Nissan’s presence at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas marks the Japanese automakers’ ninth year of participation and celebration of its performance vehicles. For this year, Nissan is proud to exhibit a lineup of vehicles meticulously built by its aftermarket vehicle suppliers and customizers. These include three 350Z sports cars, two custom-made 2008 Nissan Altima Coupes, two Titan trucks, and two Sentra sedans. Furthermore, a special Xterra SUV is also included, and from which the creators are Nissan’s own engineering division. These ten vehicles have been on display last October 30 to November 2 at the Nissan SEMA booth.

Bill Bosely, Nissan Vice President and General Manager, is confident that the company offerings in SEMA would have a positive impact to the program guests: “Nissan is thrilled to be at the 2007 SEMA show with a full array of vehicles, from our 350Z sports car to our full-size Titan trucks, which once again proves that Nissan vehicles are the premier foundations for creative expression by their owners. What I’m most excited about is how SEMA offers Nissan and its customers a glimpse to the over-the-edge performance potential of the all-new 2008 Altima Coupe, just like our partners did last year with Versa.”

NISMO, Nissan’s leading supplier of superior Aftermarket Performance Parts and accessories for its vehicles will also exhibit several NISMO high-performing components, accessories and apparel.

For a more detailed list and description of all the Nissan goods in the Sema Show, visit the following website:
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/10/30/069105.html

Interamerican Motor Corporation (IMC), a flourishing distributor and importer of replacement tools and Aftermarket Performance Parts, has duly announced the availability of WHI’s Nexpart Virtual Inventory to its partners. This new program is sure to enhance the accessibility features of IMC, as Nexpart Virtual Inventory would create stock at the IMC Distribution centers through its channel associate Nexpart eCommerce websites. This would in turn allow the online purchase of parts, even if the nearest distributor is out-of-stock.

Thomas Beer, IMC President, is confident that this new partnership and new program would further boost the IMC growing business: “Virtual Inventory allows us to meet our customer’s inventory requirements in a way not possible before and our expectation is that it will have significant impact on helping them to grow their business. Providing channel partners and their customers the ability to seamlessly integrate real time ordering from our DCs will allow them to capture sales that they are missing today.”

Bryan Murphy, WHI’s President and CEO, is also positive that its product offering to IMC would produce nothing but exceptional results: “IMC is a company that understands how to use technology to create competitive advantage. Making DC inventory available online to their channel partners and over 76,000 Nexpart eCommerce users is another powerful reason to do business with IMC. Maximizing supply chain efficiency between manufacturers, distributors and their customers is critical to the long term profitability for the aftermarket, and Nexpart Virtual will play a key role.”

As additional background for Interamerican Motor Corporation and WHI, below are company profiles, as released in the press statement. For more details, please visit the company websites indicated below:

One of the fastest growing software companies in America, WHI provides solutions to over 1600 large and small companies in the Automotive, Hard goods and Electrical distribution markets, including over 21 Fortune 500 customers. WHI products and services are used by over 100,000 users to increase their effectiveness and efficiency. Products are specialized for use by manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and their customers. Investors in WHI, Inc. include Polaris Venture Partners, MidMark Capital, Goldman Sachs and Starboard Capital. Learn more at http://www.whisolutions.com/

Interamerican Motor Corporation has been in business for more than 40 years serving customers with quality import auto parts. IMC’s winning formula utilizes the latest technology to manage and deliver high quality auto parts while keeping the personal touch for the customer. Our corporate office/west coast distribution center is located in Canoga Park, CA. We have more than 430,000 square feet in our 10 locations nationwide with more on the way. http://www.imcparts.net/

GM Performance Parts, supplier of engine systems to the oval racing sport, is proud to announce that it has agreed to be a supporting sponsor for the 35th Annual RPM Promoters Workshop. To date, GM Performance has been supporting said workshop for seven series already.

Bill Martens of the GM Performance Parts is quite happy with the partnership, as it stands not only to support GM’s racing consumers, but also act as a marketing program for prospective target market. Martens attests: “GM Performance Parts is pleased to support weekly racing with its technology and as a supporting sponsor of the Workshops. We recognize weekly tracks’ importance as a local recreational asset and that weekly race tracks offer excellent marketing opportunities for GM dealers and GM Racing.”

Stewart Doty, RPM Promoters Workshop Chairman, shares the same pleasure relative to the long-running partnership: “We are pleased to renew our association with GM Performance Parts for the sixth consecutive year. Every season more and more promoters look at crate engines as a tool for cost containment, and GM offers three of the best engines available. GM is committed to its crate engine program, and to demonstrate that commitment support the Workshops and we are appreciative.”

