Deloitte Survey Shows U.S. Auto Industry Will Continue on the Road to Recovery with Gen Y ‘Firmly in the Driver’s Seat’
Strong cross-generational differences in opinion emerge surrounding shopping experiences and technology, Deloitte’s Automotive Practice reports.
Bob Osborne Wins Federal-Mogul’s NASCAR MOOG ‘Problem Solver of the Year’ Award
Osborne finished the 2008 season with six weekly MOOG “Problem Solver of the Race” Awards, including consecutive wins in the season’s final two races.
Joe Gibbs Driven Introduces New Hot Rod Oil Created from NASCAR Technology
Since it was first launched in 2004, Joe Gibbs Driven, the automotive aftermarket division of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), has created a number of top oil products for racing. A little over three years later, Joe Gibbs Driven has again expanded its motorsports reach with the launch of Joe Gibbs Driven Hot Rod Oil.
Ford, ACH and Neapco Drivelines Sign Final Agreements for Sale of Automotive Components Holdings’ Driveshaft Business
Ford Motor Company, Automotive Components Holdings (ACH) and Neapco Drivelines have signed definitive agreements for the sale of the ACH driveshaft business currently located in the ACH Monroe (MI) Plant. This announcement follows the recent UAW ratification of the collective bargaining agreement negotiated with Neapco. Neapco is opening a 345,000 square foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Van Buren Township, MI. Approximately 300 salaried and hourly employees from the Monroe Plan and associated technical and support staffs are being offered positions at the new facility.
Siemens VDO Completes Acquisition of Ballard Systems’ Electric Drive Business
Siemens VDO Automotive has completed its acquisition of Ballard Power Systems Inc.’s Electric Drive Business located in Dearborn, MI, solidifying the company’s long term commitment to the hybrid electric vehicle market and further electrification of the powertrain. The Ballard Power System Corp. Dearborn-based employees will join Siemens VDO’s Powertrain Electronics and Drivetrain division. The Dearborn location will serve as the organization’s North American center of expertise for the advancement of power electronics, motor design and electrical drive systems for hybrid and fuel cell applications.
Siemens VDO to Acquire Ballard Power Systems’ Electric Drive Business
Siemens VDO Automotive Corp. has signed an agreement to acquire Ballard Power Systems Inc.’s Electric Drive Business located in Dearborn, MI. Ballard Power Systems Corp., a subsidiary of Ballard Power Systems Inc., develops and manufactures electric drive technology for fuel cell vehicles. Pending final approvals, the acquisition is projected to be completed in early 2007 and will include Ballard Power Systems Corp.’s research, development and manufacturing operations in Dearborn, impacting approximately 80 highly specialized personnel.
OBITUARY: Former Indy 500 Driver Len Sutton, 81
INDIANAPOLIS – Len Sutton, one of open-wheel racing’s most respected drivers and the runner-up in the 1962 Indianapolis 500, passed away on Dec. 4 at the age of 81. A lifelong resident of Portland, OR, Sutton had been battling ill health for some time but had been participating in vintage-car race meets until very recently.
Race-Car Driver, Businessman Steve Carbone, 61, Dies
Steve Carbone, a world-champion race car driver and owner of Steve Carbone Racing Engines in Tulsa, OK, died earlier this week. He was 61. Carbone was born March 17, 1944, to Bette and Paul Carbone in Bell, CA, and attended Downey High School in California.
Radiator.com’s Marketing Drives Sales
A California company has found gold under the hood of America’s older vehicles – with a little help from Visteon Corp. In a little more than a decade, Radiator.com/1-800-Radiator has grown from a $2.5 million local business into a $60 million company with 34 locations nationwide.
Cars Could Soon Be Able To Deliver Themselves
The Swedish research project “Born to Drive” was developed by Semcon in collaboration with seven other companies, and a prototype is already up and running.
