aftermarketNews Staff
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Tower Automotive Plant to Lose 67 Jobs

Tower Automotive said it will eliminate 67 jobs from its Bowling Green facility by moving production to a plant in Tennessee. The company will shift production of its suspension-link-arm business to Milan, Tenn., said Tower spokeswoman Bev Pierce.

Kumho Tire to Increase Prices in October

Kumho Tire USA announced that it will increase tire prices effective October 1. Kumho’s passenger, light truck and commercial truck tire prices will increase between three and five percent, depending on the tire model, the company said. Kumho last raised prices in May.

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. Reports Second Quarter Results

O’Reilly Automotive announced record revenues and earnings for the second quarter of 2004, representing 43 quarters of record revenues and earnings for O’Reilly since becoming a public company in April 1993. Net income for the second quarter, which ended on June 30, totaled $32.7 million, up 21.3 percent from $26.9 million for the same period in 2003.

Pronto Adds Another New Member, Fifth New Member This Year

Continuing in its strategy to aggressively grow membership, National Pronto Association has added its fifth new member this year. International Car Parts has become the newest shareholder of the programmed distribution group.

SKF/Chicago Rawhide Launches Online Technical Program

SKF/CR recently launched a new program created exclusively for members of its Pole Position program. As part of the program, SKF/CR has developed an online technical hub for members of the Pole Position Program, an incentive-based training program designed to educate technicians on proper vehicle safety and maintenance.

Federal-Mogul Receives Frost & Sullivan National Customer Value Enhancement Award

Federal-Mogul’s aftermarket friction team was recently recognized for the development and introduction of its Wagner ThermoQuiet premium brake pads. Consulting firm Frost & Sullivan honored the team with the 2004 Frost & Sullivan Customer Value Enhancement Award, during its recent Customer Value Awards Banquet in Boston. In selecting Federal-Mogul for the award, Frost & Sullivan noted the company’s success in delivering new value to its channel partners through the features and performance of ThermoQuiet pads.

Montana Products Names New Marketing Communications Manager

Montana Products, a leading manufacturer of coatings for the automotive, fleet, equipment and OEM markets, has named Tammy Anderson as its new marketing communications manager. The appointment is part of the company’s plan grow its business through industry expertise and service. In her new role, Anderson will plan, coordinate and oversee the marketing communications activities to promote and increase Montana’s products and services.

Register Now for University Forum at AAPEX

The University of the Aftermarket’s University Forum is your chance to tap into critical industry insights that add value to your company and increase your opportunities for career growth. University Forum, held on Sunday, Oct. 31, prior to the start of the annual AAPEX Show.

Valvoline Responds to Article in Detroit Free Press

Valvoline Co. recently shared with aftermarketNews.com a letter written to the editor of the Detroit Free Press responding to an article that questioned the legitimacy of some specialty motor oils. The article, “Don’t be fooled by pricey, fancy oils, experts warn,” was published July 15 in the Detroit Free Press and was picked up by other associated national newspapers such as the Kansas City Star. In the article, Free Press Auto Critic Mark Phelan stated that the “bewildering variety of oils” on the market today may be a waste of money, according to the “variety of industry experts” with whom he spoke. In a letter to the editor, Dr. Fran Lockwood, senior vice president technology for Valvoline, responded to the article and defended the claims that Valvoline and other motor oil manufacturers make about their products.

Voices from Canton, Ohio’s Timken Co. are Heard at Democratic National Convention

Real America — including the leader of a union for Timken steelworkers facing more than 1,000 job losses and plant shutdowns — spoke to the Democratic National Convention on Monday. “Our community has been decimated with plant closings and job losses…. There is a great human price being paid,” Bill Wright told Democrats via satellite from the United Steelworkers of America Local 1123 hall in Canton, Ohio.

Engine Build to Air Live Tonight on Totally NASCAR

Clevite Engine Builder Showdown Champion Lanny Barnes will showcase his engine building prowess live tonight on the Fox Sports Net program, Totally NASCAR, by taking part in a live engine build. Barnes and Showdown build partner Todd Hamm, both of Richard Childress Racing, will see if they can beat their previous engine build time of 20 minutes and 52 seconds.

Removal of Judge Denied in Steeltex Suit

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Carolyn Kuhl has denied a motion by attorney Joseph Lisoni to disqualify Judge Christopher Sheldon from hearing further matters in his attempts to gain a national class action suit against Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT).