Executive Interview with Wolfgang Winzer, Vice President and General Manager of Siemens VDO Automotive Corp. Service & Special Solutions, North America
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Wolfgang Winzer, vice president and general manager of Siemens VDO Automotive Corp. Service & Special Solutions, North America. Winzer recently talked with aftermarketNews.com about the company’s extensive history in the OE market and how this will help them build a stronger aftermarket segment. He shared some of the company’s goals for its aftermarket business in the coming years.
Auto Executives Don’t See Big Profit Rise Until 2006, KPMG Study Reveals
The global automotive industry is not expected to return to peak profitability levels until at least 2006, according to the results of an annual global survey by KPMG, an audit, tax and advisory firm. However, automotive executives indicate the worst is behind them, citing 2003 as the worst year for profits in the half-decade, KPMG said. KPMG’s fifth annual survey, conducted in October and November 2003, polled 100 American, Asian and European automotive executives from 19 automakers and from 49 Tier 1 and 32 Tier 2 suppliers.
Tier One Auto Supplier Microheat Restructures Management Team
Microheat, a Tier One automotive supplier and manufacturer of HotShot, a windshield snow and ice removal product set to debut on a wide range of 2006 vehicles, has restructured its management team. Solomon Franco, who founded the firm in 1998, stepped down as CEO and president on January 1. Peter Neustadter, one of the initial investors in Microheat, will serve as interim CEO and board chairman until the company recruits a permanent CEO. Neustadter said he expects the new CEO will be in place by April.
Car Capital Becomes Fat Capital
For decades, Detroit, Mich., has been the epicenter of the automotive industry. Now, the city will be known by another moniker as well. Detroit has been named the fattest city in the U.S., according to Men’s Fitness magazine. Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick said he blames cars — the city’s bread and butter — for the newfound round status.
NACE Announces Dates and Location for 2004 Event
The 2004 International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) will take place during the same week as Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) in Las Vegas. NACE will be held Nov. 3-6, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, in Las Vegas. NACE is the world’s collision repair event and draws an attendance of more than 30,000 from around the globe. It features more than 60 educational sessions and an exposition with approximately 500 exhibiting companies. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) sponsors NACE.
Superior Industries Announces Board Resignation
Aluminum wheels and automotive components supplier, Superior Industries International announced that Rudolph (Rudy) Schlais, Jr. has resigned from the company’s board of directors. The company cited personal reasons for Schlais’ resignation. He was elected to Superior’s Board in March 2003.
Kathleen Schmatz Takes Over as President and CEO of AAIA
Jan. 1 marked the first day of Kathleen Schmatz’ new role as president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), a trade association representing more than 2,700 companies that manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials, supplies and services. Schmatz, who has served as AAIA’s executive vice president since January 2002, takes over the role from Al Gaspar, who retired at the end of 2003 after 30 years in the aftermarket industry. Gaspar is president emeritus and will serve as a consultant to the association.
Metaldyne Completes Purchase of New Castle Machining and Forge
The transfer of full ownership of New Castle Machining and Forge to Metaldyne Corp. is now complete. Since January 2003, the New Castle operation has been managed as a joint venture between Metaldyne and DaimlerChrysler. The transfer of ownership represents Metaldyne’s final step in the acquisition of New Castle Machining and Forge, according to Thomas Amato, Metaldyne’s vice president of corporate development.
Most Influential Women in Collision Repair for 2003 Honored
Akzo Nobel took time last month to honor five exceptional women from the collision repair industry. The five women were recognized as the 2003 Most Influential Women in the Collision Repair Industry, an award Akzo Nobel has been presenting for five years. The 2003 Most Influential Women are as follows: Bertha Bertrand, co-manager, Brian Cullen Body Shop, St. Catharines, Ontario; Teresa Bolton, collision repair/refinishing specialist, ASE, Leesburg, Va.; Georgina Carson, editor, BodyShop Business magazine, Akron, Ohio; Karen Fierst, president, KerenOr Consultants, Silver Spring, Md.; and Eileen Haberman, vice president and co-owner, Glen’s Auto Body, Waukesha, Wis.