NEWS BRIEFS FOR THE WEEK OF
MARCH 29, 2007Virginia Recognizes Replicas as
Distinct Vehicle Class DIAMOND BAR, CA (March 20, 2007) - The Virginia General Assembly recently passed legislation that creates a distinct statutory titling and registration class for replica vehicles, and Governor Tim Kaine has signed the bill into law. The new law goes into effect on July 1, 2007. Washington, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, Montana and Rhode Island have enacted similar laws. The legislation defines a "replica" as a vehicle not fully constructed by a licensed manufacturer, but either constructed or assembled from components. INDUSTRY NOTESMOTORSPORTS UPDATE Tony Schumacher and John Force won product sponsorships by Clevite Engine Parts as the points winners of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) 2006 Top Fuel and Funny Car Series ... Schumacher Electric Corp. has been named NASCAR's Performance Partner for battery chargers, jump starters and power inverters. Clevite Engine Parts has presented Lanny Barnes, Shane Parsnow and Doug Yates with individual Engine Builder of the Year Awards ... Delphi Product & Service Solutions announced that it will continue its associate sponsorship of Hendrick Motorsports during the 2007 NASCAR season.COMPANY NEWSBWD Automotive has introduced a new packaging design for its entire line of engine management products ... The complete line of H3R Performance premium fire extinguishers is now available from automotive aftermarket retailer CSK Auto.TD Automotive Compressor Georgia LLC has opened a new 344,000-square-foot facility in Jefferson, GA, and will produce car air-conditioning compressors ... Under a three-year corporate agreement, R.L. Polk & Co. will continue to sponsor the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS).Pep Boys has selected SPX Corp.'s new OTC starter and alternator tester "The Judge" as the preferred platform for the company's nationwide retail starter and alternator testing programs ... Engine Pro recently named Clevite Engine Parts and Clevite 77 engine bearings as preferred providers for the 18th consecutive year. Mike McGrath has been appointed president of the SKF Vehicle Service Market of North America and will focus on managing sales activities as well as research and development initiatives ... On behalf of its "Customers Who Care" program, ASC Industries Inc. has pledged a donation to the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship Fund, which helps students pursue careers in the automotive aftermarket.Hayden Automotive has achieved ISO/TS 16949:2002 certification for the design and manufacturing of fan clutches and fan drives for the automotive industry ... Recon Automotive Remanufacturers Inc. recently hosted a group of German engine rebuilders who are on a study tour of the U.S. engine remanufacturing industry. The measure allows these vehicles to be titled and registered under the model-year of which the vehicle is a replica and only requires that they meet safety and emissions requirements as established for that model-year. The new law recognizes the unique nature of these vehicles as hobbyist cars that are generally only used for occasional transportation, exhibitions, club activities, parades and tours. As a condition of the hobby-friendly emissions system and safety equipment requirements, replica vehicles titled under this law will be limited to no more than 5,000 miles per year as shown by the vehicle's odometer. (Source: SEMA)Dorman Nets APA Vendor of the Year COLMAR, PA (March 19, 2007) - Dorman Products Inc. was selected Vendor of the Year at the annual Automotive Parts Associates Inc. (APA) shareholder conference held recently in Miami. Dorman was recognized for bringing new revenue to the group membership in the form of its "OE Solutions" product category, which has generated double-digit sales growth over the past three years. The Dorman Service Dealer Guide, which is distributed to automotive parts stores and service dealers, was also cited as one of the major contributing elements to the group's sales growth.(Source: APA)CCAR Introduces Free Online Course on Motor Vehicle Safety OVERLAND PARK, KAN. - As a part of its ongoing Alliance with the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Coordinating Committee For Automotive Repair (CCAR) announces the availability of "Operating Motor Vehicles: A Guide for Employees in the Automotive Repair Industry." This free online training course is available on the CCAR Web site. The course was developed as part of the CCAR-OSHA alliance to provide information, guidance and access to industry training resources that help protect employees' health and safety. "The driving abilities of employees in this industry may be scrutinized at a much closer level because of the nature of their work," says Robert