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.
Congress Gives Automakers One More Chance to Share Data
Yesterday, scores of representatives from the automotive aftermarket along with representatives from the original equipment manufacturers turned up on Capitol Hill to attend a Congressional hearing on HR 2735 — the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act. If passed, HR 2735 would mandate that car manufacturers make available all service and repair information to independent service technicians. The hearing, which took place before the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection of the House and Energy Commerce Committee, is a major step forward for those who have been lobbying in support of the legislation.
Skip Potter to Head CABA
The Chesapeake Automotive Business Association (CABA) announced today that aftermarket industry veteran Skip Potter has been named executive director of the Maryland, DC & Delaware aftermarket trade association, effective immediately. Potter, who lives in Gaithersburg, Md., had recently left the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) where he had been the vice president of membership for 16 years. Prior to joining AAIA, Potter had been employed for 24 years in auto parts sales and sales management in the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC area.