts as well as more than 300 employees and contractors across North America and Latin America. Rodabaugh is tasked with developing and executing the company’s future IT architecture in addition to evolving its IT delivery.
• The Tire & Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) has named Carol Hochu as its next president and CEO. Hochu was president and CEO of the Canadian Plastics Industry Association. She will officially join TRAC at the end of September and will work with current President Glenn Maidment during a three-month transitionary period.
News Briefs 9/8/20
• Denso Products & Services Americas has revamped its business-to-business customer portal. A reformatted display offers businesses a customized dashboard of recent orders, invoices, returns and searches; a streamlined system for processing and tracking orders; and sorting functions that allow users to generate invoices, credit memos, reports and spreadsheets suited to their needs. Customers also can use the dashboard to get more details on each item and review past account activity. For more information, visit densoautoparts.com.
• Through Oct. 15, customers at Advance Auto Parts and independently owned Carquest stores across the United States, including Puerto Rico, will be invited to donate $1, $5 or $10 at checkout to support the American Heart Association’s “Life is Why We Give” campaign. This follows Advance extending its support of AHA for three years. To mark the occasion, representatives from Advance rang the New York Stock Exchange opening bell on Sept. 1.
• CRC Industries is again partnering with NAPA Auto Parts to raise money for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF), a not-for-profit organization that supports U.S. military personnel suffering from traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress. In September and October, a portion from sales of CRC products at participating NAPA stores will be donated to IFHF. CRC has allied with NAPA to support IFHF since 2018.
• The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance is running a sweepstakes this fall that will award 15 technicians with trips to the Alliance Takes the Hill Convention this April in Washington, DC. The event will include the opportunity to meet with legislators to advocate for technicians’ right to repair vehicles and consumers’ right to their vehicles’ data. Click here for more information about the contest.
• The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance is awarding $1,000 scholarships to 25 students across North America — Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper employees and children of employees — for the 2020-‘21 academic year. Since The Alliance’s scholarship program launched in 2001, it has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships. Click here to see a list of this year’s recipients.
• CAWA has presented its 2020 automotive high school teachers’ scholarships, the Motorcar Parts of America – Selwyn Joffe awards, to the following teachers in support of their automotive programs: Eric Neubauer of Torrey Pines High School, Vartkes Gary Semerdjian of Santa Ynez High School and Ed Woodworth of Tri Valley Regional Occupational Program at Livermore High School.
• Champion Brands (Clinton, MO), which offers private-label packaging capabilities from 2 oz. containers to rail car quantities, now offers private-label opportunities for wet dual-clutch transmission fluids for aftermarket and OE customers.
• Xtreme Diesel Performance, which has warehouses in Wall Township, NJ and in Las Vegas, now carries the full line of Champion Blue Flame performance diesel engine oil.
• FleetPride Inc. has acquired the assets of Triple K Fleet Services, based in Harrisburg, PA. The business has two other Pennsylvania locations in Carlisle and York. The acquisition gives FleetPride a total of seven branches in the state. All three Triple K locations offer repair and maintenance. Their addition brings the number of FleetPride-owned service centers up to 46.
• Hendrickson USA has completed its acquisition of all assets related to EnPro Industries’ Stemco Motor Wheel brake drum and Crewson brake adjuster brands.
• Worksport Ltd. on Sept. 3 reported that a pending supply agreement with an undisclosed U.S.-based electric truck manufacturer is expected to generate $70 million in revenue for Worksport “in the near- to mid-term.” The deal, which management described as “in active negotiations,” would make Worksport a Tier-1 supply partner. Its TerraVis tonneau cover system with solar power integration, for that truck line, would be exclusively configured and crafted to provide the EV trucks with recharge potential.
Event & Trade Show Briefs 9/8/20
• The Automotive Distribution Network reports that more than 250 participants representing 37 shareholders and 26 supplier companies took part in its virtual fall shareholder meeting Aug. 31 to Sept. 1. The meeting included a tradeshow-style event with more than 200 virtual one-on-one meetings between shareholders and suppliers.
• Registration is now open for the Virtual AAPEX Experience, where, at no cost, automotive service and repair professionals can sharpen their skills with technical and management training, watch new product and equipment demonstrations, and conduct business with exhibitors during pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings. The event will take place Nov. 3-5. Attendees can begin setting up business meetings with exhibitors starting in early October.
• Attendee registration for the 2020 PRI Show is now open. Because of the coronavirus pandemic and related health and safety guidelines, there will be a limited number of attendee badges allocated. This will limit the overall capacity of the show. PRI is scheduled for Dec. 10-12 in Indianapolis.
• Arnold Motor Supply, an Auto Value member of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, hosted an event with U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley in August to discuss the “Your Car. Your Data. Your Choice” initiative.
• AASA and Pricedex Software will host a webinar Wednesday, Sept. 9, on e-tailing that looks how to serve new channels faster and better; how manufacturers took “short cuts” to PIES and ACES; what manufacturers need; and what constitutes “Complete PIM.” Click here for more information on the webinar.
• Anil Khanna, global director of connectivity for Daimler Trucks North America, will address the AASA Technology Conference on trends with telematics fleet management and autonomy. The virtual conference will take place Sept. 28-30. Click here to register.
• AASA has scheduled its Aftermarket IP Forum for Nov. 19-20. The virtual event focuses on efforts to protect competition for leading, legitimate aftermarket suppliers. Click here for additional information.
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