Japan Auto Parts Makers Nix Contract Renewals with Ford
Japan’s big auto parts suppliers have declined to renew contracts with Ford Motor Co. due to concerns about their intellectual property rights, a Japanese business daily reported Monday. The suppliers, such as Denso Corp. and Aisin Seiki Co., raised their concerns after Ford decided to include new provisions in its contracts allowing it to share suppliers’ technologies with other Ford group firms, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun said in its evening edition.
Oxford Automotive Names David Treadwell CEO
Oxford Automotive, a $1 billion Tier 1 supplier of specialized welded metal assemblies, has named David Treadwell as its new CEO. Treadwell replaces John Potter who retired in June. As CEO, Treadwell becomes responsible for the development of Oxford’s strategic direction, focusing immediately on its capital structuring and divestiture issues.
Midas and Big O Tires Launch Comdata’s Fleet Team System
Midas International and Big O Tires have signed on as the first new users of Comdata’s Fleet Team online maintenance tracking system for customers. The Fleet Team system captures key maintenance information as services and products are purchased. The data-rich logging system is being made available at no additional cost to Midas and Big O customer fleet managers.
SEMA Show Grows, Improvements Made in Planning
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has made improvements in planning for the SEMA Show 2004 to help make the experience as effortless and worthwhile as possible for both exhibitors and buyers. Show organizers have worked to make it easier to register, work the show, schedule appointments and prioritize exhibits so that attendees can get the most out of their SEMA Show days.
Bridgestone Plant in Japan Catches Fire
Fire broke out at Fukuoka Prefecture, Bridgestone Corp.’s tire plant in Amagi, Japan, according to local firefighters. Thirteen people were injured in the fire.
Transpro Reports Second Quarter Results
Transpro has reported results for the second quarter and six months, which ended June 30. On July 27 the company announced that it was reviewing the accounting associated with the revenue recognition impact of shipping terms to certain customers near quarters’ end.
New ALLDATA Product Release Includes i•SHOP Implementation and Data Enhancements
ALLDATA, a leading provider of computer-based automotive repair information and software solutions for service providers, has released its third quarter 2004 product suite for repair professionals, which includes implementation of the i•SHOP standards.
NACE Exhibitor List Up 23 Percent for 2004
The number of companies scheduled to exhibit in the 2004 International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) is up 23 percent over 2003, according to show organizers. With this increased participation, the size of the expo has also exceeded last year’s event by 11,600-square-feet.
Nearly 30 Percent of SEMA Member Companies Diversify During Slow Times
The automotive aftermarket is an industry that experiences large fluctuations in sales depending on the time of the year. Seasonal factors play a big part in business cycles on top of the fact that the aftermarket closely follows the behavior of the automobile market itself. While it is no surprise that 63.3 percent of total companies surveyed reported summer as their peak sales season, retailers actually rate summer and spring equally in terms of when peak sales occur. A SEMA study surveyed 98 companies last month, and some interesting findings about business cycles were revealed.
Stoneridge to Form Partnership with India Firm
Stoneridge, Inc., a Howland, Ohio-based maker of wiring components and other vehicle parts, said it expects to grab a larger share of the growing auto parts market in India by forming a joint venture with a large Indian parts maker.
GM’s Hogan Defects to Magna
Mark Hogan, the head of advanced vehicle development at General Motors Corp., is leaving at the end of the month to become president of Canadian auto parts giant Magna International Inc., according to people familiar with the matter.
Intermet Names John Rutherford Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Intermet Corp., a manufacturer of cast-metal automotive components, has promoted John Rutherford to the position of vice president of sales and marketing. He will also become a member of the company’s corporate operating committee.