Industry shortlines

ACDelco has announced the launch of its “Summer Battery Racing Promotion”. From May 15th to the end of June, 2001, installers who purchase an ACDelco Professional battery will be rewarded with a ballot for a chance to win an NHRA racing weekend at the end of October for the ACDelco Desert Nationals in Las Vegas, Nevada – hosted by ACDelco. All winners will receive an exclusive weekend at the ACDelco sponsored NHRA race. The Grand Prize winners will win the exclusive weekend as well as an opportunity to become an honorary member of the ACDelco Kurt Johnson pit crew.

Bestbuy Distributors Limited and IDI (Independent Distributors Inc.) have formed a strategic alliance between their two companies. IDI is a provider of industrial products through 161 independently owned locations across Canada with office and warehousing facilities in Mississauga, Ontario. Bestbuy Distributors Limited supplies automotive products through 142 independently owned locations across Canada and also bases both office and warehousing facilities in Mississauga.

Shell Canada Products has launched a new brand of premium gasoline at 1700 retail locations across Canada, Shell Optimax Gold. According to the company, Shell Optimax Gold provides improved engine response, efficiency and power. The new fuel contains a friction reducer and an advanced detergent package.

Audi has launched a new 12-cylinder A8 model with a W-12 engine. The powerplant is based on two V-6 units mounted at a 15-degree angle in the shape of a “W”. The $US 100,000 6.0 liter flagship generates 420 horsepower and 405 lb. ft. of torque, and can carry the large sedan from zero to sixty in under six seconds. The A8 L 6.0 Quattro is currently available in Germany; at press time, Audi had not announced plans for Canadian availability.

Mac Tools has launched a customer rewards program for technicians who purchase Mac products. Customers earn coupon-like Mac Merits for buying selected products from the firm’s monthly sales flyers. The Mac Merits can be exchanged for products such as all-terrain vehicles, vacations and home theatre systems. Mac Tools distributors and sales representatives will allocate bonus Merits to kick off the program. Technicians can redeem Mac Merits by mailing an order form, with rewards to arrive two to three weeks from receipt of the order.