Goodyear Teams Up with Wal-Mart on RFID Supply Chain Technology
As part of its effort to stake out a leadership position in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) applications, Goodyear Tire & Rubber has teamed up with Wal-Mart in a massive retail implementation of this new technology. In June 2003, Wal-Mart Stores announced that its 100 largest suppliers would be required to begin using RFID tags on every case and pallet of product shipped to the retailer’s Dallas region stores by 2005. Approximately 25 other suppliers, including Goodyear, volunteered to also participate in this effort.
Key Plastics Names Group President for Exterior & Underhood Products
Key Plastics L.L.C. has named David Roys group president for exterior and underhood products. He replaces Timothy Nelson, who was recently named president and chief COO of Key Plastics L.L.C. North America. An affiliate of the Key Automotive Group, Key Plastics produces value-added components and sub-assemblies for exterior applications, interior trim and under-the-hood products.
Hi-Tech Engine Components to Supply AAM/Parts Pro Group
Hi-Tech Engine Components has been selected as a program vendor to AAM/Parts Pro by a unanimous vote of its members. According to Tim Odom, president of AAM/Parts Pro, having access to Hi-Tech’s arsenal of engine kits for more than 15,000 applications was just one of many reasons for the decision.
BFNAT Plant Shut Down After Blaze
A fire in one of three rubber stock mixers Mar. 13 temporarily shut down Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire’s Aiken, S.C., plant. No one was injured, and reports say that there was minimal damage to the facility.
AutoXray Lands on the Shelves of NAPA Auto Parts
AutoXray, a provider of automotive diagnostic scanners, is now offering its products through NAPA Auto Parts stores. NAPA has made the AutoXray EZ Scan line of diagnostic scan tools available in more than 6,000 stores nationally.
3M and Graco Launch Co-Branded Product Line
3M Automotive Aftermarket Division and Graco Industrial/Automotive Equipment Division have formed an alliance to offer a new line of paint spray guns to the automotive aftermarket. According to Bob MacDonald, vice president, 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division, the two companies worked with painters from across the country to develop the line.
Federal-Mogul Sees Accelerated Shift to Aluminum Engine Bearings in Automotive Service Industry
Automotive engine rebuilders have embraced aluminum engine bearing technologies and are adopting this new material for a broad range of late-model automotive applications, according to engineering and marketing representatives at Federal-Mogul Corp.
Elgin Industries Named Jasper Engines & Transmissions “Preferred Partner”
Elgin Industries has been named a “Preferred Partner” by Jasper Engines & Transmissions, one of Elgin Industries’ largest customers. The award was presented during the annual Jasper Engines & Transmissions Preferred Partners Banquet on March 9.
2004 Automotive News PACE Awards Winners Announced
Automotive News has announced the 11 winners of its 2004 PACE Awards. This is the 10th year that the publication has honored innovative auto suppliers through the PACE Awards, which are co-sponsored by Cap Gemini Ernst & Young and Transportation Research Center Inc. The winners were announced at a ceremony on Monday, March 8, at the Detroit Opera House. A panel of independent judges selected the winners from a group of 23 finalists.
J.L. French Has Less Red Ink for Quarter
Sheboygan-based auto parts supplier J.L. French Automotive Castings said Wednesday its restructuring efforts helped narrow its loss to $7 million in the fourth quarter from $70.5 million in the same quarter a year earlier.
Firestone Tire and Service Centers Kick Off 2004 Car Care Academies
BFS Retail & Commercial Operations, LLC (BFRC) has announced the nationwide schedule for its 2004 Car Care Academy campaign, which kicks off in time for National Car Care Month in April. These free, interactive seminars will be held at Firestone Tire & Service Centers and Tires Plus stores across the U.S. The seminars will teach consumers what they can do on a monthly basis to help keep their cars running in better condition.
NHRA Tour de Force Storms Detroit
Legendary hot-rodder and storyteller John Force wants a major drag racing strip in the Detroit area, and he’s willing to invest time and money to make it happen. Force, the king of funny cars and one-liners, was in town last week for the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress at Cobo Center, in Detroit. His job: to chat with engineers and shake hands with backers, including Ford Motor Co. executives, who support his passion to go fast over a quarter-mile.