NEWS BRIEFS FOR THE WEEK OF JAN. 25, 2007
NEWS BRIEFS FOR THE WEEK OF JAN. 25, 2007Bosch Training Becomes
ASA Member Benefit BEDFORD, TX (Jan. 16, 2007) - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) announces a new tool in its membership benefits package. Through an agreement with Robert Bosch Corp., ASA members will soon be allowed access to all currently available Bosch training at a preferred rate. ASA members are eligible to obtain Bosch training in both automotive and diesel applications. Members will be able to obtain this training at various locations, including the Bosch facility in Broadview, IL, as well as satellite locations in Daytona Beach, FL, and Whittier, CA. "We're very excited to be working with Bosch to provide ASA members with expanded and affordable training opportunities," says John Scully, AAM, ASA's executive vice president. "In addition to offering several locations in which to obtain training, enrolling in the Bosch courses will also be convenient: Members will be able to enroll online through the ASA Web site, which will provide course details and pricing information." "With the new systems Bosch and other suppliers are introducing in the near future, training and diagnostic capabilities will become even more important and necessary. With our relationship with ASA, we hope to mutually enhance technicians' capabilities," says Al Krenz, Bosch's director of aftermarket service for North America. To learn more about this member benefit, download the ASA Benefits Portfolio at www.asashop.org.(Source: ASA)CCC: Nearly All Vehicles
Need Service or PartsBETHESDA, MD - The Car Care Council (CCC) has underscored a large untapped collection of do-it-yourselfer (DIY) and do-it-for-me (DIFM) sales opportunities in the automotive aftermarket. Vehicle check-up events in April and October 2006 revealed that nearly nine out of 10 vehicles need service or parts. The unsatisfactory condition of vehicles also reinforces the continued need for consumer education about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair, the council notes. An analysis of nearly 1,000 vehicle inspection forms, submitted from event coordinators in 16 states, show that 88 percent of the vehicles checked during National Car Care Month in April and Fall Car Care Month in October needed parts replacement, service or fluids. The top problem areas were motor oil, windshield wipers, air filters, belts and hoses and lights. "Vehicle check-up events are typically the focus of Car Care Aware Fairs sponsored by repair shops, parts stores, distributors in cooperation with local vocational schools, media, civic groups and others," says Rich White, CCC's executive director. "While these events are free to consumers and serve as community-relations builders, most aftermarket businesses who participate experience an increase in sales and customers as a result." When checking lubricants and fluids, the Top 3 failure rates were: low, overfull or dirty motor oil at 30 percent; inadequate washer fluid levels at 28 percent; and low, leaky or dirty coolant at 28 percent. Transmission, brake, power steering and clutch fluids were also checked - and had failure rates of 26 percent and below. Approximately 15 percent of vehicles had front windshield wiper failures, and 9 percent needed service to rear wipers, the CCC reports. At least one belt was reported as unsatisfactory in 22 percent of the vehicles inspected, and 14 percent required at least one new hose. New air filters were needed in 25 percent of the vehicles, while 8 percent needed new PVC filters. The "check engine" light was on in 8 percent of the vehicles. Battery cables, clamps and terminals needed maintenance in 17 percent of the vehicles inspected, while 9 percent of the batteries were not properly held down. Eleven percent had a green, dark or clear/yellow charge indicator light. Improperly inflated tires were found on 20 percent of the cars, while 11 percent had worn tread and were in need of replacement. The leading failure rates for vehicle lights/vision were: license plate lights at 18 percent, brake lights at 10 percent and side markers at 8 percent.(Source: CCC)AASP/NJ Reports
Record Membership Numbers NEPTUNE, NJ - Despite a downturn in the automotive repair industry, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) is reporting the association has set a record for membership for 2007. The association, which was founded more than four decades ago, is now close to 500 members and growing. "Our goal is to have every automotive repairer in the state as a member of AASP/NJ," says AASP/NJ President Tom Elder. "It's going to take a lot of time and effort, but by nature I'm an optimist. I think what we offer - on all levels - is worth well more than the membership fee. More and more shops in New Jersey are realizing that, and we are welcoming them with open arms." To find out more information on AASP/NJ, visit the association's Web site at www.aaspnj.org.(Source: AASP/NJ)CatalogRack.com Adjusts Site
for New UPS Weights DES MOINES, IA (Jan 15, 2007) - CatalogRack.com is working with its customers to help them transition into new shipping calculations used for weight. UPS has replaced its "Yes, OS1, OS2, OS3 and No" classification system for calculating billable shipping costs with a new dimensional (DIM) weight process. Parts numbers shipped via UPS Ground in "self shipper" cartons measuring more than 3 cubic feet (5,184 cubic inches) are affected. CatalogRack.com users now will see the new DIM billable weight along with the product's actual weight. The site reports that all DIM weight calculations have been done, so you will instantly know the "billable" UPS rate for several hundred thousand parts numbers as of today. The "Electronic Catalog Rack" is available for free at www.catalograck.com via the "Instant ON!" sign-up button.
