U.S Auto Parts Network, the leading online provider of aftermarket auto parts, Aftermarket Performance Parts, and accessories, has duly announced that Mr. Shane Evangelist has been appointed as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer. Evangelist would be succeeding Mr. Mehran Nia, the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer for since the foundation of U.S. Auto Parts way back in 1995. While Nia has already relinquished his chief post, he would still be part of the company with his continuing efforts and participation on the Board of Directors.

If his credentials are to be examined, Evangelist seems to be the ideal successor for Nia. Prior to his appointment as new head for U.S. Auto Parts, Evangelist was General Manager and Senior Vice President of Blockbuster Online. In said company, Evangelist was given the crucial responsibility of leading the creation, launch, and development of the company’s successful online movie rental service. Indeed, Evangelist’s sound business skills, Blockbuster enjoyed tremendous market growth. In fact, according to Internet Retailer, Blockbuster Online was the fastest growing Top 100 e-commerce business in the year 2005, and again as the fastest growing Top 100 e-commerce business in the year 2006. Just this first half of 2007, Blockbuster Online was able to attract 3.6 million subscribers, attained over 75% of the new DVD subscription market, and was able to present over 120% year-over-year sales growth.

Furthermore, Evangelist also served as Vice President of Strategic Planning with leading responsibilities on mergers and acquisitions, strategy development, capital deployment, and marketing.

Robert J. Majteles, U.S Auto Parts Chairman of the Board, warmly welcomes Evangelist: “We are excited to have Shane join U.S. Auto Parts. Shane has built a terrific e-commerce track record in an extremely competitive environment and has a wide ranging background in finance, strategic planning, marketing and management. We believe that Shane is ideally suited to lead U.S. Auto Parts in our next phase of growth as we continue our rapid expansion and further establish U.S. Auto Parts as the leader in the online auto parts market.”

“Since founding U.S. Auto Parts in 1995, Mehran has taken the company through a period of significant and rapid growth and established U.S. Auto Parts as a leading online provider of aftermarket auto parts and accessories. Mehran has been a tremendous leader for U.S. Auto Parts, and we are fortunate to be in the position to continue to build upon the great strengths Mehran created for us. On behalf of our Board of Directors, shareholders, and all the employees of U.S. Auto Parts, we would like to thank Mehran for his vision and leadership over the years.”

In answer, the new CEO of U.S. Auto Parts Shane Evangelist, has this to say: “As a pioneer in the online auto parts market, U.S. Auto Parts is poised to drive a greater share of the $94 billion aftermarket auto parts market online. I am excited about joining U.S. Auto Parts at this time of great opportunity and believe the company is uniquely positioned to lead this growing online industry.”

Mehran Nia, exiting Chief, is quite pleased with his successor: “Shane is an experienced and energetic e-commerce leader, and I anticipate that he will guide the Company to an even brighter future. I will be working with Shane on a smooth transition and believe that, under his direction, our Company will continue to find innovative ways to increase its competitive positioning and capture market share.”

TRW Automotive Aftermarket, a successful division of TRW Automotive Holdings Corporation, has promptly announced that it has formed a partnership with ArvinMeritor. The joint venture would involve the distribution of Gabriel and TRW brands of shock absorbers for the European independent aftermarket community, and for which the operation and actual distribution is slated to begin by January of next year.

Francois Augnet, TRW Automotive Aftermarket Vice President in the European and Asia Pacific Territories, has been quite receptive to explain the company’s goals for such an alliance: “Shock absorbers are an integral element of our core chassis portfolio. We already offer a comprehensive TRW branded range to our European customers and are committed to enhancing it with the Gabriel programme to maintain and develop our leading chassis position in the European aftermarket.”

“By combining the strengths of ArvinMeritor’s engineering and manufacturing competencies and the Gabriel brand name with TRW’s extensive sales and distribution network we are confident that we can roll out successful shock absorber programmes for the European independent aftermarket.”

