Multipart Supply Chain Solutions (MSCS) has successfully forged a partnership with TVR, the exclusive and independent automotive company known for producing some of the world’s superior lightweight sports cars.

The affiliation was inked by a five-year contract, where MSCS stands to be the sole provider of aftermarket parts to TVR’s line of cars. Besides the role of auto part supplier, MSCS would also participate in TVR’s wide range of logistic services. These would include warehousing, distribution, inventory management, demand forecasting, product management, sales order processing, and order fulfillment. Moreover, the two companies are working out possible future opportunities for Multipart to take part in providing line-feed into TVR’s forthcoming production operation.

In a statement regarding the merger, Chris Gateley, Managing Director of MSCS said: “We are delighted that TVR has chosen Multipart as its partner to service the aftermarket. We will be working to effect service improvements for its customers, enhancing the value associated with this very prestigious brand.”

“The broad range of skills and disciplines we bring will help TVR provide a quality service to its dealers and customers, strengthening the TVR brand and preparing the ground for production of these wonderful sports cars to recommence.”

TVR was also reached for comment in reference to their decision to have MSCS in their system operations. David Oxley, TVR’s Managing Director stated: “Multipart has a proven track-record in the automotive aftermarket, and they have an excellent understanding of our business. They have worked closely with us during these changing times and their responsiveness and expertise have provided us with the confidence that they are the right partner for TVR.”

To further emphasize that MSCS means business in developing their products and systems, MSCS has recently signed up for a six-month consultancy program with Tyco in South Africa. This contract would aid MSCS in dividing its inventory levels, as well as improve its dealership procedures and distribution centers. More than that, MSCS was also reported last May to have entered a five-year contract with Modec. With this program, MSCS aims to further explore modern battery technology, and thus apply and integrate said new knowledge to its products.

O’Reilly Automotive Inc. is the latest retailer to acquire the services of Information Resources, Inc. (IRI), the leading provider of retail market intelligence and solutions.

For newbies in the aftermarket industry, O’Reilly Automotive is one of the largest specialty retailers of automotive aftermarket parts, supplies, equipment, and accessories. As of December of 2006, the company was operating a remarkably huge quantity of 1,640 stores in 23 states.

With the objective to improve on the company’s strategic operations and performance management, O’Reilly Automotive has decided to acquire and adapt some of IRI’s space planning codes. Such programs include the Apollo Designer Workstation and Apollo Professional, which would efficiently optimize demographics, category levels and unique assortments specified for each of O’Reilly’s more than a thousand stores.

In reference to their new programs from IRI, O’Reilly Automotive’s Chief Operating Officer and Co-President Ted Wise has this to reveal: “O’Reilly’s goal is to provide the ultimate customer shopping experience to each and every customer we serve.”

“Our new relationship with IRI is extremely valuable, as it will enable our organization to customize shelf assortment and shelf merchandising plans at the local and store level to better meet the needs of O’Reilly’s customers.”

On the other hand, Thom Blischok, IRI Retail Solutions and Strategic Consulting President, has this to comment on their latest client: “The IRI space planning solutions will empower O’Reilly towards their consumer-centric merchandising objectives on a large scale and recognize sales benefits immediately. Furthermore, according to O’Reilly, their customers have grown to expect superior service, and the Apollo solutions will not only help O’Reilly meet these demands but will take their customers’ shopping experience to the next level.”

In a special segment of this year’s customary Town Hall meeting, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) will be integrating the concept of the popular YouTube program. AAIA, in its own program, has planned to put up videotaped questions from aftermarket professionals from all over the country.

As Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA President and CEO, remarks: “This year we wanted to add some interactive fun to Town Hall and further engage aftermarket professionals in the program, so we decided to borrow the popular ‘YouTube’ concept and invite videotaped questions from aftermarket folks, and for our special guest Bob Schieffer to answer on stage.”

Featured guest Bob Schieffer is the anchor of “Face of the Nation” and CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent. Other stars of the show would be moderator Kathleen Schmatz and another guest Dick Morgan, AAIA Chair as well as President and CEO of Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc.

