Advanstar Auto

Technical Support Systems Strengthen Our Industrys Communication

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:24:00 -0700

Jack Creamer, president of Distribution Marketing Services, says the industry's communication system is strong and continues to grow because of technical support systems.

E-Communications Increases Efficiency and Global Collaboration

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:52:00 -0700

Garth Cole, director of Global Product Marketing, Johnson Controls, says the company has adapted to electronic communications, fully embracing and utilizing all forms of e-communications to share information and data with employees all around the globe. This eliminates a lot of trips, Cole adds, and allows employees to be more collaborative and efficient.

Techs Must Differentiate Between Quality Parts and Sub-Standard Parts

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:15:00 -0700

Denny Welvaert, president, N.A. Aftermarket Division, Mark IV Automotive, says suppliers and distributors must help techs understand the difference between quality and sub-standard parts.

Temot International Stays in Touch with Global Economy

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:24:00 -0700

Fotios Katsardis, CEO, Temot International, says the global economy is the focus for Temot as the company explores opportunities worldwide. Katsardis is particularly interested in identifying synergistic relationships to improve overall efficiencies.

Change Focus Vital for Industry Going Forward

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:40:00 -0700

Lisa Kranc, senior vice president of marketing, AutoZone, talks about the value of change and focus in the marketplace with regard to a recent AAIA strategic initiative.

Growth is Evident in China Aftermarket

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:36:00 -0700

According to Steve Ganster, senior VP of Technomic Asia, the most recent development in China's aftermarket is growth, as the car parc is increasing.

The Automotive Industry Needs to Become Environmentally Sustainable for Changes to Occur

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Fri, 6 Jun 2008 10:35:00 -0700

Don James, marketing director for Continental, says companies must find a way to build sustainable environmental solutions going forward, and not just label products as "green" to appease the marketplace. A true commitment to environmental initiatives is key for the auto industry going forward.

Mark Seng Talks About the Polk Inventory Efficiency Awards

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Thu, 5 Jun 2008 12:34:00 -0700

Mark Seng, vice president aftermarket and commercial vehicle, R.L. Polk & Co., discusses the origin of the company's inventory efficiency awards, which grew from the industry-wide problem of excess inventory. The awards developed four years ago to, among other things, recognize companies who have implemented best practices related to inventory management.

Gas Prices Affect the Industrys Annual Growth and Market Adjustments

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Wed, 4 Jun 2008 17:28:00 -0700

Rollie Olson, CEO, Parts Depot, has bullish expectations going forward as vehicles age. Consumers will get used to dealing with higher gas prices over the long term and the industry will get back to its annual growth of 2 percent or 3 percent in the not too distant future.

Tom Marx Views Growth in the Digital and Online Communications

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Wed, 4 Jun 2008 09:59:00 -0700

Advertising and marketing budgets typically are impacted at the middle of the year, but Tom Marx, president and CEO of the Marx Group, says he has seen the opposite. Marx, when interviewed at this year's Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) in Chicago, says he has been able to convince his clients that spending money on marketing during a down economy can increase market share. He especially sees growth in digital and online communications. Digital communications is much less expensive and more "targetable," he adds.

What Companies Can Do to Control the Constant Rising Gas Prices

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Fri, 30 May 2008 10:48:00 -0700

Tony Cristello, Senior V.P., BB&T Capital Markets, says rising gas prices may be a constant, not a trend. Business owners need to embrace this reality and make adjustments such as tighter controls on building and vehicle heating and cooling and better monitoring of idling trucks, etc., to offset the costs.

Manufacturing Sector Thrives While Consumers Suffer in a Weak Economy

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Thu, 29 May 2008 11:56:00 -0700

Bill Strauss, senior economist/economic advisor of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, says we are skirting a recession during times of a sluggish economy in the US. Areas such as the manufacturing sector and energy related businesses are thriving, while consumer sectors are very weak.

Gas Prices are Relative - Not as Big an Issue - as Thought by Consumers

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Wed, 28 May 2008 15:57:00 -0700

David Carracci, GAAS chairman, discusses the need to educate consumers about preventive maintenance. Regularly scheduled tune ups, oil changes, etc. will help offset the concern over rising fuel prices - which he says are not as high as they seem in relative comparison to the economy.