As with the term ‘joint venture’, TRW Automotive and ArvinMeritor will jointly manage the sales, marketing, and distribution divisions of the TRW and Gabriel aftermarket programmes. As with the two company’s working plans, there is the objective that this joint partnership would flourishingly permeate all throughout Eastern, Western, and Central Europe.

Marlen Silverii, ArvinMeritor General Manager for the Global Ride Control Aftermarket Division, has this to say: “This is a great example of how both partners can share in the investment, as well as reap the benefits. The Gabriel aftermarket product line is technically very strong, and when partnered with TRW’s growing aftermarket presence, it will offer our aftermarket customers a strong chassis alternative.”

As a backgrounder relative to the two companies concerned, hereunder are brief company profiles as part of the press release statements. For additional details and information, please visit the sites also indicated below:

About TRW
TRW Automotive Aftermarket is a leading provider of high quality replacement parts, Aftermarket Performance Parts, service, diagnostics and technical support to both the independent aftermarket (IAM) and the vehicle manufacturer service (VMS) channels.

With 2006 sales of $13.1 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world’s leading automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in 28 countries and employs approximately 63,800 people worldwide. TRW Automotive products include integrated vehicle control and driver assist systems, braking systems, steering systems, suspension systems, occupant safety systems (seat belts and airbags), electronics, engine components, fastening systems and aftermarket replacement parts and services. TRW Automotive news is available on the Internet at http://www.trwauto.com/.

About ArvinMeritor
ArvinMeritor, Inc. is a premier global supplier of a broad range of integrated systems, modules and components to the motor vehicle industry. The company serves light vehicle, commercial truck, trailer and specialty original equipment manufacturers and certain aftermarkets.

Headquartered in Troy, Mich., ArvinMeritor employs approximately 19,000 people in 25 countries. ArvinMeritor common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ARM. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at http://www.arvinmeritor.com.

Tenneco is pleased to announce that the company has acquired new aftermarket businesses in the third quarter of this year, which in turn will amount to about $11 million in incremental sales revenue. The biggest of these contracts is said to be a new ride control business. As the story would go, this new partner was previously handled by another competitor, but has decided to shift to Tenneco. The rest of the newly-acquired contracts include four clients regarding the company’s ride and emission control auto products.

Neal Yanos, Tenneco Senior Vice President & General Manager in the division of North American Original Equipment, has this to say on the company’s well planned business growth: “Tenneco’s powerful and well-known brands coupled with our strong distribution capabilities distinguish us in this market. We are pleased to win new business and look forward to serving these customers with Tenneco’s premium Monroe(R) and Walker(R) products and outstanding marketing support.”

Accordingly, the Monroe ride control products are mainly produced and manufactured at Tenneco’s Parts Facility in Paragould, Arkansas, while the Walker exhaust products takes up production at its another facility in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Tenneco is anticipating a $5 million charge in the third quarter of the year for client changeover costs, as well as expenses incurred in replacing competitors’ products with Tenneco products in the concerned retail outlets.

Stated below is Tenneco’s brief profile and accomplishments, as taken from the company’s press statement:

Tenneco is a $4.7 billion manufacturing company with headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois and approximately 19,000 employees worldwide. Tenneco is one of the world’s largest designers, manufacturers and marketers of Aftermarket Performance Parts, specifically on the emission control and ride control products and systems for the automotive original equipment market and the aftermarket. Tenneco markets its products principally under the Monroe(R), Walker(R), Gillet(TM) and Clevite(R)Elastomer brand names. Among its products are Sensa-Trac(R) and Monroe Reflex(R) shocks and struts, Rancho(R) shock absorbers, Walker(R) Quiet-Flow(R) mufflers, Dynomax(R) performance exhaust products, and Clevite(R)Elastomer noise, vibration and harshness control components.