IHRA Nitro Sponsorship ORLANDO, FL (Dec. 14, 2006) - Clevite Engine Parts is now an official contingency sponsor for the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA). Clevite will become the "Official Nitro Class Bearings and Rings of the IHRA," and will sponsor the "Clevite Nitro Speed Master Award" for Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Car classes at five national IHRA events in 2007. Headquartered in Norwalk, OH, IHRA, a division of Live Nation, promotes professional, semi-professional and local level drag-racing opportunities for drivers at all levels. "Clevite's sponsorship of IHRA Nitro races gives a real boost to the drivers and teams that compete in these events, and we are confident that Clevite's sponsorship and the rewards it brings to racers will lead to greater competition and interest in IHRA events. Clevite is certainly welcome aboard," says Tom DuPree, director of Contingency and Official Products for IHRA.(Source: Clevite)'Brand Watch' Assesses Consumer Brand Perceptions IRVINE, CA (Jan. 17, 2007) - Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) and Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research have just released a new automotive research study, "Brand Watch," which is available quarterly to vehicle manufacturers and auto industry professionals. The study taps into demographic and psychographic information of more than 12,000 active and in-market shoppers annually to determine their perception of vehicle makes within specific automotive segments. Brand Watch further delves into how each manufacturer's brand equity differs across vehicle segments. It compares the relative standing of each make vs. competitive makes, and the decision factors of car-buyers within each make and segment. Other factors reported in the survey include:* What segments are being considered?* What makes are being considered within each segment?* What are the most important factors driving consideration?* What defines a make within the segment, and what is its competitive advantage?* How does a make's image relate to what consumers want?* How do consumer perceptions differ across psychographic and demographic subgroups?* How do consumer perceptions change over time? "Vehicle brand perception among consumers, especially active shoppers, is an important factor in the make-level purchase decision process," says Rick Wainschel, vice president of marketing research and brand communications for Kelley Blue Book. "Manufacturers can see not only how each vehicle in their lineup performs against similar brands and like-vehicles within the segment, but track and trend the changes as they launch new nameplates and new marketing campaigns."(Source: Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research)Polk Announces 2006 Loyalty Award Winners SOUTHFIELD, MI (Jan. 18, 2007) - R. L. Polk & Co. recently presented the 11th Annual Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards, based on its Manufacturer Loyalty Excelerator Report, at the 2007 Automotive News World Congress. General Motors (GM) won the Overall Manufacturer award for the seventh consecutive year, in addition to five other awards for its Chevrolet Impala, Corvette and Tahoe, and the Saturn ION and VUE. "GM customer loyalty increased at least 3 percentage points in each winning category," says Stephen R. Polk, chairman, president and CEO of R. L. Polk & Co. "We congratulate GM and wish the company continued success in its customer loyalty efforts as it launches several new products this year."Automotive Loyalty Award Winners
2006 Model YearCategory
Supply Chain Inefficiencies
LONDON (Jan. 18, 2007) - According to supply chain consulting firm Barloworld Optimus, fuel prices, interest rates, carbon footprints and long, complex supply chains are all playing a part in a new trend that is seeing more companies than ever turn their attention to supply chain inefficiencies. The result of these changes has, and continues to be, a rapid market growth for supply chain planning tools that both simplify the process and optimize the costs involved. "Organizations have realized that simplistic approaches to a complex problem are not good enough anymore," says Kevin Boake, group sales and marketing director of Barloworld Optimus. "Efficient and effective supply chains create significant competitor advantage, and more and more organizations are looking to improve the way they plan their supply chains." He adds that contributing factors include increases in global sourcing and inventory holding cost. Add this to the rising fuel prices and "what was efficient last year is not efficient