Between the Lines

January 2009 Edition

December 2009 Edition

Website for Aftermarket Scholarships

The Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium Scholarship Committee, Research Triangle Park, NC, recently launched a redesigned website.

"We've made it easier for students to find information on individual scholarships and improved the process for returning users to login on the homepage and finish their applications," said Pete Kornafel, Chairman of the GAAS Scholarship Selection Committee. "These scholarships are available for heavy duty and automotive aftermarket participants."

The website allows students interested in aftermarket careers to submit one application for 2010 scholarships online and receive consideration for scholarships from a variety of different automotive organizations. A complete list of scholarships available can be found online at the application website. Applicants must meet the individual scholarship qualifications to be considered.

More info: www.automotivescholarships.com

Chinese Chess: Six Major Moves in 2009                                                              Bill Wade                                                                                                                  

With the tribulation in vehicle production and components manufacturing roiling the North American markets these past few months, there is a definite temptation to speculate further and on a wider basis than usual. Everyone knows ‘something’s got to give’.

Tough Market Distributor Sales Strategy is Simple-Execute                                 Bill Wade

Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in the annual Service Specialists Association (SSA) annual convention. The leading subject of conversation among both shops and suppliers- what kind of strategy works best in a tough economic market?

Remy President Addresses Five Challenges in HD Market

Remy, Inc. President Jay Pittas addressed five key challenges to today’s heavy duty market at the recent Mid America Truck Show in an address to the Heavy Duty Representatives Association (HDRA) Annual Meeting.

Tactics for a Slow Growth Aftermarket                                                                       Bill Wade

January’s non-recovery from the 2007 heavy-duty parts market flattening may continue to creep along for sometime. The artificial new vehicle sales cycle turmoil caused by EPA engine emission rulings doesn’t help planning.

The Brave New World of Heavy-Duty Reps

Independent heavy-duty manufacturers’ representative agencies are reinventing themselves with a focus on market data and performance metrics. This change has been simply a matter of survival.

The universally negative specter of questionably talented politicians mocking business leaders in endless congressional hearings, while attempting to deflect growing guilt over the current economic situation, has me concerned.