DST Asks: Are Some Business Processes in Our Industry Flawed?
When the question is “Why do we do it that way?” and the only answer is “Because that’s how we’ve always done it,” red flags should be going up all over the place in the minds of management. Technology can greatly enhance business processes. But do you think some business processes in our industry are fundamentally flawed?
Much of Coastal U.S. May Follow California on Car Emissions
California’s plan for sharp cuts in automotive emissions of global warming gases could eventually lead much of the coastal United States to turn to vehicles that are substantially cleaner, and by extension more fuel efficient, than those in the rest of the nation.
Dealership Parts & Service Takes Aim at the Aftermarket
Would you sell parts to your competitor? In all probability, you already do. While your driver delivers aftermarket parts through the OE dealership service department’s front door, OE parts are going out that same dealership’s backdoor to your best installer customers.
WIX Filters First Supplier to Become PIES Certified
WIX Filters has become the first aftermarket supplier to receive certification under the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association’s (AAIA) Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES). PIES was developed by a subcommittee of AAIA’s technology group following a 2002 product data study conducted by AAIA that found aftermarket product data was inaccurate and incomplete. The study revealed that data errors were costing the aftermarket $1.7 billion annually.
Mitchell 1 Adds Two to Management Team
Mitchell 1 recently added two new staffers to its management team. Maribel Arango Topf has joined the company as customer retention manager and Chris Arden Krimple has been named associate product manager.
Leadership for Change — Aligning Resources and Setting Expectations
In this series on change leadership, we’ve talked so far about creating a vision, identifying key initiatives, and limiting active initiatives to a manageable number. Another critical task for leadership is to make sure that functional departments are aligned with active initiatives.
Police Raid Home of Ex-Mitsubishi Head
Police on Monday raided the home of the former president of Mitsubishi Motors Corp., who was arrested last week on suspicion of hiding auto defects. Police on Monday raided the home of the former president of Mitsubishi Motors Corp., who was arrested last week on suspicion of hiding auto defects.
Top Tire Industry Performers for 2003
Nokian Tyres, Hankook and Bandag were the tire industry’s top performers in 2003 in terms of earnings as a percentage of sales, while Goodyear, Titan International, Bridgestone Americas Holding and Alliance Tire anchored the bottom of the list.
Auto Components Supplier Set to Quadruple China Sales
World-leading automotive parts and components supplier Robert Bosch GmbH plans to cash in on China’s fast-growing auto sector by quadrupling its sales in the nation by 2012. The company plans to lift its sales to $6 billion by 2012 from last year’s $1.56 billion.
Behr America Expands Production at Dayton, Ohio, Facility
Behr America has completed the first phase of a multi-million-dollar expansion plan in Dayton, Ohio, which has the company taking full ownership of Behr Dayton Thermal Products. Previously, Behr Dayton Thermal Products was co-owned by Behr America and DaimlerChrysler Corp., a joint venture that lasted two years. Behr America, a subsidiary of German company Behr GmbH & Co. KG, supplies engine-cooling and air-conditioning systems to the automotive industry.