tchell 1 offers OnDemand5 UPDATE
Mitchell 1 announces the availability of its OnDemand5 Manager/ Manager Plus, Version 5.9, which gives installers the ability to look up and transfer NAPA parts to their management system work orders with just a few, simple clicks of a mouse.
Current users of Manager/ ManagerPlus will receive a free upgrade to the new version. Once installed, users will have access to the NAPA catalog from any order. The new NAPA catalog is easy-to-use, fast and updates automatically via the Internet, which eliminates the need for monthly CD updates. In addition, Mitchell 1 announced it has added a DataProtection feature to its Manager/ManagerPlus and TeamWorks programs. The new service provides daily database backup to a secure Mitchell 1 data vault, with the ability to fully restore a shop’s database in as little as a few minutes.
ASA Celebration of Excellence, AMI Graduation set for Convention
The Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) 2007 annual convention will be held May 3-5 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville. One of the highlights of the event will be ASA’s Celebration of Excellence, which was previously held during Industry Week. Scheduled for Saturday, May 5, award presentations will include legislative, humanitarian and division awards, affiliate of the year, communicator of the year, benefit provider and Automotive Management Institute (AMI) recognitions, and the Chairman’s Award of Excellence.
Affinia to award $36,000 in scholarships
Affinia Group Inc. will award $36,000 in scholarships to students at Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (UTI), a nationwide provider of technical training for automotive, diesel and collision-repair technicians. Eighteen tuition scholarships, valued at $2,000 each, will be awarded to students attending one of the company’s automotive or diesel campuses. In other news, Affinia made a major gift in support of the new Sloan Family Building for Aftermarket Studies on Northwood University’s Midland, MI, campus. In recognition of the gift, the building’s atrium lobby will be named in Affinia’s honor.
Identifix Publishes 150,000th Test and Fix
Identifix has added the 150,000th hotline archive to Direct-Hit, its online diagnostic product. Each month, the most interesting diagnostic problems are selected for the hotline archives from more than 15,000 calls received by the 39 factory-trained master technicians who staff the repair hotline operated by Identifix.
The master technicians document the vehicle problem/symptoms and likely cause(s), and provide useful tests and helpful hints all on a one-page document that can be printed and taken to the vehicle. With more than 1,000 new hotline archives added to Direct-Hit each week, hotline archives represent the best source for continually updated diagnostic information and solutions for what’s breaking on today’s vehicles.
“Hotline archives allow us to share with the entire industry the knowledge we gain from talking to 10,000 shops each year,” said Jeff Sweet, Identifix president.
Federated, ACDelco Announce Strategic Pact
Federated has announced a strategic relationship with ACDelco, whereby ACDelco joins the Federated Original Equipment Supplier Group within Federated, which recognizes OE suppliers that provide unique or significant benefits that complement Federated’s premium aftermarket brands.
“This relationship will be a benefit to our many members who support ACDelco products and will allow Federated and ACDelco to work closer together in a number of areas,” stated Rusty Bishop, Federated CEO.
Beck/Arnley Opens Warehouse and Distribution Center
Beck/Arnley has opened a full-service warehouse and distribution center in Jamaica, NY, to provide import nameplate customers with local availability to inventory and same-day turnaround on special orders. The new facility encompasses more than 15,000 sq. ft. of space, and is located in the heart of Queens, which provides easy-access and convenience for customers in the area.
MAHLE Clevite Engines Help Spur NASCAR Victories
MAHLE has sold products to NASCAR Teams for years. The acquisition of Clevite Engine Parts and the birth of MAHLE Clevite, Inc. set the stage for a momentous occasion recently at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon finished first and second as engine parts from MAHLE Clevite led the way.
Both Hendrick Motorsports’ drivers run precision MAHLE Clevite engine components — Clevite engine bearings, Perfect Circle piston rings and Victor Reinz gaskets.
COMPANY AWARDS
NAPA Echlin received the 2006 “Manufacturer Appreciation Award of the Year” from the NAPA Under Hood Sales Group during its recent national sales meeting. The award was presented to NAPA Echlin in appreciation of their unselfish giving of their time and resources to the enhancement and growth of the program.
Permatex, Inc. has received the 2006 Supplier Award from Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance. The award was presented to Permatex because the company demonstrated exceptional shipping performance and had achieved Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance’s “Gold Level of Shipping.”
