Research Firm Publishes Automotive Suppliers Benchmarking Yearbook
Research and Markets, an international market research provider, recently released “Automotive Suppliers: 2004 Global Best Practices Statistical Yearbook,” a report on automotive supplier benchmarking. The report provides automotive supplier benchmarking data enabling Tier 1-2-3 and aftermarket suppliers to pinpoint how they perform against industry best practices in areas such as cost control, quality, human resource management and R&D.
U.S. Steel Shares Rise on News of Shortages
Shares of U.S. Steel and other steel producers rallied yesterday after Japanese car maker Nissan disclosed steel shortages are causing a five-day production halt at three plants. The news encouraged views that steelmakers will continue benefiting from sharply higher prices caused by tight supply and surging demand in China.
NSA Named Preferred Supplier of New Starters and Alternators for IAPA
NSA Corp. has been approved by the Independent Auto Parts of America (IAPA), as its preferred supplier of new starters and alternators. NSA offers coverage of more than 95 percent of late-model domestic passenger applications and 90 percent of late-model Toyota, Honda, Isuzu, Suzuki, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Subaru and European passenger vehicles. The company also provides extensive coverage of leading commercial-truck applications.
Aftermarket to Address Controversial Issues at 2005 Legislative Summit
More than 200 aftermarket industry representatives from across the nation are gearing up to attend the 2005 Aftermarket Legislative Summit on March 1-2 in Washington, D.C., according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). The Legislative Summit gives representatives of the aftermarket the opportunity to provide policymakers withy the information they need to make educated and informed decisions about issues that impact the aftermarket.
Joseph Voda to Head Hella’s Aftermarket Electronics Division
Joseph Voda has been named national sales/product manager for electronics, at Hella Inc., Hella North America’s aftermarket group. A 24-year veteran of the aftermarket, Voda previously served as a product manager for emission-control systems at Dana’s Engine Management Division. He worked for more than 20 years at Echlin, and prior to joining Dana, was a product manager in the company’s Pacer Fuel/Emission Division. He joined Hella in January 2004.
Dana Launches Spicer SmartRide Line of Suspension and Axle Offerings
To help meet the growing demands of its OE and fleet customers, Dana Corp. has expanded its trailer suspension and axle offerings with the recent launch of the Spicer SmartRide family of suspension modules and systems.
Raybestos to Launch New Marketing Programs in 2005
Brake Parts Inc. has planned a year full of new marketing programs for 2005 for its Raybestos brand brake line. Plans include a variety of new promotions designed for professional installers, a continued commitment to motorsports and participation in the new Aftermarket Rewards program.
Goodyear to Sell Stake in Indonesian Rubber Plantation to Bridgestone
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is selling its Indonesian natural rubber plantation to Bridgestone Corp., it was announced this morning. Terms were not announced, and Goodyear said the sale would not interfere with its ability to source natural rubber for tire production.
Visteon Adds New Distributor in Asia Pacific and Africa
Visteon has established a new distributor relationship in the Asia-Pacific region and Africa. Digital Video Systems, Inc. has become the first aftermarket distributor of Visteon’s Dockable Family Entertainment System, covering Asia Pacific and Africa
NASCAR to Publish NASCAR Travel Planner with Mobil Travel Guide
NASCAR has teamed up with Mobil Travel Guide, a publisher of information for the road traveler, to produce a new travel planner for NASCAR fans. The first edition of this annual effort is scheduled to be released this month and will be titled Mobil Travel Guide: NASCAR Travel Planner. The book will be a four-color guide to the areas surrounding NASCAR tracks.
BFNAT, BFCA Both Announce Price Increases
Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT) and Bridgestone/Firestone Canada Inc. (BFCA) have jointly announced price increases on both companies’ tire lines. The increases – affecting replacement, OE and export channels – will be effective Jan. 1. More specifically, prices will increase up to 5 percent on passenger and light truck tires, up to 7 percent on truck and bus tires and up to 10 percent or more on agricultural and OTR tires. The January price increases affect Bridgestone, Firestone and Dayton brands as well as associate and private brand tires.
Chinese Business Coveted by Michigan
In a move that has a certain if-you-can’t-beat-’em-join-’em quality, government officials from Michigan have gone to an odd place looking for investment and new jobs — China. With U.S. companies rushing to build plants and research centers in China, where workers earn far less than in the United States, Michigan officials wondered whether they could persuade fast-growing Chinese companies to open offices in the state. Their pitch: Detroit is still the automotive capital of the world, and Asian companies need research and development or sales offices in Michigan.