This 35ths workshop, with a working title of “Growing the Grassroots, Selling your Tickets,” will feature a presentation from Jacob Agajanian. Also, a Question & Answer session will follow immediately thereafter. Relative to the talk, Agajanian would aim to explain the audience how short track promoters can use similar promotional tactics to reach the digital market. For those unfamiliar, Jacob Agajanian presides over Motorsports Management International as Director of New Media. With the said position, he is able to manage the websites of Kasey Kahne and Tony Stewart, as well as developing e-marketing programs using clever tools and strategies such as special webisodes, fan sites, and email blasts.

The 35th Annual RPM Promoters Workshops Series starts on the 29th of November at the Eldorado Hotel Casino in Reno. It is estimated to end in Florida during the 2008 February Speedweek.

For requests or further information for the registration procedures for the RPM Promoters Workshops, contact the RPM via its website at: www.racingpromotionmonthly.net. RPM could also be reached at the editorial offices of Racing Promotion Monthly at PO Box 195, Edgar, WI 54426, 715-536-1067.

Below is a short description of GM Performance as provided in the company press release statement:

GM Performance Parts provides a wide range of replacement parts and Aftermarket Performance Parts. Its lineup includes systems and parts such as the engine, transmission, chassis, and suspension components for high-performance and racing applications. All goods and products are available through its numerous GM brand dealers, as well as through Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac Cadillac, and GMC trucks. GM Performance Parts is at the development forefront of crate racing engine applications, working hand in hand with promoters, tours and series, and aftermarket upfitters.

Progressive Automotive Systems has promptly announced its new software called the R.O. Writer™ shop management system version 1.20. With such a new system, the company gets to be more connected with ACDelco, supplier of numerous automotive replacement tools and aftermarket performance parts.

With a single click of this R.O. Writer™, PAS is equipped to link up with ACDelco Warehouse distributors relative to parts availability, costing, and labor time. Once these three factors are established, the combined data is then incorporated on the repair order in the R.O. Writer™ System.

Paul Van Camp, Progressive Automotive Systems (PAS) Director of Sales, has this to say: “While the R.O. Writer™ shop management system has supported Internet parts ordering for several years, the technology used has been generic for all ACDelco independent repair centers. With the new ACDelco ‘WISEConnect™’ interface, ACDelco independent service centers will have availability to check their local ACDelco Warehouse partner’s inventory levels for parts, labor hours and ACDelco Marketing Incentive Dashboards, all from their R.O. Writer™ System.”

James Nagy, PAS Director of Development, further attests: “The new ‘WISEConnect™’ interface adds another strategic component to the R.O. Writer™ Shop Management Application Suite. Now ACDelco users will have complete access to ACDelco parts, labor, vehicle specifications, and more with this intuitively obvious user interface. All this functionality is completely integrated into the natural R.O. Writer™ Estimate and Repair Order workflow. This is truly a breakthrough for ACDelco independent service centers that have chosen to use the best Shop Management System on the market as they will now have direct access to ACDelco information.”

Stephen Sigg, ACDelco E-Business manager, for his part is also pleased about this enhanced partnership and development: “This is truly exciting. Progressive Automotive Systems’ R.O. Writer™ WISEConnect™ interface module now offers a powerful e-Sourcing tool for our independent service centers and distributors from the R.O. Writer™ point of sale solution. While it serves the repair shop’s business needs first (parts & labor), the interface will also benefit ACDelco online parts distributors. Not only will shops use this tool to do more e-Commerce, research proves the internal efficiencies created will let them generally fix more cars and buy more parts. We’re proud to be a part of this initiative.”

Below are concise profiles of both Progressive Automotive Systems and ACDelco, as provided in the release statement:

Progressive Automotive Systems, Inc.
Developer of the R.O. Writer™ shop management system, PAS has been providing software solutions to the automotive aftermarket since 1989. As early as 1977, PAS provided consulting services for franchise automobile dealers. In the decades that followed, PAS has helped thousands of shop owners reach their true potential. Automotive service provider Midas, Inc, acquired Progressive Automotive Systems in 2001.

ACDelco
ACDelco is a global leader in automotive replacement parts and related services and offers quality aftermarket products and Aftermarket Performance Parts for all makes and models, including Ford, Chrysler, General Motors, Toyota and Honda, plus some original equipment replacement parts. As of February 2007, ACDelco offers more than 100,000 parts across 37 product lines. ACDelco has nearly 100 years of experience in the automotive industry and is a brand of GM Service and Parts Operations, a division of General Motors.

