Toyo Appoints New Executive Director, Marketing
Toyo Tire USA Corp. has named Steve Hutchinson as its new executive director of marketing. Hutchinson replaces Travis Roffler, who has accepted the position of marketing director for Continental Tire North America (CTNA).
Jeff Simmons to Drive for Team Ethanol in Place of the Late Paul Dana
The ethanol legacy will live on with the Indy Racing League (IRL). Rahal Letterman Racing, one of the leading open-wheel race teams in North America, announced yesterday the selection of Jeff Simmons as the driver for the No. 17 Team Ethanol Honda/Panoz/Firestone car. Simmons will replace Paul Dana who died in a practice accident March 26.
Dayco’s Dennis Welvaert to Discuss Benefits of e-Business Implementation at GAAS
Dennis Welvaert, president of the North American Aftermarket Division at Dayco Products LLC, will talk about the ways his company has benefited from successful e-business implementation on Wednesday, May 17, at the 11th annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS). GAAS 2006 is set for Wednesday and Thursday, May 17-18, at the Hyatt Regency, Dearborn, MI.
IRL Driver Carpenter Released from Hospital, Memorial for Paul Dana to Be Held March 30
IRL IndyCar Series driver Ed Carpenter, the other driver involved in the fatal accident that killed driver Paul Dana over the weekend, has been released from Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. Carpenter, driver of the No. 20 Vision Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone, is in good condition with a bruised lung following the March 26 incident during the final warm-up session prior to the Toyota Indy 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Carpenter has not been cleared to drive in Sunday’s Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (FL).
MNA, CTNA Latest to Recommend Tire Age Limit
Michelin North America (MNA) and Continental Tire North America (CTNA) are the latest tiremakers to issue technical bulletins to dealers calling for the replacement of tires 10 years or older.
Bridgestone Reports a 58 Percent Jump in Net Income; BFNAT Posts Profit
Bridgestone Corp., the parent company of Bridgestone Americas Holding (BAH), announced that its worldwide net income for fiscal year 2005 increased 58 percent, to $1.53 billion, on sales of $22.8 billion. It was an 11 percent increase over the prior year, said Bridgestone. Operating income rose 8 percent to $1.81 billion.
Michael, Marco Andretti to Drive in 2006 Indy 500
Not one, but two Andrettis, will be back in the driver’s seat in the Indianapolis 500 this May. Indy legend Michael Andretti and his son Marco have announced they will compete in the 90th Indianapolis 500 on May 28, 2006, as teammates with Andretti Green Racing (AGR). Marco Andretti also will drive for AGR in the entire 2006 IndyCar Series season.
BFNAT Writes $240 Million Check to Settle With Ford
Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT) has reached a settlement agreement with Ford Motor Co. on “outstanding financial issues” tied to BFNAT’s August 2000 Firestone Wilderness tire recall and Ford’s subsequent May 2001 tire replacement program.
Mark Emkes Named RMA Chairman of the Board
The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) has elected Mark Emkes as chairman of the board of directors. Emkes is chairman and CEO of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. and chairman and CEO of Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC.
New York Tire Dealers Celebrate 85th Anniversary, Honor Bridgestone’s Emkes
Mark A. Emkes, CEO of Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT), will be honored on Sept. 17 in conjunction with the 85th anniversary of the New York Tire Dealers Association (NYTDA), the organization announced.