Soaring gas prices linked to decline in traffic related deaths July 23, 2008

Although rising gas prices are causing American drivers a lot of stress, the National Safety Council has reported at least one positive effect related to a lighter wallet — a 9 percent drop in overall motor vehicle deaths. Researchers with the council compared this statistic with the first five months of 2007, and found it included a drop of 18 percent in March 2008 and a 14 percent drop in April.

O'Reilly reports increasing sales, profits in tough economy July 23, 2008

Despite the dismal state of the economy and the dire prediction of financial analysts, O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. has reported increased sales and gross profits for the second quarter ended June 30, 2008. The company says sales are up 9.4 percent to $704 million, while gross profits are up 10.4 percent — all improvements from the previous year.

Ficosa and OMRON partner on ADAS vehicle technology July 23, 2008

Ficosa International, an automotive systems and components maker, and OMRON Corporation, a vehicle electronics maker, have created a joint venture to develop, produce and commercialize driver assistance technology for the automotive industry

Probe announces new strategic direction July 23, 2008

Probe Manufacturing, Inc., an electronics manufacturing company, has launched a new strategic direction focused on design, manufacturing and marketing of products that use renewable energies, increase efficiency and reduce negative environmental effects.

ABRA opens fifth repair shop in Milwaukee July 23, 2008

ABRA Auto Body & Glass, a damaged vehicle repair company, has opened its fifth repair shop in the city.

Taking the law into their own hands July 23, 2008 By: Sue Angell

Can you name your local lawmakers? The state representatives who are charged with protecting your interests in Washington, D.C.? When was the last time you wrote a legislator to explain how a piece of impending legislation would affect your business bottom line? If these questions have you stumped, chances are it's time for a refresher course on the importance of governmental processes as they relate to independent businesses, as well as the necessity of getting involved in these processes yourself.

Vertex moves headquarters, merges two distribution centers July 22, 2008

After 126 years, Vertex Distribution has left its Pawtucket, R.I. home and relocated corporate headquarters to an Attleboro, Mass., facility. A Taunton, Mass., site was also closed in a move spurring the merger of two New England distribution centers and the company?s standard inch and metric product lines.

WORLDPAC exec named CAWA board secretary July 22, 2008

The California/Nevada/Arizona Automotive Wholesalers' Association (CAWA) Board of Directors has elected Steve Sharp of WORLDPAC as secretary to the board.

Sport-Compact Council expands under new name July 22, 2008

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Board of Directors has changed the name of the Sport-Compact Council (SCC) to the Street Performance Council (SPC). This new council name serves to include the diverse street-performance industry, which creates a broader market and provides new growth and educational opportunities for the council.