NATIONAL
The University of the Aftermarket, the aftermarket industry's premier source of business education, marked its 10th anniversary over Labor Day weekend. The University was established Sept. 1, 1998, through an educational alliance of the Automotive Parts & Accessories Association, Automotive Service Industry Association, Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, and Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association. Prior to the alliance, business education for aftermarket distribution professionals was provided by AWDA University. The University of the Aftermarket became an operating unit of Northwood University on Jan. 1, 2000.
A panel of industry experts will analyze the current and future impact of rising fuel costs on the aftermarket industry at this year's AAIA Town Hall breakfast program in Las Vegas. Hosted by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and sponsored by NASCAR Performance, the Town Hall will be Nov. 5 in the Palazzo Ballroom in the Venetian Hotel. The panel will consist of Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst, Oil Price Information Service; Frank Ordoñez, president of Aftermarket Operations, Delphi Corp.; David Portalatin, director of Industry Analysis, The NPD Group Inc.; Tony Zanders, president, Heritage Auto Repair and Chair, Car Care Professionals Network (CCPN). "No issue in recent memory has had such a profound impact on every segment of our industry as increased fuel costs," said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO, who will moderate the panel. "(Panelists) will drill down into this issue from every angle: the motorist, service and repair, manufacturing, and distribution, and offer future scenarios and solutions."
Allstate Insurance Co. has announced that Dan Risley has joined Allstate claims organization as a staff claims analyst and will report to the company's home office in Northbrook, Ill. After a training period, Risley will be involved in several areas of the claims operation, including claim customer satisfaction, Allstate's Direct Repair Program, and the Sterling and Tech-Cor businesses. Risley had served as the executive director of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS).
The Volvo Car Corp. has announced approval of the Sherwin-Williams AWX waterborne refinish system for use in all certified Volvo collision repair facilities. AWX is now listed in Volvo Car's new VIDA (Vehicle Information and Diagnostics for Aftermarket) system, as does the previously approved Sherwin-Williams' ULTRA 7000 Basecoat/Clearcoat System. The additional AWX certification is the result of extensive technical evaluation and rigorous product testing consistent by Volvo to assure the same high-quality materials and aftermarket support as their line production.
Chrysler Corp. has installed an Aquabase Plus waterborne paint system in its Auburn Hills, Mich., National Technical Training Center. The change from traditional solvent-based coatings is part of Chrysler's commitment to work with environmentally friendly products and procedures. This move brings the training center into conformance with other Chrysler facilities. A majority of Chrysler assembly plants already use PPG waterborne coatings.
The 2009 Infiniti FX will ride exclusively on Bridgestone Dueler tires. The Bridgestone Dueler H/P 92A is standard equipment on the V-6-powered FX35 and FX35 AWD, while the 390-horsepower, V-8-powered FX50 is equipped with Bridgestone Dueler H/L 400 tires. This Dueler H/L 400 is the first application of a 21-inch tire on Infiniti's sporty 
crossover. The Dueler H/P 92A tires are also available as optional equipment for the V-6-powered 2009 Infiniti FX35 and FX35 AWD. And for gaining the advantage on snow- and ice-covered roads, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC offers a Bridgestone Blizzak DM-Z3 winter tire in all three original-equipment sizes for the Infiniti FX.
LKQ/Keystone contributed $5,000 in August to the I-CAR Education Foundation. The donation to the Education Foundation's Industry Partners Annual Fund will support activities that promote career opportunities in the industry. Keystone Director of Marketing Services Mary Kunz said, "We have long been a champion of collision repair education and the students who choose to pursue it. It is our hope that by providing support to organizations such as the I-CAR Education Foundation, we will be able to ensure the future success of the collision repair industry."
ABRA Auto Body & Glass contributed $2,500 in July to the I-CAR Education Foundation. The donation to the Education Foundation's Industry Partners Annual Fund will support activities that promote career opportunities in the industry. "The future of our industry relies on having a properly trained pool of employees to choose from," said Rollie Benjamin, president and CEO of ABRA. "It's to our benefit, and the benefit of other collision repairers, to support the I-CAR Education Foundation's training effort."
The Bosch Group has announced the formation of a regional business unit, Filtration Americas, with David Sholtis as vice president and unit leader. Sholtis will be responsible for the filtration business in North America and Latin America, including strategy formulation, support coordination, and coordination of the Bosch Group and MANN+HUMMEL joint venture, Purolator 
Filters NA LLC. Sholtis will hold responsibility jointly with the regional sales organizations for the filtration business for Bosch, Purolator, and Private Label products in the Americas and coordinate filter sales strategy and execution with the sales organizations in those regions.
AAEQ, parent company to EngineQuest (EQ), has announced the appointment of Mark Moore as national sales director for the company's engine parts division. Moore brings to the position more than a decade of experience in the automotive industry and 27 years of management and sales experience.
Trico Products has announced the appointment of Brian Norko as vice president of sales and marketing for the aftermarket. Norko will assume responsibility for aftermarket sales and will report directly to Jim Finley, president and CEO.
The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has delayed the effective date of an amendment that reorganizes and improves the structure and clarity of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108 for lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment. The agency received 15 petitions against the final rule, including requests for delays and concerns of new requirements being imposed by FMVSS No. 108, causing them to delay its implementation from Sept. 1, 2008, to Dec. 1, 2009. The amendments are meant to reorganize standards and provide a more efficient and straightforward version of the regulatory requirements. It clarified requirements by eliminating third-party standards, but it did not substantially change them for manufacturers. However, due to the petitions, NHTSA ruled that the final rule needed to be examined more closely and the petitions analyzed in depth. To view this regulation, visit the Automotive Service Association's legislative Web site, www.TakingTheHill.com.
In memoriam: Ed Justice, Sr., the last of three brothers who founded Justice Brothers Inc., which would become a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of car care additives, lubricants and cleaners, has died. He was 87. With $2,500 profit from a racecar they built in their garage, Justice and his brothers Zeke and Gus started Justice Brothers Inc. in Southern California. In turn, it was built into one of the world's leading brands for professional mechanics and consumers.
After starting Justice Brothers, the brothers went on to win the 1950 Indy 500 sponsoring their former boss Frank Kurtis's entry. When they moved to Jacksonville, Fla., they got involved with stock car racing and helped start NASCAR in late 1947 and became one of the first sponsors. Cars they were involved with won the 1950 Southern 500 and the original Daytona Beach stock car races. Justice was inducted into the West Coast NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2008.
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