Hourly wages increasing
BETHESDA, Md.-The average hourly wage for non-supervisory employees in all six sectors of the aftermarket increased between 2000 and 2001, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) 2002/2003 Aftermarket Factbook.
The largest increases were seen for workers in automotive repair shops and auto parts supply stores.
Hourly wages at auto repair shops increased 4 percent in 2002 to $13.90 per hour from $13.37 the previous year, the publication reported. Employee wages at auto parts supply stores rose 5.1 percent to $11.38 from $10.83 in the same period.
Vehicle service repairs, which accounted for two-thirds of total automotive aftermarket sales, rose 6.3 percent to $123 billion, the AAIA said.
The 56-page Factbook is available to AAIA members for $75 and $150 to non-members. To order a copy, contact AAIA at (301) 654-6664 or online at www.aftermarket.org.
MEMA to study parts surplus
MIDLAND, Mich.-The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association has begun a study addressing what the group has termed a $6 billion parts surplus in the automotive aftermarket supply chain.
The Richard DeVos Graduate School of Management at Northwood University is conducting the study, which also is strongly supported by the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association and the Specialty Equipment Market Association.
``Poor inventory management in the aftermarket is nothing new,'' said Tim Nash, dean of the school of management at Northwood. ``The problem has been around for many, many years, and the industry has yet to identify fundamental solutions to improve the situation.''
Through interviews with industry participants, the study will attempt to identify the primary causes of excess inventory and outline possible steps that aftermarket products manufacturers and distributors can take to improve the situation.
``The goal is to consult with all levels in the supply chain (in order) to develop an industry consensus,'' said Bill Busby, who is leading the interviewing process at Northwood. ``We're not trying to develop individualized solutions for manufacturers and distributors, but rather cultivate an industry consensus and identify what practices in the aftermarket must change.''
Northwood plans to release results from the study in November during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week in Las Vegas.
Comics to appear at SEMA banquet
DIAMOND BAR, Calif.-Nationally known comedians Rita Rudner and Louie Anderson will entertain attendees at the 2002 Specialty Equipment Market Association Industry Awards Reception and Banquet, Nov. 7 at the Las Vegas Hilton.
During this annual event, SEMA will present awards to its Person of the Year and honor other industry leaders.
Ms. Rudner and Mr. Anderson are both widely known for their stand-up comedy acts. Each has a career that spans about two decades, including numerous television specials and appearances on the Tonight Show and The Late Show.
Tickets for the evening are $50 per person and are available online at www.semashow.com or by contacting SEMA at (909) 396-0289. Complete information about the 2002 SEMA Show/International Tire Expo also is available at the above-mentioned Web site.
CARS event offers training
BEDFORD, Texas-``Taming Automotive Technology'' is the theme of the 2002 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS), sponsored by the mechanical division of the Automotive Service Association, and scheduled for Nov. 7-9 at the Tropicana Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
Held during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week in Las Vegas, CARS bills itself as the automotive repair industry's ``premier educational event and exhibitor showcase.'' It will feature eight technical courses and three Automotive Management Institute (AMI) seminars and is open to all.
ASA Chairman Dan Frohlich said CARS has expanded its educational program and now offers the best opportunity for industry professionals to receive training from the nation's best instructors-both technical and management. ``Record attendance figures, especially among technicians, stands as a testament to the value and worth of CARS,'' Mr. Frohlich said.
Seminars will cover such topics as: ``Compensating Technicians and You,'' ``The Price of Admission'' and ``the Nuts and Bolts of Dollars and Cents.''
Technical courses will include:
``Fuel Injection Service Today,''
``Creative Lab Scope Technique and Instrument Limitations,''
``OBD II Diagnostic Case Studies,''
``Critical Thinking Skills for the Automotive Technican,''
``Electronic Service Information in the Service Bay,''
``BMW Tips: Techniques and Problem Solving,''
``OBD II Past, Present and Future'' and
``Understanding Emissions.''
The exhibitor showcase will feature the newest products and services of some 35 industry suppliers. Entertainment and prize giveaways also are planned.
Attendees registering prior to Sept. 30 will save $50 on registration fees. Additional information is available on the association's Web site, www.asashop.org.
SEMA awards auto scholarships
DIAMOND BAR, Calif.-The Specialty Equipment Market Association has awarded $80,000 in scholarships to 60 college students to further their education toward careers in the automotive aftermarket industry.
Each winner will receive up to $2,000 from the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.
``We are pleased to reward these outstanding students for their educational accomplishments,'' said Mike Spagnola, SEMA scholarship committee chairman and president/CEO of Street Scene Equipment in Costa Mesa, Calif.
The program awards scholarships at two eligibility levels. Students currently enrolled in a four-year or graduate-level program at an accredited college or university who have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours, or have been classified as a junior or senior at the time of scholarship application, are eligible for awards of $1,000 or more.
Students currently enrolled in a two-year community college or proprietary vocational-technical program who have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours, or have been classified as a sophomore, are eligible for awards of $1,000.
Applicants must have at least a 2.0 grade-point average, demonstrate financial need equal to or exceeding the amount of the award, and be pursuing a course of study leading to a career in the automotive aftermarket or related field.
ASA expands Internet services
BEDFORD, Texas-The Automotive Service Association has expanded its member benefits program with Cartrak Online, offering members discounted pricing on the company's Netprofit and Gold Wrench Internet services.
Shops with existing Web sites can use Cartrak's Netprofit service to provide Internet users with content that includes a personalized ``Everything Automotive'' page offering information on a range of automotive products, services and information.
Firms lacking a Web site or looking to update their own site can consider Cartrak's Gold Wrench services, which include site design, customer e-mail service reminders, online appointment scheduling, shop information and photos.
John Scully, ASA vice president of membership services and operations, said Cartrak Online was one of the earliest dot-com companies to serve ASA members in the past. ``The quality of their services has enabled them to not only survive but thrive during the fallout of e-commerce companies,'' he said.
For more information, contact the ASA Membership Department at (800) 272-7467, ext. 295 or www.cartrak.com.
Wagner brake/pad promo under way
SOUTHFIELD, Mich.-Now through Nov. 30, service shops ordering 10 sets of Wagner ThermoQuiet brake pads from participating auto parts locations are entitled to receive a redemption form good for a free 11th set selected from four leading part numbers covering high-volume late-model applications.
As part of the promotion and while supplies last, shops also can order a free merchandising package containing a counter mat, bay banner, wall poster, decals, counter card, consumer brochures and a ``Quiet Assurance'' brake repair quarantee pad.
Federal-Mogul Corp., manufacturer of the brake pads, is conducting the Wagner ``Virtual Bonus Pack'' promotion.