NEWS BRIEFS FOR THE WEEK OF
APRIL 19, 2007Parts Plus Teams with
"NASCAR Angels" TV Show MEMPHIS, TN (March 23, 2007) - Parts Plus announced it is partnering with the reality TV show NASCAR Angels. The show helps deserving motorists safely get back on the road, as well as promote the automotive service and repair industry. "We hope to portray the independent service dealer in a more positive light, reinforcing the public's faith in the skills and capabilities of local technicians - like those found at Parts Plus Car Care Centers nationwide," says Mike Lambert, president of the Automotive Distribution Network. "Through our involvement with NASCAR Angels, we also plan to educate consumers about the need for regular vehicle maintenance, while attracting young people who may be interested in a career in automotive repair." Hosted by Rusty Wallace, former NASCAR Cup Champion, and Shannon Wiseman, a NASCAR.com reporter, the syndicated TV series hits the road each week with a different NASCAR driver and a "pit crew" from local shops. Together, the team helps deserving families and communities with their vehicle-maintenance needs. (Source: Automotive Distribution Network)
Mobile Airbag Service Franchises
Now Available BELLEVUE, WA (March 29, 2007) - TechZone Airbag Service (TZAS), a franchiser of mobile airbag system repairs, announced it is expanding its nationwide presence and is seeking motivated entrepreneurs to open franchises across the United States. The expansion, says TZAS, is in response to the increasing demand for technicians certified in making complex airbag system repairs. Airbag service technicians perform total airbag system restoration, as well as complete interior repairs resulting from theft, vandalism, collision damage or wear-and-tear. According to TZAS, each franchisee attends an intensive three-week training program that provides education in airbag systems, dash diagnostics, interior component installation, and the use of all proper electronic scan tools following OEM mandatory repair procedures for every vehicle. The company also provides business planning, marketing materials and real-time tech support. After successful completion of the training, TZAS-certified technicians are qualified to restore the complete interior functionality of a vehicle. More information about the franchises can be found at www.tzas.org or by calling TZAS toll-free at (800) 2AIRBAG (224-7224).(Source: TZAS)NASTF Establishes
Collision Repair Committee LEESBURG, VA (April 6, 2007) - At its March 2007 meeting, the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) board of directors approved the formation of the NASTF Collision Repair Committee (CRC). The mission of the committee is to identify and report gaps regarding unique collision repair information, or information that is not already covered by the other committees. The co-chairs of the new committee are Bob Keith of Car Star Collision Centers and Jerry Burns of Automotive Impressions. "There are many common characteristics between collision repair and mechanical repair. In many cases, both types of repairs are needed to repair a vehicle after a crash. However, collision repair also involves many unique elements, including frame straightening, painting, welding, bonding and sectioning, for example," says Charlie Gorman, chairman of NASTF. "The Collision Repair Committee will help ensure that NASTF is fulfilling its mission with respect to this important group of industry stakeholders. "To minimize any overlap in efforts with other committees, the CRC will have designated liaisons with the NASTF Service Information Committee, Equipment & Tool Committee, Training Committee, and Vehicle Security Committee," adds Gorman. "Like these other committees, the CRC will be charged to develop a matrix to focus only on information gaps unique to collision repair."(Source: NASTF)GM's Lutz to Deliver
GAAS Luncheon Address RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC - Robert A. Lutz, General Motors (GM) vice chairman of product development, is scheduled to deliver a luncheon talk to attendees of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) on Tuesday, May 8. GAAS will be held at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Rosemont, IL, a suburb of Chicago. Lutz began his automotive career in September 1963 at GM, where he held a variety of senior positions in Europe until December 1971. For the next three years, he served as executive vice president of sales at BMW in Munich and as a member of that company's board of management. Lutz rejoined GM in 2001, and served the company in various capacities since, including chairman of GM North America and interim president of GM Europe. Prior to rejoining GM as vice chairman, Lutz was chairman and chief executive officer of Exide Technologies. He served as chairman until May 2002, and also served as a member of Exide's board of directors until May 2004. In between his terms with GM, Lutz also worked with both Ford and Chrysler. More information on the event is available online at www.globalsymposium.org.(Source: GAAS)SBA to Honor 100+ Small Businesses WASHINGTON (March 22, 2007) - The U.S. Small Business Administration will honor America's top entrepreneurs and name the National Small Business Person of the Year at national ceremonies in Washington, DC, during its "Small Business Week" celebration, held April 23 and 24. This year, the SBA will present more than 100 awards to honor individuals and organizations:* The National Small Business Person of the Year, selected from the 53 State Small Business Persons for the Year.* The Champion Awards, recognizing both individuals and organizations for their achievements on behalf of small business, including minority-, women- and veteran-owned small businesses.* The Phoenix Awards, recognizing a public official, a business owner and a volunteer whose efforts have enabled their businesses or communities to successfully recover from a disaster. "The SBA is proud to honor the entrepreneurial spirit of the men and women who have played such a key role in the success of the economy and the prosperity of our nation," says SBA Administrator Steven Preston.(Source: SBA)Alumni Numbers to Speed
