Executive Interview: John Lampe, chairman, president and CEO of Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding
Two years ago on August 9, Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. — and the whole tire industry — changed for all time. John Lampe has been in the middle of the entire saga from day one. More importantly, as chairman, president and CEO of what is now Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding (BFAH) and the head of Bridgestone/Firestone North America Tire, the Kansas native has led the once-beleaguered company back from the brink.
Delphi Plans More Job Cuts
Delphi Corp. said Friday it plans to cut 8,500 jobs, or 4.6 percent of its workforce, worldwide next year as part of an ongoing restructuring. The world’s largest automotive-parts supplier also expects to lose $350 million as it struggles with lower vehicle production and rising commodity prices. The Troy, Mich.-based company had a similar goal for global job reductions in 2004 and exceeded it through attrition, retirements and job transfers. In the first nine months of 2004, Delphi trimmed between 9,100 and 9,200 jobs, spokeswoman Claudia Baucus said.
Alcoa Combines its Two Wheel Operations
Alcoa has combined its two wheel operations into one business unit – Alcoa Wheel Products (AWP) – and has named Kevin Kramer to head the new group. Combining Alcoa’s Cast Auto Wheels and Alcoa Wheel and Forged Products units, AWP will produce and market both cast and forged passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, motorcycle and specialty wheels for both the OE and replacement markets.
Brand Protection Council January Session to Focus on China
The MEMA Brand Protection Council will focus on intellectual property rights (IPR) problems with Chinese manufacturers at its dinner on Thursday, Jan. 20, at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Mich. All members are encouraged to attend this two-day meeting, which concludes at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 21.
Time to Reserve Exhibit Space for 2005 SEMA Show
Manufacturers may now reserve exhibit space for the 2005 SEMA Show, which will take place Nov. 1-4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Exhibitor prospectuses have been mailed and may also be obtained by visiting the SEMA Show Web site. Exhibitors who return their Exhibit Space Rental Agreements along with a 10 percent deposit by Friday, Jan. 14, 2005, will be included in the online space drawing. The online space selection for SEMA Show 2005 will begin on March 15, 2005.
Rick Hendrick Receives NASCAR Buddy Shuman Award from Federal-Mogul Champion Spark Plug
Hendrick Motorsports Owner Rick Hendrick was presented the 2004 NASCAR/Champion Spark Plug Buddy Shuman Award in a ceremony in New York City last week. Presented by Champion annually since 1957, the Shuman Award recognizes an individual or group that has made a significant contribution to the growth of NASCAR Nextel Cup Series racing. Champion spark plugs are manufactured and marketed by Federal-Mogul Corp.
ThyssenKrupp to Sell Car Parts Unit to Electra Partners
German heavy industry giant ThyssenKrupp said Thursday its ThyssenKrupp Automotive division had sold a car parts unit, ThyssenKrupp Fahrzeugguss, to British private equity firm Electra Partners. Financial details were not disclosed, but the daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung put the price at some $198 million.
Retired UPS Exec Thomas Weidemeyer Elected to Goodyear Board
Retired UPS executive Thomas Weidemeyer has been elected to the board of directors for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. Weidemeyer was formerly senior vice president and COO of United Parcel Service and president of UPS Airlines. Weidemeyer’s UPS career has included a broad range of experiences both in the U.S. and abroad. Since 1990, Weidemeyer led a dramatic growth of UPS Airlines to the status of the 11th largest airline in the world. He was also instrumental in expanding the presence of the world’s largest package-delivery firm in Latin America and in the acquisition of Challenge Air Cargo.
Visteon Names Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
Visteon Corp. has appointed William Quigley III to the posts of vice president, corporate controller and chief accounting officer. As an elected corporate officer, Quigley will report to Jim Palmer, executive vice president and CFO.
Lear Eliminates Poison Pill
The board of directors at Lear Corp. has voted to amend its shareholder rights plan, commonly known as a poison pill. As a result of this amendment, the rights plan will automatically expire at the close of business on December 15. It was originally scheduled to expire in March 2010.
Consumer Auto Parts Joins IAPA
Independent Auto Parts of America (IAPA) recently announced that Milford, Mass.-based Consumer Auto Parts, has joined the group as its newest member. Established in 1973, Consumer Auto Parts serves more than 3,000 installers from its 22 company owned stores located in Massachusetts and Southern Vermont. The company, led by President Merrill Cohen, has a mix of customers that is 50/50 installer/retail. Annual consumer sales for the last fiscal year were $35 million.
SPX Top Executive John Blystone Retires; SPX Board Announces Senior Management Changes
Head of SPX Corp. John Blystone has retired and resigned from his positions as chairman, president and CEO. He has also given up his seat on the company’s board of directors. Blystone said he is stepping down to spend more time with his family.