It was previously reported that PACCAR parts recently organized a ceremony with regards to the laying of the foundation stone of the company’s newly acquired property in Budapest, Hungary. The said property would be made into a high-technology Parts Distribution Center (PDC). As it was quite an important event signifying PACCAR’s major advancement in product and technology, a number of important executives related to the company have graced such event. This would include PACCAR Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Mark Pigott, Dutch Ambassador Ronald Mollinger, as well as other senior Hungarian local and state officials.

And now, actual construction has already been started. PACCAR’s new PDC, a staggering 25,000 square meter facility, is said to be completed sometime in the middle of 2008.

Mark Pigott has been quoted as saying: “PACCAR is pleased to locate its new Parts Distribution Center in this strategic economic region near Budapest. This facility will provide excellent proximity to our dealers and customers and deliver outstanding service and parts availability.”

“This Distribution Center will utilize world-class technology such as: advanced logistics systems, radio-frequency identification (smart tags), tablet PCs and computer-generated voice order fulfillment,” said Rick Gorman, PACCAR Parts General Manager and PACCAR Vice President. “PACCAR continues to demonstrate environmental leadership by using innovative technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of its facilities, including utilizing electric material handling vehicles, recycled containers for parts shipments and a digitally controlled, high-efficiency environmental management and lighting system.”

Completion on the PDC facility in Budapest would equate to a total of 13 Parts Distribution Centers for PACCAR. Each of these PDCs is strategically positioned to produce aftermarket auto parts, Aftermarket Performance Parts, and accessories to PACCAR’s developing and continuously growing base of dealers and clientele.

It is only recently that Franchise Capital Corporation has closed its acquisition of Aero Exhaust, Inc., a leading producer of Aftermarket Performance Parts specifically on high performance exhaust airflow technology, as well as a renowned NASCAR performance partner. However, it would seem that FCC has set its eyes on another acquisition candidate, which is said to be equipped with considerable synergies in relation to the operations and procedures of Aero Exhaust. The still-to-be-divulged acquisition candidate was hinted as belonging in the automotive supply industry.

With this, the company is planning to send an initial letter of intent to the acquisition candidate, with the hopes of entering into a definitive and viable agreement after all terms and negotiations have been fully discussed and ironed out by both parties.

Ben Hunsaker, Franchise Capital and now Aero Exhaust’s Chief Executive Officer, explained further the company’s growing divisions: “While the growth of Aero Exhaust is expected to be the core focus of management, we will continue to seek out opportunities to build shareholder value through the acquisition of additional synergistic operations in the automotive supply and performance products market segments.”

“We believe that this type of roll-up strategy will have the potential for a dual benefit for the company and its shareholders. First, the additional revenues and assets that can be acquired through this process will potentially improve the company’s valuation in the public markets. Second, but possibly even more significant for the future growth of Aero, is that certain synergistic acquisitions may also contribute to the growth of Aero Exhaust itself. These opportunities may be in the supply of parts for the mufflers and exhaust systems that Aero distributes.”

“We expect to have this acquisition candidate signed to a letter of intent very shortly, and we look forward to providing additional information regarding the potential of this acquisition as soon as the appropriate agreements are in place,” Mr. Hunsaker concluded.

Below is a brief profile on Aero Exhaust. For more detailed information on this, as well as current news regarding Franchise Capital, please visit http://www.franchisecapitalcorp.net.

Aero Exhaust is a world leader in performance exhaust airflow technology, manufacturing and distributing the most technologically advanced muffler on the market. Its product lines are built to the highest industry standards and offer the consumer a lifetime warranty. Aero Exhaust has been issued U.S. and Australian patents on its innovations and development in the exhaust industry, and its mufflers are available worldwide through major retailers, mass merchant centers, automotive aftermarket supply stores and wholesalers. Aero Exhaust mufflers are an exclusive National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) Performance product and carry the prestigious NASCAR brand on product, packaging and related media. NASCAR legend Rusty Wallace is the official spokesperson for Aero Exhaust products. Additional information on Aero Exhaust’s products, race team, and motorsports ventures can be found on its corporate website, www.aeroexhaust.com.

