Continental Tire to Reduce Production at Mayfield, Ky., Plant
Continental Tire North America, Inc. (CTNA) will reduce tire production at its Mayfield, Ky., plant, from 10,900 tires a day to 7,300, starting in July. The tiremaker has advised its employees and the local union that this action will include a workforce reduction of 200 hourly employees. CTNA said it is working with the local union to ease the transition for affected employees.
U.S. Industrial Output Falls 0.2 Percent in March
American industrial production fell 0.2 percent in March, the U.S. Federal Reserve said Friday but was was 3.4 percent higher than in March 2003.In March manufacturing output was flat, while mining production dropped 0.3 percent, and utility output decreased 2.3 percent due to unseasonably warm weather, the Fed said.
NHTSA to Release Defect Data to Public
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said this week data collected from its defect warning system will be made public sometime this year. The agency agreed to keep warranty claims and consumer complaints confidential after automakers claimed access to the data would allow competitors to learn proprietary information about their vehicles. However, NHTSA dismissed manufacturers’ attempts to limit some information, such as the states in which defect-related deaths are occurring.
Executive Interview with Rex Falkenrath, Founder and CEO of Hi-Tech Engine Components
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Rex Falkenrath, founder and CEO of Hi-Tech Engine Components. Falkenrath founded Hi-Tech in August of 1973. With more than 31 years in business, Hi-Tech Engine Components has developed a full line of engine parts and kits sold nationally through parts store chains and program distribution groups. Join us as we learn more about Hi-Tech Engine Components and the engine parts market.
Senate Vote Delays Asbestos Legislation Debate
A motion to limit Senate debate and proceed with consideration of asbestos trust fund legislation failed yesterday by ten votes (50 – 47). Sixty votes are needed for such “cloture” motions to pass. Democrats argued that the bill, S. 2290, was not ready for Senate consideration and called for further negotiations to reach compromises on key issues such as higher compensation amounts paid by the fund to eligible victims. Senate majority leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), and Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.), announced plans for bipartisan talks to craft a bill that can be passed this year.
Autolite Expands Reach Into Accessories Category
Honeywell’s Autolite brand, known for spark plugs and ignition wires, has set its sights on a new market — automotive accessories. The brand is launching two new consumer-oriented lighting products. Autolite SpotGlo, a new seatbelt light designed for reading, working or playing a game while traveling, and Autolite TriGlo, a dual-purpose light source for both home and car usage. Both products will be available for order by mass merchant and automotive specialty retailers, as well as convenience stores and various other retail outlets.
Four New Companies Break into Top 10 on AASA 2004 Top Suppliers List
Four new product manufacturers have made it into the top 10 on the 2004 Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Top 100 Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers list, which will be mailed with the May issue of Counterman magazine. The list will also be featured on its own Web page on aftermarketNews.com.
New Mobile Air Conditioning Climate Protection Goal Announced
In conjunction with Earth Day yesterday, a new partnership agreement between select members of industry, government and environmental advocacy organizations was announced. The new collaborative effort will work to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the operation of motor vehicle air conditioning (A/C) systems.
icarz Names New Executive Vice President
icarz, Inc., a leading provider of software for in-store and distributor systems, has the announced appointment of Sanjay Apte to executive vice president. Apte will be responsible for software development, delivery and support.
ASA Announces New Board of Directors
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) installed its new board of directors during the association’s annual business meeting held on April 16 and 17 in San Antonio. Geralynn Kottschade, AAM, of Jerry’s Body Shop Inc. in Mankato, Minn., was named chairman of ASA’s board of directors for 2004-05. Kottschade assumed the chairman’s post at the conclusion of the annual meeting.
Toyo to Raise Prices
Toyo Tire USA Corp. announced on Apr. 22 that it would increase prices on all consumer and commercial products. Toyo joins the ranks of other tiremakers, including Continental and Cooper, that announced price increases in the past few weeks.
Vince Daviero Named Director of Northwood’s University of the Aftermarket
Vincent Daviero has been named director of Northwood’s University of the Aftermarket, effective June 1. Daviero’s most recent position was director of training and education at Tires Plus franchise division of Bridgestone/Firestone-Morgan Tire & Auto Inc., where he produced materials for instructor-led sales training programs. His accomplishments include the conceptualization and development of instructional curricula and on-site instructor-led training programs.