October 12, 2024
Car Culture
The University of Aftermarket, through Northwood University, is accepting registration for this year’s Leadership 2.0 series.
“Leadership 2.0 consists of robust discussion and learning related to the challenges and opportunities confronting the automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket,” stated Dr. Thomas Litzinger, executive director of the University of the Aftermarket and the industry chair for aftermarket education at Northwood University.
The Leadership 2.0 experience includes a blend of industry research and market analysis, lively discussion and debate on the challenges confronting the light vehicle and heavy-duty aftermarket, competitive strategies, interpersonal communication skills, contract negotiations, conflict resolution, organizational culture, cyber-security best practices, insight into supply chain solutions, and other challenging and evolving industry topics and trends.
The program Leadership Development 2.0 is designed for mid-level to upper-level managers who want to enhance and develop their leadership skills.
“Professionals searching for direction and guidance on how to become a better leader, develop enriched communication, people skills, assess improved cyber-security, and supply chain, sales management, and organizational culture techniques should attend this series,” Litzinger added.
Leadership 2.0 is facilitated by Northwood faculty, senior aftermarket executives, and industry leaders. The program is comprised of two, five-day sessions. Session I is conducted at Northwood University’s Midland, Michigan campus at the Sloan Family Building for Aftermarket Studies. Session II’s location is to be determined at this time.
Students who complete this course will be able to:
- Discuss the current and emerging trends within the automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket.
- Identify strategies to distinguish their organizations from the competition and dominate the marketplace.
- Debate best practices associated with cyber-security and supply chain governance.
- Compare the challenges connected with creating a vibrant organizational culture.
- Define values, beliefs, and behaviors.
- Debate methodologies surrounding conflict resolution and contract negotiation.
- Prepare team projects.
The series starts with Session 1 from Aug. 20-24 at Northwood University, 4000 Whiting Drive, Midland, Michigan.
The cost is $6,650 per attendee, including tuition, materials, snacks, and lunch. Students who complete the course will earn seven continuing education units (CEUs) toward their automotive professional designation.
To learn more, visit the course webpage HERE. The deadline to register is today, Aug. 11.
ASE Announces Leadership Transition
Staff Writer
July 12, 2023
President and CEO Tim Zilke and senior vice president of communications Trish Serratore have retired from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. The transition to new leadership began today with Dave Johnson taking on the role of president and CEO designate.
Johnson brings over 30 years of automotive industry experience to ASE. He previously served as global director, service engineering operations at Ford Motor Company where he led all vehicle repair support activities.
On Jan. 1, Johnson will assume the title and responsibilities of ASE president and CEO upon Zilke’s retirement, and Donna Wagner will transition from assistant vice president of the ASE Education Foundation to the role of vice president of industry and media relations for ASE.
Zilke joined ASE in 1991 and was promoted to president and CEO in 2008. Serratore joined ASE in 1988 and was promoted to senior vice president of communications in 2008. She served six years as president of the ASE Education Foundation, and in 2017, rejoined ASE as senior vice president.
“I am honored to take on the mantle of leadership of this important industry organization,” said Johnson. “I look forward to working with the great ASE staff to serve our technicians, service providers and vehicle owners while communicating the amazing mission of ASE.”
2 New Jersey Firefighters Killed Fighting Fire On Ship Carrying 5,000 Vehicles
Staff Writer
July 07, 2023
Two New Jersey firefighters lost their lives and five others were injured fighting a fire Wednesday night on a docked cargo ship carrying more than five thousand vehicles, Newark Fire Chief Rufus Jackson said at a news conference on Thursday. The fire broke out on an Italian-flagged cargo ship, the Grande Costa d’Avorio at the Port of New Jersey.
The ship, built in 2011, is owned by one of Italy’s leading ship owners, the Grimaldi Group. The company specializes in the maritime transport of cars. Grimaldi Deep Sea said in a statement that the fire had broken out on the ship’s 10th deck when it's 28 member crew and local dock workers were completing the loading of more than 1,200 new and used cars, vans and trucks bound for West Africa. The ship had arrived several days earlier after loading vehicles at the Port of Baltimore.
Responding firefighters found five to seven vehicles on fire on the 10th floor when they arrived on scene around 9:30pm Wednesday. The firefighters, Augusto “Augie” Acabou, 45, and Wayne “Bear” Brooks Jr., 49 were lost when the blaze quickly engulfed the 11th and 12th floors creating an intense heat that pushed the firefighters back.
