Forbes Automotive Reporters Forecast Industry Trends for 2004
Automotive industry reporters from Forbes magazine will discuss the industry outlook and trends for 2004 with automotive public relations professionals on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at Dana Corp. headquarters in Farmington Hills, Mich. Presented by the Automotive Public Relations Council (APRC), the panel discussion will be moderated by Gary Corrigan, vice president of Dana corporate communications and chairman of APRC, and will feature Jonathan Fahey and Joann Muller of Forbes. Forbes is one of the country’s leading business magazines, reaching 4.4 million readers.
Cooperation Urged in Auto Costs Fight
As a former Ford Motor Co. executive, Kathleen Ligocki knows about the carmakers’ mission to slash supplier prices. But in order to survive long-term, automakers must work with suppliers to take out the waste, said Ligocki, now chief executive of Tower Automotive. Speaking on an Automotive News World Congress panel Monday in Dearborn, Mich., Ligocki, a former vice president for Ford customer services, called for a collaborative effort between suppliers and carmakers to improve both sides’ bottom lines.
Automotive Products is Sold
German brake and clutch manufacturer FTE Automotive GmbH said Monday it bought Auburn Hills, Mich., auto clutch systems maker Automotive Products Inc. for an undisclosed price. The deal makes Ebern, Germany-based FTE a major player in clutch products with worldwide sales of $462 million.
SEMA Show 2004 Space Selection Begins in February
Online space selection for the SEMA Show 2004 will begin the week of Feb. 9. The trade show is scheduled to take place Nov. 2 through Nov. 5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The online selection for exhibit location will be made according to a company’s seniority as SEMA Show exhibitor, and their membership in SEMA and/or the Tire Industry Association (TIA).
Intermet to Close Havana, Ill., Foundry
Intermet Corp. intends to close its foundry in Havana, Ill., during the second quarter of this year. The company said the closure is necessary to rationalize excess production capacity and reduce costs. The facility, which manufactures ductile-iron castings for the automotive industry, currently employs 205 people, including hourly and salaried staff. The company will consolidate the plant’s equipment and products into other existing Intermet foundries.
TIA Consolidates, Maryland Office Becomes New HQ
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) will consolidate all of its offices in Bowie, Md., as of Feb. 1. TIA’s operations in Kentucky will be relocated and the building will be put up for sale. TIA said this decision comes after months of in-depth analysis into the cost-effectiveness of operating two offices in different states. Two members of the Louisville staff, Senior Vice President of Education and Technical Services Kevin Rohlwing and Director of Training Chris Marnett, will be moving to the Maryland office.
AAPEX Space Drawing Applications are Due Jan. 14
Wednesday, Jan. 14 is the deadline to receive an exhibit space application to participate in the AAPEX 2004 Online Exhibitor Space Drawing. AAPEX 2004 will take place Nov. 2 through Nov. 5 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas. More than 1,900 exhibitors will participate in AAPEX.
AWDA Segment Liaison Candidates Under Review
AAIA is in the process of reviewing candidates to join the professional team at AAIA headquarters and serve as liaison to the new Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) segment. AWDA officially became a segment of AAIA on Jan. 1. Individuals interested in learning more about the position, which will be based at the AAIA national headquarters in Bethesda, Md., should contact Kathleen Schmatz at 301-654-6664 or [email protected].
Car Care Council Reports Increased Web Site Usage, Women’s Board Membership Up
In 2003, usage of the Car Care Council’s Car Care Newspaper Supplement (CCNS) Web site grew dramatically, the council said. The growth coincides with the first year of the Car Care Council’s “Be Car Care Aware” consumer-education campaign. In addition to the news of increased usage of Car Care Council materials, the Car Care Council Women’s Board’s announced that its membership more than doubled in 2003, setting a record high number.
Borruso to Chair Motor Vehicle Lighting Council
Joe Borruso, president and CEO of Hella North America in Plymouth, Mich., has been elected chairman of the Motor Vehicle Lighting Council (MVLC). Joe Borruso, president and CEO of Hella North America in Plymouth, Mich., has been elected chairman of the Motor Vehicle Lighting Council (MVLC).