Tower Automotive Revises Third-Quarter 2004 Expectations
Tower Automotive announced yesterday that it expects earnings to be down as a result of lower vehicle production volumes in North America, continued escalation of steel costs and, to a lesser extent, higher launch costs on new business.
Automotive Oil Change Association to Hold Owners’ Seminar
The Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA) will hold an Owners’ Seminar on October 25-26, titled “Let Go and Grow — Building a Business Foundation,” in Phoenix, Ariz. The day and a half seminar will be lead by Ricky Price, president of Flagship Auto Services in Hawaii. Each attendee will receive a CD-ROM full of sample policies and procedures that can be customized to any operation.
AOL, Henry Ford Museum Cut Deal
Michigan’s Henry Ford Automotive Museum announced Monday a deal with America Online to let it reach the Internet provider’s 30 million subscribers worldwide. The AOL deal lets the museum offer historical content on U.S. inventors — one of the museum’s specialties — for AOL members going to aol.com for information. Users must enter the keyword “history” to gain access to the information. In exchange, the Henry Ford logo will appear on the AOL site along with a link to its own Web site.
Anti-Counterfeiting Initiative Launched
Four U.S. agencies yesterday announced a coordinated attack to stem the global trade in counterfeit merchandise and pirated music and movies, an underground industry that law-enforcement officials estimate to be worth $500 billion each year. The effort, known as the Strategy Targeting Organized Piracy (STOP), includes stepping-up border enforcement to intercept fake goods as they are entering the United States, targeting the earnings of traders of counterfeit goods and publicizing the names of overseas companies that traffic in counterfeit products.
AutoZone Announces Organizational Changes
AutoZone has announced a number of organizational changes this week. Among the new appointments, veteran retail executive Jim Shea has been hired to serve as executive vice president, merchandising and marketing. Most recently, Shea served as the CEO of Party City. He previously held senior level positions with companies such as Lechter’s Housewares, Kaufmann’s Department Stores, Lechmere, Eddie Bauer and Dayton Hudson. Shea started his career with General Mills.
NFL Coach and NASCAR Team Owner Joe Gibbs to be GAAS 2005 Luncheon Speaker
Joe Gibbs, head coach of the NFL’s Washington Redskins and founder of the Joe Gibbs Racing team, will address “Teamwork, Perseverance and Excellence,” as the luncheon speaker at the 10th annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) in Chicago. The first Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium was held in 1996, at the Hyatt Regency Deerfield Hotel in the suburban Chicago area. From its humble beginnings, the Symposium has grown to be the industry’s leading educational forum.
Siemens VDO Automotive Hires New Manufacturer’s Rep Firm for Northeast Region
Siemens VDO Automotive has added Repforce, Inc. of Aston, Pa., to its sales force. The agency will be responsible for Siemens VDO Automotive’s sales activities in the Northeast region, including the Mid-Atlantic states, New York and New Jersey. Repforce was established in 1995 and has offices in Aston, Pa., and Buffalo, NY.
Car Care Council Women’s Board Establishes Northwood University Annual Scholarship
The Car Care Council Women’s Board has established an annual scholarship for women enrolled in the Automotive Aftermarket/Management program of study at the Michigan campus of Northwood University. The scholarship will be based upon academic merit and financial need. In order to qualify, each recipient is required to participate in three campus or community-related projects; demonstrate career interest; maintain measurable academic progress; communicate with the donor; and remain enrolled full-time for the entire academic year of the award.
Federal-Mogul Seeks Citigroup Loan OK: $1.93 Billion May Keep Parts Maker Afloat
Federal-Mogul Corp. is asking a U.S. bankruptcy judge for permission to borrow as much as $1.93 billion from Citigroup Inc. to help fund its reorganization.
Lund International Announces New Retail Sales Director
Lund International has added a new member to its sales and marketing department. Mike Stevens, who started with the company on Oct. 1, will serve as the company’s new sales director for the retail channels. Stevens comes to Lund International from Wolo Manufacturing in New York, where he served as national sales manager servicing accounts within the retail channel in addition to managing a team of sales representatives.
Michael Roth joins TRG Studios as Senior Account Executive
TRG Studios, a Cleveland, Ohio-based commercial photography and film studio specializing in automotive photography, has named Michael Roth as its new senior account executive. Roth brings to TRG more than 20 years of experience in marketing management, advertising and outside sales. For more than 15 years, Roth has worked extensively in the automotive aftermarket, with both advertising agencies and automotive parts manufacturers, including five years at Anthony Thomas Advertising in Akron, Ohio.
ICOR International Announces Staff Promotions
ICOR International, Inc., an Indianapolis-based manufacturer and distributor of air conditioning and refrigeration products, recently announced promotion of three of its employees.