Global Markets Can Help Bridge the Economic Gap
With all the concern over the economy and business belt tightening across the nation, it’s more important than ever to network and look to global market opportunities and international sales strategies. This approach can help bridge the gap during the economic blip our country is experiencing. Echoing those sentiments is Lee Kadrich, VP, government affairs
Carley’s Corner: Good China, Bad China?
A relative of mine recently purchased a Chinese motor scooter to save gas. The 150 cc scooter looks sharp, runs nice (so far) and gets almost 100 mpg. Best of all, it only cost him $1,140. But here’s the catch. It’s a no-name, barebones product. There is no dealer network, no customer service number to
News: SPX Acquires Chinese Diagnostic Tool and Equipment Maker
From aftermarketNews Staff & Wire Reports Shanghai, China — SPX Corp.’s Service Solutions business unit has completed its acquisition of AUTOBOSS Tech Inc., a Shenzhen, China-based manufacturer of diagnostic tools and equipment. “This investment further underscores our commitment to accelerate growth and expand our business in strategic markets, China in particular,” said David Wilson, president
ASA Announces Dates, Location for 2009 Annual Convention
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced the dates and location of its next all-member annual convention. The Caribe Royale All-Suites Hotel and Convention Center in sunny Orlando will be the home base for the event April 30-May 2 ….
AAIA Presents Technology Session at AAPEX
AAPEX attendees will learn how the year 2008 was a tipping point for the adoption of important data and communication standards in the aftermarket. The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) will present an ….
AAIA Announces Expanded Education Program at AAPEX
The suite of education sessions offered by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) at this year’s AAPEX in Las Vegas has been greatly expanded and tailored to aftermarket professionals in all segments of the industry. All sessions will be held in the ….
NASCAR Performance Offers Ultimate Car Make-Over Sweepstakes
While NASCAR fans are watching their favorite NASCAR drivers race to the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, fans are also carefully watching the performance and appearance of their own vehicles. NASCAR Performance, NASCAR’s exclusive Automotive Marketing program, is giving one lucky fan the ultimate vehicle make-over, one which rivals the precision and ….
Management: Is There a Profitability Crisis in the Independent Repair Business?
All year-round, a part of my job is to meet and discuss business conditions with industry experts. These experts cross all lines in the aftermarket, from shop owners to manufacturers, to distributors, to repair technicians. Earlier this year, one of our industry’s top suppliers held its own "business conditions" discussion with more than 500 shop owners, and shared their results with me. Please review this and ….
Telematics: Aftermarket Threat or Opportunity?
There was a time when a "Jetsons"-like future seemed just a fantasy. Today, however, the space-age cartoon isn’t far off the mark, at least when it comes to the automotive industry. We may not be driving around in hovercrafts just yet, but with the latest advances in telematics, it doesn’t seem far-fetched. As it stands now, telematics capabilities allow drivers to ….
Carley’s Corner: Training Is Not a Dirty Word
When some technicians hear the word “training,” it doesn’t interest them in the least. They think it means giving up an evening or a Saturday to sit through a long, boring lecture that may or may not teach them anything new. Maybe they’ve been duped into attending a “training clinic” that turned out to be