G. Stewart, CCAR president. "Our goal is to increase employee awareness of their responsibilities and share information intended to result in safer driving performance." (Source: CCAR)Cam Shaft Tech Help Open on Saturdays MEMPHIS, TN (March 20, 2007) - In an effort to raise the bar for customer service and convenience in the valve train industry, COMP Cams announced the expansion of its technical assistance service to include Saturdays. The service was launched to help automotive performance enthusiasts make informed component selections, correct malfunctions, and get the best performance available from their engines. Experienced and knowledgeable technicians are now available on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST, in addition to the normal Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST hours of operation. The service is free of charge to anyone calling the toll-free telephone number, regardless of what make or brand of valve train components he or she may currently be using.(Source: COMP Cams)Industry Leaders Urge Voluntary N.J. Service Information Solution WASHINGTON (March 13, 2007) - In a letter sent to The Honorable Joseph J. Roberts Jr. (District 5), speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly, the Automotive Service Association (ASA), as well as the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, and NJ CAR, called for a voluntary program specific to the state of New Jersey in lieu of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, Assembly Bill 931. The associations are opposed to a legislated solution. ASA has sent a joint coalition letter to members of the New Jersey Assembly asking that they oppose The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act. The organization also urges New Jersey shop owners to contact their State Assembly members asking that they oppose Assembly Bill 931, the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act. To view the language of N.J. A 931, to see a copy of the ASA New Jersey Assembly letter, or to send a letter opposing N.J. A 931, visit www.TakingTheHill.com.(Source: ASA)CustomerLink Acquires
AutoLoyal's CRM Business ROSEVILLE, CA (March 5, 2007) - CustomerLink Inc. announced it has acquired AutoLoyal's automotive service center customer relationship management (CRM) business. All existing AutoLoyal customers will be immediately transferred to CustomerLink. "CustomerLink is very pleased with the AutoLoyal agreement and looks forward to handling their automotive service center customer communications business. AutoLoyal has established a strong base of quality automotive service centers, dedicated to ongoing consumer communication," says Walt Samuelson, president and CEO of CustomerLink. "These are exactly the kind of customers who will benefit from CustomerLink's programs and services as they have from AutoLoyal's."(Source: CustomerLink)Toyota Prius Teardown
Open To Public SAN FRANCISCO (March 21, 2007) - CMP Technology's Embedded Systems Conference Silicon Valley (ESCSV) will take an intriguing look inside today's hot vehicle technology: For the first time ever, a teardown team will take apart a Toyota Prius on the ESCSV show floor, so attendees can take a look at the electronics inside that power the hybrid vehicle. The Prius teardowns will take place over three days: * April 3 at 12:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.* April 4 at 1:15 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.* April 5 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. In particular, six key modules will be reviewed, including:
Its Telematics Services
MARCH 29, 2007Virginia Recognizes Replicas as
Distinct Vehicle Class DIAMOND BAR, CA (March 20, 2007) - The Virginia General Assembly recently passed legislation that creates a distinct statutory titling and registration class for replica vehicles, and Governor Tim Kaine has signed the bill into law. The new law goes into effect on July 1, 2007. Washington, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, Montana and Rhode Island have enacted similar laws. The legislation defines a "replica" as a vehicle not fully constructed by a licensed manufacturer, but either constructed or assembled from components. INDUSTRY NOTESMOTORSPORTS UPDATE Tony Schumacher and John Force won product sponsorships by Clevite Engine Parts as the points winners of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) 2006 Top Fuel and Funny Car Series ... Schumacher Electric Corp. has been named NASCAR's Performance Partner for battery chargers, jump starters and power inverters. Clevite Engine Parts has presented Lanny Barnes, Shane Parsnow and Doug Yates with individual Engine Builder of the Year Awards ... Delphi Product & Service Solutions announced that it will continue its associate sponsorship of Hendrick Motorsports during