AAIA Green Snapshot highlights aftermarket’s environmental efforts Be<strong>the</strong>sda, Md.—A new Green Snapshot, developed by <strong>the</strong> Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), <strong>is</strong> a brief synops<strong>is</strong> <strong>of</strong> green stat<strong>is</strong>tics that reflect <strong>the</strong> positive impact <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> industry’s widespread efforts on behalf <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> environment. The Green Snapshot <strong>is</strong> a half-page card, printed on FSC-certified cardstock with soy-based ink, designed to create greater awareness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> industry’s extensive contributions to a cleaner environment and <strong>is</strong> <strong>part</strong> <strong>of</strong> AAIA’s initiative, “Driving Toward a Cleaner Environment: The Automotive Aftermarket’s Green Story.” The snapshot l<strong>is</strong>ts many items recycled by automotive aftermarket companies, and <strong>the</strong> raw materials and energy saved by those efforts. Automotive aftermarket companies recycle used engine oil and oil filters, tires, batteries, <strong>part</strong>s cleaning solvents, scrap metal, wood pallets, cardboard and paper, plastics, and A/C refrigerant. It also highlights <strong>the</strong> yearly raw materials saved by <strong>the</strong> manufacture, d<strong>is</strong>tribution, and use <strong>of</strong> remanufactured automotive <strong>part</strong>s, and <strong>the</strong> positive impact that regular maintenance has on <strong>the</strong> environment. “The widespread environmental practices <strong>of</strong> automotive aftermarket companies have been going on for decades,” said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. “These companies are clearly committed to having a minimal impact on <strong>the</strong> health <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ecosystem, and a positive impact on society and <strong>the</strong> planet.” The Green Snapshot <strong>is</strong> being d<strong>is</strong>tributed at automotive aftermarket meetings, events, and trade shows. It also <strong>is</strong> used extensively in AAIA’s lobbying efforts in <strong>the</strong> nation’s capital and in state capitals. Companies that would like to share <strong>the</strong>ir green story or help tell <strong>the</strong> aftermarket’s green story should contact AAIA’s Rich White at rich.white@aftermarket.org. For more information, v<strong>is</strong>it www.aftermarket.org/green. n TIA releases 2011 TPMS Relearn Chart Las Vegas—The Tire Industry Association (TIA) announced that <strong>the</strong> newest version <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> TPMS Relearn Chart, which includes domestic and import vehicles through model year 2011, <strong>is</strong> available. The chart serves as a valuable, comprehensive, and quick reference guide that technicians can easily navigate to service most vehicles equipped with TPMS. The TPMS chart <strong>is</strong> divided into domestic and import vehicle sections and includes <strong>the</strong> type <strong>of</strong> TPMS, relearn summaries, OEM sensor <strong>part</strong> numbers, and replacement sensor and service pack <strong>part</strong> numbers for Schrader, Dill, Myers Tire Supply, 31 Inc. Xtra-Seal, NAPA, and Orange Electronics. It also l<strong>is</strong>ts <strong>the</strong> torque specs for <strong>the</strong> sensor nut, torx bolt, worm gear, and vehicle lug nuts. New to <strong>the</strong> chart th<strong>is</strong> year <strong>is</strong> a picture reference guide to help identify <strong>the</strong> most common programmable and multi-format replacement sensors on <strong>the</strong> market. “TIA recognized <strong>the</strong> need for a TPMS quick reference guide years ago and th<strong>is</strong> latest version <strong>is</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r reason why we are <strong>the</strong> industry leader in technician education,” said Larry Brandt, TIA president. “With <strong>the</strong> addition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> programmable and multiformat replacement sensor information, our members are even more prepared to service late-model domestic and import vehicles with th<strong>is</strong> valuable tire pressure monitoring technology.” TIA has also announced that <strong>the</strong> TPMS Relearn Chart <strong>is</strong> now available in an electronic data file that can be used in conjunction with most point-<strong>of</strong>-sale (POS) systems. Th<strong>is</strong> will allow retailers to print <strong>the</strong> TPMS <strong>part</strong> numbers, relearn summaries, and torque specs directly on <strong>the</strong> work order along with information <strong>the</strong>y already provide such as tire size and inflation pressure. Through an agreement with <strong>the</strong> Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), <strong>the</strong> information associated with each year, make, and model in <strong>the</strong> TPMS chart <strong>is</strong> linked to AAIA’s Aftermarket Catalog Enhanced Standard (ACES). ACES <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> North American industry standard for <strong>the</strong> management and exchange <strong>of</strong> automotive catalog applications data. By assigning a unique number to each specific vehicle configuration based on <strong>the</strong> year, make, and model, suppliers can publ<strong>is</strong>h automotive data with standardized vehicle attributes. Since many POS systems currently use ACES to catalog vehicle data, <strong>the</strong> TIA TPMS data file should be easy to incorporate. “We are excited to announce <strong>the</strong> <strong>part</strong>nership with AAIA that provided us with <strong>the</strong> opportunity to make th<strong>is</strong> important information more accessible to retailers,” said Roy Littlefield, TIA executive vice president. “Now that <strong>the</strong> TPMS Relearn Chart can be linked to different POS systems, more retailers can seamlessly incorporate <strong>the</strong> TPMS chart into <strong>the</strong>ir daily operations.” n Polk <strong>is</strong>sues global automotive forecast for 2012, predicts positive growth Continued from page 7 down slightly, to just more than 19 million units, according to Polk. Austerity plans will prevent governments in Europe from boosting 2012 sales through scrappage programs and o<strong>the</strong>r incentives <strong>of</strong>fered in previous years. Growth in <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) will outpace many mature markets over <strong>the</strong> next few years. As an example, Polk expects Brazil to surpass Germany as 2011 sales results are finalized, and new vehicle sales in India are expected to surpass those sold in Germany in 2014. Sales growth in Russia will likely be flat in 2012. However, Polk anticipates sales in Russia to outpace Germany by <strong>the</strong> year 2015. Brands gain, maintain market share in <strong>the</strong> U.S. Polk predicts Toyota and Honda, respectively, will realize <strong>the</strong> greatest amount <strong>of</strong> market share growth in 2012 as <strong>the</strong>y begin to win back some lost share from <strong>the</strong>ir 2011 inventory shortages following natural d<strong>is</strong>asters in Japan and Thailand. However, <strong>the</strong>y will likely struggle to regain all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir lost share as <strong>the</strong>y will experience strong competition from o<strong>the</strong>r automakers <strong>of</strong>fering vehicles equipped with more fuel-efficient options and increased infotainment features. Volkswagen will continue to win U.S. market share in 2012, according to Polk, approaching <strong>the</strong> 3-percent range, as <strong>the</strong> Beetle launch will build on its successful Passat and Jetta models available in <strong>the</strong> market. Although Hyundai and Kia sales volumes continue to increase year over year, Polk expects <strong>the</strong>ir market-share growth to be flat in 2012, as <strong>the</strong> companies face increased competition in all segments. Traditional domestic manufacturers, General Motors (GM), Ford, and Chrysler, will continue to grow in 2012 as <strong>the</strong> industry continues to recover. Refreshed products and new product introductions will help <strong>the</strong>m to compete in various segments. n Page 8 February 2012 <strong>Parts</strong> & <strong>People</strong> www.<strong>part</strong>sandpeople.com
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