Detroit Diesel to Build New Heavy Duty Engine at Michigan Plant
Detroit Diesel Corp. said it will build a new, heavy duty diesel engine line at the company’s Redford, Mich., manufacturing facility. DDC also said it plans to initiate North American assembly of the MBE 900 medium-duty diesel engine at Redford.
Tower Seeks $200 Million Loan
Tower Automotive Inc., which makes body structures for car manufacturers, said it retained Rothschild LLC late last week as a financial adviser to help in arranging a $200-million loan.
Fitch Upgrades Dana’s Debt
Fitch Ratings on Tuesday raised its rating on Dana Corp. and said that lower debt and a healthier cash position could lead to another upgrade.
Washington Post Launches Online DIY Car Repair Series
The Washington Post has launched a new online automotive repair series walking readers through a number of DIY automotive repair jobs. The series will run on the paper’s Web site — www.washingtonpost.com — and will feature live online discussions.
Activant Presents Next-Generation eCat Product To Counterman Magazine’s Top Auto Parts Professional
Randy Lipscomb, the 2004 Counterman magazine Counterperson of the Year, has been awarded a license for the new Activant Cover-to-Cover eCatalog for use in three of the Ohio-based Federated Auto Parts stores in which he works. The stores, owned by the Pat Young Service Company in Cleveland, Ohio, already use an integrated version of the Activant PartExpert eCat.
Next Month on AMN: The Year in Review
Next month on aftermarketNews.com we will take a look at some of the most important news events that took place in the aftermarket in 2004. From mergers and acquisitions to changes in leadership, our editors have selected the 10 most critical events impacting our industry in 2004 and beyond.
Service Station Exemptions From Superfund to Be Examined in Congress Next Year
Legislation is expected to be introduced in the new 109th Congress next year that would exempt service stations and automobile dealers that recycle oil, as well as companies that transport recycled oil, from cleanup liability under the nation’s Superfund law ad. Currently, service stations are exempt from Superfund dating back to March 1993. Senior staff to chairman Jim Inhofe, Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, has indicated that expanding this exemption back to 1985 is a key priority for the senator. During the current Congress, Inhofe was unsuccessful in moving the same Superfund exemption in the midst of opposition from environmental groups and Democrats.
Automotive Suppliers Applaud Passage of Omnibus Appropriations Bill: Industry Initiatives Garner Critical Funding for 2005
The fiscal 2005 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, approved by Congress on Nov. 20, includes several measures supported by the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). These measures will aid in the fight against noncompliant automotive parts; provide additional funding for MEP centers that work one on one with medium and small-sized automotive suppliers to boost competitiveness; and grant automotive suppliers and other employers the flexibility to hire international graduates of American universities.
Alliance Members Participating in Pilot Study of Activant eCat
Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance is currently conducting a pilot study of Activant Catalyst, a new eCatalog designed to revolutionize the parts selling process. Catalyst, which debuted in a Web-based version during this month’s Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo in Las Vegas, was developed by Activant Solutions Inc. The Alliance, with 56 independent distributor members serving more than 4,000 auto parts stores and 2,000 service centers, has been integrating Activant Catalyst – Web Version into each of its locations over the past four months.
Grote Recognized by Consumer Reports for Obstacle Detection System
Consumer Reports magazine has rated Grote Industries’ obstacle detection system as the number-one sensor-based vehicle backup system. Grote is a leading designer and manufacturer of vehicle safety systems, headquartered in Madison, Ind.
Here They Grow Again: Pronto Adds Eight New Member for ’04
Growing at an inspiring pace, National Pronto Association announced today that another new shareholder has joined the buying and marketing group. Bargain Automotive Warehouse, Inc. located in Piscataway, NJ has become the newest member of Pronto. Bargain Automotive Warehouse serves the central New Jersey market along with locations in Staten Island and Brooklyn, NY. The business is lead by President Chris DellaBella.
Thomson Delmar Learning Launches New Chilton Total Car Care CD Collection
Thomson Delmar Learning, an educational resources provider and part of The Thomson Corp., has released its new line of Chilton Total Car Care CDs — a line of Do-It-Yourself car care information provided in CD-format. According to David Koontz, publisher for the Professional Business Unit of Thomson Delmar Learning, during the past year the company redesigned the Chilton professional products to better reflect industry needs.