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HDAW 2006 UPDATE SEGMENT NEWS
ECONOMIC TRENDS PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
ASSOCIATION NEWS FACTOID
HDAW 2006 UPDATE
Deadline Set for Distributors to Register for One-On-One Business Meetings
HDDA distributors will soon receive registration materials for one-on-one business meetings at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW). The forms for this important aspect of the first-ever, trade-only HDAW are due by Oct. 14. Some 80 exhibiting manufacturers have already registered for these private meetings that will be held on the mornings of Wednesday, Jan. 25 through Friday, Jan. 27. Distributors may select those manufacturers with whom they wish to meet in these private 40-minute meetings that are pre-scheduled by a computer to ensure an impartial matching of requests.
Providing this unique opportunity for manufacturer and distributor meetings was a top priority for HDAW planners, and the sessions are tailored after similar meetings held by CFS, NWRA and other organizations. Only HDDA members and members of the other HDAW sponsoring groups are eligible to participate, and manufacturers must exhibit to take part.
HDAW will be held at The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, Jan. 23-27, 2006, and will include the best in heavy-duty meetings, product displays, educational sessions and networking opportunities.
For more information on one-on-one business meetings, conference registration and all of the opportunities HDAW can offer heavy suppliers and distributors, visit www.hdaw.org.
SEGMENT NEWS
American Transportation Research Institute Issues Report Highlighting Role of Trucking in National Security
The American Transportation Research Institute and the University of Minnesota jointly issued a report highlighting the role of trucking in national security and how security technologies can be incorporated into the trucking industry.
The report, titled �Homeland Security and the Trucking Industry,� documents developing trends in commercial vehicle operations pertaining to various economics and technology investments, and their requisite impact on preparedness and homeland security. For example, the report provides an in-depth review of smart-card applications, biometric verification systems and cargo management devices. It also documents the security implications of such industry trends as the driver shortage as well as rising fuel and insurance costs.
The American Transportation Research Institute and the University of Minnesota were contracted by truck manufacturer International Truck and Engine Corp. to analyze commercial vehicle operations and determine how new technologies and post-9/11 security programs and policies impact the operational environment of the trucking industry. To accomplish the task, ATRI and the University of Minnesota�s Intelligent Transportation Systems Institute conducted a series of interviews, literature scans and analyses on security programs, industry trends and technology systems.
The trucking industry remains extremely sensitive to the consequences that might arise from a truck-based terrorist attacked. As a result, motor carriers have researched, analyzed, developed and implemented a host of programs, strategies and technologies that directly or indirectly address security concerns.
For a copy of the report, visit www.atri-online.org/research/results/index.htm.
Source: Truckline Express, Sept. 16, 2005
ECONOMIC TRENDS
Class 8 Truck Sales Up 31.4 Percent
A total of 22,666 Class 8 trucks were sold in August, according to Ward�s Automotive, which represents a 24.3 percent jump over the same month last year.
Year-to-date, 164,762 Class 8 vehicles were sold � a 31.4 percent leap over the 125,417 sold during the same period last year. August sales expanded 7.7 percent compared with the 21,043 sold in July.
According to Chris Brady, president of Commercial Motor Vehicle Consulting (CMVC), high replacement demand, coupled with economic factors are propelling the year-over-year boost � not any substantial pre-buy in advance of 2007 engine requirements.
Although pre-buying to avoid the EPA 2007 emissions rule is a factor, it is simply too early for carriers to replace pre-2007 tractors.
Source: Fleet Owner, Sept. 16, 2005
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
Yellow Roadway Names New President
Yellow Roadway Corp. last week named Michael Smid the new president of Roadway Express. Smid, previously president of YRC Enterprise Services, replaced Robert Stull, who retired after 28 years with Roadway.
Roadway announced that it will adjust its full-year guidance when it announces its third-quarter results in late October.
Source: Transport Topics, Sept. 9, 2005
ATA Names Timothy Lynch to New Executive Position
American Trucking Associations (ATA) president Bill Graves last week named Timothy Lynch to the new position of senior vice president, federation relations and strategic planning.
Lynch, who has been president and chief executive officer of the Motor Freight Carriers Association since 1997, will assume his ATA post on Oct. 3. Lynch had previously worked for ATA from 1993 to 1997.
Graves said Lynch will help develop and execute strategic plans to ensure that ATA and its member motor carriers achieve the necessary public policy goals to keep the U.S. trucking industry safe, efficient and profitable.
One critical element of Lynch�s assignment will be to mobilize and coordinate the efforts of ATA�s affiliated and non-affiliated organizations, including its councils and conferences. This includes its 50 affiliated state trucking associations.
