nov gc 07 · electronics & mechatronics division met ... lester catalog explained the latest...

CONNECTion18th Year, No. 6, June 2008Official Publication of the Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association

Globalapra Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association4215 Lafayatte Center Drive, Suite 3Chantilly, VA 20151-1243CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPermit #6194

Springfield, VA

continued on page 3

From the President .............................2Driving Quality .....................................4Auto Electric Corner .............................6New Members .................................. 10Loss Prevention ................................ 17Aftermarket Upfront ........................... 18European Insight .............................. 21What's New ...................................... 23HD Brake .......................................... 24Classifieds ....................................... 28Letters .............................................. 29Reman World ................................... 30Advertisers ....................................... 31

June 19-21, 2008AUTOMECHANIKA CANADA

Toronto, Canada

June 26-27, 2008HEAVY DUTY BRAKE CLINIC

Charleston, SC

July 9-11, 2008PAACE/Automechanika

Centro Banamex, Mexico City, Mexico

November 1-3, 2008INTERNATIONAL BIG R SHOW

Riviera Hotel and CasinoLas Vegas, Nevada

INSIDE INDUSTRY CALENDARNovember 4-7, 2008AAPEX/SEMA SHOWS

Las Vegas, Nevada

February 16, 2009HEAVY DUTY REMANUFACTURING

GROUP SUMMITOrlando, Florida

February 16-19, 2009HEAVY DUTY AFTERMARKET WEEK

Orlando, Florida

Recently, Governor ArnoldSchwarzenegger of California and UnitedStates Secretary of Commerce, CarlosGutierrez toured Hitachi AutomotiveProducts (USA), Inc.- Los Angeles Plant, asubsidiary of Hitachi America, Ltd., whichdistributes and remanufactures electricaland electronic automotive componentsand service parts for major OEM, indus-trial and high performance aftermarketcustomers. The visit marked one of twoCalifornia companies that were selectedand included as part of Invest in AmericaWeek, May 5-9, featuring events spanningthe United States.

Invest in America Week highlights theimportance of foreign direct investment(FDI) for U.S. jobs and economic growththrough a series of events in 12 statesacross the country. Hitachi AutomotiveProducts (USA), Inc., was the only

Schwarzenegger & Gutierrez Tour Hitachi Automotive Products (USA), Inc. A Broad Reach EqualsGlobal AppealAPRA Electronic & MechatronicsBoard Meeting and Clinicby Fernand Weiland, APRA Electronics &Mechatronics Co-chairman

The Board of Governors for APRA�sElectronics & Mechatronics Division meton May 5th to discuss future activitiesand objectives. It was clear to everyonethat the past several clinics and planttours have been exactly what the membersof this division were looking for. In spiteof past clinic success, a shift in focus hasbeen suggested, one that will extend theglobal reach of the division. To achievethis, Rex Vandenberg from Australia hasbeen appointed as a new board member.Fernand Weiland (Cologne, Germany)proposed to share the chairmanship of thedivision with Joe Kripli of Flight Systems(Pennsylvania, USA) so that the activitieson both sides of the Atlantic can becoordinated in the interest of all members.

At the Clinic in Newark, New Jersey onMay 6th there were six presentations. Wellknown core broker Marshal Knopfexplained the challenges to procure usedelectronic controllers and appealed toremanufacturers to supply forecasts. RussSchinzing of DMR Electronics discussedthe differences between remanufacturingcar electronics and heavy duty electronicswhich are designed for far higher mileages.Jeff Stukenborg of Delphi discussed thefuture hybrid power lines that will be verychallenging in terms of batteries andsafety. Component supplier Dan Manningand Bob Evans of TTI discussed howthey are organized to supply passiveelectronic components, even when thesecomponents have reached the state ofobsolescence.

The final focus of this event was ademonstration by Pete Fodor of PTMElectronics and Tom Churchill of ModelElectronics of the test equipment theyhave designed and implemented fortesting instrument clusters. PTM offersuniversal test solutions forremanufacturers of electronics andmechatronics.

After the presentations, Tom Churchill andRocco Guglielmello took the participantson a tour of their plant in Ramsey, NewJersey. Model Electronics is one of thelargest service centers for remanufacturinginstrument clusters for General Motors,

continued on page 12

This years Electrical Clinic was held onMay 16-18 in Providence, Rhode Island.The event opened with three great planttours: Cole-Hersee and Boston AutoElectric in Massachusetts and RebuildersAutomotive Supply in Coventry, RI.About 35 people visited all three plants.

On Saturday Chairman Dennis Jacintoopened the clinic with some brief remarksand introduced Dan Smith of Boston AutoElectric. Dan gave an excellent presenta-tion on the design and function ofsolenoids, IMS relays, interlocks, circuittesting and updating requirements.

Electrical Clinic in Rhode Island a SuccessAllen Steadman of Litens Automotive inWoodbridge, Ontario, Canada covered thedesign principles behind the alternatordecouplers that they make. He showedthe effects of these devices on thealternator drive mechanism and what therebuilders have to watch for to eliminatecomebacks and damages to the customersvehicles.

Then Dennis Jacinto and Bob Evans ofLester Catalog explained the latestdevelopments with Lester�s print and web-based cataloging system. TheirKwikfinder.net web based program isgaining more and more popularity among

rebuilders because the most recentchanges and additions are immediate.

After a great Italian luncheon at the hotel,Paul Sailon of Sailon Auto Electric coveredhi-output charging systems used inemergency vehicles and fire apparatus.His coverage of the Eco-Tech alternatorsand their applications was very thoroughwith many questions from the audience.

The clinic ended with Mohammad Samii ofSammy�s Auto Electric Service covering avariety of hot items. He analyzed PCMschemes for activation of various alterna-


US Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez (left) and California Governor ArnoldSchwarzenegger inspect remanufactured products during their recent visit to HitachiAutomotive Products.

/ www.BigRShow.com APRA GLOBAL CONNECTION June 2008

FROM THE PRESIDENT by Bill Gager

The APRA Global Connection

APRA Phone: 703-968-2772 � APRA Fax: 703-968-2878Editor: Kirsten Kase / [email protected] / Ph: 703-968-2772, ext. 108Director of Advertising and Marketing: Morris Spector / [email protected] / Ph: 203-288-1234

President: William C. Gager / [email protected] / Ph: 703-968-2772, ext. 103Senior Vice President: Jeanie Magathan / [email protected] / Ph: 703-968-2772, ext. 104Executive Assistant: Marlene Koskinas / [email protected] / Ph: 703-968-2772, ext. 105Financial Services Director: Teresa Giroux / [email protected] / Ph: 703-968-2772, ext. 116Special Projects Director: Kathy Olson / [email protected] / Ph: 703-968-2772, ext. 117Chief Technical Officer: Mark Kothe / [email protected] / Ph: 810-881-0018Technical Service Assistant: Bill Vernier / [email protected] / Ph: 810-881-0018Contributing Writer: Jim Madill / [email protected]

Pan American Office: Sergio Nogueira / [email protected] / Ph: 011 52 55 5295 1263 / Fax: 011 5255 5295 4187 / Bosque De Quiroga 100 Oficina 3 / Bosques De La Herradura / Huixguilacan 52783 MEXICOEuropean Office: Fernand J. Weiland / [email protected] / Ph: 011 49 22303-2 55 77 / Fax: 01149 2203-29 29 84 / Forsbach Strasse 13 / 51145 Koln, Germany

Technical, Management and Association News from the Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association

Send All News & Articles To: APRA, Attn: Kirsten Kase, 4215 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 3, Chantilly, VA20151-1243 / [email protected]

COPYRIGHT, 2008 / AUTOMOTIVE PARTS REMANUFACTURERS ASSOCPrinted by: Gannett Offset, 6883 Commercial Dr., Springfield, VA 22159The APRA Global Connection newspaper is published as a membership service by the APRA. The opinions expressed inthe articles in this newspaper are those of the author of the articles and not the publisher. While every reasonable attempthas been made to assure that the information in this newspaper is accurate, the publisher assumes no responsibility forany omissions or errors, nor for the application of any advice or suggestions in any particular situation. Due to spacelimitations, all items published are subject to abridgement. Unsolicited items will not be returned. The APRA GloballConnection newspaper subscription rates are $15 for one year, or $25 for two years.

APRA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEChairman: Peter Bain � First Vice Chairman: Sandra Galvin StandleySecond Vice Chairman: George Davis � Treasurer: Gary PhillipsImmediate Past Chairman: Paul Schuck � Past Chairman: Mike HillManufacturer Supplier Rep.: Jerry Mariam � Chairman, Past Chairman's Committee: Mike Droullard

Bill Gager, APRA President

POSTMASTER Please send all change servicerequests to: APRA, 4215 Lafayette Center Drive,Suite 3, Chantilly, VA 20151-1243

Cleaning IssueThe August issue of this newspaper willfeature cleaning topics in our editorialcontent. There are many ways to cleanyour cores before you start theremanufacturing process. We have asked anumber of companies to write articles forthe issue and also to provide us with theirnew product releases for your review.Hopefully, this will help you decide theright option for your company and thoseproducts you clean.

If you are going to purchase cleaningequipment then this is the year to do itbecause of the tax savings you�ll receive.

And, for all those companies in thecleaning business, contact Morris Spectorat 203-288-1234 to see how you canparticipate in this special cleaning issue.Or, you can call me at 703-968-2772 ext 103.

Dan Smith of Boston Auto ElectricDuring APRA�s Electrical Clinic in Provi-dence, Rhode Island, Dan Smith of BostonAuto Electric relayed a real �gem� to theaudience.

Dan told the story of a rebuilder in theMidwest who bought the necessary tools

to change clutch pulleys. Then he wentaround to all the gas stations, dealers andparts stores handing out his businesscard. On the back of his card he hadprinted � �Clutch pulley changed for $15.With this card only $10.�

This has been a great business builderbecause many people now know about hiscompany and all the other services heoffers.

Numerous people in the audience sug-gested that this one idea will more thanpay the entire cost of attending the clinic.

So, How�s Business?During the recent meeting of the Interna-tional Truck Parts Association (ITPA) inNew York City, some of the membersshared their thoughts on �How�s Busi-ness?�

One person indicated that their business isoff about 25 percent and that he and hisemployees are getting other things donewhile things are slow. They are doinggeneral housekeeping in their facility andcleaning and fixing things they don�t havetime for when it�s busy. They are tearingdown cores so when the upturn comesthey can react swiftly.

Another person indicated their wholesalebusiness is up; but their retail business isoff about 25 percent. They are doing moreexporting. And, scrap sales are up.

Another spoke about how they are alwayslooking for good people to employregardless of the economy. Last year wasgood with exports being very strong.Their retail was down and their wholesalewas up. He predicted that product wouldbe very scarce in the next six years.

Another mentioned that they are plantingtrees and prettying up their place, so thatneighbors don�t complain.

Customers like coming to a clean placewith courteous employees so take theseslow times to fix things up. Customers�

expectations of how your place looksdetermine if they will do business withyou.

Truck dealers are working hard to increasetheir market share, but many times theydon�t have the parts when they are neededand lose out to the independents.

Another commented that you must besmart enough to realize the business youdon�t want. Some fleet business isn�tworth having because of their demands,slow pay, longer warranties, etc.

Dealers are consolidating and gettingsmarter about how to go to market. TheOE�s are trying to help their dealers andeven putting out some parts on consign-ment.

Wiring diagrams and diagnostics are a realserious problem with all the electronics ontrucks.

One person mentioned how they con-stantly stress safety issues on the job tokeep good employees from getting injuredas well as reduce workers comp rates.While things are slow it's a good time tokeep reminding people about safety on thejob.

And finally, a couple of people indicatedthey have reduced or eliminated theirexposure in the Yellow Pages. People usethe Internet now more than the YellowBook.

Automechanika CanadaAPRA is one of the sponsoring associa-tions of this show that will be held on June19-21, 2008. Our congratulations toMohammad Sammi for serving as aninstructor of two seminars to be heldduring the event. If you�re at the Show,make sure you stop by and visit withMohammad at APRA�s booth.

Jasper Featured in TransmissionDigestFor those of you a little behind in yourreading of trade journals (like me), I call

your attention to the April �08 issue ofTransmission Digest and the great articleon APRA member Jasper Engines andTransmissions of Jasper, Indiana.

I�ve been in their plants several timeswhen they have opened them up for tours.The people they employ run a qualityreman operation. You�ll enjoy the articlebecause there are some great lessons to belearned regardless of the product line youremanufacture.

P.S. Our congratulations to Craig Leuck ofJasper, who also serves as APRA�sChairman of the Volume TransmissionRemanufacturing Group for appearing onthe magazine�s cover!

The State of the EconomyDuring the Global Automotive AftermarketSymposium (GAAS) in Chicago on May20-21, 2008, there were some greatpresentations as there always are. Overthe next couple of issues I�ll highlightsome of the presentations for you.

The first speaker was William Strauss,Senior Economist & Economic Advisor tothe Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Here are some of his comments:

� The economy has expanded for morethan six years.

� In Quarter 1 of 2008 there was a 0.6percent growth in GDP. While stillpositive it was dragged down byresidential housing problems and thecredit problems.

� Inflation is now at 3.5 percent� Oil prices adjusted for inflation are

just above where we were in the early�80�s.

� Gasoline sales are 3.1 percent lowerthan a year ago.

� Food prices are up because of theethanol growth, and growth in China


June 2008 APRA GLOBAL CONNECTION www.apra.org /

automotive company selected in the stateto participate in Invest in America Weekevents.

The plant tour with GovernorSchwarzenegger and Secretary Gutierrezwas led by Taiji Hasegawa, Chairman forHitachi Automotive Products (USA), Inc.

Following the tour of the 85,000 square-foot remanufacturing plant, a pressconference was held with GovernorSchwarzenegger and Secretary Gutierrez.Also, private tours were conducted withcommunity leaders and Junichi Ihara,Consul, Consulate General of Japan forLos Angeles and Naoyuki Kawagoishi,Vice Consul, Consulate General of Japanfor Los Angeles.

Commenting on the tour, Mr. Hasegawasaid, �We were honored to host GovernorSchwarzenegger and Secretary Gutierrez atour facilities and be selected as a companycommitted to foreign and direct invest-ment in the United States and recognizedas an environmentally responsiblecompany.�

�Hitachi takes great pride in being a globaland cutting edge innovative leader.Furthermore, we believe in environmentalpreservation and economic growth, all

Schwarzeneggercontinued from page 1

with a primary focus on our society as awhole.�

Additionally, Mayor Frank Scotto, City ofTorrance attended the event and declaredMay 12, 2008 as �Hitachi Day� in Tor-rance.

Hitachi Automotive Products (USA), Inc.remanufactures starters, alternators, ECU�s(electronic control units), mass air flowsensors, electronic throttle bodies, and

distributors. The company remanufacturesparts from OEM and aftermarket custom-ers. The parts are disassembled, cleaned,reassembled and tested to OEM specifica-tions. Material cores that do not pass thespecifications before, during or after theassembly process are recycled. !

Secretary Gutierrez and Governor Schwarzenegger were led through the plant by TaijiHasegawa, Chairman for Hitachi Automotive Products (USA), Inc.

AutoBulletins.com gives you theability to look up over 84,000+OE technical service bulletins

for any car or light truck.For immediate access sign up

online at www.AutoBulletins.Com.

A complete automotiveservice bulletin

resource

it�s as easy as your ABC�sAutoBulletins.Com


Does Hot Water Freeze Faster Than Cold?by Bill Bowman, Technical Consultant

DRIVING QUALITY

Dixie Electric has always taken pride in the fact that we offer a complete range of remanufactured and new Alternators, Starter Motors and related Components for a wide variety of applications including: automotive, agricultural, light truck, medium and heavy duty truck, industrial, transit bus, marine, along with small motors for lawn and garden tractors and other applications.

517 Basaltic Road Concord, Ontario Canada L4K 4W8

905-879-0533 Toll Free: 800-563-3933

905-879-0532 Fax

17100 Medina Rd. Suite 100

Minneapolis, MN 55447-1249 763-475-6629

Toll Free: 800-478-0608 800-392-8719 Fax

Judging from the feedback Ireceived from the article, �WhenDo You Want Your Alternator toFail?� in the April 2008 GlobalConnection, I think I must have hita nerve. The theme of that articlewas, �contrary to popular belief,Load Dumping a good alternatorwill not hurt it.� This edition willrespond to some of the feedbackand apply some parallels to help

explain the concept better than I did previously. It alsoincludes a retraction of a part of the original article.

Before the era of automatic ice makers, the process ofmaking ice involved filling ice trays with water andplacing them in the freezer to be frozen. My motheralways filled them with hot water from the faucet. When Iquestioned her about this counterintuitive process, shesimple said, �Because hot water freezes faster than coldwater.�

I never bought into Mama�s, �fill the ice trays with hotwater� practice. But as I went through life, I encounteredmany who did. A guy I worked with at Renard insistedthat hot water freezes faster than cold. He was a highlyeducated professional and was offended at my lack ofbelief in something he held to be unquestionably true. Tosupport his belief, he added some expert testimony (hisUniversity Physics professor).

Have you heard that hot water freezes faster than cold?Do you believe it? Have you ever run an experiment toverify it? If you believe the hot water and ice cubes idea,just try it. Don�t ask some technical expert and don�t lookit up on the internet. Run the experiment for yourself.

I have tested this theory several times (as recently as twohours ago) in different locations with different vesselsand different freezers. The results are consistent. In all ofmy experimentation, ice cubes made from cold water freeze

faster than with hot water.

I grant you that under certain circumstances, hot watermight freeze faster than cold. Just like I grant you that,under certain circumstances, Load Dumping an alternatormight destroy the regulator and/or rectifier. Just like Igrant you that, under certain circumstances, charging abattery with an alternator might damage the alternator.But let�s examine all of these cases more closely tounderstand them better.

