Japan’s Nissan Motor, NEC to Set Up Lithim-ion Car Battery Joint Venture
From AFX News Limited TOKYO — Nissan Motor Co. and NEC Corp. will set up a 50-50 joint venture to develop and mass produce lithium-ion batteries for use in electric cars and gas-electric hybrid vehicles across the industry, the companies said. The joint venture, called Automotive Energy Supply Corp., will have initial capital of about
From Counterman.com: Can Retailers Win My Business?
During an exhibitors’ night held last November at the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) convention in Las Vegas, I was button-holed by a representative of a major auto parts retailer who was obviously trying to introduce his company to the independent service sector. Usually, exhibitors can be dissuaded by a mild expression of interest and a polite “thank you” — not in this case. I was led by the elbow to a game on the roulette wheel and immediately “won” a few promotional items with the logo of a well-known manufacturer emblazoned on both. Quite frankly, I was taken aback by the sight of this major auto parts retailer — well-known for catering to the DIY crowd by selling at rock-bottom prices and providing “free” diagnostic services — openly mingling in the midst of a convention filled with well-informed shop owners. Clearly, this retailer believes that there’s no inherent conflict of interest in competing for the business
Bosch Releases 2007 Catalog for Premium Fuel Pumps
Bosch has published the new 2006/2007 catalog (#2212151) to support the enhanced Bosch premium fuel pump program for domestic and import cars, light trucks and minivans. This 480-page catalog includes vehicle identification data, product information, warranty policy, list of applications, a buyer’s guide, cross reference and UPC cross. The 164-page buyer’s guide section is supported by black and white illustrations of a wide variety of fuel pump assemblies for most domestic and import vehicles along with filter kits, gaskets and more.
Johnson Controls-Saft Names Mary Ann Wright CEO
Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions has announced the appointment of Mary Ann Wright as its chief executive officer. Her appointment was effective March 1. Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions (JCS) is the joint venture between Johnson Controls, Inc. and France-based Saft Groupe SA, which is the exclusive entity by which the companies participate in the hybrid battery market. Wright will be responsible for accelerating the growth and executing the launch of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle battery programs with emphasis on state of the art technology, manufacturing and electronics integration.
Sales of Hybrid Cars Continue to Rise
From AFX News Limited DETROIT — U.S. sales of gas-electric hybrid vehicles rose 28 percent from 2005 to 2006, but the rate of growth is starting to slow, according to a company that analyzes automotive industry data. Consumers bought 254,545 hybrids last year as gasoline prices hit $3 per gallon or more for much of
Bosch Group 2006 Sales Grow 5 Percent
The Bosch Group announced that it reached its growth target for 2006, by achieving sales of $54.9 billion, a 5 percent increase over the previous year. Profit for the year was slightly down, with the pre-tax result at the lower end of the target corridor of between seven and eight percent of sales. The company said primary growth drivers were the Asia-Pacific region, the Consumer Goods and Building Technology business sector as well as the Industrial Technology business sector.
ACDelco Offers Training Incentives, New Classes for 2007
ACDelco has announced new training classes and incentives for 2007. Technicians who complete any of the four ACDelco training curriculum paths will receive a three-inch custom medallion noting they have completed the training and are now a specialist in that particular area. The four curriculum paths include brakes, engine performance, electrical and HVAC. In addition, service centers whose employees complete 10 ACDelco web-based training classes and six ACDelco instructor-led classes will receive a customized plaque.
PACCAR Announces New Manufacturing and Assembly Facility
BELLEVUE, WA — PACCAR has unveiled plans for a new $400 million powertrain manufacturing and assembly facility in the Southeast United States. The 400,000-square-foot facility strengthens PACCAR’s global manufacturing and assembly capability and positions the company to capitalize on growing opportunities in North America, Europe and Asia, according to Mark Pigott, chairman and chief executive
GM Plans High-Mileage Battery for SUVs
From AFX News Limited MILWAUKEE — General Motors Corp. has announced it would team up with two automotive and battery manufacturers to develop a lithium-ion battery that would let sport utility vehicles get 70 miles per gallon. GM currently produces the Saturn Vue Green Line, a hybrid SUV that gets 27 mpg in the city
Timken President Elected New SAE International VP of Automotive
Jacqueline "Jacqui" Dedo is the new vice president of Automotive for SAE International. The elected position is a three-year term and Dedo will be replacing Richard Schaum, who will serve as the 2007 SAE International President.