CALIFORNIA
Rodney Pierini, president and CEO of the California, Nevada, and Arizona Automotive Wholesalers Association introduced the 
panel discussion "Let's Know Them Before We Need Them" at the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium in Chicago in June. The panel discussed legislative affairs regarding the automotive parts and service industry and was moderated by Ray Pohlman, vice president and government affairs director for AutoZone.
Cat Lift Trucks has recognized Holt of California in West Sacramento as Gold "Dealer of the Year." "We're proud to be recognized as a top Cat Lift truck dealership and are honored to receive this award," Holt of California President Kenneth Monroe said.
In May, Tesla Roadster in San Carlos opened. The dealership, located in Westwood, will feature the new two-seat electric Tesla Roadster, which retails for $109,000.
Fortuna Chevrolet, a division of Fortuna Motors, was recognized for receiving top scores by its customers in 2007, ranking 22nd out of all Chevrolet, Pontiac, and GMC dealers in 12 Western states.
Arjang Tabibi and Emelita Manibo opened a new AAMCO car care center in Tracy in April, at 2800 Auto Plaza Drive.
Magnussen's Auburn Toyota recently won its eighth consecutive President's Award from Toyota Motor Sales. It's the dealership's 10th overall and was the only one awarded in the district this year.
Novato Toyota purchased Novato Pontiac's former lot on April 30 and plans to use the property to expand its dealership, adding 1.5 acres to its two-acre site, General Manager Randy Lakritz said. The additional space will allow the dealership to broaden its used-car sales efforts and expand its service department.
Ronald McCaul, a technician at Chase Chevrolet in Stockton, became a General Motors World Class Technician on May 12. McCaul completed more than 1,000 hours in training and received a Master Technician and Automotive Service Excellence Certification in various vehicle specialty areas.
After failing to meet sales expectations after five years, Kragen Auto Parts closed its Monterey store on May 18. Kragen will continue to operate several other Monterey County locations, including stores in Seaside, Marina, and four stores in Salinas.
Downtown Ford of Sacramento received the President's Award on May 27. It is the sixth time in the past seven years that the dealership has won the award, given to those Ford dealers who achieve the highest levels of customer satisfaction in both sales and service.
The second Technology Education Recognition Night, hosted by the Automotive Service Councils of California (ASCCA), was held at Doral's Auto Repair in San Leandro on May 15. Supporters gathered to honor students who are completing their 
education in automotive skills through local regional occupational programs in high schools and community colleges. Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Chief Sherry Mehl and BAR Deputy Chief Richard Sullivan spoke to the gathering of more than 200 people.
Chris Lauderdale is the new parts manager at Mercedes-Benz of Sacramento. Lauderdale, 37, has 14 years of parts experience and has been working for the dealership for the past six years.
Transfer Flow Inc., a company in Chico that manufactures aftermarket and OEM fuel tank systems, celebrated its 25th anniversary with a day-long barbecue for its employees and their families.