SORL Auto Parts, Inc., one of China’s leading automotive producers and distributors of air brake valves and other Aftermarket Performance Parts, announced through its subsidiary, Ruili Group Ruian Auto Parts Co., Ltd, that it has acquired the property it has been leasing, as well as an extension of said land. This development, according to SORL management, is meant to enhance its seemingly deficient production output.

Existing setup shows that SORL is actually leasing Ruili property and occupying only about 50 percent of the production facility. In such a purchase, the acquired expansion is then expected to readily answer the company’s estimated growth demands for the subsequent two to three years.

Included in the announcement are the particulars of such purchase. According to the company, it has purchased land rights, an office building, and a manufacturing plant. The entirety of the property enjoys a spacious total floor area of 712,333 square feet or 66,177.91 square meters, and is said to be worth 152 million Yuan or equivalent to US 20 million dollars.

Xiaoping Zhang, SORL Chief Executive Officer, is more than accommodating enough to explain the company’s plans: “In order to solve the current production capacity bottleneck and meet the fast growing demand for our products in the domestic OEM, aftermarket and international markets, we have decided to purchase Ruili Group’s existing facility and scale up our capacity quickly to capture the market opportunity.”

“Completing the new facility under construction would have delayed our capacity expansion until late 2008 and hindered our near-term growth. The Chinese commercial vehicle market has experienced significant growth this year and especially for heavy trucks. We are benefiting from the growth of commercial activity in China as well as robust government spending on infrastructure buildout and the maturing of the domestic logistics industry. We see very favorable market conditions for commercial vehicle auto parts. The land use rights and facilities purchased will add to our production starting in the late fourth quarter of 2007, expanding our capacity for continued growth and to enhance shareholder value.”

Hereunder is a brief description of SORL Auto Parts, as taken from the company’s official press release.

As China’s leading manufacturer and distributor of automotive air brake valves, SORL Auto Parts, Inc. ranks first in market share in the segment for commercial vehicles weighing more than three tons, such as trucks and buses. The Company distributes products both within China and internationally under the SORL trademark. SORL ranks among the top 100 auto component suppliers in China, with a product range that includes 40 types of air brake valves and over 800 different specifications. The Company has three authorized international sales centers in Australia, United Arab Emirates, and the United States, with additional offices slated to open in other locations in the near future.

For more information, please visit http://www.sorl.cn.

American Expedition Vehicles, one of the leading suppliers of Aftermarket Performance Parts and replacement auto parts to the Jeep community, has acquired a partial product list of the now non-operational Nth Degree Mobility.

For those not updated, Nth Degree mobility, best known in the industry as a competent provider of innovative and top quality short-arm and long-arm suspension lift kits, have closed its doors to the automotive industry. This event has then triggered AEV in staking a claim on Nth Degree’s much-lauded suspension lift kits.

And now, the acquisition dialogue has been duly finalized, with AEV’s announcement that it will absorb into its own product lineup a considerable section of Nth Degree’s inventory line.

With such key changes, albeit positive, happening with AEV, it would then be reasonable if the company would undergo an adjustment period in areas of product handling. AEV is then asking for patience as the company takes in the new equipments and inventory. After said preliminary procedures, AEV is ensuring that it would deliver the same commitment to innovation and quality that the management of Nth Degree had provided for its consumers.

Dave Harriton, AEV President, has this to say on his company’s new endeavor: “It’s really unfortunate that Nth Degree had to close its doors. Nth Degree has been a major innovator in the suspension industry and has developed a near cult following with good reason. Because this has happened so quickly, we are still trying to determine how long it will take for us to incorporate their products into our system. It is our goal, however, to have most of the existing suspension line back on the market along with several new products in the near future.”

“Most of the line will remain unchanged, although we will be simplifying and redesigning some of the existing components to make it easier for our dealer network to stock and for our users to install,” Harriton added.