Here is a possible explanation regarding the best way tomake ice cubes. Hot water evaporates faster than coldwater. A smaller mass of water freezes faster than a largermass of water. So if you put hot water in a vessel with alarge surface area next to a similar vessel with cold water,more water will evaporate leaving less water in the vesselfilled with hot water. The lower volume of water will freezefaster than the larger volume of water.

nents in your alternator.

I have an OE client that designs and manufacturersalternators and have reviewed these ideas with some ofthe engineers. They laugh and say, �That is just aftermar-ket nonsense.� No offense intended. Needing tounderstand, I ask why they think those views are held sostrongly by some.

Here is an explanation of the, �don�t charge a battery withan alternator� myth as it was related to me by oneengineer. He said, �A rebuilder once told me that, in thepast, he installed the alternators without recharging thebattery first and had numerous failures. But when herecharged the battery before placing the vehicle back inservice, his failures were reduced. Therefore, chargingthe battery with the alternator must be a bad thing.�

At the surface that sounds logical, but it is not veryscientific. It sounds more like making smaller ice cubeswith hot water.

What makes the sun come up in the morning? Using theabove logic, I claim that it is the rooster that summons thesun. The reason is simple. Every morning, just before thesun comes up, the rooster crows. We can easily see thislogical flaw, but we are blind to others.

Conventional (aftermarket) wisdom says that overloadingthe alternator by charging a battery will overheat it andcause a premature failure. The article, �Final CommentRegarding Charging the Battery with the Alternator� inthe January 2008 Global Connection, featured a graphthat showed the power decreases as the load increasespast full load. Maximum alternator power is at full fieldjust before the output voltage begins to decrease.Maximum regulator power is achieved just before fullfield. If you have ever monitored the field duty cycle andoutput voltage during an actual driving schedule, you willsee that the alternator frequently goes to this maximumpower state.

In other words, if the alternator fails because it was usedto charge a battery, it is at risk to fail under normal drivingconditions. If it fails under normal stresses or �lower thannormal� stresses, a component was weak and should notbe used. Now let�s extend this thinking to Load Dump.

Load Dump is a part of the qualification test plan forOriginal Equipment alternators. This is a common testaround which industry standards have been developed toensure uniform compliance [ISO 7637-2 (InternationalStandard) and SAE J1113-11 (Society of AutomotiveEngineers)]. In addition to the Load Dump, many othertransients are defined in these standards.

Good electrical products will pass these industry standardtests. These transients were not dreamed up in some lab.Rather they were obtained by instrumenting and measur-ing the transients on a wide range of vehicles in locationsall over the world.

In all of my OE experience, I have tested many differentalternators in different vehicles and have never failed onein a Load Dump. Does the aftermarket have these samerequirements? Are they truly, �Better than or equal toOE?� Certainly not, if they can�t pass the Load Dumpspec.

If your objective is to reduce fieldfailures, you do not want marginal

components in your alternator.

But let�s not forget the context of Mama�s ice trays. Giventhe above argument, if you use hot water and some of itevaporates and freezes faster, the ice cubes will be smaller.So rather than wasting the energy of heating the water, ifyou want to make ice cubes faster, use less water.

I suggest that if you destroy alternators with Load Dumpsby charging batteries, you have simply accelerated thefailure of one or more of the weaker components. Further-more, the electrical stresses presented to the alternatorunder normal operating conditions could also cause thesesame weak components to fail. If your objective is toreduce field failures, you do not want marginal compo-


Diverse Enterprises is responsible fortechnical consulting, development ofelectrical test equipment, etc. Specificproblem solving is done byPROBLEMETRICSSM. � Problem Solvingby the Numbers. You can reach BillBowman at [email protected]

90 DaysDeferred InterestCredit Card Program

November 2007 Stats for APRA Members:

� Average First Purchase Use in Excess of $1,302

� Average Credit Line in Excess of $1,585

� Average Repeat Purchase in Excess of $354

� Average Repeat Purchase Frequency in Excess of 48%

CarCareONE: AN APRA MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT

CarCareONEThe Auto Service Card

JOHN SMITHSMITH ENTERPRISES, INC.

123 4567 891234 5

Averages are based on customer usage of the program by APRA membersoffering the program. Call Marlene at 703-968-2772, ext. 105

for more information or email [email protected]

Do you want to see something ugly?Instrument a vehicle with a scope on thealternator output and drive around a whileunder various load conditions. There isnothing constant about the loads undernormal conditions. When the vehicle loadsswitch off, they generate transients. Someof these transients are downright scary.

The alternator output terminal is con-stantly being bombarded with transients.If the alternator will not withstand a LoadDump transient, how do you think it willhold up to some of the nasty, but normaltransients (e.g., cooling fan, power seats,headlamps, air conditioner, etc) across awide range of conditions (non-batteryoperation, corroded terminals, etc)?

A couple of years ago, I had the assign-ment to solve a warranty problem for anaftermarket regulator manufacturer. One oftheir production regulators was failing inthe field at a high rate for unknownreasons. I looked at the schematic diagramof the circuit. The design had a flaw thatwould allow the field driver to remain onfor an extended period of time during aLoad Dump. This increased the magnitudeand duration of the electrical stressapplied to the regulator.

To prove the failure model, we placed thealternator on a test stand and applied aheavy load. When the load was abruptlyremoved, the voltage shot up and stayedhigh. This electrical overstress destroyed

one of the rectifier diodes and the regula-tor field driver. Because they had neverLoad Dumped their regulator, they did notrealize they had the design flaw.

When we compared the failure footprint ofthe field returns to the regulators we LoadDumped in the lab, they were the same.Did it fail because it was Load Dumped ordid it fail because there was a design flaw?I claim the latter. The field failures wereprobably not created by bona fide LoadDumps, but rather by the numeroustransients that occur normally as thevehicle sheds its loads. Incidentally, thedesign flaw was easy to correct once itwas identified.

In the Driving Quality column, I have triedto kill some sacred cows and haveinadvertently offended some readers.That was never my intent. Rather myintent is to invalidate some of the non-technical ideas that have worked their wayinto the aftermarket. My goal is to presenttechnical facts in a logical sequence inshirtsleeve English that will lead to a betterunderstanding of alternator electronics. Inso doing, some of the buyers and users ofsubstandard components will be educated.If they do not know the facts, how canthey push the supplier community toimprove their product offering?

There is not a good technical reason forthe huge gap between aftermarket and OEwarranty performance. Education is the

first step at narrowing that gap. Mypurpose in these Driving Quality articles isto push the aftermarket industry to makebetter parts that can rival the OE compo-nents.

Note: The context of the statement thatLoad Dumping the alternator will notdamage good electronics is restricted tomodern passenger car alternators.Charging system electronics have come along way since they were introduced.Also, remember the original articlesuggested that any Load Dump beperformed by removing the alternator sideof the power cable and not the battery. Ifyou remove the battery side, you willgenerate a global Load Dump that coulddamage some vehicle electronics. But ifyou remove the alternator side, thetransient will be restricted to the alternatoritself.

Retraction: In the previous article, Isuggested that it is a good idea to LoadDump the alternator before placing it backin service. One reader wrote saying thatbased upon the skill level of the installer,this could be a bad idea. If improperlyperformed, Load Dumping the alternatorcould potentially damage something. Itwould be like putting a loaded gun in thehands of someone who does not knowhow to use it. I yield to that argument.While I maintain that Load Dumping agood alternator will not harm it, I retractmy comment that it is a good practice to

perform this test on the vehicle due to therisk of an unskilled technician making anexpensive error.

I appreciate it when readers take the timeto write when they do not agree with whatthey read. It keeps me honest. Also, if youhave any topics for future articles, pleaselet me know. !

Editor's Note: Please turn to page 29 toread one of the responses APRA receivedto Bill Bowman's April article on alterna-tor load dumping.

Automotive PartsRemanufacturers Association

Join Today!


by Mohammad Samii, Sammy's Auto-Electric Service, Inc., ASE, SAE

AUTO ELECTRIC CORNER

Mohammad Samii

Attending thisyear�s Electri-cal Clinic lastmonth inRhode Islandwas both anenjoyable andeducationalevent. Theplant tours toCole-Herseeand BostonAuto Electric,

both in Boston, and Rebuilder�s Automo-tive Supply (RAS) in Coventry, RhodeIsland, were enlightening and we verymuch appreciate all of the work these threecompanies put in to give us such a warmwelcome.

The tech seminars on Saturday started at8:30 am and lasted until 5:00 pm. Duringthe lunch and refreshment breaks attend-ees were able to stroll through a MiniExhibition which was comprised of eightelectrical suppliers. Dan Smith, AlSteadman, Dennis Jacinto, Paul Sailon andI presented training sessions on a varietyof subjects, and going by the positiveresponses from the attendees the combi-nation of subjects and professionalpresentations fit the bill.

Plans for next year's Spring Electrical Clinicare already under way � the date andlocation will be announced as soon asplans are finalized.

Starter RelaySome of our serious farming customers�who know the value of a properly runningpiece of farm machinery�are diligentenough to keep their equipment in goodshape to minimize unexpected problems atthe start of the planting season. One suchlong-time customer of ours brought in a37-MT starter off one of his many tractors(I think it was a Versatile) for a check upand possible overhaul because of the ageand an occasional clicking. The starter wasoverhauled and returned but he informedme that the occasional clicking problemwas still there, which of course concernedme. After talking with him and going overthe wiring of his tractor from my end of thephone, he located what we thought wasthe starter relay and I asked him to bring itin. It turned out to be a very solid Bosch0-332-002-150 relay wired up exactly for theintended purpose�that is to feed the �S�terminal of the starter.

The subject of initial starter�s solenoiddraw has been discussed many times hereand in various APRA Electrical Clinics.Bruce Purkey has given us valuable

information regarding his experiences withtrucking firms and how sometimes a flimsy30-Amp relay does do as well as an IMSbecause the solenoid initial current draw(however instantaneous) exceeds thecapability of such relays. Dan Smith alsopointed to the same sort of problems in hisseminar in the Clinic last month. This is asubject that perhaps is much ignored bytruck and HD equipment technicians.

In our case it turned out to be a 75-Amprelay. While I was ordering a new relayfrom J&N, I felt a lot more confident whenthey told me they had over 50 in stock!Always a good sign that you are on track!Needless to say, this solved the clickingproblem for my customer and now thestarter seems be working fine. (Figure 1)

Now that I am aware of this relay, I willprobably use it to replace smaller onesand hope for better results.

A week or so later, he called and said afterthe truck sat idle for a weekend the batteryran down and he had to charge it to getstarted. �Just like before,� he said. Afterexplaining that the before thing was acharging problem that required a belt andtensioner, and the current problem was adrain exhausting the battery and they arenot the same thing, he brought the vehicleback so we could find his next problem.

While checking the vehicle for drain andthe ammeter in series with the battery, itwas noticed that sometimes the meter read2 or 3 amps but the draw immediatelystopped and then resumed doing the sameagain!

While my technician was looking into theschematics and pulling the appropriatefuses, I searched the I-ATN archives. Weboth came across the same cause of theproblem�the rear windshield wipermotor�no kidding!

After removal of the trim panels, the motorfelt hot to touch. A call to the ownerconfirmed that he had problem with thatrear wiper motor all along�and of coursehe had never mentioned it to us in hisphone calls and visits. He decided to havethe rear wiper motor disconnected ratherthan have it fixed, as his financial re-sources were short, perhaps by buying anew alternator and battery he did notneed.

Starter Relay for a Chipper!The general consensus among mycolleagues is that customers who ownindustrial equipment or contractors withheavy machinery are generally goodcustomers, pay well and without muchnegotiating, given that their problem issolved quickly and the machine is putback into operation to generate revenues.

Our customer, a tree-maintenance contrac-tor, who dropped off his wood chippermachine was no exception to this rule andwanted the machine repaired ASAP due tohis work backlog. This particular piece ofequipment had been in our shop beforewhen we had rebuilt his ancient Motorolaalternator and also installed and wired upthe missing ignition switch to put themachine in operation.

After inspecting it, we realized he hadinstalled a starter relay but claimed he stillwas not getting any starter operation oreven a click, thus a possible ignitionswitch problem�he thought!

Looking a little deeper, we noticed therelay he had installed was identical to theone that was needed�but not the correctone. The two small terminals on his relayhad to be �S� and �I,� which the latter isthe ignition ballast bypass and feeds thecoil during the start. What he had installedlooked exactly like the correct relay but

800-428-0725 • 317-984-3528 • Fax: 317-984-5915www.nrgauto.com • [email protected]

Draining Durango!The owner of a 2001 Dodge Durangocalled and made an appointment for hischarging system to be checked. Uponinitial inspection, we noticed a wall-to-wallcomponent change had already takenplace; meaning his alternator and batteryhad recently been replaced, but since theproblem still existed we were called in forhelp. Scenarios like this are so frequentthese days that I don't get mad anymore,I just get even. And I make sure mydiagnostic and labor fees reflect this fact!

After checking the system we realized thatthe belt tensioner was locked up in aposition that could not keep enoughtension on the belt to function properly.Once the loads were increased, it startedslipping, and sometimes made a distinctsqueaking sound. So at this point weneeded a tensioner and a new belt forgood measure.

Once they were authorized, ordered andinstalled, the system worked fine, theoccasional belt squeak went away, and noamount of load could sink the dashvoltmeter. The customer seemed veryhappy with our work, paid his bill and tookthe truck.

Figure 1 - Bosch Starter Relay


Figure 3 - Chrysler's TSB for the Dodge Caravan

was actually an insulated coil relay that would not work atall on this application. In other words, he had installed a24059 relay instead of a 24103. Ironically I saw theserelays being built at the Cole Hersee plant in Bostonduring the recent Electrical Clinic!

The point of this story is what looks to be the correctthing is not necessarily the right thing and furtherdiligence is required if the work�be it a piece of equip-ment or a unit�has been tampered with.

IDP Remover/InstallerMy friend Allen Steadman who presented an informativeseminar at the APRA Electrical Clinic gave me a really neatspecial tool made by his company for removal of Liten�sIDP (Isolating Decoupler Pulley), which allows thedecoupler to be removed from an 13870/1 alternator whilestill installed in the vehicle. (Figure 2)

Figure 2 - IDP Removal & Installation Tool

Simply inserting the recessed head of the shaft throughthe decoupler will grab the hex-head of the rotor. Slidingthe 17mm nut shaped into the decoupler housing andturning it while holding the end of the shaft with a 10mmwrench, allows the decoupler to be unscrewed from theshaft. Installation is the reverse.

Sources for the sale of this and other removal tools thatthe company is working on will be announced soon andthe tool will be available for sale to rebuilders.

Charging But the Light is Staying OnA customer of ours called and explained his concernregarding a 2003 Dodge Caravan where the alternator wasreplaced and was charging, but a warning light on thedash was staying on that indicated a problem with thecharging system.

I couldn't think of anything right away, but ruled out anyproblem with the communication bus (called PCI bus onthe above vehicle) because if its connection to the clusterwas open or shorted, there would be quite a few moreindications beside an alternator light.

I decided to look for any related Technical ServiceBulletins regarding the subject, and I found a servicebulletin that fit the bill � # 18-023-036 � onwww.AutoBulletins.com which is an APRA membersubscription site. After going through the menu andselecting the make, model, year and the related systems(charging system in this case), the above mentioned TSBshowed up that addressed the very same problem mycustomer was having. It indicated a false malfunctioncode that makes the alternator light stay on.

The corrective action is to have the PCM reflashed with anew program, and since my customer was not equipped todo this he sent the vehicle to the dealer (much to hischagrin) who reflashed the PCM with a later program andthe light stayed off. Figure 3 shows the details where Ihave highlighted the key points below.

The point here is for rebuilders/suppliers not to automati-cally assume it is their unit that is causing the problemand look for other corrective actions. That�s where thevalue of having the right information becomes invaluable!

Well, that�s enough for this issue. Until I see you again,keep up the good work. !

Mohammad Samii can be reached at 217-398-3864, orvia email to [email protected]

Remanufacturing � The Ultimate form of Recycling


ALL THINGS TECHNICAL

Paid by: ##### Check (Mail) ##### # # # # # # # # # #

Credit Card No. Expiration Security Code

Signature

Print Name

Please fax completed form to APRA at 703-968-2878APRA | 4215 Lafayette Center Drvie, Suite 3 | Chantilly, VA 20151-1243 | Phone 703-968-2772

AutoElectricPro & AutoBulletinsSubscriber Rates for APRA Members

Single-user price by the month or year Monthly payment* Annual Payment Order one or both

( ) www.AutoElectricPro.com $30 $325

( ) www.AutoBulletins.com $20 $165

Total for both $50 $490

*Your credit card will be automatically charged every month.

Email Address

User Name (You choose)

Password (You choose)

NAME

COMPANY

ADDRESS

CITY STATE ZIP

COUNTRY

PHONE FAX

TOTAL

VISA MasterCard AmEx

(Rates good thru 12/31/08)

5/08

Soldering SolutionsBy Richard R. Vensel, Vensel EnterprisesHaving problems with slip ring, commuta-tor and stator connections comingunsoldered?

This is a consistent problem on some unitsand can cost you a lot of money if it is notsoldered correctly once and for all.

Choosing the correct solder can make allthe difference:

These melting points make it very evidentthat the best solder to use for the safesthigh heat applications is High TemperatureSolder.

Choosing the Correct SolderingTool is KeyA minimum of 300 watts is required.Almost all Hot Prods and ResistanceSolder Power Supplies available today willdo a fine job, since they are rated at 800Watts or higher. Lower wattage units maywork, but their life cycle will be greatlyreduced.