Source: Transport Topics, Sept. 14, 2005
ASSOCIATION NEWS
Fall Leadership Days a Success
A total of 360 people attended Fall Leadership Days hosted last week by AAIA in Reston, Va. Volunteer board and committee members, VIP guests and AAIA staff participated in the AAIA board meeting, 24 committee/segment meetings and three receptions during the three-day program.
The fall meetings lineup included a luncheon for the winners of this year�s spring Automotive Aftermarket Political Action Committee (AAPAC) and Political Education Committee (AAPEC) Challenge. Winners included the Manufacturers� Rep Council and the Board of Directors. Members of this segment and committee contributed nearly $14,000 to AAIA�s political action committee and education fund.
Fall Leadership Days concluded on Friday, Sept. 16 with an open house reception at AAIA headquarters in Bethesda, Md. The reception gave board and committee members an opportunity to see the new automotive-themed office space.
AAIA Leadership Days committee meetings are open to all AAIA members. Spring Leadership Days will be held May 4-6, 2006 in Hollywood, Fla. For more information on the meeting or becoming a member of AAIA, call 301-654-6664 or visit www.aftermarket.org.
Hurricane Katrina Fund Exceeds $10,000 in Contributions
Contributions to the Salvation Army from member companies and AAIA staff quickly reached $10,000 last week, and were forwarded to that organization with a matching contribution of $10,000 from AAIA. AAIA is still accepting contributions to the Aftermarket Foundation (AFFTA), which we will match up to $10,000.
Please mail your contributions, payable to AFFTA, to AAIA; c/o Susan Medick; 7101 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1300; Bethesda, MD 20814. It is also recommended that contributions be made to the Automotive Aftermarket Association Southeast (AAAS), which has members along the Gulf Coast in need of assistance. They can be reached by mail at AAAS; 958 S. Perry Street; Montgomery, AL 36104, or by calling Randal Ward at 334-834-1848.
Industry Data Management Study Underway
The survey phase is underway for an industry needs assessment study about data management in the aftermarket supply chain by three leading trade associations. The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) have jointly funded the study to explore alternative ways of improving how the industry manages supply chain data.
Organizers emphasize that no solution has been prescribed or agreed upon at this stage, as all options are open and available. Digiton, a firm with expertise in supply chain management, has been contracted to conduct a comprehensive survey of industry needs, requirements, issues and challenges associated with data management in the industry.
Based on the findings of survey interviews with many aftermarket companies, the associations will be able to make the best informed recommendations in light of clear, unbiased, objective information. The associations strongly encourage individuals and companies contacted to participate in this valuable survey.
The study concept is a result of the Aftermarket Data Trust initiative adopted by a cross-industry steering committee to direct the project and to communicate with the three association sponsors.
For more information about the study or to participate, contact the following staff liaisons:
AAIA Technology Update to Be Held at AAPEX
Make plans to kick off Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week by attending AAIA�s Technology Update on Monday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Sands Expo Center in room 202. This informative seminar will cover industry standards and supply chain technology. The AAIA standards are having a profound impact on the way data is exchanged and partners conduct business in the aftermarket. This seminar is the only place in Las Vegas where you can get the very latest and most accurate information about ACES, PIES, IPO, PARTnerShip Network and more.
The AAIA Technology Update will feature a panel discussion with some of the top retailers and suppliers in the industry talking about their direct experience with the standards and the results and benefits of their implementations.
Attendees will hear from: Greg Beck, vice president, purchasing, O�Reilly Auto Parts; Michael Cardone III, manager, marketing development, CARDONE Industries; Mark Hickman, vice president, POS processes, Advance Auto Parts; and Jerry McCabe, senior vice president, marketing, Affinia Group.
Space at AAIA�s Technology Update is limited. To reserve your seat, e-mail technology@aftermarket.org.
WELCOME NEW AAIA MEMBERS
Sept. 9-16, 2005
Arnott Industries, Cape Canaveral, Fla. (Aftermarket Distribution)
Champion Parts, Inc. - Man. Rep., Alpharetta, Ga. (Aftermarket Distribution)
Firstbase Services Ltd., Abbotsford (BC), CANADA (Aftermarket Distribution)
InstallerEDGE, Vista, Calif. (Aftermarket Distribution)
FACTOID
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says it will propose by the end of this year significant changes to the way it estimates automobile fuel economy ratings � the miles-per-gallon numbers shoppers see on price stickers in the windows of trucks and cars. EPA said three changes will be at the core of its proposal: alter testing to reflect today's more aggressive and high-speed driving habits, as well as address traffic-stifling congestion in cities and expanding suburbs; account for vehicles driven in cold climates, where fuel economy suffers; and calculate the impact of accessories, such as air conditioners, that cut fuel economy.
Source: Automotive Digest, Sept. 16, 2005 |