the 2007 NASCAR season.COMPANY NEWSBWD Automotive has introduced a new packaging design for its entire line of engine management products ... The complete line of H3R Performance premium fire extinguishers is now available from automotive aftermarket retailer CSK Auto.TD Automotive Compressor Georgia LLC has opened a new 344,000-square-foot facility in Jefferson, GA, and will produce car air-conditioning compressors ... Under a three-year corporate agreement, R.L. Polk & Co. will continue to sponsor the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS).Pep Boys has selected SPX Corp.'s new OTC starter and alternator tester "The Judge" as the preferred platform for the company's nationwide retail starter and alternator testing programs ... Engine Pro recently named Clevite Engine Parts and Clevite 77 engine bearings as preferred providers for the 18th consecutive year. Mike McGrath has been appointed president of the SKF Vehicle Service Market of North America and will focus on managing sales activities as well as research and development initiatives ... On behalf of its "Customers Who Care" program, ASC Industries Inc. has pledged a donation to the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship Fund, which helps students pursue careers in the automotive aftermarket.Hayden Automotive has achieved ISO/TS 16949:2002 certification for the design and manufacturing of fan clutches and fan drives for the automotive industry ... Recon Automotive Remanufacturers Inc. recently hosted a group of German engine rebuilders who are on a study tour of the U.S. engine remanufacturing industry. The measure allows these vehicles to be titled and registered under the model-year of which the vehicle is a replica and only requires that they meet safety and emissions requirements as established for that model-year. The new law recognizes the unique nature of these vehicles as hobbyist cars that are generally only used for occasional transportation, exhibitions, club activities, parades and tours. As a condition of the hobby-friendly emissions system and safety equipment requirements, replica vehicles titled under this law will be limited to no more than 5,000 miles per year as shown by the vehicle's odometer. (Source: SEMA)Dorman Nets APA Vendor of the Year COLMAR, PA (March 19, 2007) - Dorman Products Inc. was selected Vendor of the Year at the annual Automotive Parts Associates Inc. (APA) shareholder conference held recently in Miami. Dorman was recognized for bringing new revenue to the group membership in the form of its "OE Solutions" product category, which has generated double-digit sales growth over the past three years. The Dorman Service Dealer Guide, which is distributed to automotive parts stores and service dealers, was also cited as one of the major contributing elements to the group's sales growth.(Source: APA)CCAR Introduces Free Online Course on Motor Vehicle Safety OVERLAND PARK, KAN. - As a part of its ongoing Alliance with the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Coordinating Committee For Automotive Repair (CCAR) announces the availability of "Operating Motor Vehicles: A Guide for Employees in the Automotive Repair Industry." This free online training course is available on the CCAR Web site. The course was developed as part of the CCAR-OSHA alliance to provide information, guidance and access to industry training resources that help protect employees' health and safety. "The driving abilities of employees in this industry may be scrutinized at a much closer level because of the nature of their work," says Robert G. Stewart, CCAR president. "Our goal is to increase employee awareness of their responsibilities and share information intended to result in safer driving performance." (Source: CCAR)Cam Shaft Tech Help Open on Saturdays MEMPHIS, TN (March 20, 2007) - In an effort to raise the bar for customer service and convenience in the valve train industry, COMP Cams announced the expansion of its technical assistance service to include Saturdays. The service was launched to help automotive performance enthusiasts make informed component selections, correct malfunctions, and get the best performance available from their engines. Experienced and knowledgeable technicians are now available on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST, in addition to the normal Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST hours of operation. The service is free of charge to anyone calling the toll-free telephone number, regardless of what make or brand of valve train components he or she may currently be using.