today," and it's clear that companies need to react quickly and effectively to these changes - or risk losing a lot of money. One emerging factor that is raising its head in a more environmentally conscious world is that companies also need to find ways of reducing the carbon emissions attributable to their organizations. Corporate social responsibility is a growing practice of businesses of all sizes, Boake explains, and it is possible that in the future, organizations may use carbon footprint sizes as selection criteria when choosing corporate partners. A company with a very dedicated social responsibility strategy, for example, might think twice about associating itself with one that does not have it on the agenda at all. (Source: Barloworld Optimus)Are You Driving
Tomorrow's Collector Car? TRAVERSE CITY, MI (Jan. 19, 2007) - Tomorrow's collector cars are parked in garages and sitting on showroom floors across America. To help consumers sort out the next generation of sweet wheels, McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty, an insurance agency for collector vehicles and a collector car valuation consultant, has compiled his choices for his Top 10 Future Collector Cars. In determining the "Hot List," Hagerty analyzed the reasons today's collector cars are such hot commodities: pop-culture popularity, limited production numbers and the style of the next generation of collectors. The company included a wide range of models that span market segments and price ranges - cars that are affordable, fun to drive and still enticing for future generations. The list includes: * Toyota FJ Cruiser * Mini Cooper * Lotus Elise * Dodge Viper * Acura NSX * Toyota Scion * Audi TT * Jaguar XK * Chrysler 300 * Smart Car "Many consumers may be driving a future collector car right now," says Hagerty. "Our goal was to find cars that drivers find appealing now, and that they may consider nostalgic in 15 to 20 years. Each car on Hagerty's Hot List possesses a 'buzz,' a 'wow factor' that resonates with consumers of all ages - many cars being daily drivers that turn heads already."(Source: Hagerty)PNDs Alter Aftermarket LONDON (Jan. 19, 2007) - The introduction of portable navigation devices (PNDs) has breathed new life into the aftermarket for telematics and infotainment systems. It's also provided a strong boost to market sales and revenues. According to analysts Frost & Sullivan, PNDs currently constitute one of the fastest-growing product segments in the aftermarket, and are attracting considerable attention for their versatility and cost-effectiveness. PNDs cost as much as 50 percent less than embedded navigation systems, making them extremely attractive in the aftermarket. While consumer electronic majors such as TomTom and Garmin have long dominated the PND space, several traditional automotive companies are now eyeing this area after realizing the immense potential of dedicated PNDs. Companies such as Blaupunkt and Harman-Becker have recently entered the market in a bid to get their share of the revenue generation opportunities available. In keeping with the features included in current market-leading products, new market entrants are also focusing on providing features such as dynamic re-routing, speed of route calculation and integrated traffic message channel. Many new participants also believe that integrating features such as MP3 playback or JPEG viewers into PND systems will help attract younger end users. As a result, companies that are able to offer products with such features are likely to meet with greater success in the aftermarket. "These companies are likely to leverage their extensive technical knowledge in the automotive industry, as well as brand image to promote their PNDs in the aftermarket," says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Shyamsundar Anandhan.(Source: Frost & Sullivan)Study: Aluminum Saves Weight, Reduces Fuel, Cuts Emissions BRUSSELS, Belgium (Jan. 15, 2007) - A new study by the European Aluminum Association (EAA) shows the amount of aluminum used in new European cars has risen from 50 kilograms (kg) in 1990 to 132 kg in 2005. It is predicted to grow by another 25 kg by 2010. The achieved weight savings will lead to an annual fuel saving of 250 million gallons of fuel, and will save roughly 40 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions over the lifespan of the vehicles, the study estimates. In the car body, the largest quantities of components made from aluminum are the air conditioning systems, bonnets, bumper beams and steering columns. The study includes data from automotive companies and suppliers, and is