Continuing with the restructuring initiatives Meritor first announced this past November, the company earlier this week announced plans to report results under two segments going forward: Commercial Truck & Industrial and Aftermarket & Trailer. In conjunction, the company appointed a number of executives to new positions under the two operational segments. To read more about those appointments, click here.
In other top news this week, Denso Corp. announced plans to invest nearly $1 billion in North America over the next four years. Funds will be put toward research and development, an expansion in existing production lines, the creation of new production lines and the opening a new assembly and warehouse facility to support the company’s heavy-duty customers. The investment is projected to create more than 2,000 new jobs.
Heavy-duty truck and trailer parts supplier FleetPride has named a new CEO. The company tapped Kevin Peters to succeed Woody McGee, who will remain on the board of directors. Peters comes to FleetPride from Office Depot, where he served as president, North America since 2007. Other prior experience includes time spent serving as senior vice president, merchandising and supply chain, at W.W. Grainger Inc. Before that, he was with The Home Depot for 11 years, where he served as vice president and general manager, Home Depot Commercial Direct, the wholesale division for Home Depot Canada.
Opponents of E15 ethanol blended fuel suffered a blow this week when the petition for rehearing was denied in the case of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to allow gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol to be sold into the general fuel supply for use in some motor vehicles and engines. Opponents of the measure, including American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, cite research that shows E15 causes engine damage to passenger vehicles, boats and outdoor power equipment, including chainsaws and lawnmowers, when used improperly.
Last in our recap of the week’s top news, AMN readers wanted to get a closer look at NASCAR legend Ray Evernham’s first foray into vehicle design. At the SEMA Show this past fall, Evernham unveiled a street-legal 1964 Plymouth Belvedere that combines old school American style with modern NASCAR racing technology. On Saturday, Jan. 19, Evernham will present the car, named "ForPly" as a featured vehicle at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auction. The ForPly is listed in lot No. 1394 and is offered with no reserve. The auction will be featured live on SPEED Channel. Proceeds from the auction of the vehicle will benefit the IGNITE philanthropic organization.
