Exploring Visionary Leadership with University of the Aftermarket
In today’s business environment, it is not enough for an effective leader to organize people and resources for the pursuit of business goals, targets and objectives. To gain the competitive advantage, you must be a visionary leader and motivate your team to be more productive, more focused and more fulfilled. Learn more about this important management tool in the University of the Aftermarket’s new leadership program, Exploring Visionary Leadership, set for Wednesday and Thursday, April 21-22, at the Marriot Rivercenter, San Antonio, Texas.
Congressional Support for Right to Repair Act Growing
Momentum is building on Capitol Hill for the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act. A total of 80 Congressman have signed on as sponsors to HR 2735, according to AAIA. Among the growing number of sponsors lining up behind sponsors Reps. Joe Barton (R-Texas), and Edolphus Towns (D-NY), are 13 members of The House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Consideration by this committee will be a critical first stop toward obtaining enactment.
Automotive Supplier ZF Lemforder Plans to Close Duncan, S.C., Plant
Automotive supplier ZF Lemforder will close one of its two Duncan, SC, plants within two years and will lay off an unspecified number of employees, officials confirmed last week. Frank Buscemi, public affairs director with ZF Group North America, said the company’s components plant would be closed by the end of 2005 because it cannot fill demand and cannot be expanded.
Transpro Expands A/C Condenser Program
Transpro has expanded application coverage for its line of Ready-Aire Air Conditioning Condensers with the publication of a new 2004 catalog. The newly expanded product offering includes more than 400 total part numbers with coverage through the 2004 model year on several applications.
PERA Announces Schedule for 2004 Marketing and Technical Program
The Production Engine Remanufacturers Association (PERA) has announced the schedule for its 2004 Marketing and Technical Program, which is slated to take place April 1-3 at the Seelbach Hilton Hotel, in Louisville, Ky.
Reynolds Shareholders Re-Elect Three Board Members, Approve Stock Incentive Programs
Shareholders of The Reynolds and Reynolds Co. have approved the re-election of three board members, each for a three-year term. Re-elected were Eustace Mita, chairman and CEO of Avista Properties Worldwide LLC, Philip Odeen, former chairman of TRW Inc., and Donald Peterson, chairman and CEO of Avaya Inc.
Drivers Identify Almost 1,800 Unmet Needs, According to New Study
According to a new study conducted by global market research and consulting firm the RDA Group, automotive manufacturers are not keeping pace with their customers’ needs when it comes to such items as interior customization, vehicle control assistance, traffic awareness, vehicle monitoring, visibility enhancements, better in- vehicle food and beverage management, cabin temperature maintenance and child protection.
High Schoolers Earn Certifications from Industry
A diploma isn’t the only important document that some students have in hand when they graduate from high school these days. A growing number of students, educators say, are graduating with specific, industry-defined skills certifications that can have immediate value in the job market. Industries in which such certification is available include computer maintenance, automotive repair, nursing, graphic arts and food service.
ArvinMeritor Honors Outstanding Achievements in Engineering
ArvinMeritor has announced the winners of its 2003 Engineer of the Year and Manufacturing Engineer of the Year awards. The awards, presented at ceremonies on Feb. 5, in Detroit, Mich., recognize those engineers or scientists who have made significant and innovative technological contributions to ArvinMeritor, its customers and the automobile industry.
Tower Takes Charges, Posts Loss
Tower Automotive Inc., the world’s largest maker of vehicle frames, had a fourth-quarter loss of $24.7 million because of expenses for restructuring operations and writing down assets. The loss was 43 cents a share, compared with profit of $17.3 million, or 29 cents, a year earlier. Sales rose 5.2 percent to $717 million from $681.6 million, the Novi-based company said.
Auto Suppliers Under Pressure to Shift Production Abroad
A new study soon to be released by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is showing that the pressure to move automotive manufacturing jobs abroad will continue, despite federal and local government efforts to maintain or increase industry employment levels in the U.S. The SAE will release the report at the 2004 SAE World Congress in Detroit next month. The study, which is still under development, will outline “best practices” for global automotive suppliers. The Odyssey study seeks to help suppliers understand how their global manufacturing operations will need to change and how best to make those changes to survive and thrive.
SEMA Expands Installer/Specialist Test Programs with Custom Wheel and Tire Accreditation Test
SEMA has added a custom wheel and tire specialist exam to its battery of certification tests. The new test, known as Z5, will measure real-world knowledge and skills of the wheel and tire professionals who install custom applications on passenger cars and light-duty trucks. SEMA has added a custom wheel and tire specialist exam to its battery of certification tests. The new test, known as Z5, will measure real-world knowledge and skills of the wheel and tire professionals who install custom applications on passenger cars and light-duty trucks.