It was previously reported of Franchise Capital’s acquisition of Aero Exhaust and an indication of another prospective company buyout. This time, the prospect has been named, with Franchise Capital announcing its letter of intent to acquire Dr. Gas, Inc. The said company is a known manufacturer of aftermarket performance parts, and to be more specific, performance exhaust systems for pro-race and street exhaust applications. In fact, Dr. Gas is the reputed producer of 90% of all the exhaust mechanisms used in Nextel Cup Series, Craftsman Truck Series, Busch Grand Nationals, and the prestigious NASCAR series.

Included in lineup of Dr. Gas Exhaust Systems are that of the h-pipes, Xscream® crossover, oval tubing performance exhaust, and y-pipe systems, all of which have provided a significant change for the performance exhaust sound of racecars and other performance cars. Moreover, Dr. Gas is also responsible in designing the revolutionary and innovative Spin Tech racing mufflers. To date, the firm has existing products for cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, marine transports, and even in the aircraft and industrial systems.

If ever the acquisition of Dr. Gas pushes through, this company is expected to blend perfectly with the operations of Aero Exhaust. Multiple benefits are duly anticipated, as Dr.Gas would be handled in such a way that the said company enhances the fabrication of materials for Aero Exhaust products. Indeed, the fabricating capacities of Dr. Gas are expected to enhance and improve the supply of Aero’s line of turbo and cat-back mechanisms.

Bryan Hunsaker, Chief Executive Officer of Aero Exhaust and Franchise capital, reiterates how Dr. Gas could greatly enhance the company’s existing product lineup: “We are extremely pleased to announce our initial agreement to acquire Dr. Gas, Inc. While the demand for Aero’s products has been high, distribution has been limited by the lack of sufficient inventory of piping for our full exhaust systems. The company’s 2007 financial performance was hindered by a lack of supply of products for distribution, and the acquisition of Dr. Gas is expected to remedy this shortfall. Aero’s distribution partners are anxious to have a larger supply of our full exhaust systems and we strongly believe that through the acquisition of Dr. Gas, Inc., Aero will be better able to supply our distributors and improve the company’s revenue performance.

“Dr. Gas, Inc. is not only a highly respected name in racing circles, but it is also a mature company with significant revenues and the machinery and manpower in place to deliver the necessary components to accelerate the availability of Aero’s products. We look forward to providing additional information related to Dr. Gas, Inc. in the near term, so that our shareholders begin to understand the tremendous upside potential of our latest strategic acquisition,” Hunsaker provided as conclusion.

For more updates and information on these three companies, please visit the following sites: http://www.drgas.com, www.aeroexhaust.com, http://www.franchisecapitalcorp.net.

Below is a brief profile of Aero Exhaust, as provided in the company’s press statement:

About Aero Exhaust: 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.

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., a leading retailer of Aftermarket Performance Parts and accessories in the United States, has announced its third quarter revenues that ended last September 30, 2007.

The resulted net income for said third quarter amounted to $53.1 million, which is a 10.9% increase from the $47.9 million net income of the same quarter period in 2006. Third quarter gross profit, on the other hand, totaled to $294 million, another relative increase as compared from last year’s $263 million. Sales for the said three months performed exceedingly well with a total of $662 million, wherein a 10.8% increase was achieved from last year’s sales of $597 million for the same period.

With regards to 2007’s first nine months, the company net income totaled to $153.4 million, an exceptional increase of 11.4% from the $137.7 million earnings for the same period of 2006. In terms of gross profit for the same period of January to September 2007, total results were worth $850 million, which is another increase rate worth 12.2% as compared to 2006’s nine-month profit of $758 million. Sales for said nine months was also a success, with a total equivalent of $1.92 billion, up by 11.2% from the $1.72 billion sales for the same period last year.

Greg Henslee, O’Reilly Automotive Co-President and Chief Executive Officer, is very satisfied with the company’s financial accomplishment: “We are very pleased with our strong performance in the third quarter as we continue to focus on building market share in both the professional and ‘do it yourself’ sides of our business. Team O’Reilly continues to offer the highest levels of customer service in our industry, which resulted in another quarter of record sales and profits, and we are looking forward to offering these services to customers in markets new to our Company as we continue our aggressive expansion.”

