Delco Remy International Changes Name to Remy
As of Aug. 1, Delco Remy International, Inc. will be known simply as Remy International, Inc. The company is changing its corporate name to mark the tenth anniversary of its spin off from General Motors. The company said it will continue to market certain starters and heavy-duty alternators for original equipment and aftermarket customers under the Delco Remy trademark, which is licensed to the company by General Motors. The company will also add the Remy trademark to its brand portfolio for a variety of automotive products in addition to using Remy International as the new corporate name.
Cooper Tire to Begin Race Tire Production in the U.S.
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. announced today that it plans to begin production of racing tires at its Athens, Ga., manufacturing facility. The facility currently produces retread materials. The company said it will invest $11 million into the project during the next two years. Conversion to motorsports tires should begin immediately with developmental tire production beginning in early 2005.
Thomas Group to Produce AAPEX Executive Sunrise Seminar Series
Organizers for the 2004 AAPEX show have announced that Thomas Group will again produce the AAPEX Executive Sunrise Seminar Series this year. Thomas Group has secured speakers Ron Hutchinson of Harley-Davidson, Bram Johnson of FedEx Ground and John Force of John Force Racing. Topics will include “Building Winning Teams” and “Diversifying Your Brand and Logistics – How Efficient Is Your Company?”
Timken Posts Record Sales of $1.1 Billion in Second Quarter
The Timken Co. reported record sales of $1.1 billion for the second quarter of 2004, up 14 percent from the prior year. Sales increases in all three of its business groups drove strong earnings performance in the quarter, the company said.
Michelin Plans to Expand Capacity at Two China Plants
France’s Michelin Group plans to boost output at its two plants in China in response to capacity expansion moves by rivals such as Bridgestone Corp, the Shanghai Youth Daily reported. The newspaper said Michelin would the boost output at its plant in Shenyang in northeastern China to two to three million units a year.
Car Care Council Women’s Board Announces 2004 Post-Secondary Scholarship Recipients
The Car Care Council Women’s Board has announced that Vanessa Cappadona of Florence, Ky., is the recipient of the 2004 Women’s Board $1,000 scholarship. Cappadona will be recognized during the Women’s Board reception on Tuesday, Nov. 2, at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas, Nev.
American Axle & Manufacturing Reports Record Second Quarter Sales and Earnings
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings (AAM) has reported record sales and earnings for the second quarter of 2004. AAM’s second quarter diluted earnings per share grew 5 percent to $1.02 per share as compared to 97 cents per share earned in the second quarter of 2003. Net income for the quarter increased 8 percent to $55.3 million as compared to $51 million in the second quarter of 2003.
British Columbia Safety Council to Sell SmarTire Products
The British Columbia Safety Council (BCSC), an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to reducing injuries and accidents, has agreed to act as a reseller of SmartTire Systems’ advanced tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). The BCSC will sell and promote the entire family of SmarTire products for buses, RVs, commercial vehicles and automobiles as part of its various fleet and corporate driver training courses.
Federal-Mogul Reports Second Quarter 2004 Results
Federal-Mogul has reported its financial results for the second quarter, which ended on June 30. Federal-Mogul reported 2004 second quarter net sales of $1,577 million, an increase of $149 million or 10 percent when compared to net sales of $1,428 million for the same period in 2003. Second quarter 2004 sales benefited from $44 million of foreign currency, higher volumes in both the Original Equipment (OE) and the aftermarket and new business growth in both markets. Customer price reductions partially offset these positive factors.
BorgWarner Announces Two Executive Appointments
BorgWarner announced two new executive appointments this week. John McGill has been promoted to the newly created position of vice president, global supply chain and champion of emerging market utilization. Cynthia Niekamp will step into McGill’s previous role as president and general manager of BorgWarner TorqTransfer Systems, Drivetrain Group, and vice president of BorgWarner Inc.
Update: Reorganization at DENSO Sales California
Yesterday, DENSO Sales California, Inc. announced that Richard Shiozaki had been appointed vice president of aftermarket sales and corporate services. Shiozaki’s promotion was part of a reorganization at DENSO Sales California that also included a move for Peter Klotz, who had been serving as vice president of the sales group. Klotz is now serving as vice president of the aftermarket planning group, according to the company.
USWA Files Complaint Against Continental Tire North America
The United Steelworkers of America (USWA) filed a formal complaint July 19 with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Continental Tire North America (CTNA) claiming its plan to end production at its Mayfield, Ky., plant “is illegal and should be halted by the federal government.”