MAHLE Clevite Celebrates First NASCAR Win
With New Decal At 2008 Daytona 500
When Ryan Newman took the checkered flag at the 2008 Daytona 500, it was also a milestone event for MAHLE Clevite, Inc. It marked the first time the company’s new MAHLE white decal entered Victory Lane in NASCAR competition. The company announced earlier this year that the MAHLE decal would take the place of the legendary Clevite blue decal throughout all NASCAR competitions.
“In 50 years of NASCAR racing at Daytona, every winning car has crossed the finish line with Clevite engine bearings under the hood,” said Ted Hughes, brand and communications manager, MAHLE Clevite. “This legacy of excellence continues and we look forward to more wins this year with the MAHLE decal on the front of NASCAR’s top teams. But more importantly, we are excited about the opportunity to introduce the MAHLE name, synonymous with excellence and performance worldwide, to an even broader North American audience.”
Bosch Stability Control System Receives International Awards
Bosch, a pioneer in the development of the ESP Electronic Stability Program, has received awards from FIA (Federation Internationale l.’Automomobile) and Prince Michael of Kent for “contributions to worldwide road safety.”
Bosch developed the active safety system and was the first company to put it on the market in 1995. International accident studies estimate that skidding causes at least 40% of all fatal traffic accidents. About 80% of all skidding accidents could be prevented with electronic stability control.
Bendix Brand Launches Customizable Customer Incentive Programs
For 2008, the Bendix brand is introducing several fully customizable promotions that reward both its direct and repair shop customers for purchasing its brake products. The three promotions are Ultimate Rewards for technicians, Ultimate Choices for wholesale distributors and the Head-to-Toe certificate program.
For the Ultimate Rewards customer loyalty program, the Bendix brand has teamed with sister brands FRAM and Prestone to give technicians and shop owners who collect box tops and proof of purchases an opportunity to redeem them for great gifts like travel items, electronics, apparel, cookware and more.
To view the annual Bendix promotions calendar, visit www.bendixbrakes.com. For more details on any 2008 sales promotion, Bendix direct customers should contact their sales representative.
Centrum Equities XV, LLC Acquires Visteon Aftermarket Hard Parts Business
Centrum Equities XV, LLC has finalized an agreement to purchase the assets of the aftermarket hard parts business of Visteon Corporation. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The sale, which went into effect Feb. 1, 2008, covers Visteon’s complete line of replacement hard parts, including original equipment-quality radiators, condensers, compressors (FS-10 and Scroll) and ignition coils, as well as remanufactured rotating electrical and steering products.
Centrum will continue to operate under the Visteon Aftermarket brand, supplying OE-quality products to the traditional aftermarket and original equipment channels.
Car-X Dealer Is Grand Prize Winner in Raybestos One-Two-Three Foose Promotion
Jim Isabell, the owner of Car-X Automotive Service centers for more than 20 years, is the grand prize winner of a 2007 custom-built Chip Foose Mustang Stallion in the Raybestos One-Two-Three Foose Promotion. Isabell’s randomly drawn winning entry came from his Car-X Automotive Service center at 9507 Page Ave. in St. Louis — one of his six shops in the St. Louis area. Isabell received his vehicle at a ceremony in his shop on Page Avenue in February.
In addition to the $52,000 Mustang Stallion, several other prize packages have been awarded recently through the Raybestos One-Two-Three Foose Promotion.
Service dealers and technicians received entry forms to win the Mustang Stallion, as well as other prize packages when they made qualifying purchases in one of three product categories in the Raybestos One-Two-Three Foose Promotion: hydraulics, rotors and friction.
The promotion ran Aug. 1 through Oct. 31, 2007.
BWD Tech Team hotline Unveiled
BWD announces its Vehicle Service Professionals (VSP) technical assistance hotline has a new name and logo for 2008. Effective immediately, it is now known as the BWD Tech Team. The new name and logo reflects BWD’s commitment to delivering high-tech solutions to help professional installers diagnose and fix problem vehicles quickly and accurately.
For more information on the BWD Tech Team, contact your local BWD territory manager or call 866-202-1404 and select option 5.
GMB CEO, Karl Yazaki, Retires
Karl Yazaki has retired as CEO of GMB and GMB’s first branch in the United States. Universal Joints, GMB’s first U.S. branch, was formed in December 1976, and was made successful by Yazaki. Yazaki plans to continue to live in New Jersey, and spend his retirement traveling the world.
June 9-15, 2008 is Automotive Service Professionals Week
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has declared June 9-15, 2008, as National Automotive Service Professionals Week. Building on the success of Automotive Service Professionals Day established in 2001, ASE launched National Automotive Service Professional’s Week in 2005 to honor the commitment and dedication of automotive, truck and collision technicians, along with parts specialists and other support professionals who serve the motoring public. For 2008, ASE continues this recognition for a full week and has it listed in the 2008 Chase’s Calendar of Events.
“Twenty-five states, the District of Columbia and Broward County, FL, issued proclamations honoring National Automotive Service Professionals Week in 2006,” said Trish Serratore, ASE Senior VP. “We will once again push to have all 50 states recognize the outstanding work done by automotive professionals across the nation in 2008.”
Car Care Council Women’s Board gets Record Attendance at Winter Meeting
The Car Care Council Women’s Board (WB) announced record attendance at its annual winter meeting, held recently in Lake Buena Vista, FL.
“I’m thrilled to report that this was the largest group of attendees since the Women’s Board has been in existence,” said Katie Noga, president, Car Care Council Women’s Board. “It shows that more and more members of our industry are learning about the Women’s Board and its accomplishments.”
During the meeting, Women’s Board members met in their work group committees, which include scholarship, recruitment and new members, consumer education, industry relations and membership, and special programs, to develop strategies and tactics for 2008.