Ted Wise, the company’s Co-President and Chief Operating Officer, was also amenable for an interview. He has this to disclose: “We opened 43 new stores during the quarter bringing our net new store total to 134 for the year. Through the first three quarters our store openings were slightly behind our plan due to permitting and construction delays. However, we are confident that by the end of the fourth quarter we will meet our target of 190 new store openings for the year. Our dedication to providing the best service to the professional installer and do-it-yourself customer continues to be the first priority in our expansion efforts.”

For a more detailed presentation of the company’s financial reports, please visit:

http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/734942/

Below is a brief company profile of Team O’Reilly, as provided in the press release statement:

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. is one of the largest specialty retailers of automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment and accessories in the United States, serving both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets. Founded in 1957 by the O’Reilly family, the Company operated 1,774 stores in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming as of September 30, 2007.

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.”

The California-based U.S. Auto Parts Inc., which is the leading online provider for aftermarket auto parts, will be releasing its quarterly financial report on August 2.

The aftermarket parts company is not veering away from the Internet as the financial reports gathered from the January to June 30 will be available online. Aside from the statistical data of the second quarter sales of U.S. Auto Parts Inc., a conference call will also be held and will also be broadcasted live over the Internet. The live conference can be accessed through the U.S. Autoparts Inc. official website http://www.usautoparts.net under the Investor Relations section. Analysts and investors will be present during the conference that will be conducted by President and Chief Executive Officer Mehran Nia, Chief Operating Officer Howard Tong, and Chief Financial Officer Michael McClane.

Providing aftermarket parts since 1995, U.S. Auto Parts Inc. has specifically been selling body parts, engine parts, performance parts and accessories through the company’s hundreds of websites. Over 550,000 competitively priced products are available. Moreover, auto parts for different vehicle makes, models, and years are also available. These products are accessible at the company’s websites: http://www.partstrain.com and http://www.autopartswarehouse.com.

How your car, minivan or SUV performs ultimately depends on the type of vehicle you drive and what it was designed for in the first place. However, new technology in premium aftermarket spark plugs allows drivers to extract the best performance their vehicles can offer without compromising fuel economy.

“From copper to platinum and iridium—modern spark plugs help motorists get a lot closer to experiencing the highest level of performance and fuel economy their vehicle is capable of producing,” said Reid Smith, product manager for spark plugs for Robert Bosch LLC, a leading supplier of premium spark plugs to vehicle manufacturers and the aftermarket and a pioneer in the development of spark plug technology.

Within a vehicle’s ignition system, the spark plug serves to ignite the air-fuel mixture which, in turn, produces the energy that moves a car. Over time and after thousands of miles, spark plugs may begin to show wear between the electrodes.

According to Smith, this wear increases stress on the ignition system and can prevent the spark plug from igniting the air-fuel mixture efficiently. When this happens, the car’s performance and gas mileage both decline.

The biggest waste of gas is an inefficient engine, commonly shown to the driver through an illuminated check engine light. Often, repair or replacement of malfunctioning car parts such as mass airflow sensors, oxygen sensors and others will frequently restore fuel efficiency. A properly operating ignition and emissions system can improve gas mileage by up to 40 percent.

“Fresh premium spark plugs help extract more energy from the same amount of gas,” said Smith. They improve the transfer of energy from the ignition system to the fuel, thus offering improved fuel efficiency and more power.

The Car Care Council, a consumer organization for motorists, said “a dirty spark causes misfiring; and inefficient combustion caused by worn spark plugs wastes fuel.”

To meet the growing demand for performance and efficiency, aftermarket automotive parts supplier Bosch has upgraded and expanded its entire line of premium spark plugs to suit every driver’s taste.

Bosch’s new technology-based Platinum Ir Fusion is the industry’s only aftermarket spark plug that combines iridium and platinum in a patented fused fine wire center electrode design, Smith said.

On-road testing by Bosch indicates that the reduced gap wear of the Bosch Platinum Ir Fusion lowers the voltage requirement on the ignition system, yielding better, more consistent performance and longer service life, Smith said. The Fusion is now available for virtually all domestic and imported vehicles.

A properly tuned engine can increase fuel efficiency from 4 percent to 20 percent, saving 26 cents a gallon. As part of a modern day tune-up, ignition and fuel systems should be inspected to improve performance and maintain the reliability of a vehicle.

According to the Car Care Council, a typical aftermarket spark plug fires as many as 3 million times every 1,000 miles, resulting in a lot of heat and electrical and chemical erosion. A dirty spark plug causes misfiring, which wastes fuel. Spark plugs need to be replaced regularly.