based on the analysis of the 15 million cars produced in Europe in 2005. It investigates 20 body components, 17 chassis and suspension components and 25 powertrain components. The study focuses on different aluminum semi-materials, including castings, extrusions, forgings and sheets. In the car body, the largest quantities of components made from aluminum are air conditioning systems, bonnets, bumper beams and steering columns. Aluminum parts in the chassis and suspension sections are mainly wheels, suspension arms and steering components. Cylinder heads, cylinder blocks, engine covers, pumps and radiators represent the majority of aluminum components in the drivetrain of new cars. Today, a growing amount of aluminum is being used in closures, body structure and chassis applications, which according to the EAA also improves automotive safety and performance. (Source: European Aluminum Association)
ASA Member Benefit BEDFORD, TX (Jan. 16, 2007) - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) announces a new tool in its membership benefits package. Through an agreement with Robert Bosch Corp., ASA members will soon be allowed access to all currently available Bosch training at a preferred rate. ASA members are eligible to obtain Bosch training in both automotive and diesel applications. Members will be able to obtain this training at various locations, including the Bosch facility in Broadview, IL, as well as satellite locations in Daytona Beach, FL, and Whittier, CA. "We're very excited to be working with Bosch to provide ASA members with expanded and affordable training opportunities," says John Scully, AAM, ASA's executive vice president. "In addition to offering several locations in which to obtain training, enrolling in the Bosch courses will also be convenient: Members will be able to enroll online through the ASA Web site, which will provide course details and pricing information." "With the new systems Bosch and other suppliers are introducing in the near future, training and diagnostic capabilities will become even more important and necessary. With our relationship with ASA, we hope to mutually enhance technicians' capabilities," says Al Krenz, Bosch's director of aftermarket service for North America. To learn more about this member benefit, download the ASA Benefits Portfolio at www.asashop.org.(Source: ASA)CCC: Nearly All Vehicles
Need Service or PartsBETHESDA, MD - The Car Care Council (CCC) has underscored a large untapped collection of do-it-yourselfer (DIY) and do-it-for-me (DIFM) sales opportunities in the automotive aftermarket. Vehicle check-up events in April and October 2006 revealed that nearly nine out of 10 vehicles need service or parts. The unsatisfactory condition of vehicles also reinforces the continued need for consumer education about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair, the council notes. An analysis of nearly 1,000 vehicle inspection forms, submitted from event coordinators in 16 states, show that 88 percent of the vehicles checked during National Car Care Month in April and Fall Car Care Month in October needed parts replacement, service or fluids. The top problem areas were motor oil, windshield wipers, air filters, belts and hoses and lights. "Vehicle check-up events are typically the focus of Car Care Aware Fairs sponsored by repair shops, parts stores, distributors in cooperation with local vocational schools, media, civic groups and others," says Rich White, CCC's executive director. "While these events are free to consumers and serve as community-relations builders, most aftermarket businesses who participate experience an increase in sales and customers as a result." When checking lubricants and fluids, the Top 3 failure rates were: low, overfull or dirty motor oil at 30 percent; inadequate washer fluid levels at 28 percent; and low, leaky or dirty coolant at 28 percent. Transmission, brake, power steering and clutch fluids were also checked - and had failure rates of 26 percent and below. Approximately 15 percent of vehicles had front windshield wiper failures, and 9 percent needed service to rear wipers, the CCC reports. At least one belt was reported as unsatisfactory in 22 percent of the vehicles inspected, and 14 percent required at least one new hose. New air filters were needed in 25 percent of the vehicles, while 8 percent needed new PVC filters. The "check engine" light was on in 8 percent of the vehicles. Battery cables, clamps and terminals needed maintenance in 17 percent of the vehicles inspected, while 9 percent of the batteries were not properly held down. Eleven percent had a green, dark or clear/yellow charge indicator light. Improperly inflated tires were found on 20 percent of the cars, while 11 percent had worn tread and were in need of replacement. The leading failure rates for vehicle lights/vision were: license plate lights at 18 percent, brake lights at 10 percent and side markers at 8 percent.(Source: CCC)AASP/NJ Reports
