Grote Releases Second Volume of “Know How” Training Guides
Grote Industries, a leading manufacturer of vehicle safety systems, has introduced the second volume in its “Know How” series of programmed instruction training guides. Grote Know How II is a 104-page illustrated guide to installation and troubleshooting of lighting and wiring on heavy-duty tractors, trucks and trailers.
DENSO 2004 Wiper Blade Catalog Now Available
The DENSO 2004 Wiper Blade Catalog is now available, featuring the company’s First Time Fit and EnduroVison wiper blade lines. The 2004 catalog offers coverage for more than 21,500 applications, both domestic and import.
TIA Names Director of Tire Service
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has hired Jeff Faubion to serve as the association’s director of tire service. Faubion will be based in Denver, Colo., for this newly created position. According to TIA, the scheduling demand associated with the Association’s new Instructor Certification Courses for Automotive Tire Service (ATS) and Commercial Tire Service (CTS) necessitated the creation of another position.
Metaldyne Names New VP of Sales and Marketing
Metaldyne has appointed Roseann Stevens as the company’s new vice president of sales and marketing. Stevens replaces Anne Lockwood, who left the position earlier this year, according to published reports. In this position, Stevens will be responsible for leading the sales effort throughout the company. She will report to George Thanopoulos, Engine Group president and the President’s Council.
MEMA, Department of Homeland Security Launch Cooperative Effort on Counterfeiting
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a division of the Department of Homeland Security, have initiated a major effort to increase cooperation and communication between automotive suppliers and border officials. As part of the effort, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will host an anti-counterfeiting seminar on Thursday, Sept. 9, at the Dearborn Inn in Dearborn, Mich. There is no cost to attend the event, which will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Executive Interview: John Washbish Talks About the Dana AAG Acquisition
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features John Washbish, president of customer relationship management for the Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group (AAG). On Friday it was officially announced that New York-based investment firm Cypress Group agreed to buy Dana AAG for $1.1 billion. We had the opportunity to talk to Washbish just hours after the announcement was made. Join us as he shares some of the preliminary details on the acquisition and talks about the future of the Automotive Aftermarket Group.
New Location for AAPEX New Product & Packaging Showcase Gives Higher Visibility for New Ideas
The New Product & Packaging Showcase at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), where manufacturers display new products and innovative packaging concepts, will be in a new location at the 2004 show. AAPEX takes place Nov. 2, through Nov. 5, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas. The 2004 showcase will be at the upper lobby entrance to the Sands from the Venetian Hotel. The showcase is open to AAPEX exhibitors to display new products or packaging introduced since AAPEX 2003 or to be introduced at the 2004 show.
Federal-Mogul Announces Heavy Duty Sales Reorganization
Federal-Mogul has announced a realignment of the heavy duty aftermarket sales organization. Don Reimondo, vice president of distribution and heavy duty sales, said that William Mirth has been appointed to the position of regional sales manager, heavy duty West. This position will report directly to Reimondo. Mirth will continue to have national responsibility for FP diesel sales.
GenCorp in Negotiations to Sell Its GDX Automotive Segment
Technology-based manufacturer GenCorp is currently in negotiations to sell its GDX Automotive business. GenCorp did not provide any details about the negotiations and noted that the discussions may not be successful. GenCorp has decided to classify the GDX Automotive segment as a discontinued operation as of the second quarter of 2004. The company will record in that quarter a one-time pre-tax charge of between $250 and $300 million, to adjust the carrying value of the segment to reflect the estimated disposition value.
Del-Nat Tire Elects New Chairman
Dick Erickson, owner of Sun Tire in Jacksonville, Fla., has been elected chairman of the board of Del-Nat Tire Corp. Erickson succeeds Tony Vetter, president of Northwest Tire, Inc. in Bismarck, ND. Erickson will serve the remaining portion Vetter’s term, with new elections planned at the annual meeting of Del-Nat stockholders in November.
Stride Tool Names New CEO
Stride Tool, Inc., a manufacturer of specialty hand tools has named a new CEO. Ron Ortiz will replace company founder Lori Northrup, who will continue as chairman of the board of Stride Tool. Northrup, who has served as CEO since 1980, is leaving the company to focus on other business ventures with her husband.
Goodyear Plans $50 Million Expansion in Colombia
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is investing $50 million to expand manufacturing capabilities at its Cali, Colombia, manufacturing plant. The plant will produce radial medium truck tires. The investment solidifies Goodyear’s commitment to the growth of Colombian exports in certain Latin American countries, according to Eduardo Fortunato, president of Goodyear’s Latin America region. The tiremaker’s subsidiary, Goodyear de Colombia SA, celebrated its 60th anniversary in June.