Vertical Development Joins Forces with Wade & Partners
Content management systems provider Vertical Development, Inc. (VDI) has joined forces with aftermarket consulting firm Wade&Partners to offer an expanded range of services. Through this new partnership, VDI can provide customers with brand development, research, recruiting, product development, customer relationship management and other management and marketing services.
ZF to Build New Manufacturing Facility in North Carolina
ZF, a supplier of automotive driveline and chassis technology, plans to build a new suspension components manufacturing plant in Newton, N.C. ZF Lemforder Corp. — the car chassis division of ZF — will operate the plant. Construction on the 150,000-square-foot building is scheduled to begin immediately, with opening expected during spring 2005. The company is investing an estimated $30 million in the plant, which will create about 200 jobs.
Linamar Corp. Launches New Automotive North American Sales Organization
Leading Canadian automotive and industrial manufacturer Linamar Corp. has created a new North American sales force in an effort to enhance customer service and strengthen its product focus. The past year was one of major growth and expansion for the company. In addition to building a new plant in Ontario that added 400 jobs, the company bought out its joint venture partner Westcast in a European joint venture the two companies had established in 1999. In September 2003, the company acquired McLaren Performance Technologies, which it planned to merge with Linamar. McLaren Performance Technologies specializes in advanced powertrain and vehicle development and testing for the automotive industry.
Ex-Detroit Exec Named to Alcoa Post
A former Detroit executive has been named vice president and general manager of Alcoa’s Warrick Operations – the highest position at the facility, the company said Thursday. Michael Lucas, who began his duties Monday, came to Alcoa from Piston Automotive, a diversified company that provides manufacturing, assembly and logistics services to the automobile industry. He served as chief operations officer for Piston.
Bridgestone Named Official Tire of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
For the third consecutive season, Bridgestone has been named the Official Tire of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Bridgestone first appeared as the Official Tire at Long Beach in 2002, the same year that the brand debuted as the Official Tire and sole supplier for Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford. This year, every Champ Car competitor will again be equipped with Bridgestone Potenza racing radials.
Three States Officially Proclaim April as National Car Care Month
The governors of Nebraska, South Carolina and Wisconsin recently signed state proclamations, officially declaring April 2004 as being National Car Care Month, according to the Car Care Council.
Pep Boys Prices Common Stock Offering
Pep Boys has announced a public offering of 4,250,000 shares of common stock at a price of $24.75 per share. All of these shares will be sold by the company. Goldman, Sachs & Co., Morgan Stanley, Wachovia Securities and Advest, Inc. acted as representatives of the underwriters. The underwriters have a 30-day option to purchase an additional 396,464 shares of common stock from the company to cover over-allotments.
Kumho Announces Price Increase
Kumho Tire USA announced that it will increase tire prices, effective May 1. Passenger, light truck and commercial truck tire prices will increase between 3%-5%, depending on the tire model, according to Kumho.
iATN Heads to Southern Cal for 2004 Convention
The International Automotive Technicians’ Network (iATN) will hold its 2004 convention Sept. 24-26, at the Coast Anaheim Hotel, in Anaheim, Calif. Traditionally a casual event, the convention will offer several technical and business management sessions, in addition to networking opportunities. The convention will also feature “TechNight Live: iATN West Coast Diagnostic Challenge.” There will also be a special luncheon address, as well as a dinner and reception for attendees.
TRW Automotive and FAWER Sign Commercial Steering Joint Venture Agreement
TRW Automotive J.V. LLC and FAWER Automotive Components Co. Ltd. have formed a new joint venture called TRW FAWER Commercial Vehicle Steering (Changchun) Co., LTD. The new company will manufacture and sell steering gears for the commercial vehicle market.
Sell-Out Inventory Management Seminar Shows Industry’s Interest in Topic
The University of the Aftermarket’s Inventory Management Seminar, held March 8-9, drew a sell-out crowd, revealing the topic’s high interest to the industry. The event was hosted by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the aftermarket segment association of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). The seminar gave participants a better understanding of the fundamentals of inventory control management and the purchasing process. Major areas of focus were distribution center inventory management, store inventory management and supply chain inventory management.
Judge Dismisses Class Action Move Against Steeltex Tires
A California judge today dismissed a motion seeking national class action status for an on-going lawsuit alleging defects in Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire’s entire Firestone Steeltex line. The ruling, which came after months of delays, is expected to be appealed by attorney Joseph Lisoni, who has made it a personal crusade to force the court-ordered recall of all Steeltex tires.