Industry Week Registration DIAMOND BAR, CA (April 10, 2007) - A new registration process is making it easier than ever for pre-qualified professionals to sign up and attend the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show and Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) during Industry Week. SEMA runs from Oct. 30-Nov. 2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center; AAPEX runs from Oct. 30-Nov. 1 at the Sands Expo Center. The new process uses a personalized "alumni" number for those who verified their trade status by attending the 2005 or 2006 events. The alumni number taps into information that was previously submitted and avoids attendees having to resubmit business documents, as well as fill out several forms. "Alumni numbers cut the online registration process in half, and give buyers everything they need before they arrive in Vegas," says Bill Glasgow Sr., AAPEX show manager. An e-mail with a unique "alumni link" is being sent to everyone who attended the 2005 or 2006 shows. The link will automatically connect the qualified individual to the SEMA or AAPEX show registration page, respectively. Qualified alumni who did not receive the e-mail can obtain their unique registration link for the SEMA Show by calling customer service toll-free at (866) 229-3687. Those seeking an alumni link for the AAPEX Show are asked to contact their trade associations, AAIA or MEMA, directly. "The SEMA Show is about connecting businesses and buyers," says Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of shows and marketing. "While we're committed to ensuring that the show is restricted to legitimate trade professionals, we're also committed to making it as simple as possible for qualified attendees to register and get down to business." (Sources: SEMA, AAIA, MEMA)CA Considers Taxing 'Gas Guzzlers' DIAMOND BAR, CA (April 13, 2007) - In a attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, legislation has been introduced in the California Assembly to establish a progressive purchase surcharge for some new motor vehicles, based on state calculations of carbon emissions. Depending on the vehicle purchased, this surcharge could require owners to pay up to $2,500 more for the vehicle. Funds collected under the program would be used in part to fund discounts for hybrids and electric cars. (Source: SEMA)
APRIL 19, 2007Parts Plus Teams with
"NASCAR Angels" TV Show MEMPHIS, TN (March 23, 2007) - Parts Plus announced it is partnering with the reality TV show NASCAR Angels. The show helps deserving motorists safely get back on the road, as well as promote the automotive service and repair industry. "We hope to portray the independent service dealer in a more positive light, reinforcing the public's faith in the skills and capabilities of local technicians - like those found at Parts Plus Car Care Centers nationwide," says Mike Lambert, president of the Automotive Distribution Network. "Through our involvement with NASCAR Angels, we also plan to educate consumers about the need for regular vehicle maintenance, while attracting young people who may be interested in a career in automotive repair." Hosted by Rusty Wallace, former NASCAR Cup Champion, and Shannon Wiseman, a NASCAR.com reporter, the syndicated TV series hits the road each week with a different NASCAR driver and a "pit crew" from local shops. Together, the team helps deserving families and communities with their vehicle-maintenance needs. (Source: Automotive Distribution Network)
Mobile Airbag Service Franchises
Now Available BELLEVUE, WA (March 29, 2007) - TechZone Airbag Service (TZAS), a franchiser of mobile airbag system repairs, announced it is expanding its nationwide presence and is seeking motivated entrepreneurs to open franchises across the United States. The expansion, says TZAS, is in response to the increasing demand for technicians certified in making complex airbag system repairs. Airbag service technicians perform total airbag system restoration, as well as complete interior repairs resulting from theft, vandalism, collision damage or wear-and-tear. According to TZAS, each franchisee attends an intensive three-week training program that provides education in airbag systems, dash diagnostics, interior component installation, and the use of all proper electronic scan tools following OEM mandatory repair procedures for every vehicle. The company also provides business planning, marketing materials and real-time tech support. After successful completion of the training, TZAS-certified technicians are qualified to restore the complete interior functionality of a vehicle. More information about the franchises can be found at www.tzas.org or by calling TZAS toll-free at (800) 2AIRBAG (224-7224).(Source: TZAS)NASTF Establishes