How to Clean a Pre-solderedSurface:Heat the area to be cleaned. I preferplacing the heat away from the tip or endof the wire and making the heat climb tothe tip then when the old solder melts &flows, remove the heat source. Take a wetsponge, wrap it around the wire and wipethe surface towards the tip, removing asmuch solder as possible.

How to Clean Insulated Wire:Strip the wire making sure to remove all theinsulation. The stripping can be done witha wire stripper, wire wheels or a fine gritsand paper. Cleaning after stripping is veryimportant, but if you use wire wheels cleanup will become very important becausethey are probably the dirtiest thing in yourshop.

Keeping the Surface you Have JustStripped Clean is also Key:Did you know that fluxing and cleaningare not synonymous? Flux is actuallydesigned to remove oxidation andmoisture from a surface. Flux is notdesigned to clean the surface. My favoriteway to really get a connection clean beforesoldering is to use 70% IsopropylRubbing Alcohol after your cleaningprocess. It dries fast, it�s inexpensive andit is readily available in any grocery ordrug store. The first step in any goodsolder connection is making sure thesurfaces are clean followed by using theleast amount of the lower temperaturesolder on them. The best results are foundwhen the surfaces to be soldered arelightly tinned. Tinning is applying a thinclean coating of solder over the entiresurface to be used in the solder joint.

How to Re-solder a Commutator:

1. Clean the commutator riser top andface with a non-petroleum product likeelectric motor cleaner. A better connec-tion will be made if all the black bubblesor specks and burn marks are removed.In the past a wire brush has been usedfor cleaning, but they are very dirty andactually smear the copper where yoursolder connection will be. Use a smallpick if necessary.

2. Place the armature in a holdingdevice with the commutator face up.

Basic Solder Melting Point in Fahrenheit (approximately)

40/60 Tin/Lead 360 degrees60/40 Tin/Lead 360 degrees97/3 Tin/Copper 480 degreesHigh Temperature Solder 600 degrees +

Starter Brush Connections require silver solderSilver Ribbon Solder 1300 degreesSilver Paste Solder 1300 degrees


3. Lightly apply a thin layer of RosinFlux to the top of the riser and overthe face of the riser. The flux is onlyapplied to the areas that will receivesolder.

4. Place the electrodes on the outsideedge of the riser, across one commuta-tor bar and apply heat.

5. When the solder boils at the far endof the commutator bar, apply solder atthe base of the commutator and it willrun to the heat.

6. This will take a little practice, but youwill be able to flow a complete coverthat looks like a puddle or slight humpover the top of the hairpins andcommutator slot as well as into thecommutator.

7. Make sure you do not remove thisexcess solder unless it hits the brushholder when you turn the armature.This excess solder will give you about20% more contact area than you hadbefore and make a much strongerelectrical connection.

The Proper Way to Use HighTemperature Solder:This type of solder can take some practiceto get used to, due to the higher meltingpoint. It will take more watts than your lowwattage guns and irons have. It is also agood idea to practice first.

1. Completely clean the surface on twopieces of copper wire about 3/4 of aninch back from the end.

2. Apply a thin coat of Rosin Flux

3. Place your heating device at the backof the surface you cleaned and applyheat.

4. When the flux starts to boil andsmoke, apply the solder at the tip andwatch it flow to the heat. Do this toboth pieces.

5. You have now tinned the surface ofboth wires.

6. Now twist or fold over and locktogether both tinned surfaces tight toone another.

7. Heat this connection of tinnedsurfaces at the top and the solder willflow together forming a filet betweenthe wires.

This method gives you the best mechani-cal and electrical connection possible. Ifyou see black bubbles or spots in thesolder connection, you did not clean thesurface good enough or the tips of yoursoldering device need to be cleaned.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Onceyou have this down pat your connectionswill hold at two times the operational

temperature you were working with before.

Another thing to remember is that becauseyou are now working at a much highertemperature than you did with your lowertemperature solder, your electroniccomponents will require protection. Youshould always use heat-sinking materialduring the soldering process. One of thebest heat-sinking devices is a simplehemostat available at most fishing tacklestores. Another way of stopping the heatis to use a wet sponge in contact withyour heat blocking device.

I�m always available for questions and canbe contacted at Vensel Enterprises,800-662-6099 or email me [email protected]. !

Ford's New Warranty onReman PartsFord Motor Company has significantlyimproved its Service Part Limited Warrantycoverage on both new and remanufacturedgas engine and transmission assemblies,increasing the terms from 3-years/75,000miles to 3-years/100,000 miles, effectiveApril 1, 2008.

The new warranty terms apply only to gasengines and transmission assemblies soldon or after April 1, 2008. Warranty cover-age on Ford and Motorcraftremanufactured transmissions and gasengines installed by the dealer or installerbegins on the date of sale from thedealership or factory-authorizedpowertrain distributor. New assemblies stillneed to be registered with Ford in order toobtain the full coverage of the warrantyenhancement.

The warranty coverage upgrade does notaffect the diesel engine warranty, whichremains 2-years/unlimited miles forComplete Diesel Engine and Long BlockAssemblies.

Ford said the improved warranty coveragewill not result in a price increase onassemblies.

Source: CollisionWeek


Membership Makesa Difference

Join Today!


9 NEW MEMBERS

Automotive Parts Remanufacturers AssociationMembership Application US & Canada

Please complete the ANNUAL DUES & LISTING sections for your company type below.This is how your company will be identified for all APRA purposes (i.e. publications, clinics, conventions)

Other membership types include Warehouse & Educational Institution Member. Call APRA for information.

APRA � 4215 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 3, Chantilly VA 20151-1243 � Phone: (703) 968-2772 � Fax: (703) 968-2878 | June 2008

NOTE: Pay full ANNUAL DUESregardless of time of year you applyfor membership. Your dues will bepro-rated by quarters in yoursecond year of membership.

Contributions or gifts to APRA arenot tax-deductible as charitablecontributions. However, they maybe tax-deductible as ordinary andnecessary business expenses.

Paid by: ##### Check (Mail) ##### ##### # # # # #

Credit Card No. Expiration

Signature

Print Name

Recommended by APRA Member (if known):

Company

VISA MasterCard AmEx

Annual Dues

Less than $2 M $730

$2 M - $4 M $940$4 M - $8 M $1,285$8 M - $20 M $1,900Over $20 M $3,900Our Annual Dues

REMANUFACTURER No. of Employees Annual Dues

1-2 $2153-6 $2807-12 $36013-30 $55031-60 $76061-100 $960101-400 $1,225401 or more $1,900

Our Annual Dues

List items you REBUILD:

REBUILDERS ONLY YES NO Do you reman Heavy Duty? Do you do on-vehicle repair?

If YES: #####Auto #####Truck #####Other

SUPPLIER

Check one ##### Core Supplier

##### Manufacturer Supplier

Annual Salesto Rebuilders

List items you SUPPLY:

MFR. REPRESENTATIVE

Annual Dues $280

Our Annual Dues

This membership does not apply tocompany sales personnel. You must be anauthorized rep. of 2 or more manufacturers

engaged in the automotive aftermarket.

List manufacturers you REPRESENT:

A/CBrakeH.D. BrakeClutchCV & RacksElectricalElectronic & MechatronicVolume TransmissionH.D. Transmission

ALL NEW MEMBERSCheck your product specialties

Company Name

Address

Telephone Fax Email

Name / Title

Signature Website

Automotive Computer EngineeringRohan BoothVictoria, AustraliaSponsored by Bill Gager

Bearings & Motive SpecialtiesCo., Inc.Joanne MarsalisiWhite Plains, NY

Delima (Flex Enterprise)Guillermo AvellanedaFairfax Station, VASponsored by George Davis

DEMARREURS M.D.Michel DesparoisQuebec, CanadaSponsored by Bill Gager

Gold Auto Parts RecyclersJerry AmmanDallas, TX

LuK-Aftermarket Service oHGThomas SchweikhardLangen, GermanySponsored by Fernand Weiland

Midwest Bus CorporationTim RudolphOwosso, MISponsored by Bill Gager

Programa, Inc.Roman GuhrBoca Raton, FLSponsored by Bill Gager

Texas Battery ServiceMario MerinoCorpus Christi, TX !

ACDC Hybrid FirstResponder DVDsWorkbook JustReleasedACDC has just released a brand new FirstResponder DVD and Study Guide.Containing important training for allfiremen, policemen, tow truck drivers andanyone else that comes in contact with awrecked hybrid, this set is a must havewhich features explanations of:

� High Voltage Systems� How the HV travels through the car� Safety cut offs� Smart Key on Prius and others� Capacitor discharge� Flooded / swamped Hybrid safety� Battery Pack electrolyte� Towing� Shutting a hybrid off� Myths you have been told� Where are the orange cables

Also included is a great book:� Full color or Black/White� Up-to-date (May 2008) includes

detailed info on each model sold inNorth America

� Safety switch location� How to identify a hybrid� Safety equipment you should have

with you (and where to buy it). I don'tsell it.

� Free safety card for your vehicleincluded.

The special price for the DVD set is $120and $140 (free shipping in the lower 48states) until June 30, 2008. To order yourset, contact Craig Van Batenburg at ACDCat 1-800-939-7909 or visit their website atwww.auto-careers.org. !



Latin America’s International Trade

Show for the Automotive Aftermarket,

OE Manufacturing and

Service Industry!

www.paaceautomechanika.com

• Experience Latin America’s most important automotive trade show.

• Tap into the growing automotive industry in Mexico.

• Build your business and network with Latin America’s key industry players.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONVisit: www.paaceautomechanika.com

Email: [email protected]

Call: +1.770.984.8016

July 9 - 11, 2008 • Centro Banamex • Mexico City, Mexico

Everything that makes autos move

2009 Heavy Duty AftermarketWeek Dates and LocationAnnouncedThe organizers and sponsors of Heavy Duty AftermarketWeek (HDAW) officially announce the location and datesfor the 2009 conference. HDAW '09 will be held inOrlando, FL, Monday, February 16, through Thursday,February 19, 2008.

The Headquarters Hotel will be the Rosen Centre, whichwill share conference venues with the adjoining OrangeCounty Convention Center. The adjacent Rosen Plaza andThe Peabody are also designated conference hotels.For the fourth year of this highly popular HD distributorand supplier executive conference, HDAW '09 kicks-offwith the �must be there� All Industry Welcome Receptionon the evening of February 16.

Back by popular demand, there will be exclusive confer-ence time periods for:

� Pre-scheduled 1-on-1 meetings between distributorsand supplier executives

� The most comprehensive distributor education, bestpractices, and information program in the industry

� A 100,000+ sq. ft. HD Aftermarket Week Product Expofeaturing the latest in products and services

� An expanded HDAW Annual Industry AwardsProgram

� Multiple networking opportunities for distributorsand suppliers

� Separate schedule periods for individual sponsor andcompany meetings and events

Conference planning for HDAW '09 is in the early stagesand is accomplished with volunteers and staff of the 12sponsoring organizations. Contact your HDAW sponsororganization for information on planning.

HDAW is the largest North American gathering of theindependent HD industry, with over 1800 managementand executive attendees from 17 countries and with HDdistributor, supplier, service/solution provider, education,and industry media attending in 2008. HDAW '09 prom-ises to be an even better event than the highly successfulHDAW '08.

HDAW is presented by a joint operating committeecomprised of industry leaders from American Council ofFrame and Alignment Specialists (ACOFAS), CommercialVehicle Solutions Network (CVSN), Heavy Duty America(HDA), Heavy Duty Distribution Association (HDDA),Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), HeavyDuty Remanufacturing Group (HDRG), InternationalTruck Parts Association (ITPA), Overseas AutomotiveCouncil (OAC), Power Heavy Duty, Service SpecialistsAssociation (SSA), Truck Pride and VIPAR HD Parts. Formore information click here or contact W.T. Glasgow,conference management, at 708-226-1300. !

HDAW 2009 OrganizingLeadership NamedHeavy Duty Aftermarket Week's twelve sponsoringdistributor and supplier organizations met recently inChicago to select its leadership team and kick-off thestrategic planning for HDAW'09, scheduled for February16 -19 in Orlando at the Orange County ConventionCenter.

HDAW '08 Chairman, Jerry Weis of Ott's Friction, and ViceChairman Joe Mejaly of ArvinMeritor reviewed the resultsof the highly successful 2008 event held in January in LasVegas, Nevada. Over 75 volunteers and association staffplanned and executed the 2008 program, and a similarorganizing process is planned for HDAW'09.

HDAW '09 leadership was named to the followingconference executive positions:

� HDAW'09 Co-Chairman:Marc Karon, CVSN � President, Total Truck PartsJoe McAleese, HDMA � President & CEO, BendixCVS

� HDAW'09 Vice Chairman:Dave Scheer, HDDA � President & CEO, Inland TruckParts Company

� HDAW '09 Education Program Co-Chairman:Dave Gerdes, Vice President & COO, CATCOTodd Kindem, Director Sales & Marketing,ArvinMeritor

The leadership team will form the overall HDAW '09conference program using a combination of sponsoringorganization input and results of various distributorsurveys.

Parties interested in participating in the planning commit-tees should contact their HDAW sponsoring organizationor email [email protected]. !

Low Cost Debt CollectionsAvailable through National Credit Systems, Inc.Tired of losing one third or more of your money tocollection agencies? For a low, one-time flat feeper account, NCS will get the job done for you.Unlike common collection agencies, NCS doesnot charge percentage fees - and unlike othernational fixed-fee collection agencies, NCSincorporates personal telephone contact,attorney contact, and credit reporting in additionto the FDCPA required collection letters.

For more information please visitwww.apra.org/benefits

APRA Membership Benefit



World Class Quality in Ball Bearing Manufacturing

We manufacture bearings for automotive alternators, starters and A/C compressors under our ISO TS16949:2002 registered quality system. All bearings are available for immediate shipment from our U.S. distribution center.Please contact us today.

T: (352) 335-1113F: (866) [email protected]

5200 N.W. 43rd StreetGainesville, Florida 32606

tors, RVS, and examined different causes for the lack ofproper charge light operations in certain applications.

On Sunday, Joe Davis conducted an all day seminarcovering �New Starting and Charging Systems and Tipson Rebuilding.� As always, Joe did a great job updatingthe rebuilders on what will be coming in to their facility inthe years to come.

Plans for the 2009 Electrical Clinic will be announced inthe near future. !

Electrical Cliniccontinued from page 1

Waiting to go into the Cole Hersee plant...

The group gathers outside of Boston Auto Electricafter a great tour by Dan Smith.

Electrical Division Chairman Dennis Jacinto (left)presents Bob Grady with a plaque commemorating

the Division's visit to Rebuilders AutomotiveSupply in Coventry, Rhode Island.

Members of the progressive blues rock band, �ElectricVibrations� as seen in Providence airport waiting forthe hotel bus (left to right): George �Remy Man� Davis,Bass Guitar, Vocals; Richard �AmFor� Harrington,Drums, Percussion; Kenny �Texan C.C.� Turner, LeadGuitar, Vocals; Peter �Rand Man� Bain, Keyboards,Synthesizers, and Mohammad �Sam the Man� Samii,Rhythm Guitar, Harmonica (not shown, taking the darnpicture!)

Just another reason why youshould join your trade association.

Turn to page 10 for an application

�None of us is smarterthan all of us!"

- Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart

Advice for Companies Interestedin ExportingExport opportunities used to be limited to businesses withenormous resources. But the advent of the Internet andinexpensive airline tickets have made selling goodsoverseas an opportunity that is open to many morebusinesses.

The U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of EconomicAnalysis, estimates that 2 million U.S. companies soldabout $90 billion worth of goods last year to the 6 billionpeople who don't live in this country. That's an increaseof more than 50 percent over the last three years in thenumber of companies with foreign interests.

Opportunities abound if you offer a product or a servicethat interests people beyond the boundaries of the UnitedStates.

Raising Money for Expansion is Always aChallengeThe U.S. government offers businesses interested inexport an attractive opportunity to borrow money.

The Export-Import Bank provides pre-export capital forU.S. producers of goods and services. This small agency,loosely affiliated with the Small Business Administration,works with 85 banks nationwide in 42 states. The Ex-ImBank provides a 90 percent loan guarantee for qualifiedloans. The banks themselves make the decisions up to$10 million. Last year, the Ex-Im Bank underwrote morethan $50 billion in loans.

There are no loan minimums or limits - the agency hasmade loans for as little as $200. To qualify, a borrowermust be exporting something with a minimum of 50percent U.S. content. Applications and guidelines, as wellas a list of affiliated banks, are available on the websitehttp://www.exim.gov/.

Source: BizActions


HE

AV

Y D

UT

Y

RCP Inc.Supplying a full line of Starters, Alternators and Component Parts.

Tel: (905) 660-7274Fax: (905) 761-5672

Email: [email protected]: www.rcpcanada.comQUALITY AND SERVICE IS OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU!

Delphi, Ford, etc. The group was very impressed by thegrowth Model Electronics has experienced, by the veryefficient and clean factory layout they have implementedand by the overall high productivity and extremelyefficient management.

Co-chairmen Joe Kripli and Fernand Weiland thanked allof the participants for coming and invited everyone tojoin them for upcoming meetings scheduled for Las Vegasduring the International BIG R Show, and Amsterdam atReMaTec2009. !

Electronic & Mechatronic Cliniccontinued from page 1

Xerox Funds RIT for New GreenSustainable Technologiesby Nathesh, TMCnet Contributing Editor

Xerox has announced it pledged $2 Million to fund theRochester Institute of Technology (RIT), targeted ateducating and researching of new sustainable technolo-gies.

The funding was announced at a presentation on the RITcampus by the CEO and chairman of Xerox, AnneMulcahy. RIT will also be working with The GolisanoInstitute for Sustainability as a founding partner.

