Bosch Expands Corporate Affairs VP Position
Bosch Group has announced the expansion of Sylvia Vogt’s current position — vice president, corporate affairs for North America — to include corporate affairs activities for South America. In this new role, Vogt is responsible for strategic planning and regional reporting, select cross-divisional and cross-regional projects, communications and public image management for the Americas region. She also will maintain her current responsibilities for communications activities, government and community relations and charitable contributions in North America.
Dan Daniel Talks about the Future of ArvinMeritor’s LVA Business
Dan Daniel, president of ArvinMeritor’s Light Vehicle Aftermarket (LVA) division, shared his predictions and plans for the future of ArvinMeritor’s LVA unit during an exclusive presentation on May 11 to Babcox editors and media representatives. ArvinMeritor is an $8 billion dollar company, with $850 million in annual sales at its Light Vehicle Aftermarket division, which Daniel leads. Two-thirds of the company’s business is in North America.
Society of Automotive Engineers Establishes New SAE Alabama Section
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has formally approved the formation of its first new section in 12 years — the SAE Alabama Section.
Herman Trend Alert: Virtual Schools
A recent survey of 447 high schools and 345 school districts revealed that 50 percent of high schools in the U.S. currently offer online courses or are exploring future implementation of this learning technology. More than 40 percent of all public high schools are already using online courses or plan to start using them during this current school year. A curriculum for grade school children, particularly those being home-schooled, is spreading, too, but at a much slower rate.
Keith Kreft Awarded ETI Founder’s Award
Keith Kreft of Cupertino, Calif., was presented the Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI) Founder’s Award at the association’s recent board meeting. The Founder’s Award honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and support of the Institute. It is ETI’s highest honor. Kreft is the 14th recipient of the award since it was established in 1985.
Delphi Steering Names New Finance Director
Delphi Corp. has named David Knill the new finance director for Delphi Steering, headquartered in Saginaw, Mich. In this new assignment, Knill joins the division’s executive staff and reports to Robert Remenar, Delphi vice president and president of Delphi Steering.Knill succeeds Doug Gruber, who was recently named business line executive for electrical/electronic distribution systems at Delphi Packard.
Retooling a Pool of Talent: Michigan Reaches Out from Brawn to Brains
Diego Rivera’s famous mural of Detroit’s industry depicts big, muscular men pulling on steel and manipulating heavy machines as they mold new cars. But if Rivera were here today, how would he see the city? Probably not muscling steel girders around. He’d see MBAs and computer geeks creating the modern automotive world in front of their computers.
Executive Interview with Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of AAIA
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Schmatz became president and CEO of AAIA on Jan. 1, 2004. She had served as executive vice president of the association since January 2002. In addition to filling us in on her first few months at her new post, Schmatz shared with aftermarketNews.com updates on AAIA’s merger with AWDA, Right to Repair legislation and the Be Car Care Award Campaign.
Prominent ASA Leader Passes Away
Allen Richey, former CEO of the Automotive Service Association (ASA), passed away early Wednesday morning, April 21. He began his association career as editor of the 11-member Independent Garagemen’s Association (IGA) of Texas’ monthly magazine. As his responsibilities with IGA grew, he worked to provide training and education to association members. His vision for offering training and education to the automotive repair and service industry was realized in the formation of the Automotive Management Institute (AMI). As a result of his lifelong devotion and commitment to the industry, Richey was instrumental in the successful merger of two renowned automotive associations, the Automotive Service Council and the Independent Automotive Service Association, to form what is now ASA.
Executive Interview with Rex Falkenrath, Founder and CEO of Hi-Tech Engine Components
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Rex Falkenrath, founder and CEO of Hi-Tech Engine Components. Falkenrath founded Hi-Tech in August of 1973. With more than 31 years in business, Hi-Tech Engine Components has developed a full line of engine parts and kits sold nationally through parts store chains and program distribution groups. Join us as we learn more about Hi-Tech Engine Components and the engine parts market.