The Grimaldi Group statement said the cause of the fire is unknown, but it will investigate in cooperation with authorities. The company said the crew immediately activated on-board fire suppression procedures and that no electric cars nor hazardous cargo was on board, no fuel spills have been detected, and the stability of the ship has not been compromised.
“Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of two Newark firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” N.J Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement.
Sedans Dominate Carvana Top-Selling Vehicles
Staff Writer
July 05, 2023
Six of Carvana’s Top 10 mid-year best sellers were sedans, signaling that affordability and accessibility are critically important to customers when shopping the used vehicle market.
Of the tens of thousands of vehicle purchases customers made on Carvana.com so far this year, the 2023 Mid-Year List of the Top 10 best-sellers in order of units sold follows:
- Honda Civic
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Nissan Altima
- Toyota Corolla
- Hyundai Elantra
- Ford Mustang
- Nissan Rogue
- Jeep Cherokee
- Toyota Camry
- Honda Accord
“Our 2023 mid-year sales data suggests that consumers shopping on Carvana.com are looking for efficient, cost-effective, and reliable options,” says Brian Boyd, senior vice president of inventory at Carvana. “Over half of our mid-year list consists of sedans, which clearly indicates to us what our customers are looking for, but also helps to set Carvana apart in what we offer regarding vehicle accessibility.”
Holman Names New CEO
Staff Writer
June 23, 2023
Holman, a global automotive and fleet services company, has appointed Chris Conroy as its new CEO, while Carl Ortell will take on a new role as vice chair of the Holman Board.
Ortell, along with Mindy Holman and the entire Board of Directors, will continue to shape the organization’s strategic vision, supporting Conroy and his executive leadership team as the company prepares to embark on its second century in business.
“For the last eight years, it has been my distinct honor and privilege to serve as the CEO of Holman, guiding this extraordinary organization along an incredible journey, and together, achieving many truly remarkable accomplishments,” said Carl Ortell in a news release. “As President and COO, Chris demonstrated a profound understanding of the evolving needs of our various customers as well as the opportunities — and challenges — on the horizon for our business. This keen business acumen along with his innate ability to inspire those around him will be invaluable to our business as we begin the next chapter of the Holman story.”
Throughout his nearly 30-year career with Holman, Conroy has held a number of senior leadership roles across the organization, most recently serving as president and chief operating officer.
In his new role as CEO, Conroy will look to build upon and strengthen the company’s services, forge new growth opportunities, lead innovative automotive and mobility solutions for Holman’s customers, and continue to the company’s efforts to provide a rewarding career and a better life for every employee and their family.
“As Carl transitions to his new role and with Chris at the helm as CEO, our organization is incredibly well positioned to continue driving what’s right,” said Mindy Holman, Chair of the Holman Board.
Conroy and Ortell will work closely together for the rest of 2023 to complete the CEO transition process by the start of next year.
Navy Pier Hosts ‘Retro Rides’ Event
Staff Writer
June 22, 2023
More than 100 cool and eclectic vehicles have been curated by Klairmont Kollections Auto Museum for the inaugural “Retro Rides” held July 28-30 at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall in Chicago. Visitors can take part in automotive history, iconic cars and engineering marvels while listening to a variety of local DJs and enjoying food and fun.
Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum showcases some of the most stunning, historically innovative, and unique vehicles produced. Retro Rides features:
- 1950s American Classics & Micro-cars
- A Swarovski crystal-covered Rolls Royce
- One-of-a-kind vehicles like a nickel and gold leaf 1918 Pierce Arrow
“Retro Rides” provides an opportunity for all of Chicago to experience vehicles that have been staples in pop culture and innovative, futuristic technology that have changed America,” said Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner. “These vehicles are symbols of personal freedom, art, and science. I hope that children and all guests are inspired by this collection of classics.”
The specs of Chevy’s handful of final edition Cameros have been released. The iconic muscle car design team did not disappoint with a spectacular color scheme and flashy body panels. The color, Panther Black Metallic Tintcoat, is being paired with Satin Black accent stripes and Satin Black Forged Wheels. These touches will be available in LT/RS, LT1, and SS trims. A limited run of 350 ZL1 Collector's Edition units will be offered as well. Chevrolet is also getting rid of the 275-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder powerplant engine. The Collector's Edition will come in either a 3.6-liter V6 or a V8 (if one is available), raising the base price of a Camaro to $32,495.