Consumers Can Benefit From a Better Understanding of Independent Repair: better fuel economy and better savings

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Fri, 23 May 2008 10:22:00 -0700

Ron Pyle, president, Automotive Service Association, sees a need for improving communication to consumers and helping them understand the value of independent repair shops and why there are often better solutions than to take it back to the dealer. At the moment some of the messages are leading to confusion for the general public, says Pyle. Aftermarket manufacturers need to do a better job of communicating their value to consumers.

Some Automotive Aftermarket Retailers Expect Tough Economic Times Ahead

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Thu, 22 May 2008 12:15:00 -0700

Joe Catalano, COO Autobacs Strauss, in the automotive environment, talks about the need for passage of Right to Repair legislation in order to keep vehicle information flowing to the independent repair bays. He expects a tough economic year ahead, and says solutions that help people save money and gas are vital for survival.

Emerging Asian Markets Will Affect US Automotive Landscape

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:12:00 -0700

Neil De Koker, president and CEO of OESA, expects to see tremendous shifts in how and where cars are manufactured as emerging markets develop in Asia and other continents.

Consumers Ultimate Auto Repair Fear: Getting Ripped Off in the Repair Bays

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Fri, 16 May 2008 12:05:00 -0700

Rob Gross with Monro Muffler Brake says customers surveyed by his company are overwhelmingly afraid of one thing – getting ripped off at the service repair bays. His company, therefore, focuses on strong relationships with consumers and making them feel at ease in his shops.

Auto Repair Shops Face Changes Ahead in Technology, Training and Tooling

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:12:00 -0700

George Witt, owner of George Witt Service, sees huge changes taking place in the automotive industry, especially as they pertain to technology, training and tooling. Those who harness the technology will separate themselves from the others, he adds.

Reaching Out to Troubled Youth - ASA Champions Auto Repair Education Program For At-Risk Teens

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Wed, 14 May 2008 12:22:00 -0700

Terry Legan, president of non-profit group Auto Mission, was on-hand at the 2008 Automotive Service Association's (ASA) annual convention to explain the group's mission. The non-profit helps reach out to at-risk teenage boys within the Texas prison and court system to help teach them auto-related skills and better their lives. One particular young man is now an engineering student at college and working at AutoZone, says Legan, who adds more than 300 cars have been donated since the group's inception, some which have been passed on to people of need.

Standard Motor Products: Auto Repair Eating the Cost of Installer

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Fri, 9 May 2008 15:36:00 -0700

Larry Sills with Standard Motor Products has seen warranty returns increase as a result of vehicle complexity. He estimates more than 50 percent of those returns are the result of installer error. How does the industry deal with that? Most of the time the suppliers eat the cost.

Oil Prices Compel Lubricant Manufacturers to Seek Alternatives

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Thu, 8 May 2008 13:03:00 -0700

Prices of raw materials like elastomers and polymers, based on the price of oil, have shot up dramatically, says Lyle Otremba, from Cooper-Standard Automotive. This, he adds, has forced the company to consider alternative raw materials. Otremba spoke at the recent Global Automotive Conference in Lexington, Ky.

Plasma Cutting Tools: What to Know Before You Buy

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Tue, 6 May 2008 11:15:00 -0700

Bob Fernicola, Business Manager of Plasma Cutting Equipment for ESAB, explains that most shops will need a 30-40 amp plasma cutter for most of their needs. A machine this size offers convenience and can easily handle the 1/4-inch thick steel shops typically see.

Odyssey Batteries - Technical Breakthroughs and Superior Performance

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Fri, 2 May 2008 10:03:00 -0700

Bruce Essig explains the technology built into each Odyssey Battery and how this technology gives the power and packaging needed for modern specialty vehicles. Go to http://www.odysseyfactory.com to learn more about Odyssey Batteries.

HD-Wheels New Product Innovations

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:36:00 -0700

Henry Gaudens presents an overview of the HD Wheels lineup, covering every category in the aftermarket with aluminum alloy wheels: Tuner, Truck/SUV and Lifted Trucks. Go to http://www.hd-inc.com to learn more about HD Wheels.

SSBC Brakes - Superior Brakes Performance from Daily Drivers On Up

peterm@dgcoinc.com (Advanstar Automotive Group News Network) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:51:00 -0700

Michael Jonas discusses the features and benefits of SSBCs many product lines of disc brake kits, including its new Force 10 aluminum calipers, boosters and master cylinders, and the all new Big Bite Cross Drilled Rotor program. Go to http://www.ssbrakes.com to learn more about SSBC and its products.