With the funding, RIT is able to focus on developingtalent and fostering new sustainable technologiesthrough research for a five year period.

�Xerox and RIT share a commitment to advancingenvironmental sustainability through innovation,� saidMulcahy. �Our collective efforts have the same desiredoutcome: making what's good for the environment, goodfor business.�

RIT was previously given a commitment of $10 Millionfrom Paychex and was able to introduce The GolisanoInstitute for Sustainability. The University will become thefirst one ever to chart out separate programs and prin-ciples of sustainability in product development and isalso developing the world�s first doctorate focused onsustainable production.

The Golisano Institute for Sustainability at RIT willprovide the premiere platform to collaborate in the

continued on page 28Tom Churchill of Model Electronics

explains their test equipment.

(l-r) Fernand Weiland thanks speakers Tom ChurchillHoward Schutkofsky, Jeff Stukenborg, Marshall Knopf,Russ Schinzing and Joe Kripli for speaking at the clinic.

Tom Churchill (left) receives a plaque of appreciationfor opening his plant for a tour from Joe Kripli asspeaker Pete Fodor of PTM looks on.


India and elsewhere.� Employment is up 462,000 jobs since

last year.� In 2001 we lost over two million jobs,

primarily after the events of 9-11.� Productivity growth has improved

dramatically � this is the true measureof growth.

� Manufacturing output is flat.� Manufacturing related to what the

consumer buys is struggling.� Manufacturing related to commodities

and energy are up dramatically� Steel industry in the USA is operating

at full capacity with no end in sight.� Export trade is right through the roof.� Trade deficit is shrinking.� We are skirting a recession but we are

not in one.� 2nd half of year will show more

growth.� Car companies are looking for growth

outside USA� Light truck sales are down because of

gasoline prices.� Our economy added three million jobs

in recent years because of low interestrates and increases in productivity.

� Prices on homes went up too high,too fast.

� Adjustable rate mortgages on sub

prime loans are the problem not fixedrate mortgages on sub prime loans.

� Vehicle sales for 2008 will end upbetween 14.8 million and 15.4 million.

So, you can take these comments for whatthey are worth. Let�s see what happens bythe end of the year.

Coping with Fuel PricesOver the last several months we have seendramatic increases in the price of fuel anda steady reduction in the number of milesdriven. The impact on our industry is hardto �guesstimate� because while the milesdriven are falling, people may keep theircars longer so things may be a �wash� for

our industry.

The biggest worry is the reaction of ourelected politicians to what is happeningwith fuel prices. Without getting on mysoapbox let me say that I believe thesolution to our energy problems and ourreliance on other countries� oil can only besolved by improving our technology andgoing after ALL types of energy sources.That means more drilling for oil, more windpower, more nuclear, more solar and otherforms of alternative energy. We need it all.

To remove access to one or more types ofenergy is just ludicrous and will cause usbig problems in the future. Our electedofficials need to stop the �blame game�and �get out of the way� so the Americanworker can solve this problem.

It is time for you to tell your electedofficials in Washington how you feel. Youare the voter. They will listen to you.

Special Reman Initiative in EnglandAPRA Member, Ian Buxcey of PremierComponents in the UK, has been selectedto serve as Chairman of a RemanufacturingCommittee within the Society of MotorManufacturers and Traders. There areseveral other remanufacturers includingTRW and Delphi serving on the commit-tee. We congratulate Ian on his appoint-ment as Chairman and wish him well as headvances remanufacturing initiatives inthe United Kingdom.

Transmission Seminar at PAACEWayne Colonna, President of the Auto-matic Transmission Service Group (ATSG),will conduct an Automatic TransmissionSeminar on July 10th during the PAACEAutomechanika in Mexico City. Waynealways does a great job at these seminarswhere he draws 600-700+ people who arehungry for technical information. APRA ishonored to be working with Wayne tobring this level of training to the Mexicanaftermarket.

Massey Collectors AssociationI periodically receive announcements fromHoward Hill of the Massey CollectorsAssociation. They have over 800 membersin five Chapters in the USA and Canada.They are always looking for parts for theold tractors as well as people who canrebuild the parts. If this is of interest toyou as a future business opportunity,contact Howard at 330-326-2671.

Remember the CrosleyIn the May �08 issue of Undercar Digestthere was a great article about the Crosleyand it�s founder Powel Crosley, Jr. Myfather bought a Crosley and commuted towork in it for years, until a tractor trailerlost it�s brakes, slammed into the back ofthe car and totaled it. My father didsurvive and went on to live another 20years. As a kid I always enjoyed riding inthe Crosley. The Crosley was one ofthose inventions that came along beforeits time. !

From the Presidentcontinued from page 2


Patented drivetrain protection device mounts into existing driveshaft.

Torque fuses are calibrated and tested to sheer at precise torque load.

Protects driveshafts, axles, and differentials.

Driveshaft freewheels and remains intact.

Acts as towing disconnect without removing axles.

T I M E T E S T E D • I N D U S T RY T R U S T E D TM

Automatic Drive • P.O. Box 440 • Bellows Falls, VT 05101-0440800-843-2600 • 802-463-9722 • F: 802-463-4059

w w w . s o n n a x . c o m • i n f o @ s o n n a x . c o m

POWERTRAIN SAVERS®

by

Michigan Truck Parts FindsNiche in Used Parts Marketby Jim Madill, APRA Contributing Writer

In a city known for the automotive industry, it is notsurprising to find a salvage/ rebuilder operation such asMichigan Truck Parts, in the Detroit suburb of Westland,Michigan. Of course rebuilding and salvage go togethernaturally. At times we in the remanufacturing industryemphasize the remanufacturing over the value of thesalvage business. The value of used parts sometimes isquestioned; although without them, the maintenance ofvehicles would grind to a halt.

The father-son team has established Michigan TruckParts as a regional and national player in the salvage ofcommercial vehicles and components. Michigan TruckParts is a well-known source for used parts for vehicles ofone ton and up. According to Jake Rea, �there are somefleet customers who keep their vehicles for as long as 20years or more and they have to rely on good used parts tomaintain those older vehicles.� Jake illustrated the needfor front spindles, which can be a costly new item, andthey have a supply of good ones at substantial costsavings. Jake pointed to their engine inventory fromwhich they supply engines and transmissions that aregood running units that are all dyno tested beforeshipping. They have shipped units to the Mid East andSouth America, establishing them as an internationalplayer in the salvage business.

Jake pointed out to this writer that they are not a mom andpop salvage or scrap yard. Michigan Truck Partsemploys a sophisticated inventory control system and astate of the art, environmentally sound dismantling center.Michigan Truck Parts has contracts with several OEM�sand component suppliers to dismantle vehicles andcomponents. The entire facility is a �green� operation thatrespects sound environmental practices. Keeping fluidsand pollutants out of the ground is a prime goal here.They actually reclaim 95% of the fluids and recycle andresell some.

All of the expansion of the facility has been performedwith sustainability in mind. Like a slaughterhouse thatused everything but the �moo or oink,� the progressivesalvage facility uses everything but the sound of an airhorn on the vehicle. Jake and Jack Rea have found thattheir focus on the salvage function pays off in manyways. Former �cost centers� are now profit opportunities,and the facility is a much nicer place of employment forWith the truck population aging at an increasing rate, (it�s

now over nine years), the market for good used partsneeds to be there for the third, fourth and fifth owners ofthe vehicle. The extended life of major components hasalso affected the availability of good used parts too.While good used parts are becoming more available, thelifespan of some major components has resulted inincreased wear and tear of some hard parts in transmis-sions and steering gears. The availability of good usedparts which can be machined and brought back tostandard has been a life extending process for somepopular transmissions, differentials and steering boxes.The increasing prices for new vehicles and need tomaintain lower total cost of ownership by the fleet ownershas caused them to consider used parts as an intelligentalternative to new parts in the maintenance of the fleet.

Lack of availability and high prices of new crash parts haspresented another opportunity to the truck salvageoperation. Finding available crash parts; i.e. cabs andsheet metal has been a key ingredient to most salvageoperations. The high cost of crash parts and other highvalue parts and components has driven the need toestablish sources for quality used parts. Besides supply-ing good useable parts to the industry�s maintenance andrebuild shops the salvage operations also are very greenbusinesses. By eliminating the need to use energy andnatural resources to produce new components thesalvage operation contributes to the sustainability of theparts manufacturing process.

Michigan Truck Parts started out as an auto repair andtowing business in 1966 and entered into the auto salvagebusiness in 1969, which evolved into the truck salvageoperation that was established at the current Westlandlocation in 1984. Jack Rea founded the business and isstill very active as a natural team with his son, Jake, whotogether, have led an expansion of the business and afocus on the used parts business as well as aremanufacturing program.

In addition to their reman inventory, Michigan truckparts carries an extensive inventory of used, workingtransmissions, which can also provide a core bank forthe reman operation.

the hard working staff that make Michigan Truck Parts aleader in the medium and heavy duty truck parts andsalvage business. New offices are being constructed forthe inside employees. And many employees havedesigned and used labor saving tools, like forkliftsoutfitted with full sets of tools, air compressors, cuttingtorches and battery packs�a mechanical shop on wheelsthat has speeded up the process.

Jack and Jake Rea can certainly be proud of their expand-ing, state of the art facility. Their vision of the inherentvalue in medium and heavy-duty truck salvage has paidoff handsomely. !

(l-r) Jake Rea, Vice Presdent and Jack Rea, President ofMichigan Truck Parts.


Car ManufacturersWarn AgainstRemanufactured WheelsThough often taken for granted bymotorists, wheels and tires are two of themany components that can greatly affectyour vehicle's safety. In recent years therehas been much written about the need tokeep your tires properly inflated, rotatethem regularly and check for wear, but therole of your wheels�especially if yourvehicle has been in a collision�has drawnfar less attention.

Whether steel or aluminum, sportinghubcaps or spinners, wheels can helpexpress a vehicle's style, but their lessglamorous function is to hold your tires inplace and keep them fully inflated.Unfortunately, wheels are frequentlydamaged in automobile accidents, fromminor scrapes on the finish to significantdents or gouges that not only changetheir shape, but also prevent them fromperforming their primary duty.

What typically happens to a damagedwheel during the collision repair process?A large number of wheels undergo aremanufacturing process�also commonlycalled refinishing or reconditioning�thatroutinely strips metal away from the wheel

to reshape a dented or warped wheel, oradds metal to a wheel that has holes ormissing pieces. These remanufacturedwheels are then placed back on yourvehicle.

This practice of repairing damaged wheelshas come under fire from many automanufacturers that claim theremanufacturing procedure may alter theperformance and durability of the wheels,and raises serious safety issues. Toprotect and educate their consumers,several carmakers�including Ford MotorCompany, General Motors, Chrysler andHonda�have issued position statementsregarding the remanufacturing of wheelsfor reuse on vehicles that have been in anaccident.

For example, in Ford's statement, thecompany does not recommend theaddition or removal of any metal to or froma wheel. According to the manufacturer,doing so might change the size and/orshape of the wheel, which could causesteering, suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer unit failure, creating anincreased risk of loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover, personal injury or deathof the car's driver and/or passengers.

Aside from the obvious safety concerns,

automakers also are quick to point out thelack of regulation surrounding therefinishing of wheels. Steve Nantau,Ford's Collision and Light Repair Supervi-sor for the Aftermarket and RemanufactureEngineering group, points out that thereare currently no federal guidelines orstandards in place to determine how totest a wheel that has been remanufactured.�A collision repairer has no way ofknowing if the remanufacturing processhas changed the fundamental structure ofthe wheel,� said Nantau.

Nantau recommends that in the case of anauto collision where a wheel or tire needsto be replaced, the vehicle owner shoulduse replacement tires and wheels that arethe same size and type as those originallyprovided by their car's original manufac-turer. If consumers choose to use aremanufactured wheel on their car, theyshould:

� Request written assurance from thewheel's aftermarket supplier that anywheel repair recommendationsprovided by the vehicle's originalmanufacturer have been followed;

� Verify that the wheel carries perma-nent markings that identify theaftermarket supplier and the date of

remanufacture;

� Request clarification regarding thewarranty provided by theremanufacturer and/or aftermarketsupplier, if any;

� Consider that many carmakers,including Ford Motor Company, donot warrant any remanufactured/refinished/reconditioned wheelsprovided by an aftermarket supplier;

� Confirm the use of new coatedbalance weight to reduce futurecosmetic damage.

Car owners have the right to choose thetype of replacement parts used to repairtheir vehicle after an accident, includingreplacement wheels. Motorists shouldcheck with their insurer or collisionrepairer to be sure the proper types ofwheels are used during the repair. !



LOSS PREVENTION

Insurance coverages and non-insurance products and services are underwritten and provided by member companies of Zurich in North America, including Universal Underwriters Insurance Companyand Universal Underwriters Service Corporation. Certain coverages and products and services are not available in all states. ©2008 Zurich American Insurance Company

Zurich does.At Zurich (formerly Universal Underwriters Group),

we have extensive experience insuring businesses like yours.

Our account executives understand remanufacturers and

the unique exposures you face. To help you manage those risks,

we offer specialized products and services designed to meet your

needs. In the event of a covered loss, our claims professionals

have the knowledge to help you get back in business as soon as

possible. Because of our experience, specialization and

commitment, our customers can feel better protected.

property • liability • garage • garagekeepers •

fleet auto • umbrella • pollution liability •

workers’ compensation • life • group health

www.zurichna.com/zduCall Zurich direct:

800-840-8842ext. 4835

abcWhat if an insurer really understood your business?

Disaster Preparedness: Plan to Survive


Recent events have shown that if yourcompany is to survive a disaster you mustdevelop a plan for business recovery.Many businesses have contingency plansin place to help them recover from floodsand hurricanes; but who actually plans forcomputer viruses or anthrax? The purposeof this article is to discuss the elements ofa Disaster Recovery Plan�why you needa plan, how to get started, what toconsider, and where to find help.

Great Reasons to PlanThe overall goal is to return your businessto normal operations as quickly aspossible and, perhaps more importantly,before your competitor is back in busi-ness. Many businesses fail each year aftersuffering serious fires, floods or othernatural disasters because they did notplan and were unprepared for the disaster.Property insurance will page to repair orreplace facilities; business interruptioncoverage can provide funds for loss ofincome but can't replace lost customers,employees or vendors. Now is the time toreview your insurance policies and ensurethat you have all of the proper coverage inplace. Developing a comprehensive planmay ensure that your business andemployees' livelihoods survive.

There are many reasons for developing a

Disaster Recovery Plan, the most impor-tant follow:

� Maintain cash flow� Protect employees� Moral and legal obligations� Defend legal action from shareholders� Maintain customer relations and

client base

Don't DelayIf you do not currently have a DisasterRecovery Plan, begin working on itimmediately. First, develop a processoutline. The �process� should consist ofthe following:

� Involve owners and top managementin the planning process, they shouldsupport the overall plan.

� Establish a planning committee � itcan be as small as two or threeindividuals.

� Review your current insuranceprogram with your account executiveto ensure adequate coverage forpotential disasters.

� Identify disaster exposures � whatnatural, man-made, or political

disasters is your business susceptibleto? Consider a partial list (see below):

� Identify critical personnel, equip-ment, and data. �Critical� refers totheir relative importance to yourbusiness. What must you have toreturn your business to normalcy?

� Collect information � you will needa list of every important piece ofinformation including inventories,telephone numbers, equipmentlistings, vendor lists, softwareinventory, etc.

� Develop a formal, written Disaster

Recovery Plan � incorporate all ofthe above information into a plan thatidentifies specific disaster scenarios,steps that will protect your businessprior to the disaster, and mostimportantly, instructions for gettingyour operation back to normal asquickly and efficiently as possible.

� Test the plan � both initially andannually thereafter. It is important toreview and update the plan periodi-cally as your exposures to losschange.

Where Do I Get Help?The U.S. Small Business Administrationwebsite is an excellent place to startlooking for help. The SBA, in conjunctionwith The Institute for Business & HomeSafety (IBHS), have developed resourcestitled, Getting Back to Business�A Guidefor the Small Business Owner FollowingDisaster and Open for Business�ADisaster Planning Toolkit for the SmallBusiness Owner, to assist small businessowners with this project. Both of thesepublications are available at the IBHSwebsite�www.ibhs.com�at no cost.These items can also be ordered by callingthe IBHS at 866-657-4247.

Fire FloodFreezing TornadoesHurricanes HailstormsStorm Surge LandslidesWindstorms EarthquakesComputer Virus Mail InterruptionCivil DisturbancesCompter/Data LossLoss of an Important VendorLoss of an Important Supplier

*Some of these disasters are not insurableor would not be covered by insurance.


If you have company news that you'd like to share with the industry, please send it to: APRA, Kirsten Kase, 4215 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 3,Chantilly VA 20151-1243; Fax: 703-968-2878; E-Mail: [email protected].

AFTERMARKET UPFRONT

Automotive ImportingManufacturing, Inc.(AIM) Announces Agree-ment with MotorcarParts of America (MPA)Automotive Importing Manufacturing, Inc.(AIM), a privately held company based inRancho Cordova, Calif., announced todayit has signed a definitive agreement withMotorcar Parts of America, Inc. to sellcertain assets. Specifically, AIM is sellingits operation which produces and sellsnew and remanufactured alternators andstarters. Terms were not disclosed.The transaction, subject to variousconditions and approvals, is expected toclose by May 16, 2008.

�I am pleased to announce this agree-ment,� said AIM President and CEO, SteveSeabourne. �We know that Motorcar Partsof America will continue our tradition ofexcellence in customer service. TheSeabourne family is also pleased toannounce that it will retain the AIM Partsbrand and continue to sell componentsand finished units to the company�s loyalrebuilder customers.�

�This acquisition will add to our customerbase and provide product line expansion,including the addition of heavy duty truckbusiness. We anticipate a seamlessintegration once the transaction iscompleted, with a commitment to en-hanced customer service and synergies,�said Selwyn Joffe, chairman, president andchief executive officer of Motorcar Parts ofAmerica, Inc.