All models will sport a unique front fender script badging that integrates a panther into the "R" and a panther on the steering wheel badge. "We found it fitting for this Collector's Edition Camaro to officially recognize the significance of the original code name and share it with Camaro enthusiasts," said Rich Scheer, design director of Chevrolet Performance. "Of course, the name 'Panther' influenced the colors used—Panther Black Metallic for SS and Panther Matte Black for ZL1." Two commemorative posters and custom floor mats will also be included.
There is wide speculation about the Camero’s future beyond racing. “While we are not announcing an immediate successor today, rest assured, this is not the end of Camaro's story," said Chevrolet Global Vice President Scott Bell.
Hot Rod Tour Hits Southeast
Staff Writer
May 22, 2023
In celebration of Hot Rod Magazine's 75th anniversary, The Hot Rod Power Tour Driven By Continental Tire will be heading southeast to Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee visiting five cities over five days in June. More than 6,000 cars and trucks of all years, makes, and models will be on display for tens of thousands of automotive enthusiasts. The tour will feature over 1,000 miles of driving, with high-octane events such as drag racing, autocross and live entertainment. Spectator tickets are free at each tour stop with online RSVP.
2023 HOT ROD Power Tour Locations:
- Day 1: Monday, June 12 – Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton, Ga.
- Day 2: Tuesday, June 13 – South Carolina State Fairgrounds, Columbia, S.C.
- Day 3: Wednesday, June 14 – Rockingham Speedway, Rockingham, N.C.
- Day 4: Thursday, June 15 -- zMAX Dragway, Concord, N.C.
- Day 5: Friday, June 16 – Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, Tenn.
RumbleOn Appoints Board Member
Staff Writer
May 15, 2023
Steven J. Pully has been appointed to the Board of Directors of RumbleOn Inc., a technology-based powersports platform, effective May 11. Pully has served on over 35 boards over the course of his career across a wide range of industries, including retail, entertainment, manufacturing, technology, and energy and power.
Pully’s appointment follows a number of corporate governance enhancements recently implemented by the RumbleOn Board to bolster its diversity and expertise. He replaces Peter Levy, who recently resigned from the board. Pully will serve on the Audit Committee of the Board.
Pully is a Founding Partner of Speyside Partners, a Dallas-based investment banking and restructuring advisory firm, the part-time Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Harvest Oil & Gas, and Chairman of EverView. Pully is also a licensed attorney and Certified Public Accountant in the state of Texas and is a CFA Charterholder.
“I’m excited to join such a fast-growing and innovative company and to help RumbleOn expand its business and unlock even greater value through the successful execution of its strategy,” Pully said.
Unemployment Claims Rise
Staff Writer
May 14, 2023
In the week ending May 6, the U.S. Department of Labor reported the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 264,000, an increase of 22,000 from the previous week’s unrevised level of 242,000. This is the highest level for initial claims since October 30, 2021, when it was 264,000. The 4-week moving average was 245,250, an increase of 6,000 from the previous week’s unrevised average of 239,250. This is the highest level for this average since November 20, 2021, when it was 249,250. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.2 percent for the week ending April 29, unchanged from the previous week’s unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending April 29 was 1,813,000, an increase of 12,000 from the previous week’s revised level. The previous week’s level was revised down by 4,000 from 1,805,000 to 1,801,000. The 4-week moving average was 1,829,500, an increase of 2,250 from the previous week’s revised average. The previous week’s average was revised down by 1,000 from 1,828,250 to 1,827,250.
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Bankruptcies Increase Slightly
Staff Writer
May 07, 2023
Bankruptcy filings rose slightly for the 12-month period ending March 31, 2023, but new bankruptcy cases remain sharply lower than before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to statistics released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, total filings rose 2.0 percent, to 403,273 new cases, compared with 395,373 cases in the previous year.
Business filings increased 9.9 percent, from 13,160 in March 2022 to 14,467 in the newest report. Non-business filings rose 1.7 percent, from 382,213 in March 2022 to 388,806 in March 2023.