Record Membership Numbers NEPTUNE, NJ - Despite a downturn in the automotive repair industry, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) is reporting the association has set a record for membership for 2007. The association, which was founded more than four decades ago, is now close to 500 members and growing. "Our goal is to have every automotive repairer in the state as a member of AASP/NJ," says AASP/NJ President Tom Elder. "It's going to take a lot of time and effort, but by nature I'm an optimist. I think what we offer - on all levels - is worth well more than the membership fee. More and more shops in New Jersey are realizing that, and we are welcoming them with open arms." To find out more information on AASP/NJ, visit the association's Web site at www.aaspnj.org.(Source: AASP/NJ)CatalogRack.com Adjusts Site
for New UPS Weights DES MOINES, IA (Jan 15, 2007) - CatalogRack.com is working with its customers to help them transition into new shipping calculations used for weight. UPS has replaced its "Yes, OS1, OS2, OS3 and No" classification system for calculating billable shipping costs with a new dimensional (DIM) weight process. Parts numbers shipped via UPS Ground in "self shipper" cartons measuring more than 3 cubic feet (5,184 cubic inches) are affected. CatalogRack.com users now will see the new DIM billable weight along with the product's actual weight. The site reports that all DIM weight calculations have been done, so you will instantly know the "billable" UPS rate for several hundred thousand parts numbers as of today. The "Electronic Catalog Rack" is available for free at www.catalograck.com via the "Instant ON!" sign-up button.
(Source: DCI/CatalogRack)
MACS Convention Lunch Offers Chance for Networking, Dialogue LANSDALE, PA (Jan. 18, 2007) - One of the highlights of the annual Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide Convention and Trade Show is the Roundtable Lunch, which will be held this year on Thursday, Feb. 1, at the Phoenix Hyatt. It is a chance for attendees to sit down with the expert of their choice and share a sandwich and some candid technical talk in a small group venue. This year, MACS reports that that 33 industry professionals will participate:ACDelco Service and Repair: Dennis KissackAgricultural Radiators: Mike SchoenitASE Testing: Woody DashiellMACS: Paul DeGusippi, Larry Turay, Dan Dick, Jim Taylor and John Brunner Chrysler Service and Repair: Al McAvoyDelphi: Eric SanderDENSO: Steve Fett and Tim Littell Discusion en Espanol: Luis Chinea, Luis Chinea Auto CommercialRad Air: Andy FiffickHayden: Mike LeeperFour Seasons: Jim JohnsonFord Service and Repair: Gary ElliottGeneral Motors Service and Repair: Frank RogersSanden: Rodge BrooksTanks 'n Tabs: Joe McGovernJ-MAC: Mark SundbergACDC: Craig Van BatenbergHyundai: John MedinaMazda Service and Repair: John ReadyMercedes Service and Repair: Don SistingNissan Service and Repair: Mark HuddelProliance Service and Repair: Paul VerdileRed Dot Service and Repair: Gary HansenCool Car: Gus SwensenU.S. EPA: Dr. Stephen Andersen, Kristen TaddonioASE: Tony MollaVisteon: Reno FarrugiaVolkswagen Service and Repair: Mike Kuper The MACS 27th annual convention and trade show, Repair Round-Up!, will take place in Phoenix, AZ, Feb. 1 to 3, 2007, at the Phoenix Hyatt and the new Phoenix Convention Center.(Source: MACS Worldwide)Clevite AnnouncesIHRA Nitro Sponsorship ORLANDO, FL (Dec. 14, 2006) - Clevite Engine Parts is now an official contingency sponsor for the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA). Clevite will become the "Official Nitro Class Bearings and Rings of the IHRA," and will sponsor the "Clevite Nitro Speed Master Award" for Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Car classes at five national IHRA events in 2007. Headquartered in Norwalk, OH, IHRA, a division of Live Nation, promotes professional, semi-professional and local level drag-racing opportunities for drivers at all levels. "Clevite's sponsorship of IHRA Nitro races gives a real boost to the drivers and teams that compete in these events, and we are confident that Clevite's sponsorship and the rewards it brings to racers will lead to greater competition and interest in IHRA events. Clevite is certainly welcome aboard," says Tom DuPree, director of Contingency and Official Products for IHRA.