Robert Bosch LLC, a leading global supplier of automotive parts to original equipment manufacturers and the independent aftermarket, has announced the addition of five new SKUs for March 2015. The additions have been made to its QuietCast and Bosch Blue Brake Pad lines and Bosch Twin Wiper Blade sets.
U.S. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) has introduced H.R. 1181, the Public Access to Motor Vehicle Safety Information bill. This legislation was introduced partly in response to recent automaker safety issues and airbag defects. Schakowsky said, “Over the past year and a half, we have seen a record number of recalls and far too many serious injuries and deaths. It’s time for stronger driver, passenger, and pedestrian safeguards, and the Vehicle Safety Improvement Act delivers on that need.”
Federated Auto Parts will continue its sponsorship of “Two Guys Garage” this season. The popular MAVTV show, hosted by Kevin Byrd and Willie B., will premiere new episodes on March 20 and feature new “TechTalk by Federated Auto Parts” tech tips.
Bosch has launched a new website – ChooseTheRightInjector.com – designed to provide information and education necessary to help diesel vehicle owners and technicians make the right choice when purchasing replacement injectors for vehicle service.
The Equipment & Tool Institute (ETI) says it is finalizing its speaker lineup for ToolTech 2015, which takes place April 13-16 at the Radisson Hotel and Suites in Downtown Austin, Texas. ETI’s ToolTech 2015 will inform attendees about the connected car evolution through speaker presentations, discussion groups, networking and other dialogue, and also will provide a forum to explore and address opportunities and challenges within today’s automotive aftermarket.
The Auto Care Association has launched Operation Auto Care, a new program developed to help address the industry’s need for a new pool of talented employees. Driven by the association’s Education Committee industry career initiative, the program will connect transitioning military veterans with jobs in the auto care industry.
Federated Auto Parts and Ken Schrader Racing (KSR) have joined forces once again for the 2015 racing season. This year marks the 16th season that Federated has served as the primary sponsor of Schrader’s dirt and ARCA cars. Schrader will continue to compete in his dirt modified car as well as select ARCA races throughout the season.
Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO, Auto Care Association, recently announced her plans to retire, effective Dec. 31, 2015. Schmatz joined the association in 2002, and was named president and CEO on Jan. 1, 2004 after 30 years with Babcox Media.
Applications for automotive scholarships funded by the University of the Aftermarket Foundation are being accepted through March 31, 2015. The foundation will award an additional $100,000 in scholarships this year, bringing the total amount of scholarships to be awarded by the foundation to $230,000.
As gas prices continue to drop, consumers will have a few more dollars in their pockets to spend on essentials, like vehicle repair and service. Getting customers to spend some of those dollars in your shop should be one of your goals this spring. With National Car Care Month on the horizon in April, there is no better time to put a proactive plan in place to convince your customers to invest some of that extra cash in their vehicles to keep them running better and longer.
The ArcticPRO ACX1280 machine from MAHLE Service Solutions received the “Best Use of Technology” new product award at the 2015 Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide Trade Show. The award was selected by an impartial panel of automotive press members and was presented to the company last month during the event at the Caribe Royale Convention Center in Orlando, FL.
