Grote and Panelite Announce Distribution Agreement
Vehicle lighting and safety systems manufacturer Grote Industries recently joined forces with Panelite, a manufacturer of decorative stainless and chrome accessories in the class 8 truck market. Vehicle lighting and safety systems manufacturer Grote Industries recently joined forces with Panelite, a manufacturer of decorative stainless and chrome accessories in the class 8 truck market.
Modine Names Director of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
Modine Manufacturing Co. has named David Prichard to the newly created position of director, investor relations and corporate communications. Prichard brings to Modine more than 20 years of investor relations and corporate communications experience from the health care, chemicals, agricultural and telecommunications industries.
Actron Launches New Web Site
Cleveland, Ohio-based Actron Manufacturing Co. has launched a new Web site. According to L.T. Slater, Actron business development manager, the site is designed to empower automotive do-it-yourselfers, shade tree mechanics and professional mechanics with all of the product and diagnostic information that they need.
TV, Movies Elevate Popularity of the Custom Car
The black Honda Prelude with hints of pearl blue beckons you to take a ride to hear its 800-watt amplified stereo blasting OutKast’s “Roses,” to sit in its gray racing seats and watch through tinted windows as people stare enviously. Tricking out vehicles has long been a part of American culture. Whether it’s a hot rod, monster truck or chromed-out Chevrolet, we want our rides to express our personalities. Today it’s a $29-billion industry highlighted in movies and cable programs.
2004 National Car Care Month Inspections Show 87 Percent Failure Rate
The Car Care Council has released the results of its annual National Car Care Month inspection campaign, which took place in April. This year’s results showed that 87 percent of the vehicles taking part in the program had at least one component that failed the inspection process. While the numbers dropped from 90 percent to 87 percent this year, these results continue to underscore the need for consumer education, said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council.
Johnson Controls to Acquire Grupo IMSA Automotive Battery Business
Johnson Controls announced that it is acquiring 100 percent ownership of Grupo IMSA, a joint venture automotive battery business that the company shared with a group of Mexican and South American partners. Grupo IMSA is the leading automotive battery producer in Mexico and South America. The company reported fiscal 2003 sales and operating income for the business of $429 million and $88 million, respectively. Johnson Controls has been a major customer of the joint venture since it was formed in 1998.
Thomson Delmar Learning to Distribute Engine Performance Educational DVD Series
Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of The Thomson Corp., has partnered with Video Active Productions to develop a new engine performance training series on DVD. Developed for the educational and professional markets, all of the content in the Engine Performance series is based on ASE-mandated skills and adheres to curriculum guidelines for all advanced-level automotive programs.
Delphi Begins Construction of New China Technical Center
Yesterday, Delphi Corp. held a groundbreaking ceremony celebrating the start of construction for its first R&D center in China. A wholly owned entity of Delphi, the China Technical Center is expected to open in June 2005. The center, which will be located in Shanghai, China, will focus on developing components as well as support application and systems engineering for several local customers and transplant automakers in the country, in addition to global customers.
NASCAR Targets Younger Fans Through Cartoons
With its influence and popularity growing stronger everyday, NASCAR is now looking to create a new audience of younger fans. NASCAR has teamed up with the Cartoon Network to develop the ‘NASCARtoon Racing’ brand, a customized on-air and online campaign sponsored by Kellogg’s. The new brand is designed to engage young fans through the familiarity of their favorite Cartoon Network characters.
U.S. Consumers Not Replacing Parts Often Enough for Maximum Performance, Says AASA
U.S. consumers are replacing vital parts and fluids in their vehicles, but not as regularly as needed to keep the vehicles running in top condition, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA).
Del-Nat Tire Launches New Web Sites
Del-Nat Tire Corp. has announced the launch of three new Web sites. The company has unveiled a new corporate Web site, as well as new sites for Delta Tire and National Tire. Del-Nat Tire Corp. is one of the largest privately owned distributors of private brand tires in the world. The company markets passenger, light truck, medium truck, OTR, farm and industrial tires to its stockholders under the Delta, National and Akuret brand names.
Tenneco Automotive Reports Record Revenue and Earnings
Tenneco Automotive has reported a 25 percent increase in net income and a 19 percent increase in earnings per diluted share for the second quarter. The company reported second quarter net income of $30 million, or 69-cents per diluted share, versus net income of $24 million, or 58-cents per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2003.