Exide Technologies Partners with Multiple NASCAR Teams for 2004
Exide Technologies, the “Official Battery of NASCAR,” has announced several NASCAR team partnerships for 2004. The new partnerships extend the company’s involvement in America’s fastest growing spectator sport. Exide Technologies will expand its partnership with four teams among NASCAR’s top three divisions.
Lear Downplays SEC Inquiry
Lear Corp. CEO Robert Rossiter on Wednesday downplayed an informal investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission into its employment of corporate officers’ relatives and insider business transactions. The head of the Southfield, Mich.-based auto-interiors supplier also told analysts that the probe is strictly related to disclosure — not whether there was financial misconduct. Management, he added, quickly corrected the disclosure omissions as soon as they were pointed out.
Cooper Tire to Sponsor Saturn Motorsports Racing Program
Cooper Tire & Rubber and its subsidiary Mickey Thompson Performance Tires and Wheels, has announced a new sponsorship and supply agreement with Saturn Motorsports. The agreement positions Cooper Tire as a major associate sponsor of the Saturn Motorsports Pro FWD Ion, driven by three-time world champion and current NHRA point’s leader, Lisa Kubo. Cooper Tire will also title sponsor a Saturn Motorsports tuner car slated to compete later this year in Sport FWD.
American Axle & Manufacturing Awarded Contract for New Driveline System
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings (AAM) has been selected as the driveline system and module supplier for a 2008 model year North American vehicle program. AAM will be the sole source, exclusive supplier and systems integrator for all of the driveline components, systems, modules and forged products for the new off-road adventure sport enthusiast vehicle. The contract is valued at $100 million per year based on current customer design direction.
Oklahoma’s Court OKs Bond Issues for 2 Tire Plants
Two tire manufacturers’ expansion plans totaling $450 million got a major boost Tuesday from the Oklahoma Supreme Court. The court approved a $66.3 million bond issue designed to help the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.’s $250 million plant expansion in Lawton, Okla. The bond issue also would help in a $200 million expansion at Michelin North American Inc. in Ardmore, Okla.
Autogeek.com Hires Media Management Marketing as Its New PR Agency of Record
Autogeek.com has named Wisconsin-based Media Management Marketing as its public relations agency of record. AutoGeek.com, which launched October of 2001, is a search engine and information portal for automotive and motorcycle Web sites. The site offers visitors an club listings, an event calendar, photos and more.
MEMA Holds Second Annual Counterfeiting Seminar
MEMA presented its second annual seminar dedicated to the issue of counterfeiting of automotive and truck parts. The event, “Taking Action Against Automotive/Truck Parts Counterfeiting, Diversion and IPR Violations” was held on Monday, April 5 at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Mich. Described by Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Vice President Paul Foley as a “major industry initiative,” the seminar was developed to educate the industry on the nuances of counterfeiting, share best practices, solicit media support and provide networking and exhibitor opportunities.
Honeywell Announces Patent Agreement with DENSO
DENSO Corp. and DENSO International America have reached an agreement with Honeywell for the use of a Honeywell patent relating to the manufacture of pressure sensors used in automobiles. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The patented technology relates to an improved method of etching silicon wafers for the manufacture of pressure sensing integrated circuits
Federal Panel Claims Cooper Breaks Labor Law
According to a federal labor panel, Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. is violating federal law by refusing to bargain with a union elected to represent workers at its Cedar Rapids, Iowa, distribution center.
ArvinMeritor’s Bill Overmyer Named Advance Auto Parts’ Sales Rep of the Year
Bill Overmyer, national accounts sales manager for ArvinMeritor’s Light Vehicle Aftermarket (LVA) group, has earned Advance Auto Parts’ Advance Factory Direct Representative Award. The award recognizes the achievements of a veteran sales professional who best supports Advance Auto Parts’ marketing, training, customer service and merchandising initiatives. Overmyer was presented with the award at the auto parts chain’s recent annual Leadership Conference.
Kumho Tire Suspends Sales ECSTA V710 Competition Tire Due to Tread Issues
Kumho Tire has issued a notice that the company has temporarily suspended sales of its ECSTA V710 Competition Tire due to inconsistencies that have come up in indoor testing. Test results indicated problems relating to tread splice and tread area durability. An investigation into the cause of the inconsistencies has taken place and modifications to the product and production methods have been made, said the company.
MACS Recognizes Airsept’s Innovations
The Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) has presented its Industry Innovations Career Achievement Award to Airsept Inc.’s founder and CEO Myron Stein. The award was presented Airsept at MACS’ 2004 Annual Convention. Stein is the owner of twelve patents for unique automotive products.