Hosted by AAIA and sponsored by NASCAR, the 2007 Town Hall meeting will be held on the 31^st of October, 7 am, in the Palazzo Ballroom in the Venetian Hotel.

This early, AAIA is asking for the cooperation from the general public in this YouTube-inspired segment. Video questions recorded from digital cameras, camcorders, cell phones and Web cams should be submitted in the WMV, AVI, MOV or MPG file formats and hopefully no longer than 45 seconds. Videos under 10MB file size can be emailed to townhallvideos@aftermarket.org. Videos over 10MB should be incorporated in a CD and mailed to: AAIA Town Hall, 7101 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1300, Bethesda, MD 20814.

Mitchell International has released its 2007 third quarter edition of its Industry Trends Report (ITR).

This edition’s journal focuses on the many facets of the aftermarket industry. There is an exploration of the substitution rate of generic aftermarket parts for OEM parts. Relevant to this, Certified Automotive Parts Association-certified parts (CAPA-certified parts) were also investigated on whether said devices perform any differently from the non-CAPA parts. Most important for any car enthusiast is that this study has reviewed 500,000 aftermarket parts, 145,815 CAPA-certified parts, and factored in all supplement types. One of this ITR’s conclusion is how supplements can add an average of 1.5 days to a repair’s cycle time.

Greg Horn, VP of Industry relations of Mitchell International, has further stated: “Our study provides significant insights into exactly how cycle times are affected by supplements generated due to the use of aftermarket parts.”

“Because we sampled such a large data set and examined the results so carefully, we were able to gain an accurate view of how much the use of different part types affects supplements, and in turn, cycle times.”

SORL Auto Parts, Inc., one of China’s leading manufacturer and distributor of commercial vehicle air brake valves, has reported its financial statistics for the second quarter of the year, ending June 30, 2007.

Second Quarter Financial Highlights:
– Revenue increased to a record high of US$ 29.2 million, reflecting 45.1% year-over-year
– Revenue from OEM’s increased to US$12.0 million, reflecting 100% year-over-year growth
– Revenue from exports increased to US$10.9 million, reflecting 22.5% year-over-year growth
– Net income increased to US$ 4.1 million, reflecting 73.2% year-over-year growth
–Second quarter fully diluted earnings per share were US$ 0.22.

Hot Bike is written for Harley-Davidson motorcycle owners and enthusiasts. The hot bike publication fulfills a unique niche in a vast marketplace, emphasizing the owner or rider’s pride in and loyalty to America’s only surviving motorcycle. The magazine features include technical information, how-to articles, political updates, new product introductions, product evaluations which truly emphasize the owner or rider’s satisfaction and devotion to United State’s basically existing motorcycle. The Harley-Davidson publication gives emphasis not just on technical matters but also on custom bikes, events coverage, and original product information.

When looking to make improvements for hot bikes, Hot Bike magazine provides everything. From good prices to tips on how to keep the bike running fast and smooth, all comes in one magazine. Hot Bike magazine focuses on all aspects of the biking world, from technical advice to reviews of the best modification equipment. Each issue features articles that will help customers get the most out of their biking experience.

In addition, bikers may elect to be given customized account updates via email stating the expiration date and the number of issues remaining in their subscriptions. The publication’s new system is both suitable and aware with the environment.

Just like cars, hot bikes are treated properly. The little details can make a bike a big winner visually as well as functionally. If these bikes are not carefully attended to and addressed, they can make a bike appear as if it were a jumbled carcass of random parts from the builder’s favorite parts catalog. As part of the magazine article affirmed, “Anyone who has bought a part he thought would look great for his bike, only to discover it didn’t look quite as good as the mind’s eye envisioned it, would know this. Tying it all together should be a primary concern to the moto-stylist, and the man who built this machine has nailed the details dead to rights with this low-slung ride. This bike does not feature hanging clutch cables, misaligned fenders, and plasti-chrome sticky tape covers; this bike is done right: clean and tight.”

