aftermarketNews Staff
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Lee Murray Named VP of Marketing for Dana’s Clevite Division

Dana Corp.’s Clevite Engine Parts Division has named Lee Murray, a 30-year Dana veteran, as its new vice president of marketing. In this role, Murray will be responsible for the overall marketing strategy associated with the Clevite, Perfect Circle and Victor Reinz brand products into the aftermarket. With this new position Murray returns to Dana’s aftermarket. Since 1998, he has served as the director of OE sales, North America steering & suspension.

U.S. Keeping Crash Data Secret, Officials Backtrack on Safety Disclosure Amid Suit by Tire Makers

Federal auto safety officials are backtracking on a pledge to give consumers access to detailed data on which cars and trucks may be linked to deaths, injuries and property damage. The reason: Tire makers have sued to prevent its release.

Study Shows 92 Percent in Favor of Right to Repair Legislation

In conjunction with this week’s hearing before a Congressional subcommittee on HR 2735, the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act, Automotive Industry Association (AAIA) President and CEO Kathleen Schmatz held a press conference on Wednesday reiterating the association’s reasons for supporting the measure. At the press conference, AAIA released the results of an independent study conducted that showed 92 percent of respondents are in favor of the Right to Repair legislation.

IAPA Selects Wrenchead to Provide Next Generation Point of Sale Solution to its Members

E-business solutions provider Wrenchead, Inc., announced that leading program distribution group Independent Auto Parts of America (IAPA), has selected Wrenchead to provide its members with Wrenchead’s next generation point of sale solution. The new point of sale solution builds on IAPA’s current success with Wrenchead’s E-Commerce solution, NexPart, said Mike Kamal, executive director of IAPA.

Johnson Controls Announces New Appointments

Johnson Controls announced new appointments for five of the company’s corporate officers. Senior Vice President and CFO Stephen Roell has been elected executive vice president and CFO. He joined the company in 1982 and has served as CFO since 1991. He was elected as a corporate officer the same year.

Edelbrock and Lingenfelter Partner on New LS1 Series Cylinder Heads

Edelbrock Corp. and Lingenfelter Performance Engineering (LPE) are partnering on a new line of cylinder heads for LS1 engines. Prototypes of the cylinder heads will debut in the Edelbrock booth (#22243) at the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas on Nov. 2-5.

DuPont Automotive Systems to End Formula One Sponsorship

As part of a larger plan to refocus resources and strengthen the profitability of the Jaguar vehicle brand, Ford Motor Co. recently announced that it is withdrawing from its Formula One racing program at the end of 2004. As a result, DuPont Automotive Systems will also end its Jaguar Formula One Racing sponsorship at year-end.

Universal Technical Institute to Build New Automotive Training Campus in Boston Area

Universal Technical Institute (UTI), a provider of technical education training, has entered into an agreement to purchase a property in the Boston suburb of Norwood, Mass., where it plans to open a new undergraduate automotive technician training campus. The Norwood campus is expected to open in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005.

DENSO to Close Manufacturing Facility in Poland

DENSO Corp. announced today that it will close its manufacturing facility in Sosnowiec, Poland. The company plans to shift operations from this plant to its facility in San Salvo, Italy. The plant produces automotive motors including starters and wiper motors.

Iacocca, Grano to Advise Amerityre Board of Directors

Amerityre Corp. announced that Lee Iacocca and Joseph Grano Jr. will serve on the company’s new advisory group, which will consult with the board of directors. Iacocca will serve as chairman of the advisory group, and Grano will serve as vice chairman. The advisory group will meet with the board of directors at least once per fiscal quarter.

Valeo Unveils New Logo

In 2003, Valeo celebrated 80 years of innovation. From a modest company supplying clutch facings, the group has today become one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers. Last week, Valeo updated its image to reflect what it describes as the company’s dynamism, openness, innovation and growth.

MEMA Asks Congress to Audit Effectiveness of Current Process Between Automakers and Independent Aftermarket

In a letter delivered to Congressman Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.), the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) urged Congress to request a study from the General Accounting Office assessing the effectiveness of the current non-legislative voluntary system between the automakers and the independent repair industry on non-emissions related diagnostic, service and repair information. Rep. Stearns is chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. In addition to this news, MEMA yesterday announced that it has developed a position regarding the aftermarket industry’s “Right to Repair” issue, which was heard before a Congress subcommittee yesterday.