Collision Repair Committee LEESBURG, VA (April 6, 2007) - At its March 2007 meeting, the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) board of directors approved the formation of the NASTF Collision Repair Committee (CRC). The mission of the committee is to identify and report gaps regarding unique collision repair information, or information that is not already covered by the other committees. The co-chairs of the new committee are Bob Keith of Car Star Collision Centers and Jerry Burns of Automotive Impressions. "There are many common characteristics between collision repair and mechanical repair. In many cases, both types of repairs are needed to repair a vehicle after a crash. However, collision repair also involves many unique elements, including frame straightening, painting, welding, bonding and sectioning, for example," says Charlie Gorman, chairman of NASTF. "The Collision Repair Committee will help ensure that NASTF is fulfilling its mission with respect to this important group of industry stakeholders. "To minimize any overlap in efforts with other committees, the CRC will have designated liaisons with the NASTF Service Information Committee, Equipment & Tool Committee, Training Committee, and Vehicle Security Committee," adds Gorman. "Like these other committees, the CRC will be charged to develop a matrix to focus only on information gaps unique to collision repair."(Source: NASTF)GM's Lutz to Deliver
GAAS Luncheon Address RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC - Robert A. Lutz, General Motors (GM) vice chairman of product development, is scheduled to deliver a luncheon talk to attendees of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) on Tuesday, May 8. GAAS will be held at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Rosemont, IL, a suburb of Chicago. Lutz began his automotive career in September 1963 at GM, where he held a variety of senior positions in Europe until December 1971. For the next three years, he served as executive vice president of sales at BMW in Munich and as a member of that company's board of management. Lutz rejoined GM in 2001, and served the company in various capacities since, including chairman of GM North America and interim president of GM Europe. Prior to rejoining GM as vice chairman, Lutz was chairman and chief executive officer of Exide Technologies. He served as chairman until May 2002, and also served as a member of Exide's board of directors until May 2004. In between his terms with GM, Lutz also worked with both Ford and Chrysler. More information on the event is available online at www.globalsymposium.org.(Source: GAAS)SBA to Honor 100+ Small Businesses WASHINGTON (March 22, 2007) - The U.S. Small Business Administration will honor America's top entrepreneurs and name the National Small Business Person of the Year at national ceremonies in Washington, DC, during its "Small Business Week" celebration, held April 23 and 24. This year, the SBA will present more than 100 awards to honor individuals and organizations:* The National Small Business Person of the Year, selected from the 53 State Small Business Persons for the Year.* The Champion Awards, recognizing both individuals and organizations for their achievements on behalf of small business, including minority-, women- and veteran-owned small businesses.* The Phoenix Awards, recognizing a public official, a business owner and a volunteer whose efforts have enabled their businesses or communities to successfully recover from a disaster. "The SBA is proud to honor the entrepreneurial spirit of the men and women who have played such a key role in the success of the economy and the prosperity of our nation," says SBA Administrator Steven Preston.(Source: SBA)Alumni Numbers to Speed
Industry Week Registration DIAMOND BAR, CA (April 10, 2007) - A new registration process is making it easier than ever for pre-qualified professionals to sign up and attend the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show and Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) during Industry Week. SEMA runs from Oct. 30-Nov. 2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center; AAPEX runs from Oct. 30-Nov. 1 at the Sands Expo Center. The new process uses a personalized "alumni" number for those who verified their trade status by attending the 2005 or 2006 events. The alumni number taps into information that was previously submitted and avoids attendees having to resubmit business documents, as well as fill out several forms. "Alumni numbers cut the online registration process in half, and give buyers everything they need before they arrive in Vegas," says Bill Glasgow Sr., AAPEX show manager. An e-mail with a unique "alumni link" is being sent to everyone who attended the 2005 or 2006 shows. The link will automatically connect the qualified individual to the SEMA or AAPEX show registration page, respectively. Qualified alumni who did not receive the e-mail can obtain their unique registration link for the SEMA Show by calling customer service toll-free at (866) 229-3687. Those seeking an alumni link for the AAPEX Show are asked to contact their trade associations, AAIA or MEMA, directly. "The SEMA Show is about connecting businesses and buyers," says Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of shows and marketing. "While we're committed to ensuring that the show is restricted to legitimate trade professionals, we're also committed to making it as simple as possible for qualified attendees to register and get down to business." (Sources: SEMA, AAIA, MEMA)CA Considers Taxing 'Gas Guzzlers' DIAMOND BAR, CA (April 13, 2007) - In a attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, legislation has been introduced in the California Assembly to establish a progressive purchase surcharge for some new motor vehicles, based on state calculations of carbon emissions. Depending on the vehicle purchased, this surcharge could require owners to pay up to $2,500 more for the vehicle. Funds collected under the program would be used in part to fund discounts for hybrids and electric cars. (Source: SEMA)