Tom, a hot bike owner, had a distinct philosophy when it came to selecting parts for his hot bike task. He asked, “Why would I work from scratch when the parts available in the aftermarket are technologically advanced in design, made from superior materials, and readily available?” Every part indeed affects the function and awesome appearance of each hot bike.

Clark covers one of the broadest product lines in the industry with five major lines worldwide comprising trucks ranging from 1,500 to 16,500 pound capacities, LPG, gasoline, dual fuel, diesel, narrow-aisle stackers, electric riders and powered hand trucks. It has the largest dealer support network in the material handling industry with over 250,000 Clark lift trucks operating in North America, boasting over 230 locations. There are over 550 locations worldwide in more than 80 countries with 350,000 units operating the world over.

Clark has been one of the industries most progressive and responsive manufacturers for the past decade. The company constantly seeks innovative ways to improve product, spread out service and provide value to its customers. It is a manufacturer of material handling equipment and has received Governor’s Safety & Health Award. Clark’s Aftermarket Parts Distribution Center consecutively received this award for the second year. The center is 180,000 sq. foot state-of-the-art parts distribution warehouse. The design, operational parameters, and personnel were combined to produce a world class parts distribution facility which is centrally located to serve all of Clark’s North American dealers and customers. Phillip Anderson, Department of Labor Commissioner, offered the award to the safety committee and managers while representatives from OSHA and the Kentucky Department of Labor presented the honor. All who attended joined Clark’s celebration recognizing 1,727 days that their employees flawlessly done their job without a lost time accident.

All Clark employees and management have worked together to achieve this safety objective for more than four years. The President and CEO of Clark’s Aftermarket Parts Distribution Center, Dennis Lawrence stated, “We are proud of this achievement and believe that together we have one of the safest workplaces in Kentucky, along with the best forklift and parts in the world. We are honored to achieve this award in the same year that we are also celebrating our 90th anniversary in the material handling industry.”

One of the world’s largest manufacturers of tractor-mounted mowers, brush-cutters, and land-clearing equipment is Alamo Industrial. The line of mowing products and parts are made for right-of-way clearing, roadside vegetation management and grounds maintenance and all of which cuts the competition down to size. The Alamo Industrial line includes rotary, flail, and sickle bar mowers known over the years as Mott®, Terrain King®, and Triumph®. The boom mowers have been at the top of the industry for many years and are offered with many types of cutting heads together with limb cutters. The company has all the solutions the customers need in conquering those tough vegetation control jobs from highway mowing to land-clearing products.

For more than 35 years, Alamo Group Inc. has been a world leader in the design, manufacturing, distribution and service of high quality equipment for right-of-way maintenance and agriculture. Their products include tractor and truck mounted mowing and other vegetation maintenance equipment, excavators, street sweepers, vacuum trucks, snow removal equipment, pothole patchers, agricultural attachments and related after market parts and services.

The Seguin-based Alamo Group stated the net income of $4 million, or 41 cents per diluted share, and for the revenues producing $132 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007. This compares to net income of $5.3 million, or 53 cents per diluted share, on revenues of $125.5 million for the same period a year ago.

“The first half of 2007 has been a period of mixed results for Alamo Group. Most of our units produced solid performance with increases in sales and profits; however, a couple of units, particularly Gradall and VacAll, posted weak results that more than offset these gains”, the Alamo Group’s President and Chief Executive Officer Ron Robinson noted. “Our real disappointment in the quarter and the first half of 2007 has been our Gradall and VacAll operations, where lower sales and inefficiencies have weighed heavily on profitability. We relocated VacAll’s production to our Gradall facility in the second half of 2006, but have been slow achieving anticipated cost improvements. Most of these issues should be resolved in the second half of 2007, and 2008 should benefit even more as we ramp up production. Additionally, sales at our Gradall unit have been below plan for the first two quarters due to a slow down in some key market segments. While we experienced a temporary rebound in March, second quarter results for us and the market in general indicate this sector is softer than anticipated. Sales and shipments were further impacted by some late deliveries of key components from a major supplier. We are aggressively addressing market conditions by working to maximize our opportunities both domestically and internationally. We are also working to resolve the supplier issues and feel we will see some improvement in the last half of 2007.”