Ford to Double Fuel-efficient, Six-speedTransmissionsThe Associated Press reports that �FordMotor Co. said it plans to double thenumber of six-speed automatic transmis-sions in its models by the end of next year,increasing fuel efficiency to the pointwhere it�s equal to or better than manualgearboxes.� The carmaker �also said that98 percent of its North American transmis-sions will be six speeds by the end of 2012as it moves to meet increasing governmentfuel economy standards.� The companyexplained that the �computer-controlledtransmissions, built at a revamped factoryin Sterling Heights, Mich. give drivers afour percent to six percent gas mileageboost compared with the four- and five-

speed models now in widespread use inFord�s front-wheel-drive vehicles.�

FleetPride AcquiresKeller Truck PartsNational aftermarket heavy duty truckparts distributor FleetPride has acquiredKeller Truck Parts, Inc.

Keller has 11 locations across Delawareand Maryland. Maryland locations includeAnnapolis Junction, Baltimore (twobranches), Elkton, Frederick, Gaithersburg,Hagerstown, Landover and Waldorf.Delaware locations include Dover andWilmington.

Keller Truck Parts was founded in 1971 byWayne and Donald Keller. FleetPride hasextended employment to all of the Kelleremployees, including industry veteransCurt Ackerman and Robert White, who willcontinue as area manager and areaoperations manager, respectively, for theacquired Keller operations.

�When the time came to plan for thecontinuation of our business, we investi-gated numerous companies. In the end, wedecided that FleetPride was the best fit forKeller Truck Parts and its employees. Bothorganizations have similar managementphilosophies with a focus on putting thecustomer first. This growth opportunitywill ensure the future success of ourlegacy,� said Wayne Keller, president ofKeller Truck Parts.

�The acquisition of Keller Truck Parts fillsa significant void in our footprint andprovides us with a seasoned, dedicatedand loyal employee base from which togrow our business,� said Todd Dunn,FleetPride president and CEO. �The Kellerorganization has operated in these localmarkets for more than 35 years and is theleading independent distributor in thearea. We are thrilled to have them join theFleetPride family.�

�We reviewed other opportunities in thearea, but this is the one that fit,� said PetePainter, FleetPride's vice presidentsoutheast region. �Maryland and Dela-ware are new markets for FleetPride. TheKeller Truck Parts acquisition will bridgethe gap between FleetPride's Chantilly, Va.,and Carlisle, Pa., branches, allowing us tobetter serve our local and national accountcustomers,� said Painter.

FleetPride is owned by affiliates ofInvestcorp, Banc of America CapitalInvestors and management.

Source: aftermarketNews

ArvinMeritor's MascotRemanufacturingAnnounces MajorCustomer ContractArvinMeritor has received a new, long-term, multi-million-dollar supply agreementto provide remanufactured transmissionsand axle carriers to Navistar Parts underthe ReNEWed brand. Navistar Parts is abrand of Navistar Inc., which also pro-duces International Trucks. Since 2000,Mascot has produced remanufacturedcomponents for the ReNEWed program asthe exclusive supplier.

�We�re delighted to gain this re-confirma-tion of Navistar�s belief in our operation�squality products,� said Glenn Hanthorn,president of Mascot.

ArvinMeritor acquired Mascot Truck PartsLtd., a major remanufacturer of transmis-sions, drive axle carriers, steering gearsand drivelines, based in Mississauga,Ontario, Canada, last December. Mascot�ssix Canadian remanufacturing locations �including three in Mississauga, Ontario;and one each in Edmonton, Alberta;Moncton, New Brunswick; andBoucherville, Quebec � as well as itsnetwork of logistic centers across NorthAmerica, provide customers with immedi-ate availability of remanufactured prod-ucts.

ArvinMeritor launched its firstremanufactured product in 1983.

Barry Soltz to JoinAMRA/MAPThe board of directors of the AutomotiveMaintenance and Repair Association(AMRA) and the board of trustees for theMotorist Assurance Program (MAP) havejointly announced the selection of BarrySoltz as the organization�s executivedirector and president.

Soltz, who most recently served asprogram manager for CARFAX, Inc., willofficially take over upon the retirement ofLarry Hecker on June 30. Soltz previouslywas president and CEO of the AutomotiveEngine Rebuilders Association.

AMRA and MAP have been activelysearching for Hecker�s replacement sincehe announced his retirement last fall.

�We�re very pleased with Barry's nomina-tion and his board approval. His familiaritywith our organization will ensure a smoothtransition and continued focus on ourstrategic direction,� said Jack Fischbein,chairman of AMRA.

Charlie Ayers, chairman of MAP, added,�Our executive search allowed us to


NEW RELEASES

Authorized Sources for REGITAR-USA Brand Manufactured Products

www.Regitar.com • Phone 334-244-1885 • Fax 334-244-1901

Alabama………..REGITAR-USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 877-734-4827California…….…Superior Distributor,Turlock . . . . . . . . . . . . 209-667-7051California…….…Superior Service, Fresno . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 559-495-0382California….……Wagner Alternator & Supplies . . . . . . . . . . 800-345-5927 Canada………....RCP, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 905-660-7274Florida…………. D & L Auto & Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-225-7251Georgia………….Holcombe Armature Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-241-3027

Indiana………….R&R Regulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-433-6683Michigan…………Barsanco Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-421-3374North Carolina . . Ace Mid Eastern Wahrehosue Inc . . . . . . 800-438-4023 Oklahoma……….Oklahoma Starter Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-336-0769 Pennsylvania……Magna System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-950-3352Pennsylvania……Zorko’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-468-5055Tennessee………Nashville Distribution Center . . . . . . . . . . 800-338-2099

RM-129AFor Mitsubishi on HondaIn A5TA3891, A5TA4591

Lester 13649, 13780

RM-134For Mitsubishi on

Villager/Quest VansIn A3T5691

Lester 13821

RM-136For Mitsubishi on Honda

In A5TA7091Lester 13893

RM-135For Mitsubishi on Subaru

In A2TB2991Lester 13820, 13889

R7220-9396For Bosch 90A

On Audi and VWLester 11209, 123851, 13852

R7293-8204For Mando 90A on Hyundai

In AB190058Lester 13702

RAD106For Delco PG260 series: D, F1, F2, G, L, and M Ref. ZM860 and Delco

10475646

50-VR20MVoltage Reducer 24-V to 12-V20 amp (240 watts) constant

To Power Up In-Cab 12-Vaccessories

review several well-qualified candidates.Barry�s knowledge of the aftermarket andmany of our association�s members was akey element in our selection process.�

AMRA�s membership includes many ofthe largest vehicle repair service providersin the automotive aftermarket, includingsuch national/regional retailers as: AllTune and Lube, Autobacs Strauss,Firestone, Goodyear, Jiffy Lube, JustBrakes, Midas, Monro, Pep Boys, Sears,Tire Kingdom and Tuffy to name just afew. The MAP Participating facilitiescurrently total more than 9,000 locationsand contain in excess of 105,000 servicebays.

AMRA/MAP members, in addition to theauto service providers, include many partsand tire manufacturers, automotive servicesuppliers, data management companies,education and training experts and stateconsumer affairs personnel.

WAI Global AppointsExecutive ChairmanFormer Keystone AutomotiveIndustries CEO PurchasesOwnership Position in CompanyWAI Global today announced theappointment of Richard L. Keister asexecutive chairman of the company andhis purchase of an undisclosed ownershipposition in the organization.

Keister most recently served as chiefexecutive officer of Keystone AutomotiveIndustries, which was acquired by LKQCorporation in October 2007. He contin-ues to serve as a member of LKQ�s boardof directors.

Prior to his tenure with Keystone, Keisterwas president of Delco RemyInternational's Aftermarket Group�joiningthat company in 1997 following DelcoRemy's acquisition of World WideAutomotive.

Keister was the co-founder of the prede-cessor company to World Wide Automo-tive, serving from 1976 as president andchief executive officer of the start-upventure. In 1984, Keister expandedoperations under the World Wide Automo-tive brand name�focusing on the high-growth import vehicle market. Thecompany launched remanufacturingfactories and joint ventures in severaloverseas locations�including Mexico,Hong Kong, Malaysia and China. DelcoRemy acquired the business in 1997.

�Rick offers WAI Global extensiveautomotive experience, solid leadershipskills and a commitment to business andprofessional growth for our team. Hissignificant knowledge of both originalequipment and aftermarket products anddistribution channels will be a tremendousresource and we look forward to benefiting

from Rick�s more than 30 years of industryexperience,� said Jeffery Sween, chiefexecutive officer of WAI Global.

�The company is uniquely positioned withengineering, manufacturing and qualityassurance infrastructure in China as wellas resources in other low-cost regions�allenhanced by a strong balance sheet tosupport its strategic growth plans withinboth the original equipment and automo-tive aftermarket industry. I am honored tohave been invited to make an investmentand join WAI Global. I look forward toworking with all the WAI Team Membersacross North America, Europe and Chinaon a successful and exciting future,� RickKeister said.

Cummins Sales andEarnings Surge onStrong Global DemandAcross All BusinessSegmentsCummins Inc. has reported significantlyhigher revenues, net income and EarningsBefore Interest and Taxes (EBIT) for thefirst quarter of 2008. All four businesssegments reported double-digit percent-age sales increases during the quarter,with earnings growing at an even fasterpace than sales.

Sales of $3.47 billion were 23 percent

higher than $2.82 billion in the first quarter2007, due to a 25 percent increase in boththe company�s engine and componentssegments, a 44 percent increase in thedistribution business and a 17 percent risein power generation sales.

Cummins showed strength across all itsbusiness segments, both in the U.S. and inkey international markets. Particularlystrong performance in internationalmarkets�which accounted for 57 percentof the company�s sales in the quarter�helped offset rising commodity prices andsluggishness in some U.S. consumer-related markets such as pickup truckengines, recreational vehicle products andrecreational marine engines.

�Our strong performance in the firstquarter, which came in the face of consid-erable economic uncertainty in the U.S., isfurther proof that our diversification andgrowth strategies are working,� saidCummins Chairman and Chief ExecutiveOfficer Tim Solso. �While we are monitor-ing the U.S. economy closely, we intend tocontinue investing in opportunitiesaround the world to fuel further growth inthe future.�

Based on the company�s performance inthe first quarter and the outlook for theremainder of the year, Cummins affirmed itsprevious forecasts for revenues to grow



CC BatteryFPO

by at least 12 percent from 2007 and that itexpects to achieve its EBIT target of 10percent of sales for the full year.

The company also reiterated its plans toinvest between $550 and $600 million incapital expenditures globally, mostly tofund new product initiatives and to createproduct capacity in a multitude of globalmarkets where emissions standards arechanging.

First-quarter demand was particularlystrong for medium-duty truck engines inthe United States; for commercial genera-tor sets in India, the United Kingdom, Asiaand the Middle East; and for turbocharg-ers and exhaust aftertreatment products inNorth America and Europe. In addition, thecompany�s distribution business sawconsiderable growth in Europe, the MiddleEast and Asia Pacific.

In addition, the company�s joint ventureearnings increased 86 percent from thesame period in 2007. The improvement wasprimarily driven by strength in emergingmarkets such as China and India, and atthe company�s North American distribu-tors.

Sales growth was led by the enginebusiness, the company�s largest businesssegment. Heavy duty and medium duty

Aftermarket Upfrontcontinued from page 19

truck engine shipments increased 36percent and 68 percent, respectively,primarily due to increased market share inNorth America.

Through February, the latest month forwhich statistics are available, Cumminsowned a market-leading share of 43percent of the North American Class 8truck engine market � compared to 28percent at the same time last year.Cummins� share of the Class 7 medium-duty truck market was 55 percent throughFebruary, compared to 23 percent at thesame time in 2007.Source: aftermarketNews.com

JASPER Receives�Merit� Certification inIndiana's VoluntaryProtection ProgramThe Indiana Department of Labor haspresented a �Merit� Certification to JasperEngines and Transmissions through thestate�s Voluntary Protection Program(VPP).

Indiana's Voluntary Protection Programwas established to recognize and promotesafety and health management programsthroughout the state. All companies,regardless of size or type of business, canparticipate in VPP, through which manage-ment and employees work together tocreate and maintain a healthy workingenvironment.

The Jasper, Ind., facility is the first of thecompany�s remanufacturing facilities toachieve VPP status, and is one of only 49Indiana companies to reach this level.

�It is always gratifying to witness compa-nies that proactively address and manageworkplace safety and health,� saidCommissioner of Labor Lori Torres. �TheDepartment of Labor is pleased to partnerwith and congratulates Jasper Engines andTransmissions for achieving VPP �Merit�status.�

�The Jasper Safety Committee has beenworking on this program and its bench-marks for two years,� says Jason Pieper,Jasper safety director. �We understand westill have a lot of work to do, but we havenow created more awareness, have gottenmore associate involvement and made sureJasper has safety systems in place.�

Jasper has been successful in reducing thenumber of OSHA recordable injuries andillnesses by 39 percent in a three-yearspan. �VPP sites are demonstrated leadersin the occupational safety and healtharena,� added Torres. �The reduction ofrecordable injuries and illnesses at Jasperis proof-positive in how successfulimplementation of a safety and healthmanagement system has an impact on notonly injury and illness rates, but also onemployee satisfaction and morale.�

�The management commitment andassociate involvement are the two maincomponents of the VPP program,� addedPieper. �Jasper has both these elements,which has improved our safety program.Jasper�s goal is to have all ourremanufacturing sites in the VPP pro-gram.�

Up Close Look atAkebono's KentuckyFacilitiesby Andrew Markel and Mark Phillips

In an area of the country better known fordistilling bourbon, Akebono BrakeCorporation is distilling itsOE expertise into aftermarket disc brakepads. Kentucky currently is the home to allAkebono North American manufacturingfacilities and its North Americanheadquarters.

Recently, aftermarketNews was given anexclusive tour of Akebono�s Aftermarketbrake pad plants. The Springfield, Ky.,facility manufactures its own aftermarketlines and private-brand brake pad lines,plus brake pads and components forOriginal Equipment Service (OES).

Unlike other automotive components andproducts, how a brake pad is manufac-tured is unique and proprietary to everytop-tier brake manufacturer. The cost ofthe equipment and complex molds justify apremium price. The Akebono NorthAmerican Aftermarket plant is no excep-tion.

Akebono uses the same proprietaryequipment and manufacturing processesfor both its OE and aftermarket offerings.The manufacturing process employedemphasizes high quality and consistency.Akebono claims the plant has a warrantyrate of less than 7/10th (0.7) of one percentor 12 to 13 parts per million.

�At all Akebono facilities, we practicesmall-batch production,� said TommyRivera, plant manager for the Springfieldfacility. �We utilize an OE-standard qualitycontrol process on our aftermarketproduction lines. Running small-batchproduction supports our high qualitystandards and enables us to perform thesame rigid testing required by our OEMcustomers.�

Flexibility is built into the Akebonomanufacturing process. The brake padproduction module can be changed to anew part with little or no downtime orchances for defects. This allows for a leaninventory that can quickly adjust tocustomer demand.

�We�re also a just-in-time manufacturer.We build only what is ordered when it�sordered, not in advance,� Rivera said.�The customer dictates the quantity of ourorders.�

It�s almost counter-intuitive that �smalleris better� in today�s manufacturing world.But, Akebono has harnessed the �smallbatch� approach to deliver the bestpossible product with a 99 percent fill rate.The approach has also allowed Akebonoto take on new customers.

Akebono claims to have 35 percent marketshare of the new vehicle brake pad marketin North America. According to OEMengineers, Akebono�s ceramic technologyoffers excellent Noise Vibration andHarshness (NVH) control. The use ofceramic friction at the OEM level contin-ues to increase every year and is expectedto continue growing over the next severalyears. As the engineers who introducedthe first ceramic friction formulations tothe OEMs, the future looks strong forAkebono.

�Our core competency is the identification,analysis and control of vibration whichleads to brake noise,� said KennethSelinger, director of product developmentfor Akebono North America. �We bring thesame OEM processes and formulations tothe aftermarket.�

Akebono officials are proud to say thatmore than 98 percent of its aftermarketofferings in North America are made in theU.S. at its Kentucky manufacturingfacilities. This is an encouraging signwhen many manufacturers and marketersare establishing manufacturing capabilitiesin the Pacific Rim.

Source: aftermarketNews



EUROPEAN INSIGHT

HAVE YOUBEEN

LOOKING

CCOONNTTAACCTT YYOOUURR NNEEAARREESSTT

DDIISSTTRRIIBBUUTTOORR FFOORR

SSOOLLEENNOOIIDDSS TTHHAATT......””SSTTAARRTT WWIITTHH QQUUAALLIITTYY!!””