Provided below is the partial press release of AEV with regards to the acquisition:

AEV itself has been an Nth Degree customer, employing its suspension and skidplate products on AEV conversion vehicles. AEV will integrate Nth Degree’s design, engineering, and development operations into AEV’s Missoula, Montana facility while warehouse, distribution, and manufacturing will be moved into AEV’s Walled Lake, Michigan plant.
Watch for further announcements on plans for former Nth Degree products at www.aev-conversions.com.

Wonder Auto Technology, Inc., China’s leading manufacturer and distributor of automotive electrical parts and suspension devices, has announced this 1st of October that its subsidiary, Jinzhou Halla Equipment Electrical Equipment Co., Ltd., will be taking on the North American market. Such endeavor will be through a new office that would open in Detroit City, with focus on showcasing Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) products and Aftermarket Performance Parts.

In line with this new development is a new addition to the Wonder Auto management. Robert Forreider has joined the team of Jinzhou Halla, with an appointment as Vice President in the Marketing and Sales division. Forreider’s main responsibilities would involve marketing planning and strategy, as well as market development of the company’s sales network. All these duties devolve on Wonder Auto’s objective of capturing a substantial market share in North America.

Mr. Qingjie Zhao, Wonder Auto Chairman and CEO, has this to say on the recent developments and changes in the company: “We are excited to establish a local presence in Detroit after years of planning and product development. We are extremely pleased to have industry veterans like Robert Forreider join us who recognize Wonder Auto’s growth opportunity in North America. As the second largest starter and alternator producer in China, we believe we have the capability and quality to compete in the North American market as well.”

Below is a snippet of the press release pertaining to the wonders of Wonder Auto and its new member:

Robert Forreider has 39 years experience in the worldwide auto parts industry. He served as the Director of Global Sales for GM Delphi and was the Vice President of Global Sales for Delphi Automotive. Mr. Forreider has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Michigan.

Based in Jinzhou City, Liaoning, China, Wonder Auto, through its Chinese subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures and sells automotive electrical parts, suspension products, and Aftermarket Performance Parts. Wonder Auto was ranked second in sales revenue in the China market for automotive alternators and starters in 2006. With respective 5 different series and over 150 models of alternators, 70 models of starters and various suspension related parts, the Company supplies a wide range of automakers, engine producers and auto parts suppliers both in domestic China and overseas. Wonder Auto’s main customers include Beijing Hyundai Motor Company, Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi Motors Engine Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Harbin Dongan Automotive Engine Manufacturing Co., Ltd., and Tianjin FAW Xiali Automotive Co., Ltd. For more information, please log on http://www.watg.cn/.

O’Reilly Auto Parts is pleased to announce the opening of its newest store in Toccoa, Georgia. To celebrate this brand new addition to the company’s chain of successful retail outlets, the Toccoa branch is having a grand opening celebration that will last for almost two weeks, specifically from September 26 to October 9.

Gracing the festivities would be District manager Randall Rowland, new Store Manager James Watson, and other esteemed members of the Toccoa community.

During the event, O’Reilly Auto Parts Spokesperson Denise Johnson did not fail to emphasize the company’s consumer-oriented focus. Johnson mentioned that the ultimate goal and priority of O’Reilly Auto Parts is to ensure absolute customer satisfaction.

“O’Reilly Automotive intends to be the dominant supplier of auto parts in our market areas by offering our retail customers, professional installers and jobbers the best combination of price/quality provided with the highest possible service level,” Johnson said.

“The firm is one of the largest specialty retailers of automotive Aftermarket Performance Parts, tools, supplies, equipment and accessories in the United States, serving both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets.”

As a backgrounder, the company was founded by its namesake, the O’Reilly family, in the year 1957. The company is known for superior store and service features, such as a reasonably-priced guarantee with overnight service, competitive manufacturer’s warranty guidelines, and one of the biggest inventory of tools, auto parts, aftermarket performance parts, and accessories. To date, O’Reilly Auto Parts is in full operation in more than 1,700 stores throughout the states of Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Wyoming, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nebraska, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.