Gasoline Direct Fuel Injection Systems
The concept of injecting gasoline directly into an engine’s cylinders was invented by Swedish engineer Jonas Hesselman in 1925. During World War II, Germany began equipping some of its fighter aircraft with direct fuel injection to prevent engine stall-out during high-speed aerial maneuvers. After World War II, domestic and import auto manufacturers discovered that their
Let’s Show How Creative The Automotive Aftermarket Auto Parts Industry Can Be
During my time at industry week, I had the opportunity to visit both AAPEX and SEMA for extended periods of time. It’s always exciting to see so many companies and all of the innovative and creative ideas that are continuously flowing out of our great industry. The great thing about the automotive industry is that
Meet Todd Carpenter, Counterman’s 2011 Counter Professional of the Year
Todd Carpenter, Counterman’s 2011 Counter Professional of the Year, sponsored by Affinia, WIX and Raybestos brake and chassis, puts a strong emphasis on continuing education.
BATTERIES: WHAT’S YOUR PRODUCT I.Q.?
Car batteries are a frequently replaced underhood component, more so than many other parts such as spark plugs, plug wires, sensors, water pumps, alternators, starters, even belts and hoses. The typical car or light truck will probably go through four or more batteries during its lifetime. The service life of most wet cell lead-acid batteries
I’ll Stick To A Human Counterpro
By Allen Markowitz and Allan Gerber Wow, artificial intelligence — modern technology is absolutely astounding. Recently, I purchased an Apple iPhone 4S. One of the many features built in is Siri, a speech-recognition “personal assistant.” Being my inquisitive self, I started exploring this feature, setting appointments, placing calls, setting up alarms, asking it to read my
Fisher Acquires McLaughlin Stores
STAUNTON, Va. – Fisher Auto Parts has acquired McLaughlin Automotive Stores. The deal was announced in October by Walter McLaughlin, CEO of McLaughlin Automotive Stores and Bo Fisher, CEO of Fisher Auto Parts. “Relative to its size, McLaughlin is one of the most successful and profitable companies in the aftermarket because their dedicated, talented and
Affinia Group Dedicates New Brake Manufacturing Center In China
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Affinia Group recently held a grand opening event for its new brake parts manufacturing center in China. The new manufacturing center will focus on the production of friction components, disc brake pads and accessories. The 383,000-square-foot facility, which operates under the name Affinia Qingdao Braking System, Co. Ltd., is located in
When To Replace Sensors And Why
Sensors are designed to last the life of the vehicle or until they wear out.
From The Publisher: Take My Word For It… We Are Better Off
Many of you do not know that my first experience in the aftermarket was at an independent jobber in Ohio. While much of my time was spent in the engine rebuilding portion of the organization, I probably did a 50/50 split between rebuilding and counter duty. I understand that does not make me an expert
Centralized Store Services Next Major Enhancement Planned for Epicor Vision Platform
LIVERMORE, Calif. — Epicor Software Corp. (recently combined with Activant Solutions Inc.) has announced that it is adding comprehensive centralized store services capabilities to its Epicor Vision distribution management platform. Centralized services will enable Vision-powered replacement parts distributors to perform an array of important value-added tasks — including inventory management — for company stores and