This year’s 12-month filing total for the quarter ending March 31 is slightly more than half of the total reported in March 2020, when the pandemic disrupted the U.S. economy. That year’s 12-month total was 764,282.
TopMark Funding Reports Strong Originations
Staff Writer
May 02, 2023
TopMark Funding, a funding destination for commercial vehicles, opens 2023 with strong originations in the first quarter. The company set its all-time record for funded transactions in March 2023. This contributed to a 22% increase in funded transactions in Q1 FY23 when compared to Q1 FY22.
TopMark Funding, LLC is a funding partner for dealerships.
The increase in funded transactions is both the result of last year’s focus on growing valuable relationships with dealers by offering attractive solutions for their wide range of client needs and growing the salesforce through the addition of senior finance professionals, the company reported. TopMark continues to build by investing in technology and senior commercial vehicle specialists to fund more transactions. TopMark’s investment has decreased the average approval-to-funding time by more than 20% year over year.
In Q1 2023, TopMark Funding opened its second West Coast office located in Long Beach, Calif.
Wage Gains Rise Slightly
Staff Writer
April 29, 2023
Personal income increased $67.9 billion (0.3%) in March, according to estimates released w2aqwsqby the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Disposable personal income (DPI) increased $71.7 billion (0.4%) and personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased $8.2 billion (less than 0.1%).
The PCE price index increased 0.1 percent. Excluding food and energy, the PCE price index increased 0.3%. Real DPI increased 0.3% in March and Real PCE decreased less than 0.1%; goods decreased 0.4% and services increased 0.1%
The increase in current-dollar personal income in March primarily reflected increases in compensation, personal income receipts on assets, and rental income of persons that were partly offset by decreases in proprietors’ income and personal current transfer receipts. The increase in compensation was led by private wages and salaries=-.
Hot Wheels Legends Tour Kicks Off
Staff Writer
April 25, 2023
Mobil 1 presents the 2023 Hot Wheels Legends Tour starting May 13 in Miami, featuring live, interactive shows across 17 different countries. Custom car builders around the world can enter for a chance to have their passion projects reimagined in 1:64-scale as the next Hot Wheels Garage of Legends inductee.
The Hot Wheels Legends Tour, now in its sixth year, continues to grow, including new additions of France and Italy, making this year’s tour the largest so far. The United States will host nine regional events across the country, which culminate in the Mobil 1 Rally and Legends Fest on October 7 at the brand’s headquarters in El Segundo, Calif. As in past years, both the Global Semi Final on November 2 and the Global Grand Finale on November 11 will be presented virtually, so fans around the world can tune in to watch as the 2023 champion is crowned.
“More than 10,000 incredible cars were entered in last year’s Hot Wheels Legends Tour and this year we’re expecting even more as the Tour continues to grow,” said Ted Wu, vice president and global head of design for vehicles, Mattel.
The U.S.-based regional events will return to Walmart stores and feature interactive analysis and coverage from the onsite hosts. Each stop will include activities for fans of all ages including a Power Wheels racing track, RC Races, a preview of the new Hot Wheels Rift Rally and play spaces where kids can interact with the latest toys.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Hot Wheels on the Legends Tour, bringing auto enthusiasts together across the globe to share their passion projects,” said Ryan Allen, brand & partnerships manager of North America, on behalf of Mobil 1.
Upcoming North American Tour dates include:
- May 13: In-Person Event at Walmart in Miami, Florida
- May 20: In-Person Event at Walmart in Charlotte, North Carolina
- May 27: In-Person Event at Walmart in Atlanta, Georgia
- June 10: In-Person Event at Walmart in Detroit, Michigan
- June 24: In-Person Event at Walmart in Chicago, Illinois
- July 8: In-Person Event at Walmart in Houston, Texas
- Sept. 9: In-Person Event at Walmart in Dallas, Texas
- Sept. 23: In-Person Event at Walmart in Phoenix, Arizona
- Oct. 7: In-Person Event at Hot Wheels Headquarters in El Segundo, California
- Nov. 2: Global Semi Final (Virtual)
- Nov. 11: Global Grand Finale (Virtual)
Since its launch in 2018 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Hot Wheels, the Hot Wheels Legends Tour has grown from an America-based series of local Walmart events across the United States to the world’s largest traveling car show, bringing in builders and automotive fans through both virtual and live events.
