Apparently now resigned that a takeover is inevitable, Continental AG is trying to steer matters in a more amicable fashion. Continental submitted a draft agreement to Schaeffler Group, listing three key points that it wants included in any deal. First, Schaeffler would have to improve its offer, second it wants guarantees that no employees would be fired and finally that Schaeffler would make repayments on Continental’s outstanding loans.

Delphi Corp. will lay off approximately 600 salaried employees in its electronics and safety division, according to a report from the Associated Press. The division, which has 3,200 salaried workers in the U.S., will lay off employees as part of a cost-cutting plan that will reduce costs by 25 percent, the report said.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, a trade association comprised of car and light truck manufacturers including BMW Group, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota and Volkswagen, have launched a nationwide effort to save consumers money at the gas pump, reduce fuel use and cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The initiative, called EcoDriving, is also being supported by the Environmental Defense Fund. By following a set of what the Alliance calls “subtle and easy-to-use” best practices for driving and vehicle maintenance, a typical EcoDriver can improve mileage by about 15 percent.

The International Trade Commission (ITC) affirmed a previous ruling by the Commerce Department, voting 5-1 to place anti-dumping and countervailing duties on certain TR tires imported from China. It was the final step in a year-long investigation by the U.S. into complaints filed by Titan International and the United Steelworkers. The final duty and penalty amounts will be posted by the Commerce Department later this year but are expected to follow its previous schedule.

Advance Auto Parts has appointed Derek Ramsey as vice president, human resources. Ramsey will be responsible for leading Store Support Center Human Resources initiatives that will help Advance recruit and grow its team. He will report to Keith Oreson, senior vice president, human resources. Prior to joining Advance, Ramsey worked for Target Corp. since 1999 where he held multiple positions with increasing responsibility.

Brent Windom, vice president of marketing and product management for Uni-Select USA, will present his company's technology strategies during a "Customer Spotlight" at the 2008 MIS Council Fall Conference Tuesday, Oct. 14, in Marco Island, Fla. Windom will discuss Uni-Select's technology environment, current e-commerce projects and future technology initiatives, especially in light of Uni-Select's recent acquisitions of Parts Depot and Beck/Arnley.