SEMA Urges Federal Government to Withdraw Rule Banning Enhanced Replacement Headlamps
SEMA has filed a petition for reconsideration urging the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to withdraw its final interpretation of the federal lighting rule that effectively bans previously legal headlamp replacement systems. Under NHTSA’s new policy, which took effect in October, replacement headlamps must comply with all applicable photometry requirements using the same light source as the OEM equipment. For example, the rule would now prohibit replacing a halogen-based system with high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps that otherwise meet all requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108.
Two Guys Garage Hosts Special from PRI Show
The stars of Two Guys Garage, hosts Sam Memmolo, Dave Bowman and Dave McBride, will roar into Indy on Dec. 9th to host an on-site special from the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show. The one-hour BSR/Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Special will air four times on SPEED Channel in January. BSR Products is the show’s title sponsor.
Auto Racing: Young Engineers Get Tips on Job Hunting
When Doug Smith wants to hire an automotive engineer, his first question to the candidate often is, “Where do you get your oil changed?” If the person says around the corner at some quickie outlet, Smith might seriously think about crossing that person off the list. If the person says around the corner at some quickie outlet, Smith might seriously think about crossing that person off the list.
Cooper-Standard Deal Cleared with Union Agreement
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. today reached an agreement with the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) clearing the way for Cooper’s planned sale of its Cooper-Standard Automotive division for $1.165 billion to an entity created by The Cypress Group and Goldman Sachs Capital Partners.
Executive Interview: Affinia President Terry McCormack Discusses the Future
Yesterday it was announced that Dana Corp. had completed the sale of the Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group (AAG) to Cypress Group, a New York-based buyout firm. The new company, renamed Affinia, will be lead by Terry McCormack, an aftermarket veteran of more than 30 years. McCormack spent three decades in positions of increasing responsibility at Dana, and was named president of Dana AAG in 2000. Join us as McCormick describes to us his visions for the future of Affinia and reflects back on AAG’s time under the Dana organization.
Need for Auto Technicians Fuels New SMCC Program
The two-year automotive degree program at Southern Maine Technical College seemed beyond repair in 2002, when school administrators suspended it. Automotive instructors at the South Portland college were retiring. Most high schools had better equipment than the gear at SMTC, and the college faced budget constraints.
Ripplewood Buys Auto Parts Co. from Carlyle Group
Private equity group Ripplewood Holdings said it has bought Luxembourg-based Honsel International Technologies, which makes various transmission, engine, suspension and body components, from The Carlyle Group. Terms weren’t disclosed. Last year, Ripplewood acquired a majority stake in Asahi Tec Corporation, headquartered in Japan, which also manufactures casting auto parts and aluminum wheels.
Sale of Dana’s Automotive Aftermarket Businesses Officially Complete
Dana Corp. yesterday announced the completion of the sale of its automotive aftermarket businesses to Affinia Group Inc., an affiliate of The Cypress Group. Cypress Group acquired Dana’s aftermarket business for approximately $1 billion, including roughly $950 million in cash and a seller’s note with a face value of $74.5 million.
Finch, Hefferon Promoted at Cooper Standard Automotive
Scott Finch and Timothy Hefferon have been appointed vice presidents at Cooper Standard Automotive Inc.’s Novi, Mich., world headquarters. Finch has been appointed vice president and treasurer. In his new assignment, he will direct the management of the Global Treasury operations unit, including cash management, debt funding, Foreign Exchange and risk management. He will report to CFO Allen Campbell. Hefferon has been appointed as vice president general counsel. In his new role, he will be responsible for all legal affairs globally for Cooper Standard Automotive, Inc. and will report directly to CEO James McElya.
TBC Adds to Senior Management Team
TBC Corp. hired former Michelin North America marketing executive Erik Olsen to the newly created position of senior vice president and chief marketing officer. In that capacity, Olsen, 41, will oversee TBC’s various brands, with “immediate focus” on its retail operations including Big O, Tire Kingdom, Merchants Tire and NTB.
ArvinMeritor Launches New Trailer Suspension for Mexican and Vocational Markets
ArvinMeritor, in conjunction with Expo Transporte, has introduced a new trailer suspension specifically designed for use in Mexico and vocational applications in the U.S. and Canada. The RideStar RFS30T builds on current RFS Series suspension technology and adds features to offer more durability to handle the heavier duty loads associated with this segment.
New Packaging for Bar’s Leaks Original Radiator Stop Leak
While the original pelletized formula remains unchanged, the packaging of Bar’s Leaks Radiator Stop Leak been updated to include more information in an easy-to-read format designed to get noticed.