(Source: COMP Cams)Industry Leaders Urge Voluntary N.J. Service Information Solution WASHINGTON (March 13, 2007) - In a letter sent to The Honorable Joseph J. Roberts Jr. (District 5), speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly, the Automotive Service Association (ASA), as well as the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, and NJ CAR, called for a voluntary program specific to the state of New Jersey in lieu of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, Assembly Bill 931. The associations are opposed to a legislated solution. ASA has sent a joint coalition letter to members of the New Jersey Assembly asking that they oppose The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act. The organization also urges New Jersey shop owners to contact their State Assembly members asking that they oppose Assembly Bill 931, the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act. To view the language of N.J. A 931, to see a copy of the ASA New Jersey Assembly letter, or to send a letter opposing N.J. A 931, visit www.TakingTheHill.com.(Source: ASA)CustomerLink Acquires
AutoLoyal's CRM Business ROSEVILLE, CA (March 5, 2007) - CustomerLink Inc. announced it has acquired AutoLoyal's automotive service center customer relationship management (CRM) business. All existing AutoLoyal customers will be immediately transferred to CustomerLink. "CustomerLink is very pleased with the AutoLoyal agreement and looks forward to handling their automotive service center customer communications business. AutoLoyal has established a strong base of quality automotive service centers, dedicated to ongoing consumer communication," says Walt Samuelson, president and CEO of CustomerLink. "These are exactly the kind of customers who will benefit from CustomerLink's programs and services as they have from AutoLoyal's."(Source: CustomerLink)Toyota Prius Teardown
Open To Public SAN FRANCISCO (March 21, 2007) - CMP Technology's Embedded Systems Conference Silicon Valley (ESCSV) will take an intriguing look inside today's hot vehicle technology: For the first time ever, a teardown team will take apart a Toyota Prius on the ESCSV show floor, so attendees can take a look at the electronics inside that power the hybrid vehicle. The Prius teardowns will take place over three days: * April 3 at 12:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.* April 4 at 1:15 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.* April 5 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. In particular, six key modules will be reviewed, including:
* User Interface/Dash Module, which provides operators with direct feedback of various vehicle conditions, including Speed, Gear Position, Fuel Level, Door Ajar, Turn and High Beam Indicator.
* Airbag Control Module, which deploys the airbags in the event of a crash. Various sensors provide inputs for directional forces to determine direction and severity of impact, along with which airbags to deploy and at what rate.
* Satellite Navigation System/DVD Module, which sends directional guidance for the user and entertainment via the DVD player. The touch screen display also provides a user interface for interacting with various vehicle functions, including radio, heat and AC controls.
* Inverter/Converter Module, which facilitates voltage control/switching DC to AC for electric motor drive and AC to DC for battery charging, as well as DC to DC.
* Engine Control Module, which monitors and controls all aspects of the gas engine. It provides bus communication of various operating states to other modules.
* Skid Control Module, which oversees wheel speeds, yaw sensors, steering wheel inputs and brake position switches to determine if the vehicle is about to go into a skid condition, and then applies appropriate brake forces to correct the condition and allow the operator to maintain control of the vehicle. For registration and other information, visit www.embedded.com/esc/sv.(Source: CMP Technology)BMW Chooses Airbiquity forIts Telematics Services
Remote Diagnostics Overview
(Photo: Airbiquity Inc.)
(Photo: Airbiquity Inc.)
SEATTLE (March 20, 2007) - Airbiquity Inc., a company that develops wireless in-band modem software solutions for automobile manufacturers and suppliers, announced the signing of a licensing agreement with BMW of North America LLC, for the use of Airbiquity's aqServer and related aqLink modem software.
The products will be installed on future BMW vehicles as part of the automaker's Assist Telematics Services. The technology facilitates transmission, reception and processing of real-time critical information transported through the voice channel of any UMTS, CDMA, GSM or AMPS wireless network.
BMW's service combines an integrated wireless telephone and advanced digital and analog service for communication with a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite receiver to determine the vehicle's location. The service is designed to deliver safety, security and convenience benefits to the driver to enhance the driving experience.
(Source: Airbiquity
Inc.)