Phoenix, AZ . . . . . . . .800-845-0056Paramount, CA . . . .877-627-2111Louisville, KY . . . . . .800-669-4223Detroit, MI . . . . . . . . .800-669-4223St. Louis, MO . . . . . . .800-275-1925Charlotte, NC . . . . . .800-438-4023New York Metro . . .866-486-8100Pittsburgh, PA . . . . .800-468-5055Austin, TX . . . . . . . . . .877-839-2581San Antonio, TX . . .877-839-2587Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . .81 05 05 00

1808 Roosevelt ✦ Joplin, MO 64801 ✦ Toll Free 866-624-8886 ✦ www.accumaxparts.com

PG260 10-DE262 PG260 SOL PG260D VENTED 1114609 LES# 6491

PG260 10-DE264 PG260 SOL DE PG260G LESTER 6727

PG260 10-DE264S PG260 66-153 SOL DE PG260D NISSAN LESTER 6749

28MT 10-DE405L 7-994L SOL DE 28MT LONG BAT REF# 7-994 W/LONG BAT

28MT 10-DE414 28MT SOL DE 28MT REPLACES 10457151

28MT 10-DE416 28MT SOL DE 28MT REPLACES 10457232

28MT 10-DE450 28MT SOL DE 28MT LES 6604 MERCEDES TRK REF# 10453950

28MT 10-DE454 28MT SOL DE 28MT 12V MERCEDES TRK STR# 10461454

SOL DE SLAVE 10-DEL454 SLAVE SOL SOL DE SLAVE 1115454 W/LEADS

29MT 10-DE438 29MT SOL DE 29MT 12V REF# 10515838

29MT 10-DE440 29MT SOL DE 29MT 24V REF# 10515840

SOL DE AG 12V 10-DE930-12V 7-930-12V SOL DE 12V REF 7-930-12V

New Solenoids For Popular Mitsubishi And Delco Applications

SOL MI 10-MI375 7-1099-10 SOL MI 7.3L FD BAT & MOT POST 10MM

SOL MI 10-MI402 BOBCAT SOL MI BOBCAT w/KUBOTA Diesel LES# 18486

SOL MI 10-MI407 38MT SOL MI 38MT 10511823, 10512093

39MT 10-MI408 39MT SOL MI 39MT FLANGE MT 10511408

39MT 10-MI409 39MT SOL MI 39MT FLANGE MT 10511409

39MT 10-MI421 39MT 66-8321 SOL MI REF 39MT LESTER 17438

SOL MI IMS 10-MIL414 IMS SOL IMS 10511414

SOL MI IMS 10-MIL415 IMS SOL IMS 10511415

MORE NEW SOLENOIDS - PROUD TO BE FIRST

Warsaw: Biggest Ever APRAEuropean Symposiumby Fernand Weiland, Chairman European Division

The APRA European Symposium in Warsaw consisted ofan exhibition, cocktails and dinner, and a luncheon toallow for ample networking. Also on the agenda was aconference with many important speakers and interestingthemes. With an attendance of 130 registered participantsfrom the USA, Japan, Western and Eastern Europe thismeeting set a record. The success of the event was mainlydue to the prominent speakers we had invited to speak. Itis difficult for me to write about such an event becausethe amount of information was just too great. However, Iwill try to summarize a few bottom lines:

Francois Augnet of TRW, our keynote speaker, coveredmany of the challenges and opportunities thatremanufacturers will face in the near future. He particu-larly focused on the legal aspects of our business, likeEco Tax, Right of Repair, Design Right and IntellectualProperty. We were pleased to hear that TRW has created anew reman business unit which is fully committed toremanufacturing.

Mike Rayne of Delphi, emphasized that APRA is animportant organization which his company supports inEurope and in the USA. Mike gave us a very comprehen-sive overview of the service market for diesel injectionequipment and the positive contribution it is making to acleaner environment in terms of accurately and effectivelycontrolling engine emissions. He also stressed theimportance of the European Eastern market that is at thisjuncture the biggest opportunity for Delphi Diesel togrow.

Bill Henney, a well-known consultant for automatictransmissions, spoke about the growing market in Europefor automatic transmissions. Ten percent of car sales arealready equipped with automatic transmissions and it willcontinue to grow. For remanufacturers this product is areal opportunity, though the product is technically verychallenging. As a consultant Bill is an expert on transmis-sions. He explained precisely what it means to profession-ally remanufacture these components.

Denis Trémeau of Euronov, his company is part ofCaterpillar, a world leader in terms of remanufacturing,revealed the challenges and the main elements of hisstrategy. Euronov, which mainly has an OE focus,demonstrated that their important strengths and achieve-ments were in the area of quality, customer satisfaction,

Fernand Weiland (Chairman) and Francois Augnet(TRW Automotive Aftermarket)



Specializing in Air & Vacuum Brake Equipment

Bus. (214) 946-5122 � Fax (214) 946-7255

3411 East Kiest Boulevard � Dallas, Texas 75203Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Power Brake Sales

AutomotiveVacuum Boosters � Booster Parts

Power Steering Pumps � Master Cylinders � ABS Control Units

TruckCalipers � Compressors � Dryers � Wheel Cylinders � Valves

Electrical � Fan Clutches � Water Pumps � Fuel PumpsSteering Pumps & Gear Boxes

NEW & USEDWORLDWIDE SALES & PURCHASING

European Symposiumcontinued from page 21

Johan van Gerven of MRTEngines: Remanufacturerof the Year 2008ReMaTecNews, the international news magazine for theautomotive remanufacturing industry, has named Johanvan Gerven, owner of Dutch engine remanufacturer MRTEngines, of Veghel in the Netherlands, Remanufacturer ofthe Year 2008. The award, the most prestigious in theautomotive remanufacturing industry, was awarded toJohan van Gerven in recognition of MRT�s vision,international outlook and quality standards within thefield of engine remanufacturing and other types ofautomotive remanufacturing.

William Schwarck, Editor-in-Chief, ReMaTecNews andchairman of the jury, presented Johan van Gerven with theaward at a ceremony at Hotel Intercontinental in Warsaw.The event took place during the recent remanufacturingexhibition and symposium organised by the EuropeanDivision of APRA, the Automotive Parts RemanufacturersAssociation.

In his speech, William Schwarck explained the choice ofMartin van Gerven:

�Johan van Gerven has significantly contributed to thecause of automotive remanufacturing by maintaining clear

focus on quality and has demonstrated considerablevision especially in his pioneering activities in EasternEurope and Poland where MRT Engines has substantialbusiness. Under Johan van Gerven�s leadership, MRTEngines has established new ties betweenremanufacturing in Western and Eastern Europe and hascreated a large number of new jobs in the Polish remanindustry in the process.�

The award jury consisted of Volker Schittenhelm, FIRM,International Association of Engine Rebuilders andRemanufacturers, Willem Bierema, Product Manager, RAIExhibitions, Amsterdam, Jos Veldhuisen, Editor-In-Chief,Autokompas, Amsterdam, Fernand Weiland, Chairman,APRA�s European Division and William Schwarck, Editor-in-Chief, ReMaTecNews.

In 2005, the award was won by Jens Lindholm, ManagingDirector of Holger Christiansen A/S of Denmark. In 2006the winner was Alexander Schafer of MSI International,Germany and in 2007, the Remanufacturer of the Year wasMartin Detzen of MD Rebuilt in Germany.

ReMaTecNews, the only international magazine dedicatedto automotive, heavy duty, agriculture, marine, industrialengines/parts remanufacturing worldwide, is an indepen-dent channel for news, views and developments withinthe remanufacturing industry. The circulation ofReMaTecNews is 15,500. The magazine is delivered on acontrolled circulation basis to recipients in WesternEurope, Eastern Europe, Asia and North America.ReMaTecNews is aimed at the decision makers ofremanufacturers/rebuilders, core suppliers, suppliers ofOE components, suppliers of components forremanufacturers, suppliers of rebuilding equipment andmachinery, suppliers of test equipment, suppliers ofcleaning equipment, distributors/importers/wholesalers ofrebuilt parts, fleet operators, manufacturers/OEMs,government and non-government organisations and tradeassociations.

ReMaTecNews is published by RAI Langfords B.V. inassociation with Amsterdam RAI Exhibitions, APRA(Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association) andFIRM (International Association of Engine Rebuildersand Remanufacturers). The two largest internationalassociations within the automotiveremanufacturing industry, APRA and FIRM represent theinterests of several thousand companies involved inautomotive remanufacturing worldwide. !

business growth, introduction of new technologies andlast but not least, business reorganization.

Mike DeFelice of Sonnax , an important supplier toremanufacturers of automatic transmissions, has morethan 30 years of experience in this business. Mike spokeabout Sonnax's different product lines. They are strivingto be the leader of innovative drive train components bydeveloping quality solutions that serve the needs of theircustomers.

Günter Wolf of MPO Mosolf Powertrain, which mainlyremanufactures engines and more recently transmissionsfor the OEMs, like Fiat, Audi, VW, Getrag etc. spoke to thegroup next. MPO is based in Germany, a country wherequality and technical knowledge serves best their needs.They have not considered moving to a lower laborcountry, though they have plans to market their productsinternationally.

Leon Kleine Staarman of Actronics, a company that ismainly in the business of remanufacturing electroniccontrollers and instrument clusters, spoke about theproblems that a non-OE company that is active in theindependent aftermarket face. Reverse engineering is theirbiggest challenge. They have to design creative solutionsto remanufacture the components for which they do notalways have the technical data required.

Sanny Runesson of UBD, whose company is well knownfor its business of remanufacturing brakes and powersteering, presented information about a little out-of-the-box product which not many other companiesremanufacture. Together with the University BayreuthUBD has invented a method to recycle diesel filters! UBD

is demonstrating to me that there are not only opportuni-ties or challenges in mechatronics, but also in simplemechanical products like filters, pulleys, etc.

The bottom line was that the conference helpedremanufacturers stay abreast of legal and technologicaldevelopments and helped assist them in planning for thefuture. My sincerest thanks to all who participated. !

Johan van Gerven, Remanufacturer of the Year 2008


REMAN AROUND THE WORLDPlease send new product announcements to: [email protected] or mail/fax it to Kirsten Kase, APRA, 4215 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 3, Chantilly, VA 20151-1243; Fax: 540-341-7682

NEW PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Delco Remy IntroducesThe Fuel Efficient 36SIThe New 36SI Alternator ProgramBrings High Efficiency and StrongPerformanceIn today�s heavy-duty truck environmentof high diesel prices and high under-hoodengine temperatures, the new Delco Remy36SI alternator program offers vastfeatures and benefits.

Working hard to find solutions to theproblems that are facing fleets today DelcoRemy Engineers created the 36SI alterna-tor. The 36SI is the industry�s best heavyduty alternator, and it is fast becoming theOE standard and an important aftermarketupgrade.

The key features that increase theperformance and durability of the 36SIinclude:

� Brushless Design � the 36SI is a purebrushless design, which means that ithas fewer moving parts thereforefewer wear items, increasing thedurability and life of the alternator.The brushless technology, used in the36SI, transfers electrical currentbetween the rotor and stator air-gap;thereby, eliminating the need forbrushes.

� Remote Sense� - due to resistancein battery cables, environmentalfactors and other conditions, theactual charging voltage from a typicalalternator drops by the time it reachesthe batteries. With Remote Sense onmost models of the 36SI, a secondwire reads the actual voltage at thebattery that�s coming from thealternator. It signals the alternator toboost its output to compensate forvoltage drop ensuring optimumvoltage at the battery. Research hasshown that an increase of just ½ voltat the battery, when needed, can cutthe battery charge time in half.

� Three Different Mount Configura-tions � a J180 hinge mount, a J180quad mount and a pad mount.

The 36SI alternator also offers a muchneeded cool down for today�s trucks andthe high temperature under-hood engineenvironments with these features:

� Airflow Vents � being strategicallylocated throughout the unit providesoptimum cooling.

� Enhanced Field Coil Design �improves efficiency and reducesoverall operating temperature forgreater reliability.

� Larger Negative Heat Sink Bridge �for improved cooling and durability.

Automatic UniversalCleaner from M&T 2001M&T 2001 Limited has introduced thethe AUC-01S, an Automatic UniversalMachine for cleaning the outside surfacesof field cases (yokes), solenoids andstators from paint, rust and impregnationvarnish. Once the work piece has beenloaded manually, the machine performs afully automatic operating cycle. Thesurface of the slowly rotating work piece iscleaned by means of a package of stan-dard steel wire brushes which rotates inthe opposite direction. Specially designedadaptor cups protect the lead and bothopenings of the field case during thecleaning process, thus completelyeliminating the penetration of waste-chips,rust and old paint inside the cylinder.

The working area is completely separatedfrom the rest of the machine�s structureduring the cleaning process and isprotected by a semi-cylindrical transparentdoor locked by a safety door switch. Theworking position of the work piece againstthe brushes is provided by a liftingmechanism. A special tracking mechanismensures adjustable pressure between thebrushes and the cleaned surface. After apre-set cleaning time (PLC control), thecylinder brings the work piece back to

its initial position. The reverse of thebrush motor is realized automatically aftera certain (adjustable) number of cyclesfor better cleaning and longer brush life.

Features include: High level of safetyprotection - electrically locked workingarea; High productivity - replaces fouroperators that manually clean field cases;High quality cleaning process - protectionagainst penetration of waste-chips;Maintenance-free design; Readjustmenttime is less than one minute; No skilledoperator required, and is CE approved.For more information, please visit theirwebsite at www.mt2001.com.

REGITAR Offers 2 NewRegulators for 16-VApplication Requirement

� VRH2005-39W, 1W Conversion, 19.2-V Set Point For Denso, Lester 12179,12180, 12182, 12189, 12190, 12196,12198, 12199, 12204, Option forRegitar-USA VRH2005-39SE

� D694W, 1W Conversion, 19.2-V SetPoint For Delco CS121, CS130, CS144,Option for REGITAR-USA D694SE

The above regulators can be ordered fromREGITAR-USA by calling 334-244-1885 or877-734-4827. !

Lester_0608.indd 1 5/27/2008 2:27:00 PM


APRA Member Registration Fee:$175 (U.S.) per person; $185 (U.S.) at the door.Fee includes Thursday meeting and meeting materials, Thursday cocktail reception and dinner, Friday breakfastand plant tour transportation.

Non-Member Registration Fee:$215 (U.S.) per person; $225 (U.S.) at the door.Fee includes Thursday meeting and meeting materials, Thursday cocktail reception and dinner, Friday breakfastand plant tour transportation.

June 26-27, 2008 � The Holiday Inn Charleston Airport & Convention Center � Charleston, SC

2008 Heavy Duty Brake Clinc

Registration Cancellation Policies: Registration cancellations received prior to June 16th entitle registrant to a full refund ofAPRA registration fee. Registration cancellations after that date are subject to a 20% processing charge. NO REFUNDS willbe made unless written request is received by July 8th. Refunds take up to 4 weeks.

Hotel Reservations and cancellations: Call the Holiday Inn Charleston Airport and Convention Center at 1-843-576-0300and ask for reservations. Identify yourself as being with the APRA Group Code-PRA, or ID Block 73984 to receive the dis-counted room rate of only $115 single or double.

Return to APRA 1) Fax: 703-968-2878 or 2) Mail: 4215 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 3, Chantilly, VA. 20151-1243

Name: Email:

Company:

Address:

City: State/Province: Zip/Postal Code:

Country: Phone: Fax:

Additional attendees from same company:

Name: Email:

Name: Email:

Attendees

PaymentAPRA Member Registration $175 x number of people $185 x number of people

APRA Non Member Registration $215 x number of people $225 x number of people

In Advance At the Door Total

GRAND TOTAL

Paid by: !Check (Payable to APRA in U.S. funds) Charge my: !Visa !MasterCard !AmEx

Card Number: *Security Code: Exp. Date

Print Cardholder's Name

Signature

* Visa/MC: 3 digits on back of card; AMEX: 4 digits on front of card

THURSDAY, JUNE 2612:45 p.m.APRA Registration

1:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.Introductions and Opening RemarksKevin McIntyre, Chairman,APRA�s Heavy Duty Brake Division andWilliam C. Gager, APRA President

1:15 p.m. � 2:15 p.m.�Update on Air Compressor Market�Chuck Lundberg, WABCO CompressorMfg.

2:15 p.m. � 3:00 p.m.�Making an Informed Business InsuranceDecision,� Gerry Cecil, Zurich DirectUnderwriters

3:00 p.m. � 3:15 p.m.Refreshment Break

3:15 p.m. � 3:45 p.m.�Dealing with a Major Disaster That HitsYour Company,� Ryan Miller, KBR

3:45 p.m. � 5:00 p.m.Other Speakers TBA

5:30 p.m. � 6:00 p.m.Heavy Duty Brake Board of GovernorsMeeting

6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.�Welcome to Charleston� Reception

7:00 p.m. � 8:00 p.m.APRA Group Dinner

FRIDAY, JUNE 276:30 a.m. � 7:30 a.m.APRA Group Full Breakfast

7:45 a.m.Group departs via Motor Coach forWABCO Compressor Mfg. Co. in Charles-ton, SC

8:15 a.m. � 10:00 a.m.WABCO Charleston Plant Tour

10:15 a.m.Tour Group walks to Cummins TurboTechnologies Plant (very close)

11:15 a.m.Cummins Turbo Technologies Plant Tour

12:30 p.m.Arrive at Charleston Airport

DON�T BOOK FLIGHTSPRIOR TO 1:45 P.M.

HOTEL RESERVATONS:Call the Holiday Inn Charleston Airportand Convention Center Hotel at1-843-576-0300 and ask for reservations.Identify yourself as being with the APRAGroup code �PRA, or ID Block 73984 toreceive the special, discounted room rateof only $115 single/double.

2008 Heavy Duty Brake ClinicJune 26-27, 2008 � The Holiday Inn Charleston Airport & Convention Center

Charleston, South Carolina

t h r i v e

Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Associationwww.apra.org

keeping it greenwhile staying in the black


MARKETING

Tom Marx, President and CEO of The Marx Group, is wellknown throughout the aftermarket for marketing insights andstrategies. To receive his monthly marketing newsletter pleasesubscribe at www.themarxgrp.com/email_signup.html .

RomaineFPO

Tom Marx

Brand Equityby Tom Marx

Building Your BrandBranding is the art ofdeveloping an ongoing,trusting relationshipbetween your customer andyour company. When theactivities of your customersenable your company�sbrand to achieve greatermargins, you have positivebrand equity.

Here are three essential components to building sustain-able brand equity:

� Awareness - Repeatedly telling the market that youhave a product and what the product does.

