Reports Suggest Major Overhaul in Racing Tire Battles
Could there be a major tire shakeup brewing in the world’s two most popular auto racing series? The Jan. 28 Winston-Salem Journal reported that NASCAR may be considering a “major change in its tire supplier contract.” Goodyear has long been the primary sponsor for all NASCAR Nextel Cup events. The newspaper suggested that Michelin “is rumored to be in line for the exclusive deal in the next year or two.”
The Top Ten Newsmakers of 2004
For the first time ever, Counterman magazine and aftermarketNews.com bring you The Top 10 Newsmakers of the Year. Our editorial team took a look at some of this industry’s most influential leaders and selected the 10 we believe have had a direct impact on the success of the aftermarket in 2004. Beyond that, we believe these individuals have helped set the stage for an even more productive future for our industry.
BFNAT’s Dueler H/L Alenza Receives Award at AAIW Show
Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire’s (BFNAT) Dueler H/L Alenza was awarded a Popular Mechanics Editor’s Choice Award at the 2004 Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) show in Las Vegas. Specifically, Popular Mechanics acknowledged BFNAT’s Ever-Black technology, which allows the Dueler H/L Alenza to stay black, even as it ages. The Dueler H/L Alenza is targeted at luxury SUVs.
BFNAT, BFCA Both Announce Price Increases
Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT) and Bridgestone/Firestone Canada Inc. (BFCA) have jointly announced price increases on both companies’ tire lines. The increases – affecting replacement, OE and export channels – will be effective Jan. 1. More specifically, prices will increase up to 5 percent on passenger and light truck tires, up to 7 percent on truck and bus tires and up to 10 percent or more on agricultural and OTR tires. The January price increases affect Bridgestone, Firestone and Dayton brands as well as associate and private brand tires.
Fine-tuning the Midas Touch
Alan Feldman, president and CEO of Midas Inc., may not share the ability of his company’s fabled literary counterpart, King Midas, to turn whatever he touches to gold, but much of what Feldman has touched in his 21-month tenure at the automotive aftermarket giant has had a golden effect on the company.
Car Care Council Women’s Board Announces Winners of the Automotive Communications Awards
The Car Care Council Women’s Board (WB) has announced the winners of the new Automotive Communications Awards (ACA). The awards were presented during the Women’s Board reception on Tuesday, Nov. 2 in Las Vegas, during AAPEX. The Automotive Communications Awards recognize companies/agencies that provide automotive information through outstanding advertising, marketing and PR efforts. The business-to-consumer awards have 14 categories for entry targeted to women, including car care clinics and direct mail piece or campaign/newsletter. The business-to-business awards consist of 21 categories with such options as logo design and special promotions and promotional events/trade show.
Midas Reports Third Quarter Results; Announces Plans to Exit Exhaust Manufacturing Business
Midas has reported net income of $2.1 million, or 13 cents per diluted share, for the third quarter, which ended on Oct. 2. This the company’s second consecutive quarter of positive net results.
Appeals Court Sends Bridgestone Shareholder Lawsuit to Lower Court
The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati has ruled that a shareholder lawsuit against Bridgestone Corp. can move forward.
Bridgestone Americas’ Announces Senior Management Changes
Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BSAH) today announced that Yuji Tomiyasu, vice chairman and president of BSAH and Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT), has returned to Japan due to ill health. Following his recovery, he will accept an assignment at Bridgestone Corp. in Tokyo. As of January 1, 2005, Tomiyasu will be succeeded as vice chairman and president of BSAH and BFNT, by Asahiko “Duke” Nishiyama, who currently serves director Americas and Europe Operations, Bridgestone Corp., the parent company of BSAH.
RMA Appoints New Chairmen of the Board; Hires New General Counsel
The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) has elected new chairmen for fiscal years 2005 and 2006. Thomas Dattilo, chairman, president and CEO of Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., has been elected chairman of the board of directors of the RMA for 2005. Mark Emkes, chairman and CEO of Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc. and Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT), will serve as chairman in 2006. In other news from the RMA, Laurie Baulig has been hired as general counsel and senior vice president of regulatory affairs for the association.