Autogem Relocates
Autogem, the workshop consumables and exhaust fittings specialist, has completed its warehouse re-location to Park Royal, London. The company retains its telesales and administrative team in a new office in Leeds.
Autogem, the workshop consumables and exhaust fittings specialist, has completed its warehouse re-location to Park Royal, London. The company retains its telesales and administrative team in a new office in Leeds.
The Maha LPS 3000 has now got a new operating system using MS Windows XP. An E.O.B.D connection is available for real time results, plots emission curves against power, carrying out driving trials, constant load or constant speed tests for engine mapping and to simulate a full road test.
(Akron/Tire Review) Paul Foley resigned as executive director of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), part of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). Foley left MEMA to become executive director of the Golf Course Builders Association of America, effective 2 January 2006.
Beru AG (Ludwigsburg/Germany) has sold its Mexican subsidiary Beru S.A. de C.V. to Mexican corporations General Cable Holdings Mexico, S.A. de C.V., Mexico and General Cable de Latinoamérica, S.A. de C.V., both having their principal place of business in Tetla (Tlaxcala/Mexico). At the same time, the automotive supplier and tyre pressure monitoring producer has announced that it will establish a new subsidiary to operate under the name of Beru Mexico S.A. de C.V. This new company will take over the production of spark plugs as well as OEM, OES and aftermarket sales of Beru and OMZ brand products in the NAFTA region. Beru’s main customers in the NAFTA region include General Motors and the Volkswagen Group.
Bridgestone has launched what the company calls its “most technologically advanced general use tyre to date.” The new tyre will replace the original equipment B391 and B390 tyres, and the B330 Evo, which is sold purely in the replacement market. The move is designed to simplify the company’s range of general use tyres, increase brand recognition, and make the ordering process easier for dealers, the company said in a statement.
The Aftermarket Show, which runs from 12 – 15 January at Birmingham NEC, has announced a seminar programme that will focus on important aftermarket and tyre industry issues. The show organisers, Haymarket Exhibitions, are teaming up with one of the show sponsors the Tyre Industry Council (TIC) to stage a seminar programme that will take place within the exhibition hall itself, which, it is hoped, will encourage increased visitor attendance and support from exhibitors.
Varta has warned that recent mild winters could lead to an air of complacency in the trade and that severe weather conditions could have a marked effect on aftermarket battery stocks.
The warning comes as the Meteorological Office is predicting the coldest UK winter for at least a decade and Varta’s managing director Paul Matarewicz believes that many independent and franchised workshops may not have sufficient stocks to meet increased demand, saying: “Even though improved battery technology and a succession of mild winters have had the effect of lessening peaks and troughs in battery sales across the year, there can be no doubt that the return of a hard winter would lead to a substantial surge in battery failure, especially in older cars.”
January’s Aftermarket Show will “depict all the key sectors of the UK aftermarket,” say organisers, with exhibitors present from each target area.
More than 50 exhibitors will service the event’s chosen visitor categories including: Accessory retailers, motor factors, distributors, independent garages, fast-fits, body shops and franchises. In addition to repeat exhibitors from previous years, The Aftermarket Show has attracted new companies, from each sector of the aftermarket industry.
MAHA has signed up for next year’s Aftermarket Show. The event, which runs from January 12 to 15 2006 at Birmingham NEC, has grown “rapidly” in recent months, according to organisers.
On display at the MAHA stand will be the LPS 3000 High Power Dynamometer Roller Set and Display Console. The company will be demonstrating the product’s capabilities through pre-recorded results of actual tests. With the roller set on the stand, MAHA will also show the workings of the hardware.
(Akron/Tire Review) Siemens VDO’s Service & Special Solutions group has developed a new aftermarket program for TPMS replacement and service parts. The program helps technicians service vehicles equipped with TPMSs made by Siemens VDO, the company said.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has announced that its premium auto tyre, the Assurance featuring ComforTred Technology, has been chosen as original equipment for its 2006 Chrysler 300C, Dodge Magnum R/T and Dodge Charger R/T models. Goodyear’s supply of ComforTred tyres for these high-image cars represents the first original equipment position for the tyre line, regarded as the most successful new product launch in the company’s history.
TCD will be unveiling its new Bluetooth diagnostic kit at January’s Aftermarket Show.
The device links a Panasonic Tough-Book laptop via Bluetooth connection to Bosch’s KTS 520 diagnostic kit. Coding ensures that no other Bluetooth devices can interfere despite the 100 metre wireless operating range.
SmarTire Systems Inc has published its results for the financial year ended 31 July 2005. The company reported revenue of $1.46 million compared to $1.66 million in 2004. Net loss for the year totalled $14.3 million compared with losses of $11 million in 2004.
Delphi’s service and aftermarket training centre has been selected by one of the UK’s leading vehicle repair networks, Nationwide Autocentres (NWAC), to train young apprentices aged between 16 and 24 attending its new technician accreditation programmes.
Each course lasts three years and, over this period, the first pilot group of 53 students from 120 NWAC in the Midlands will receive a total of 18 weeks hands-on training. In addition to becoming familiar with diagnostic techniques, Delphi has designed a bespoke outward bounds programme to encourage team building, trust and leadership skills which are seen as equally important to overall personal development.
(Akron/Tire Review) Delphi Corp. appointed Brian Altenberger as global director of marketing for its Delphi Product & Service Solutions unit. Altenberger replaces Lucia Moretti who was recently named managing director for Delphi’s Aftermarket operations in Europe, Middle East and Africa. In his new role, Altenberger will be responsible for global marketing for Delphi’s aftermarket product lines, distribution strategy and business planning.
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