And for this, Mr. Robinson concluded, “We have solid momentum in most of our operations, but need to get all units moving forward to achieve the results of which we are capable. And, believe the second half of 2007 will show tangible evidence of progress in this direction.”

Score One Incorporated is a broad investment service group and the parent company of RC Capital Limited. The Hong Kong based corporation includes businesses like financial consultation, investment and financial planning, enterprise re-organization, public offering consultation, and direct investment.

The company announced that according to a recent article published last June by Network Center of MOFCOM, China goes beyond Germany and becomes the second largest auto parts exporter to the US for the first time. According to a separate article published by Keith Bradsher of the New York Times on June 7, 2007, ”China’s auto parts exports have increased more than six fold in the last five years, nearly topping US$1 billion in April and emerging as one of the fastest-growing categories of Chinese industrial products sold overseas. More than half of these auto parts go to the United States; most of the rest to Europe and Japan”.

Besides those discussed in Score One Inc.’s press releases, public filings, and statements by Score One Inc.’s management, the company estimates the sufficiency of its existing capital resources, ability to raise additional capital to fund future operations, capacity to repay its existing indebtedness, the uncertainties involved in estimating market opportunities and, in identifying contracts which match Score One Inc.’s capability to be awarded on agreement. All such forward-looking statements are current only from the date on which such statements were made. Score One Inc. does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any advanced statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which any such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Ms. Hoi-ho Kiu, Chairman and CEO of Score One, Inc. stated that “China is moving up from basic goods like textiles, toys and shoes towards higher-value industrial goods that pay better wages and achieve higher operating margins. We believe we are in an ideal position to capture the rewards from this higher-value movement. Our country, China, is strongest in electrical and electronic components and in cast metal parts that require lots of manual labor of machining. We further believe soaring output at auto assembly plants in China is generating enormous demand for auto parts and creating the large economies of scale productions which previously are possible only in North America, Europe and Japan.”

Standard Register (standardregister.com), a leading document services provider, trusted by companies to supervise the critical documents they need to thrive in today’s competitive climate. Relying on almost 100 years of business expertise, Lean Six Sigma methodologies and leading technologies, the company helps organizations increase efficiency, reduce costs, mitigate risks, grow revenue and meet the challenges of a changing business landscape. The organization offers many services like document and label solutions, e-business solutions, consulting and print supply chain services to help clients manage documents across their enterprise. The first half of the year produced revenue of about $439 million and operating income before restructuring, impairment, pension loss amortization, and pension settlement of $12.7 million. After deducting interest and other expense, this non-GAAP earnings figure is reduced to $11.1 million pretax, equivalent to $0.24 per share after tax.

Paul Romanaggi, general manager of quality for Freightliner claimed that “Fewer suppliers have been recognized this year with our Masters of Quality Award because the quality bar has been set higher than ever. As the bar continues to rise, it’s suppliers like Standard Register are instrumental in helping us deliver quality products to our customers year after year.”

Standard Register provides Freightliner with Manufacturing Parts Solutions, as well as tamper-resistant decals, product identification labels, compliance consulting and design expertise, and supply chain management through the company’s Label Management Inventory System™ (LMIS). Only products and services that surpass the strict and firm criteria related to quality assurance, service, aftermarket parts, materials, engineering, warranty and purchasing will receive a Masters of Quality award.

Freightliner, the leading heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America, has obtained this award to the top one percent of more than 3000 of its suppliers for the past 20 years. The Masters of Quality Award is the highest acknowledgment that Freightliner gives to its suppliers, representing the finest among suppliers providing parts and components to Freightliner businesses. Achieving this award, receiver of the award must demonstrate exceptional results in delivering quality parts and components and display an ongoing commitment to quality improvement.

“It is a great honor to receive this Masters of Quality supplier award from Freightliner. It’s a tribute to our team effort within the manufacturing industry,” said Mike Gibson, managing director of the Manufacturing market for Standard Register. He also stated that by levering their people, processes and technology, customer expectations were met and, in many cases, exceeded. They look forward to continuing and expanding their relationship with Freightliner.