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Drivers Identify Almost 1,800 Unmet Needs, According to New Study

According to a new study conducted by global market research and consulting firm the RDA Group, automotive manufacturers are not keeping pace with their customers’ needs when it comes to such items as interior customization, vehicle control assistance, traffic awareness, vehicle monitoring, visibility enhancements, better in- vehicle food and beverage management, cabin temperature maintenance and child protection.

High Schoolers Earn Certifications from Industry

A diploma isn’t the only important document that some students have in hand when they graduate from high school these days. A growing number of students, educators say, are graduating with specific, industry-defined skills certifications that can have immediate value in the job market. Industries in which such certification is available include computer maintenance, automotive repair, nursing, graphic arts and food service.

ArvinMeritor Honors Outstanding Achievements in Engineering

ArvinMeritor has announced the winners of its 2003 Engineer of the Year and Manufacturing Engineer of the Year awards. The awards, presented at ceremonies on Feb. 5, in Detroit, Mich., recognize those engineers or scientists who have made significant and innovative technological contributions to ArvinMeritor, its customers and the automobile industry.

Tower Takes Charges, Posts Loss

Tower Automotive Inc., the world’s largest maker of vehicle frames, had a fourth-quarter loss of $24.7 million because of expenses for restructuring operations and writing down assets. The loss was 43 cents a share, compared with profit of $17.3 million, or 29 cents, a year earlier. Sales rose 5.2 percent to $717 million from $681.6 million, the Novi-based company said.

Auto Suppliers Under Pressure to Shift Production Abroad

A new study soon to be released by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is showing that the pressure to move automotive manufacturing jobs abroad will continue, despite federal and local government efforts to maintain or increase industry employment levels in the U.S. The SAE will release the report at the 2004 SAE World Congress in Detroit next month. The study, which is still under development, will outline “best practices” for global automotive suppliers. The Odyssey study seeks to help suppliers understand how their global manufacturing operations will need to change and how best to make those changes to survive and thrive.

SEMA Expands Installer/Specialist Test Programs with Custom Wheel and Tire Accreditation Test

SEMA has added a custom wheel and tire specialist exam to its battery of certification tests. The new test, known as Z5, will measure real-world knowledge and skills of the wheel and tire professionals who install custom applications on passenger cars and light-duty trucks. SEMA has added a custom wheel and tire specialist exam to its battery of certification tests. The new test, known as Z5, will measure real-world knowledge and skills of the wheel and tire professionals who install custom applications on passenger cars and light-duty trucks.

TBC Reports Record Fourth Quarter and Year-End Results

TBC Corp., one of the nation’s leading marketers of automotive replacement tires, reported record sales and earnings for the fourth quarter and year, which ended December 31, 2003. Net sales in the fourth quarter increased 33.5 percent to $370.7 million, compared to $277.8 million in the prior-year period. Same store sales for TBC’s retail segment increased 4.5 percent in the fourth quarter. TBC’s total unit tire sales increased 10.7 percent in the fourth quarter, compared to a 2.2 percent increase in unit shipments by tire manufacturers based on preliminary reports.

Dura Loss Shrinks

Dura Automotive Systems Inc., which makes automotive parking brakes and seating controls, said its fourth-quarter loss narrowed to $2.86 million, helped by currency exchange rates and acquisitions. Dura’s net loss narrowed to 15 cents a share from a loss of $90.7 million, or $4.97, a year earlier. Sales rose 8.8 percent to $627.2 million from $576.5 million, the Rochester Hills-based company said.

General Parts to Offer AutoComLink Suite of Software Products

Automotive replacement parts distributor General Parts Inc. has announced a merger with Automotive Communications Link Inc., a provider of business management software for automotive repair professionals. Automotive Communications Link does business under the name “AutoComLink.” Through the merger, General Parts will offer AutoComLink products, which includes an Internet-based auto parts ordering application (EZ2LINK), a repair estimator system (EZ2Estimate) and a business and inventory management system for automotive repair facilities (POWERLINK).

Clemson Nabs Top Leader For Auto Project

The new director of Clemson’s automotive research center drives a minivan, but Robert Geolas does not recall how many pistons it packs. Geolas, a North Carolina State grad, said his Honda CRV was built in 1991. Or was that 1992? His wife once told him he did not have enough automotive experience to change a tire. “I hope they didn’t hire me to be an automotive expert,” Geolas said. But Geolas said there are plenty at Clemson. He said the university has automotive engineering talent and the vision to build a graduate program designed to attract research and higher-paying jobs to South Carolina.