� Credibility - Designing your message based on�What�s In It For Me �(WIIFM) from your customers�point of view.

� Authority and Leadership - Potential customers willtrust stories about your company when told byfriends, partners, and colleagues.

AwarenessAwareness is basically telling your prospects andcustomers that you have a product and what the productdoes. The most effective way to build awareness is withan integrated approach to marketing.

However, when we say �an integrated approach tomarketing,� we are not just referring to a combination oftactics such as direct mail, advertisement, and web-basedmarketing. We�re also talking about what�s at the heart ofyour messaging�how you are communicating your valueproposition and to whom.

Your message could be more emotional�such as theiPod�s message of being hip, cool and up-to-date with thelatest toys. Or, you can take a more rational approach andtell your customers how you will solve their challenge,make their lives better, or fulfill their need. Knowing youraudience (what influences their emotions and beliefs) andspeaking in their language is key.

Pay attention to what your customer says is in it for themrather than telling them why your company or yourproduct is so wonderful.

Don�t assume you know what they need and what they�dbe most interested in. How do you find out what yourcustomer wants? Ask! Do the research: surveys, focusgroups, customer events, etc.

A truly integrated marketing communication campaignwill always have a higher impact than any stand-aloneactivity, yet what gives marketing its strength is repeti-tion. Combine integration with repetition and yourmarketing investment will be returned exponentially.

CredibilityIntegral to building awareness is establishing credibilityby removing the barriers between your audience and theperceived value of your brand.

A lot of companies are still utilizing the traditional (read:institutional) style of marketing. This kind of objectivemarketing is often formal and distant. The approach wesuggest as part of a truly integrated process is subjectivemarketing�marketing that is directed more inward: more

personal and intimate�with your customers in mind.Remember WIIFM.

Become closer to your customers. Position your productin a situation where the customers can place themselves.Create a closer connection with their everyday life. Tapinto your customers� basic human needs. The perceivedvalue of your product will increase if your customerrecognizes their opportunities within the solution youoffer. Then prove that you know what you�re talkingabout. Show that you have done it before. Offer examples.Show success, show progress, and show results. Makeyour customer�s life simpler, and more enjoyable.

Include your customers in the design of your credibility.Examples from actual customers (testimonials/endorse-ments) are perhaps the best way of securing the credibil-ity you want. Simple endorsements, such as: �It�s nice todo business with you� or �We appreciate the effective,efficient way you have organized your technical supportorganization� or �I improved my lap times by more thantwo seconds,� add credibility and can make all thedifference between you and your competition. The moreproduct- or service-specific the testimonial, the better.

Don�t forget the total ownership experience your custom-ers have with all aspects of your organization. Have yourcustomers stress how fantastic your product is, butencourage them to be specific:

� Why they bought your product� How they used it� What the results have been� How well they were taken care of by customer

service, technical support, and accounting� How it met their original objectives for buying the

product/service

Having your customers communicate ROI and total costof ownership are some of the most effective ways todemonstrate customer success.

Authority and LeadershipTo further cement your value into the market community,once awareness and credibility have been established,

begin to work on the authority and leadership compo-nents of your campaign. To establish authority andleadership, pay attention to how your brand is beingcommunicated to your customers via other people and/orchannels.

Customers are more likely to trust the stories of yourproduct results when they come from third partyinfluencers (friends, partners, and colleagues). Even theopinions of your competitors are sometimes trusted morethan what you are saying.

Word of mouth marketing - whether positive or negative -generally carries the most authority. By integrating theWIIFM principle into the messaging of your marketingcampaign and giving special focus to communicating tothe third party influencers surrounding your customers,you will substantially boost the market�s awareness ofyour brand.

Be visible�participate in industry events, committees,associations and other activities. Donate to an industry-centric scholarship fund. Get articles placed in print andon-line media. Keep your website current and includetestimonials, press releases and product reviews. Dowebinars, technical training, and sales training. Have agreat customer service and technical support team.

Bottom LineBranding happens�for better or worse. It�s what compa-nies choose to do about it that makes the difference. Buildbrand equity by focusing on awareness, using credibleclaims and giving your messages extra authority byreaching third party influencers.

Use the principles above to manage your brand. Brandmanagement protects your profit margins, builds higherstock prices, and is the cornerstone upon which brandequity is built. In a world of greater and greater choice,branding becomes an incredibly important piece of acompany�s competitive edge. !


Sponsoring Associations

Media Sponsors

•Experience Canada’s only trade show

covering all aspects of the automotive

aftermarket

•Tap into the growing automotive industry

in Canada

•Build your business and network with

Canada’s key industry players

REGISTER NOWfor your free expo pass atwww.AutomechanikaCanada.com/APRA

Questions?Call 1.866.984.8016


Remy Moves its HQ and U.S.Tech Center to Pendleton, Ind.Remy International has relocated its global headquartersand U.S. Technical Center to Pendleton, Ind. Pendleton islocated 35 miles northeast of Indianapolis, just a few milesfrom Remy's previous headquarters in Anderson, Ind.Remy had been at its previous location since the com-pany spun off from General Motors in 1994.

According to CEO John Weber, the relocation is anopportunity for reduced operating costs and increasedproductivity and provides a new showcase for thegrowing company.

�We are looking at this move as a fresh start and newbeginning for Remy,� said Weber. �The new buildingallows room for growth, and, we were able to relocateemployees into logical work groups that facilitate moreinteraction and teamwork. Plus, because of the proximityto our old headquarters, there was no disruption to ourcustomers and our employees which was absolutely

crucial to a successful move. We were lucky to find agreat facility so close by.�

The new corporate address is 600 Corporation Drive,Pendleton, IN 46064.

New Mazda Center OpensMazda has opened its new technical center in ChesterfieldCounty, Virginia.

The company is making a $1.6 million investment inequipment and upgrades at the center, where it rebuildsrotary engines for the RX-8, a sports car.

Mazda announced in February that it had chosenChesterfield for the center. The company is based inJapan but is one-third owned by U.S. automaker FordMotor Co.

�This is the only operation of its type in North America,�said Robert Davis, the company's senior vice presidentfor quality, research and development. The company hashired 20 people to work at the center, which also houses atechnical call center and will have training programs for

the company's dealers. The 133,000-square-foot facilityhas lots of room for expansion. Davis said that willdepend on market conditions.

�Our remanufacturing here is primarily for rotary en-gines,� he said. �We're looking to expand in the future,maybe to transmissions and even other automotiveparts,� stated John Reid Blackwell.

Midland Manufacturing OpensSkokie Reman PlantTank-car valve and equipment supplier Midland Manufac-turing will unveil a new valve remanufacturing facilityMay 1 in Skokie, Ill. The company plans to hold a grandopening ceremony at the plant. A division of OPW FluidTransfer Group, Midland recently created a valveremanufacturing program to enable customers to re-qualify their Midland tank-car valves and restore them tolike-new condition.

ZFGB Direct Service forGearboxes & TransmissionsSupported by Appointment ofNew Southern Technical SalesEngineerThe Off Highway division of ZFGB is supporting thelaunch of ZFGB Direct, a comprehensive new servicecovering all ZF transmission products, with the appoint-ment of industry professional, Peter Harrison as salesengineer for the southern half of the UK. Peter�s role willbe to develop direct sales from operators and end userswithin the off highway market; providing customers withZF transmission problems the means to get it rectifiedquickly by contacting ZF directly at Nottingham.

With over 25-years experience of construction and OffHighway vehicles, Peter Harrison is the ideal operative todrive ZFGB�s new direct service forward. He beganworking on construction plant transmissions at the age of16, as part of his apprenticeship, and has been heavilyinvolved in the Off Highway sector ever since. This isevidenced by roles as varied as mechanical fitter, techni-cal supervisor, and as principal of his own businessreconditioning Power shift transmissions and dieselengines for the construction, mining, marine and oilindustries.

The solutions provided by ZFGB Direct range from on-site health checks, to ensure that a vehicle�s transmissionand driveline remains in perfect working order, to serviceof installation checks and full life technical support. �Itpays to call us first,� said Peter Harrison, �around 40% ofcalls we receive detailing problems can be solved over thephone. In most cases we can have vehicles up andrunning again in hours. However, even in the worst casescenario: a transmission or driveline failure, ZFGB Directoffers fast turn-around solutions in the form of a repair orremanufacturing service.�

�In the case of remanufacturing, failed transmissions areshipped directly back to ZFGB, and the vehicle operatorreceives fully remanufactured and tested unit in its place.The major benefit of this procedure is that it reduces theoverall time the off highway vehicle is standing idle, andis far more cost efficient overall for the vehicle operator.�

Where a repair only is required ZFGB Direct offers�Repair Plus,� a service where repairs are only carried outto the area of failure unless the customer requests otherwork. No modifications are included as part of thisservice, other than to replace failed parts where the oldparts are no longer available. Units repaired to this



Remanufacturing AutomotiveMechatronics & Electronicsby Fernand J. Weiland, Chairman of APRA�s Electronics & Mechatronics Division

4/08Return orders to: APRA, 4215 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 3, Chantilly, VA 20151-1243

Tel: (703) 968-2772; Fax: (703) 968-2878

Fernand J. Weiland, Chairman of APRA�s Electronics & Mechatronics Division, organized andedited this book to inform the remanufacturing community on the upcoming product changesand encourage them to embrace these new technologies. Sections of the book include:

� �Selected and Applied Test and Diagnosis Methods for Remanufacturing AutomotiveMechatronics and Electronics,� by Stefan Freiberger, University Bayreuth

� �Sustainable Development by Reusing Used Automotive Electronics,� by FernandWeiland, FJW Consulting

� �Remanufacturing of Mechatronic and Electronic Modules for Transportation Vehicles �Challenges and Opportunities,� by Rex Vandenberg, Injectronics Australia Pty Ltd

� �Research of Internet & Scientific Databases on Reusing and Inspection of UsedElectronics� by Fernand Weiland, FJW Consulting

� �Remanufacturing Electronic Control Modules � Evolution in Progress,� by Joseph Kripli,Flight Systems Electronics Group

Remanufacturing Automotive Mechatronics & Electronics $30 US per copy

QTY TOTAL

Mr. / Ms. Email:

Company

Street (not P.O. Box)

City

State Zip

Country (if outside U.S.)

Telephone ( ) Fax ( )

Card No. Exp. Date

Print Cardholder's Name Signature

Paid by: ! Check (Make checks payable to APRA in U.S funds.) Sorry, no C.O.D.'s or invoicing.

Charge my: ! ! !VISA MasterCard American Express

SUB-TOTAL

TOTAL

Security Code:

NAM Calls for Efforts toIncrease DomesticEnergy Supplies andLower CostsAs oil prices hit a record $135 a barrel onMay 22nd, the National Association ofManufacturers (NAM) called for Congres-sional action to increase domesticproduction of energy resources anddramatically expand America�s energysupplies to bring down costs for consum-ers, workers and job providers.

�Manufacturing job-providers useroughly one-third of America�s energysupplies and are being hit hard as the priceof energy to run plants, manufactureproducts and make or transport essentialraw materials like steel and petroleumcontinues to rise. Soaring energy pricesare leaving fewer dollars for employers toinvest in research and development,training and job creation,� said NAMPresident John Engler. �Manufacturingworkers and their families need help,� headded.

Engler said he is hopeful that Members ofCongress will join together to support theenergy plan announced today by Rep. JoeBarton (R-TX) and Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) or similar legislation to supportAmerica�s energy needs.

�It�s time for Members of Congress to riseabove party politics and support abipartisan, comprehensive domesticenergy strategy to meet America�s energyneeds. If we want to get a handle onenergy prices and create jobs in thiscountry, we must dramatically expand anddiversify America�s domestic energysupplies. This is the only sure way to stopthe relentless run-up in energy prices thatis hitting consumers, workers and employ-ers at the gas pump, in the grocery storeand on the shop floor,� he concluded.

Author of TelematicsStudy Will Address 2008eForumDerek Kaufman to giverecommendations for turningpotential threat into a businessopportunity

The author of an industry study ontelematics will present his detailed findingsand recommendations at the 2008 After-market eForum�, July 14-16 at the HyattRegency O�Hare in Chicago. DerekKaufman, president of C3 Network, hasperformed extensive research on telematicsin both the automotive and heavy dutyaftermarkets.

Telematics is beginning to gain tractionamong consumers with such features asGPS, roadside assistance, lock-out service,and stolen vehicle assistance. With remotevehicle diagnostics and other capabilitiescoming online, AAIA-commissioned a

study of telematics and the dramaticimpact it could have on the way theaftermarket services and repairs vehicles.Kaufman�s findings will include a compre-hensive review of the aftermarket�s futurerole in telematics.

As the founder and president of C3Network, Inc., Kaufman and his team takeequity positions in start up companies andmanage new product launches. The C3Network team, based in Grand Rapids,Michigan is currently launching GroupMetaLab with targeted investments intransportation related innovation.

Early bird registration discounts of $200off regular rates are available for the 2008Aftermarket eForum� through June 2.For more information visitwww.AftermarketeForum.com or contactBarbara Clark of AAIA at (301) 654-6664.!

Senator Enzi IntroducesSBHPS BillJust after a competing small businesshealth care bill was introduced, Sen. MikeEnzi (R-WY), ranking member of theSenate Health, Education, Labor andPensions (HELP) Committee, introducedon April 3rd the �Small Business HealthPlans Act of 2008.�

The bill, co-sponsored by Sens. BenNelson (D-NE) and Judd Gregg (R-NH), ismodeled after the SBHPs legislation Enzipushed in the 109th Congress. It wouldallow small businesses to pool togetherindependently or through their businessor trade associations to negotiate healthinsurance plans at more affordable prices.

�I am confident that if we work together,we can find an agreement on smallbusiness health plans and market-based

pooling this year, and provide real relief forAmericans struggling to pay their healthcare costs,� Enzi said.

The bill was introduced one day afterSens. Richard Durbin (D-IL), BlancheLincoln (D-AR), Olympia Snowe (R-ME)and Norm Coleman (R-MN) introduced the�Small Business Health Options Program,�or SHOP. This bill is intended more as acompromise between groups on oppositesides of the small business health caredebate. It would allow small businesses topool together in statewide or nationalhealth insurance pools, but would givestates the option of opting out of nation-wide pools and continue regulating theirstate plans. !

*In the US add $5.00 S&HOutside the US please order by credit card so exact postage may be added.


New & Rebuilt A1 Cardone EMS's,MAF's and Relay Control Modules.700 assemblies representing an assortmentof 425+ part numbers. Individually boxed.No core return necessary. FOB: Michigan48393. Please call Dan for details and bidsubmissions. (248) 960-8500, ext.16.

Driveshaft building equipment anddriveaxle building equipment &parts. Call (512) 218-0477.

Swedabrator, model 317, 35"basket, 17 cu. ft. with dust collector,excellent condition: $1250. Cabinet-typespray washer: $500. Also TorqueConverter Balancer (Gisholt, oldermodel from Chevy Plant): $500. Emailphotos are available for all equipment.Please call Saretha at (718) 402-2400, ext200.

Complete Brake Remanufacturerlocated in Canada. All equipment forbonding and riveting. Raw materials andcores. Once relocated you'll be in busi-ness. Owner retiring after 32 years. Greatopportunity to go into brake manufactur-ing. Please contact Jack at (416) 652-2517or email [email protected]

CLASSIFIED

Technician to service and repairCVS-7007 CV joint grinding ma-chine. Call (718) 739-1720.

Salesperson: Distributor of transmissionparts in NYC area is seeking energetic &experienced salesperson who can speakboth English and Spanish fluently. Personshould also have good computer skills.Send resume and cover letter [email protected].

Experienced manufacturing andbusiness manager seeks respon-sible position in the automotive orheavy duty industry. Strong knowledgeof the brake and friction industry, brakerebuilding industry, and wheel endindustry with prior full P&L responsibili-ties, and real turnaround experience.Contact: Russell Armer [email protected]

Located in the UK with over 10 yearsexperience in the automotive area,recently a Managing Director of aremanufacturing company in the automo-tive sector, responsible for the operationand sales in Europe. I am now looking for anew opportunity with an open mind interms of markets. I believe I have excellentexperience that covers a great deal of roles

and shows a diversity of skills to provide astrong candidate package. Highly devel-oped and driven individual, withexcellent communication and presentationskills, a professional and strategicapproach to business with a clear under-standing and focused direction tosucceed. For a copy of my CV, pleasecontact my email address:[email protected]

Quality Cable Regulator Rebuilder.Power Window Repair Experts. Call Joe at(541) 552-1500 PST. !

MAIL TO: APRA, Global Connection, 4215 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 3, Chantilly, VA 20151-1243(703) 968-2772, ext. 108 � FAX (703) 968-2878 � e-mail [email protected]

(First 50 words FREE for all APRA members ) $1 per word for each additional word over 50. $3 per word for all non-members

Write down your classified ad as you want it to appear in the space provided below and mail, fax or email it withpayment to APRA. We must receive payment BEFORE your ad is published. You may advertise equipment,parts, cores, businesses for sale, help wanted, etc. Please be sure to check off which issue(s) you would like yourad to appear. ADDED BONUS: Your ad will appear on APRA's website (www.apra.org) at no additionalcharge.

Please check ad type you are submitting:

For Sale !!!!! / Business For Sale !!!!! / Wanted !!!!! / Help Wanted !!!!! / Services !!!!! / Misc. !!!!!

FOR SALE

BUSINESS FOR SALE

Classified Advertisement

Please print or type:

!!!!! July 2008 !!!!! August 2008 !!!!!Sept 2008 ! ! ! ! !Oct 2008 !!!!!Nov 2008 !!!!! Dec 2008

NAME E-MAIL

COMPANY E-MAIL

ADDRESS

CITY STATE ZIP

PHONE FAX

POSITION WANTED

SERVICESPOSITION WANTED

HELP WANTED creation of innovative education andtechnology development systems relatedto sustainable design, life-cycle engineer-ing, and remanufacturing and pollutionprevention.

