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
Behr Puts Vehicles To The Test in Climatic Wind Tunnel
At Behr’s climatic wind tunnel in Troy, Mich., vehicles are brutalized under simulated blaring sunlit conditions to see how well air conditioning systems will perform and how well HVAC systems will cooperate with engine cooling components.
Vortec 3500 Straight-Five Engine
The five-cylinder was seen as a way to achieve better fuel economy and performance than the six, but with more power and torque than the four. Back in 2002,General Motors developed what would become a new series of Vortec inline four-, five- and six-cylinder engines. All of the engines in the “Atlas” engine lineup share
Grote Uses LightForm Technology to Create Ultra-Thin Retrofit Dome Lamp Kit for HMMWVs
LightForm’s thin profile, operational robustness and adhesive mounting capabilities make it the perfect solution for HMMWV environments, according to Grote.
Todd Carpenter, 2011 Counter Professional of the Year sponsored by Affinia, WIX and Raybestos
The automotive aftermarket runs through Todd Carpenter’s blood. He got started in the business at age 13, working in his father’s NAPA store in Cambridge, Minn., where he swept floors and put away stock. Eventually, he became a counter professional and later was promoted to store manager. Carpenter was chosen as Counterman magazine’s 2011 Counter
Automotive Distribution Network Sells Out 2012 National Convention
GERMANTOWN, Tenn. – The Automotive Distribution Network’s 2012 National Convention has sold out more than five months in advance. Meeting and ballroom space for the event, which will be held Feb. 26–29 at the Wynn Las Vegas Resort, is booked to capacity, according to Mike Lambert, president of the Network. “I commend our members across