(Source: Clevite)'Brand Watch' Assesses Consumer Brand Perceptions IRVINE, CA (Jan. 17, 2007) - Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) and Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research have just released a new automotive research study, "Brand Watch," which is available quarterly to vehicle manufacturers and auto industry professionals. The study taps into demographic and psychographic information of more than 12,000 active and in-market shoppers annually to determine their perception of vehicle makes within specific automotive segments. Brand Watch further delves into how each manufacturer's brand equity differs across vehicle segments. It compares the relative standing of each make vs. competitive makes, and the decision factors of car-buyers within each make and segment. Other factors reported in the survey include:* What segments are being considered?* What makes are being considered within each segment?* What are the most important factors driving consideration?* What defines a make within the segment, and what is its competitive advantage?* How does a make's image relate to what consumers want?* How do consumer perceptions differ across psychographic and demographic subgroups?* How do consumer perceptions change over time? "Vehicle brand perception among consumers, especially active shoppers, is an important factor in the make-level purchase decision process," says Rick Wainschel, vice president of marketing research and brand communications for Kelley Blue Book. "Manufacturers can see not only how each vehicle in their lineup performs against similar brands and like-vehicles within the segment, but track and trend the changes as they launch new nameplates and new marketing campaigns."(Source: Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research)Polk Announces 2006 Loyalty Award Winners SOUTHFIELD, MI (Jan. 18, 2007) - R. L. Polk & Co. recently presented the 11th Annual Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards, based on its Manufacturer Loyalty Excelerator Report, at the 2007 Automotive News World Congress. General Motors (GM) won the Overall Manufacturer award for the seventh consecutive year, in addition to five other awards for its Chevrolet Impala, Corvette and Tahoe, and the Saturn ION and VUE. "GM customer loyalty increased at least 3 percentage points in each winning category," says Stephen R. Polk, chairman, president and CEO of R. L. Polk & Co. "We congratulate GM and wish the company continued success in its customer loyalty efforts as it launches several new products this year."Automotive Loyalty Award Winners
2006 Model YearCategory
Supply Chain Inefficiencies
LONDON (Jan. 18, 2007) - According to supply chain consulting firm Barloworld Optimus, fuel prices, interest rates, carbon footprints and long, complex supply chains are all playing a part in a new trend that is seeing more companies than ever turn their attention to supply chain inefficiencies. The result of these changes has, and continues to be, a rapid market growth for supply chain planning tools that both simplify the process and optimize the costs involved. "Organizations have realized that simplistic approaches to a complex problem are not good enough anymore," says Kevin Boake, group sales and marketing director of Barloworld Optimus. "Efficient and effective supply chains create significant competitor advantage, and more and more organizations are looking to improve the way they plan their supply chains." He adds that contributing factors include increases in global sourcing and inventory holding cost. Add this to the rising fuel prices and "what was efficient last year is not efficient today," and it's clear that companies need to react quickly and effectively to these changes - or risk losing a lot of money. One emerging factor that is raising its head in a more environmentally conscious world is that companies also need to find ways of reducing the carbon emissions attributable to their organizations. Corporate social responsibility is a growing practice of businesses of all sizes, Boake explains, and it is possible that in the future, organizations may use carbon footprint sizes as selection criteria when choosing corporate partners. A company with a very dedicated social responsibility strategy, for example, might think twice about associating itself with one that does not have it on the agenda at all. (Source: Barloworld Optimus)Are You Driving
