Ward’s Reports Estimated Production
Vehicle production last week in the U.S., Canada and Mexico was expected to hit an estimated 339,878 units, up 15 percent from the 295,481 cars and trucks built last week, according to Ward’s Automotive Reports.
Lear Appoints Anne Bingaman to Board
Former Assistant Attorney General Anne Bingaman has been appointed to Lear Corp.’s board of directors. Bingaman served as assistant attorney general of the antitrust division of the U.S. Department of Justice from 1993 to 1996, following a career in private law practice. Currently, she is chairman of Valor Telecommunications LLC, a provider of local and long distance telephone services to residential and business customers in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas.
American Axle & Manufacturing Elects New Board Members
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings (AAM) has appointed two new members to its board of directors: Dr. Henry Yang, chancellor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Thomas Martin, a retired DaimlerChrysler financial executive.
ArvinMeritor Announces 2004 Suppliers of the Year
ArvinMeritor has announced the winners of the company’s annual supplier awards. The awards — which were presented Jan. 29, at ArvinMeritor’s North American Supplier Conference in Troy, Mich. — recognize outstanding performance in customer service, product quality, delivery and cost reduction.
Herman Trend Alert: Electronic Connectivity
Rapid developments are underway in the field of electronic connectivity. Sending and receiving e-mail is possible virtually anywhere that you can connect your computer to a telephone line. Internet cafes are plentiful and convenient, especially in countries outside the U.S. International travelers can now stay in touch as they move, increasing their efficiency and peace of mind. The exploding connectivity trend makes it possible to keep in touch with headquarters, clients, suppliers and loved ones.
UAW Organizes at Dana to Shore Up Membership
The UAW has organized about 2,000 workers at five Dana Corp. plants from Michigan to Tennessee as the union seeks to rebuild its active ranks and regain power in the auto industry. Along the way, the union faces opposition not only from workers who don’t want a union but also from those who want a tougher union that would fight and win better wages, benefits and working conditions. To them, the UAW has become too conciliatory as it strives to gain members.
Hayes Lemmerz Renames European Wheel Group
Hayes Lemmerz International has changed the name of its European Wheel Group to the International Wheel Group. The company said the new name is intended to reflect the increased global awareness and presence of the group. The International Wheel Group has undergone extensive growth in areas outside of Europe, including South Africa, India, Brazil, Thailand, Mexico and Turkey, according to Fred Bentley, president of Hayes Lemmerz’ International Wheel Group.
Former National Dragster Editor-in-Chief Passes Away
Former Editor-In-Chief of National DRAGSTER, John Raffa, lost his battle with cancer and passed away on Jan. 20. Raffa had an extensive background in drag racing publishing, including editor/publisher of Super Stock & Drag Illustrated magazine and managing editor of Car Craft magazine. Raffa also worked as director of communications for Norwalk Raceway Park and as a guest columnist for Drag Racing Online.
Exide Introduces NASCAR Branded Product Line at Sam’s Club
Playing off the brand recognition the NASCAR name holds with its estimated 75 million fans, Exide Technologies has introduced a new NASCAR branded transportation battery program at Sam’s Club, a national members-only chain of retail warehouses. The new program is exclusive to Sam’s Club and will be available in more than 462 locations nationwide.
Hayes Lemmerz International Expands its Aluminum Wheel Presence
Hayes Lemmerz International has purchased certain assets from Hayes Wheels de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. and sold its equity interest in Hayes Wheels de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., to DESC, S.A. de C.V. According to Fred Bentley, president of Hayes Lemmerz’ International Wheel Group, the transaction is a key step in the company’s strategy to focus on the growth market for aluminum wheels.