In her address Mulcahy said, �We were anearly leader in the �green� movementbecause we thought it was the right thingto do for the environment, but we discov-ered something else along the way. Everyone of our innovations ended up eithersaving us money or creating new marketsand new revenue. We found, in otherwords, that we don�t have to choosebetween the environment and profit. Wecan do both.�

Xerox has a long standing relationshipwith RIT working on green and sustain-able technologies. Each year, Xeroxemploys more than 50 RIT students in co-op positions within the company, andmore than 2,200 alumni currently work forthe company.

Plans for the construction of a $50 million�green� facility to house The GolisanoInstitute for Sustainability are currentlybeing considered. Recently the Rochester-area delegation to the New York StateLegislature secured $12 million to beginthe planning, design and eventualconstruction of this building to be locatedon the RIT campus. !

RITcontinued from page 13

standard are covered by a warranty onworkmanship and new parts fitted.

�With most non-manufacturer repairservices, the shipping of the transmissionor driveline component back to thecustomer would be the end of the pro-cess,� said Peter Harrison. �However,ZFGB Direct is different; the comprehen-sive scope of the service includes thefacility for an optional service of installa-tion check to obviate any post installationproblems.�

The service of installation check involvesthe checking of transmission mountings,propshafts, engine connections and theoperation of any direct interlocks or othersafety functions. In addition, it alsoinvolves the ZF engineer responsible ininstalling the latest updated software inthe transmission control unit.

The value of the service can be judgedfrom the fact that, in over 75% of the caseswhere it has been applied, ZF has beenable to point out things on the vehicle thatare not right, or not working, and giveinformation to the operator on how tocorrect them and, in consequence, extendtransmission life. !


Heavy Duty Remanufacturing Groupa division of aprawww.hdrg.org


Alternator Load DumpI disagree with the information put forth in the article,�When Do You Want That Aftermarket Alternator to Fail,�which appreared in the April 2008 Global Connection.

This is my rebuttal

The article, raises some questions as to the validity of theinformation put forward. While I am not going to debatethe technical formulas Mr. Bowman used I would like topoint out some facts that were omitted and offer adiffering opinion.

First let us start with the act of removing a batteryconnection while an engine is running. There was a timemany years ago in the era of DC generator chargingsystems when the recommended procedure for setting avoltage regulator was to make adjustments with thebattery disconnected from the charging system. Therewere no delicate electronic components in these unso-phisticated vehicles and voltage spikes were not a threat.Charging systems and on board electronic equipmenthave come a long way since then.

Today�s very complicated integrated charging systems docontain advances such as avalanche diodes and overvoltage control regulators. These protections do anexcellent job when used within their normal duty cycle. Inmy opinion a deliberate repeated maximum load dump, asput forth in this column is outside the realm of the normalduty cycle. It is more like asking bullet proof glass towithstand the impact of a tank round.

While the reader is cautioned to not create a global loaddump by removing the cable at the battery no consider-ation is given to those alternators that have parallelcurrent paths such as the entire Delco SI series ofalternator. For those not familiar with the wiring in thesecircuits here is a brief explanation.

The light circuit of a Delco SI series alternator receivesinput through the charge indicator light. It is pulled toground through the regulator. The field diode also knownas the diode trio is connected in parallel with this circuit.The regulator is initially activated by the limited currentsupplied through the bulb. The diode trio will supply thenecessary amount of high side current to the regulatoronce the unit is charging. When this happens current isflowing from the diode trio to the light wire. With thebattery connected and all circuits balanced the voltagesfrom the light side and the alternator side will balanceeffectively interrupting the indicator light�s path toground. This causes the light to go out.

With this in mind let us follow the current path and for thesake of this example let us assume a 70 amp alternator.Induced AC current is flowing to the common points ofthe main rectifier and the diode trio. The rectifier isconverting the AC to DC and sending it to the batterythrough the output stud. The diode trio is converting asmall amount of current (usually 5 amps or less) andsending it to the rotor. Current flow, like water flow, willseek the path of least resistance. When the battery isconnected it is the path of least resistance. When youabruptly remove the battery connection from the alterna-tor (load dump), the diode trio connection to the rotor andlight circuit becomes the path of least resistance and the70 amps of current that you have induced in the stator isgoing to try to flow through the small 3 amp diodes in thediode trio. This will destroy these diodes long before thecurrent and voltage spike has time to dissipate. Most allrebuilders have seen this type of failure.

LETTERSMany alternators in use today have some form of parallelcircuits, in the regulators, which can be destroyed in thissame manner. Without a detailed study of the regulatorsinternal schematic it is impossible for the technician toknow if the alternator he is about to subject to a loaddump would be damaged by such action.

This is just one of the many problems I see with thisprocedure regardless of the alternator being an aftermar-ket reman or OEM new.

I would have made the title of the article �Load Dump�how to destroy perfectly good components.

At an APRA electrical clinic many years ago I attended aseminar where the presenter, Bob Goulding, asked thequestion �how many times can you be hit in the headbefore you fall down?�. He was referring to voltage spikesand load dumps. In my opinion, this recommended loaddump procedure needs to be taken with a grain of salt.

Just my opinion.

Dan SmithSales ManagerBoston Auto Electric, Inc.

Editor's Note: Bill Bowman re-visited this topic in hiscolumn on page 4 of this issue of the Global Connection.

APRA President, Bill Gager, wrote to following letter toMohammad Samii of Sammy�s Auto Electric Service, Inc.in reponse to a reprint from Fleet Equipment magazinewhich ran in the April Global Connection newspapertitled, �Reman Options.�

Dear Mohammad:

Thanks for advising me about the reaction to the article inthe April issue of the Global Connection on the rebuiltvs. remanufactured options.

When I decided to reprint this in the newspaper, I thoughtabout putting in a caveat. But, then I thought most

people would understand the article without a caveatbecause they would know this is just the way somepeople promote their product and their message.

So, to those who reacted unfavorably, don�t shoot themessenger. But, do figure out ways to promote yourcompany and your products by telling your side of thestory. I�m sure this is not the first time you have heardthis argument from the other side.

APRA over the years has spent a lot of time and effortpromoting rebuilt and remanufactured parts as the same.So, as far as I�m concerned you can call your fininshedproduct rebuilt or remanufactured as long as you followthese steps as outlined in the Federal Trade CommissionGuidelines:

1. Dismantled and reconstructed, as necessary.

2. All internal and external parts cleaned and made freefrom rust and corrosion.

3. All impaired, defective or substantially worn partsrestored to sound condition or replaced with new,rebuilt or unimpaired parts.

4. All missing parts replaced with new, rebuilt orunimpaired new parts.

5. Rewinding, machining and other operations areperformed as necessary to put the product in soundworking condition. !

November 1-3, 2008Riviera Hotel and Casino

Las Vegas, Nevadawww.bigrshow.com

INTERNATIONALBIG R SHOW

AAAAAutoutoutoutoutoBBBBBulletins.ulletins.ulletins.ulletins.ulletins.CCCCComomomomomAutoBulletins.com is an online service from APRA

which gives you the ability to look up originaltechnical service bulletins (more than 84,000 on file)

for any car or light truck � new or old.

*You must be an APRA memberto take advantage of this program


Please check product division:##### Air Conditioning##### Brake Systems##### Clutch##### CV & Racks##### Electrical##### Electronic & Mechatronic##### Engine & Fuel##### Heavy Duty Brakes##### Heavy Duty Transmission##### Transmission##### Volume Trans. & Drivetrain

MR./MS. E-MAIL

COMPANY E-MAIL

STREET

CITY/STATE/ZIP COUNTRY

TELEPHONE FAX

Paid by: ! Check (Make payable to APRA in U.S. funds)

Charge my: ! Visa ! MasterCard ! American Express

Card No. Exp. Date Security Code:

Print Cardholder's Name

SignatureMail to: APRA, 4215 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 3, Chantilly, VA 20151-1243 Phone: (703) 968-2772 FAX: (703) 968-2878

Please check company type:##### Rebuilder/Remanufacturer##### Core Supplier##### Manufacturer Supplier##### Manufacturer Representative##### Warehouse/Others

NON-MEMBERSUS ONLY OUTSIDE US

##### 1 Yr. Subscription: $15 # # # # # 1 Yr. Subscription: $65##### 2 Yr. Subscription: $25 ##### 2 Yr. Subscription: $110

APRA MEMBERSUS ONLY OUTSIDE US

##### 1 Year Subscription: FREE ##### 1 Year Subscription: FREEThese prices expire 1/31/2008

APRA membersautomatically receiveone free subscription.

NewspaperSubscription

Form (12 issues) GlobalThe APRA

Connection

REMAN WORLDCMGI Plans To ContinueServing And Growingby Lisa LaMotta

CMGI went from sitting on tech companiesto providing supply chain management.The company has acquired two newsubsidiaries this year and says that theyare on the hunt for more.

CMGI announced it would pay approxi-mately $45.0 million for PTS Electronics, anindependent service repair and reverselogistics provider. The company repairswireless and cellular phone products, aswell as remanufacturing HDTVs. CMGIsees the PTS acquisition as an extensionof its existing supply-chain servicebusiness, ModusLink. PTS currently has500 employees and generated $37.4 millionin revenue in 2007.

�As more consumer-electronics productsproliferate in the market and featurescontinue to merge into a single device,there is an increasing need to bothaccelerate and improve the value recoveryfrom the returns process. And fast,reliable, economical service is essential,�said Joseph Lawler, chief executive ofCMGI. �By acquiring PTS, we will bepositioned to meet our clients completereverse logistics needs. We view theaftermarket services space as a source of

potential revenue and earnings growth inthe future, and expect PTS to form thecornerstone of that service offering.�Source: Forbes.com

Lister Petter looks toIndia and Chinaby John O�Hanlon and Produced by BenWeaver

Both Lister and Petter, companies whichcame together in 1986, date back to the19th century, and Lister manufactured itsfirst diesel engines on the site it stilloccupies at Dursley, Gloucestershire, in1929.

The company has changed hands severaltimes in recent years and in the late 1990sthe company saw a downturn in engineer-ing that hit its markets. This, coupled withunder-investment at the plant resulted inthe company going into administration in2004.

In a reverse buyout led by ManagingDirector Roland Smith the company wastaken out of receivership and has sincebeen restructured to focus on its bestestablished global markets, while develop-ing its lucrative engine remanufacturingoperations based in Birmingham. It nowhas engine manufacturing facilities in theUK, the USA and India, with joint venture

operations in Poland and China.

In 2007, Lister Petter increased its globalturnover to £52.2 million (from £43 millionin 2006). In terms of engine production atDursley this means an increase from 19,400units in 2006 to a projected 28,200 thisyear. For the 200 employees this has meanta new approach to the business, basedinitially on trust that growth can beachieved and their jobs secured.

�We have introduced KPIs to the busi-ness, and given the workforce some toolsso they can see how they are performing,�says Keith Eckford, head of global quality.In 2004, people were uncertain of thecompany�s future and not clear as to theirgoals. That has begun to change, he says,by small increments. �Once you get peopleto look, in production terms, at where weare, where we need to be and how we canget there, the battle is largely won.Source: Manufacturing Exec

Mack HighlightsEnvironmental Achieve-ments on New WebsiteMack Trucks participated in Earth Day2008 by launching an environmentalwebsite and celebrating the occasionlocally at a science museum in LehighValley, Pennsylvania.

The new website highlights Mack'senvironmental achievements at itsworldwide facilities.

�Being 'green' is a consideration ineverything we do,� said Dennis Slagle,Mack president and CEO. "We've madesignificant advancements in our productsand operations from an environmentalstandpoint. This new website is a greatway to share what we're doing with ourcustomers, employees, public officials andneighbors in this community.�

Visitors to the site can access informationon how Mack is helping the environment.

�For example, visitors can learn that thewater saved each year from the New RiverValley plant's conservation efforts isenough to fill 15 Olympic-sized swimmingpools, and that the Mack RemanufacturingCenter in Middletown, Pa. recycles morethan 95% of its waste,� Slagle said.�I'm looking forward to sharing ourexperience in environmental managementon the new website because I think manyof the principles we've followed arerelevant to individuals and families aswell,� Morris said. �Becoming more energyefficient, reducing unnecessary use ofnatural resources like water, and embracingrecycling and waste reduction strategies �these are all important parts of ourenvironmental strategy at Mack. And thesuccess of our strategy so far can helpinspire people to adopt these sameprinciples at home and in their daily lives,�he added.

Health Benefits for Small Businesses.Health insurance is one of the mostimportant benefits you can offer youremployees. Health insurance plans arenot �one size fits all� and finding theright plan for you and your employeescan be very difficult. You need to bewell-informed on the options availableto make sound, educated choiceswhen designing a health insuranceplan for your company.

MMIC has over 30 years of experiencein the analysis and development ofsuccessful insurance programs forindividuals and employer groups. Asexperts in health insurance, MMIC iscapable of offering the broadest rangeof insuring companies, policies andplans. They will analyze the healthinsurance needs of APRA membersand provide impartial objective advicewith a view to improving coverage andreducing costs.

For more information please visitwww.mmicinsurance.com.

Membership Benefit



AAPEX (www.aapexshow.com) ..................................... 16

Accumax Auto Parts (www.accumaxparts.com) ............ 21

Armature Sales & Rebuilders(www.armaturesalesandrebuilders.com) ...................... 5

AutoElectricPro.com (www.autoelectricpro.com) .......... 31

Automechanika Canada ............................................... 26

BPS Companies (www.bpsparts.com) ......................... 18

C. C. Battery Co. Inc. (www.ccbattery.com) .................... 20

Dixie Electric Ltd. (www.dixie-electric.com ...................... 4

IPM / NRG (www.nrgauto.com) ........................................ 6

J & N Auto Electric, Inc. (www.jnelectric.com) ........... 7, 21

Lester Catalog (www.lestercatalog.com) ..................... 23

PAACE Automechanika(www.paaceautomechanika.com) ................................ 11

Perfect Fit Industries (www.pfibearings.com) ............... 12

Power Brakes Sales ..................................................... 22

RCP, Inc. (www.rcpcanada.com) ................................... 13

Regitar U.S.A., Inc. (www.regitar.com) .......................... 19

RGP Enterprises (www.rgpenterprises.com) ................. 9

Romaine Electric (www.romaineelectric.com) ............. 25

Sonnax (www.sonnax.com) ........................................... 15

SOS Surplus, Inc. (www.sossurplusonline.com) ......... 31

TransTec (www.transtec.com) ...................................... 32

Westport Machine Works(www.westportproducts.com) ....................................... 31

Zen North America Corp (www.zensa.com.br) ................ 3

Zurich (www.zurichna.com/zdu) .................................... 17

DRIVESHAFT FABRICATION MACHINERY

WESTPORT MACHINE WORKS, INC.700 Houston St., West Sacramento, CA 95691

1-800-237-1444 � Fax 916-371-1720www.westportproducts.com

ASSEMBLE - WELD - STRAIGHTEN - BALANCEDRIVELINES QUICKLY & ACCURATELY

APRA MARKETPLACE

ADVERTISERS

Loss Preventioncontinued from page 17

Have aBusiness Card?

Put It To Good Use!1x $200 / 6x $600 / 12x $960

* APRA Member Rates

Contact Morris Spector for [email protected]

About AutoElectricProThe Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA) has developed AutoElectricPro with remanufacturers,rebuilders, auto electric shops, transmission rebuilding shops and vehicle owners in mind. The website containsmore than 124,056 wiring diagrams for over 6,227 vehicle applications from 1985-2007. It is powered by informa-tion from Mitchell1.

Turn to the wiring diagrams at AutoElectricPro.com:� when you are trying to properly diagnose the vehicles problems;� when you need to solve the most difficult electrical problems;� when all the different types of electronics on today�s vehicles have you puzzled, or� when you are trying to figure out if you have a battery problem, a tail light failure, a starter problem, a window

motor malfunction or something else related to the electrical system.

If you are not currently an APRA member, but would like to become one, please visit the APRA website atwww.apra.org to review our membership benefits, upcoming meetings, and other items of interest to the automo-tive and truck parts remanufacturing industry. Then, sign up online and start enjoying the benefits of belonging!

www.AutoElectricPro.comDesigned for the professional technician

diagnosing electrical problems

Sponsors: RebuildersAutomotiveSupply

HOLGER CHRISTIANSEN GROUP

Membership Service

www.sossurplusonline.com

SOS Surplus, Inc.

Ph: (312) 829-2922Ira Warshawsky2412 W. 16th St.

FAX: (312) 829-2960Email: [email protected]

Chicago, IL 60608

Online InventoryBrake PadsWe Export

NEW SURPLUSIgnitionFuel PumpsWater Pumps

Another excellent resource for information and guidanceis the Disaster Recovery Journal that can be found atwww.drj.com. This website offers free subscriptions totheir magazine, business continuation models, pertinentdisaster recovery articles from various publications,sample plans and other information. Their telephonenumber is 314-894-0276.

The IBHS (in the �Open for Business� publication) alsooffers the following list of resources:

� American Red Cross: www.redcross.com or 703-48-4222.

� Federal Emergency Management Agency:www.fema.gov or 800-480-2520.

� Association of Contingency Planners International:www.acp-international.com or 800-445-4227.

� National Emergency Management Association:www.nemaweb.org or 606-244-8000.

If you have any questions contact your Zurich accountexecutive or the Loss Prevention Department at 800-821-7803. !

www.carcare.org

APRA is a proud sponsor of the�Be Car Care Aware� campaign

nov gc 07 · electronics & mechatronics division met ... lester catalog explained the latest...

Documents