Tomorrow's Collector Car? TRAVERSE CITY, MI (Jan. 19, 2007) - Tomorrow's collector cars are parked in garages and sitting on showroom floors across America. To help consumers sort out the next generation of sweet wheels, McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty, an insurance agency for collector vehicles and a collector car valuation consultant, has compiled his choices for his Top 10 Future Collector Cars. In determining the "Hot List," Hagerty analyzed the reasons today's collector cars are such hot commodities: pop-culture popularity, limited production numbers and the style of the next generation of collectors. The company included a wide range of models that span market segments and price ranges - cars that are affordable, fun to drive and still enticing for future generations. The list includes: * Toyota FJ Cruiser * Mini Cooper * Lotus Elise * Dodge Viper * Acura NSX * Toyota Scion * Audi TT * Jaguar XK * Chrysler 300 * Smart Car "Many consumers may be driving a future collector car right now," says Hagerty. "Our goal was to find cars that drivers find appealing now, and that they may consider nostalgic in 15 to 20 years. Each car on Hagerty's Hot List possesses a 'buzz,' a 'wow factor' that resonates with consumers of all ages - many cars being daily drivers that turn heads already."(Source: Hagerty)PNDs Alter Aftermarket LONDON (Jan. 19, 2007) - The introduction of portable navigation devices (PNDs) has breathed new life into the aftermarket for telematics and infotainment systems. It's also provided a strong boost to market sales and revenues. According to analysts Frost & Sullivan, PNDs currently constitute one of the fastest-growing product segments in the aftermarket, and are attracting considerable attention for their versatility and cost-effectiveness. PNDs cost as much as 50 percent less than embedded navigation systems, making them extremely attractive in the aftermarket. While consumer electronic majors such as TomTom and Garmin have long dominated the PND space, several traditional automotive companies are now eyeing this area after realizing the immense potential of dedicated PNDs. Companies such as Blaupunkt and Harman-Becker have recently entered the market in a bid to get their share of the revenue generation opportunities available. In keeping with the features included in current market-leading products, new market entrants are also focusing on providing features such as dynamic re-routing, speed of route calculation and integrated traffic message channel. Many new participants also believe that integrating features such as MP3 playback or JPEG viewers into PND systems will help attract younger end users. As a result, companies that are able to offer products with such features are likely to meet with greater success in the aftermarket. "These companies are likely to leverage their extensive technical knowledge in the automotive industry, as well as brand image to promote their PNDs in the aftermarket," says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Shyamsundar Anandhan.(Source: Frost & Sullivan)Study: Aluminum Saves Weight, Reduces Fuel, Cuts Emissions BRUSSELS, Belgium (Jan. 15, 2007) - A new study by the European Aluminum Association (EAA) shows the amount of aluminum used in new European cars has risen from 50 kilograms (kg) in 1990 to 132 kg in 2005. It is predicted to grow by another 25 kg by 2010. The achieved weight savings will lead to an annual fuel saving of 250 million gallons of fuel, and will save roughly 40 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions over the lifespan of the vehicles, the study estimates. In the car body, the largest quantities of components made from aluminum are the air conditioning systems, bonnets, bumper beams and steering columns. The study includes data from automotive companies and suppliers, and is based on the analysis of the 15 million cars produced in Europe in 2005. It investigates 20 body components, 17 chassis and suspension components and 25 powertrain components. The study focuses on different aluminum semi-materials, including castings, extrusions, forgings and sheets. In the car body, the largest quantities of components made from aluminum are air conditioning systems, bonnets, bumper beams and steering columns. Aluminum parts in the chassis and suspension sections are mainly wheels, suspension arms and steering components. Cylinder heads, cylinder blocks, engine covers, pumps and radiators represent the majority of aluminum components in the drivetrain of new cars. Today, a growing amount of aluminum is being used in closures, body structure and chassis applications, which according to the EAA also improves automotive safety and performance. (Source: European Aluminum Association)