ELR for Application Parts Manual Now Available
AAIA has just published the Enhanced Line Review (ELR) for Application Parts, a 298-page manual to help companies make better assortment decisions, increase inventory efficiency and develop long-term strategies to grow their parts businesses.
ArvinMeritor Taps Don Polk to Lead Its LVS Wheels Business
ArvinMeritor has promoted Donald Polk to the position of vice president and general manager of its Light Vehicle Systems (LVS) business group’s Wheels product line, effective immediately. Before being named to this new position, Polk was vice president and general manager of the LVS Ride Control product line. Polk began his career with the company as a Wheels sales engineer in 1989.
More Aftermarket Eye Candy at This Year’s North American International Auto Show
Although there’s no shortage of muscle on the main floor at this year’s North American International Auto Show — the 850-horsepower Chrysler ME412 concept is only the beginning — there’s also a subterranean performance theme that’s been missing from previous shows. Once the take-it-or-leave-it realm of marginal players like Daewoo and stillborns like the revival Cunningham sports car, Cobo Center’s downstairs Michigan Hall exhibit area is studded this year with an intriguing array of production vehicles enhanced by aftermarket bolt-on goodies: designer wheels, low-profile tires, oversize brakes, high-performance shock absorbers and more.
Delphi Appoints Three New Sales Managers in North America
Delphi Corp. has named three new sales managers for North America. Jim Eady, Darrel Reuss and Steve Tucker will serve as regional sales managers for vehicle electronics in North America for Delphi Product & Service Solutions. Eady will cover the Southeast, Reuss the Midwest and Tucker the Northeast and all will report to Scott Donnelly, North American vehicle electronics sales manager.
Aftermarket Legislative Advocate Passes Away
A long-time friend of the aftermarket, Jack Heyler, died on Dec. 26, 2003 after a six-year battle with emphysema. Heyler was a tireless worker in support of the independent aftermarket, leading industry efforts to defeat legislation that would have extended state mandated emissions warranties to 10 years/100,000 miles; and to obtain passage of SB 1146, which mandated that car companies make emissions-related service information and diagnostic tools available to the independent service industry. He was active in the Automotive Service Counsels of California and the Society for Automotive Engineers, helping found the Service Technicians Society a SAE affiliate group.
Dana and GETRAG Sign Joint-Venture Agreement with Volvo
A recently formed joint venture company between Dana and GETRAG has signed an agreement with Volvo Car Corp. (VCC) to purchase a 60-percent interest in VCC’s operations in Koping, Sweden. The resulting joint venture with VCC will be known as GETRAG All Wheel Drive AB, a Dana/GETRAG Co. The company will produce all-wheel-drive (AWD) and chassis systems and components for passenger cars and sport-utility vehicles.
Former Urda Exec Forms New Aftermarket PR Agency
Kristen Simpson, former executive at Akron, Ohio-based PR agency Urda Co. (now Urda-Roberts), has launched Simpson Communications LLC. The new public relations agency, based in Shaker Heights, Ohio, will specialize in business-to-business communications for the automotive aftermarket. Simpson Communications will offer a full range of public relations services, including new product launches, press events, media relations, copywriting, strategic planning, event management and internal communications.
Motor Industry Chiefs See More Mergers and Acquisitions Ahead, Especially in Asia
Automotive executives are losing their taste for strategic alliances and expect to see an increase in mergers and acquisitions in the industry over the next five years, particularly in Asia, according to the results of the fifth annual survey of the automotive industry by consultancy KPMG LLP. Consolidation was seen as occurring globally, but respondents in particular focused on Asia, where 73 percent said they expect an increase. Sixty percent pointed to an increase in Europe, while 50 percent of those polled saw stepped up M&A activity in North America.
Bridgestone Americas’ Lampe To Retire
John Lampe, chairman, CEO and president of Bridgestone Americas Holding, who led the company’s remarkable recovery after devastating tire recalls in late 2000 and early 2001, announced today that he is retiring effective Mar. 31. He will be succeeded as chairman and CEO of BAH by Mark Emkes, currently chairman, CEO and president of Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT). Lampe announced his retirement this afternoon during a company-wide live Web cast and conference call. In addition, Lampe and Emkes granted Tire Review an exclusive in-depth interview about the retirement and the company’s future plans earlier this morning.
Hawk Corp. Announces Restructuring Plan
Hawk Corp. has initiated a new plan to focus on its two primary business segments — friction products and precision components, in an effort to improve the company’s global competitive cost position and support long-term growth initiatives in these segments. As part of the repositioning plan the company intends to achieve cost savings at its friction products segment by moving operations at its Brook Park, Ohio, location to a new U.S. production facility. Hawk also said it plans to sell its motor segment and engage the services of an investment banker to advise the company as it reviews strategic alternatives relating to Hawk’s Tex Racing business unit.