Executive Interview with Bill Skok, President of Elgin Industries
BillSkok is president of Elgin Industries, a leading global manufacturer oforiginal equipment and replacement engine and chassis products for theautomotive and commercial vehicle markets. Skok joined the company,founded in 1919 by his grandfather, Martin Skok Sr., as governmentsales administrator in 1985 and became vice president of OEM sales in1988. He was named president of the
Executive Interview with Vic Edelbrock Jr., President and CEO of the Edelbrock Corp.
From aftermarketNews.com There have been plenty of media reports detailing the struggle in the auto industry today due to the tough economic climate. We haven’t heard much, however, about how this situation is impacting niche suppliers and the performance sector. What are you seeing out there right now?
Survival Motorsports Shop Profile
When he first started Survival Motorsports, Barry Rabotnick hoped tosell parts, primarily for Ford FE motors. “My goal was to become thesingle-point supplier for the FE Ford enthusiast.” TheFE, says Rabotnick, offers significant advantages to the right user.“The builds I’m doing on the FE might not be the same as people aredoing with another engine
Median Age of Cars on U.S. Roads Went Up in 2008, Says R.L. Polk
Themedian age of passenger cars in operation increased to 9.4 years in2008, according to R. L. Polk & Co. New figures released by Polkthis week in its annual vehicle population report showed 2008 breakingthe previous two-year record high of 9.2 years. The median age for all trucks in 2008 increased to 7.6 years from 7.3years
NPD Finds Economic Concerns and Gas Prices Keep Consumers Driving Less
Consumers’ economic concerns and uncertainty aboutthe future of gas prices are contributing to declines in miles driven,according to a recent survey conducted by market research firm The NPDGroup. Even though gasoline prices have declined sharply from lastsummer’s historic highs, NPD’s survey shows that 56 percent ofconsumers say they are still driving less. “Economic impact, unemployment and a
Management: 10 Areas of Your Business to Examine for the New Year
After a crazy 2008 with gas prices ranging from more than $4 per gallon to below $1.50, a presidential election, a financial meltdown, a drop in miles driven and a federal loan to the Detroit Three, we are now into 2009 with great hopes of good days ahead. These tough times make every owner take
Herman Trend Alert: Older Workers Recognized as More Valuable
Employers are increasingly turning to older and previously retiredworkers for hard-to-fill positions for two reasons. First, they will dopractically anything to reduce costs and second, employers, like mostof us, are uncertain of the near-term future. We are already seeing anuptick in the number of special projects given to these seasonedemployees. The good news about hiring
Fifty Percent are Budgeting an Increase in Revenue, Survey Says
aftermarketNews recently published the results of a survey taken byKMPG that showed global automotive executives expect a significantdecline in market share for United States vehicle manufacturers butcontinue to see U.S. OEMs becoming more efficient and competitive inthe near term. Despite facing recessionary times and fightingovercapacity issues, automotive executives remain focused onmanufacturing alternative fuel cars and
Herman Trend Alert: 2009 Workforce/Workplace Forecast
Each year at this time, The Herman Group issues its annual forecast.This year, once more, we offer you our full forecast for the comingyear: 1. Certain Skill Sets Continue to be in Short Supply. In spite of the global economic slowdown and massive layoffs, certainskill sets are in short supply. All but the most short-sightedemployers
Decade Trend Shows Engines Getting Smaller for Mainstream but More Power for Performance Enthusiasts
A recent SEMA eNews report says that more stringent fueleconomy and emissions requirements have shifted engines toward smaller displacement options. Sales of four-cylinder engines grew from 2006 to 2007 whilelarger displacement eight-cylinder sales shrank. Six-cylinder engines, however, remain largely unchanged, a shiftmore noticeable as more powerful compact engines replace outdatedlarger ones throughout the entire range.
10 Benefits Valued Most by Employees
Asyou work harder, smarter and faster to overcome the effects of theeconomic downturn, you need all hands on deck. Everyone at your shopneeds to be working together toward a common goal — providing thehighest quality repairs and top-notch customer service so that yourshop traffic continues to increase and profits follow along anupward path. Thisunified front
10 Ideas To Increase Customer Loyalty
A solid customer base is not something that grows overnight. It takestime to cultivate a database of customers who return for servicetime and time again, and who also recommend your shop to others.Several factors work together to enable you to earn their trust andrespect, which translates into satisfied customers and highly soughtafter repeat business. Things