AASA, University of the Aftermarket Develop Supply Chain Management Program
The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) has joined with the University of the Aftermarket to develop and promote a new supply chain management certification program. Aftermarket executives now can earn automotive aftermarket professional (AAP) or master AAP certification through the University of the Aftermarket. The supply chain management program is designed for aftermarket professionals involved in sales forecasting, purchasing, procurement, transportation, logistics, warehousing, production and materials control.
AmeriChip International to Acquire Nasco Brand
The board of directors for AmeriChip International, parent company of AmeriChip Tool and Abrasives, has signed a letter of intent to purchase the Nasco brand of products, a line of abrasive products that has been sold in North America for a number of years. The company said it expects the acquisition to help generate sales by offering a wider array of products for current and future customers. AmeriChip said the brand could potentially generate sales of $1 million in the first year.
SKF/CR Wins NCMA President’s Award
SKF/CR recently received the National Catalog Managers Association (NCMA) President’s Award for its 2003-2004 Seals and Bearings Passenger Cars, Light & Medium Truck Application Catalog (457205).
Senator Arlen Specter Visits CARDONE Industries
Pennsylvania Republican Senator Arlen Specter made a visit to CARDONE Industries this week to learn about the benefits of automotive remanufacturing.
Equipment and Tool Institute Appoints Three to Leadership Positions
The Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI) board of directors has appointed three members to leadership positions. Mike Cable, vice president, OEM sales, at Hickok, Inc. in Cleveland, Ohio, has accepted the position of Underhood Technology Group (UTG) chairman. The UTG deals with the diagnostics related to the vehicle’s drive-train and power driven subsystems.
Al Unser, Jr. to Retire from Racing
One of open wheel racing’s most popular competitors announced his retirement this week. Al Unser Jr., made the announcement during a press conference at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the site of the two greatest triumphs of his 22-year driving career, victories in the 1992 and 1994 Indianapolis 500.
Goodyear Directors Re-elected, Chairman Keegan to Serve Another Three-Year Term
Shareholders of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. have announced their selections for the company’s board of directors. Robert Keegan, chairman and CEO of the Akron, Ohio-based tiremaker, has been re-elected to serve another three year term, earning 84.5 percent of the company’s shareholders votes. Keegan’s re-election is seen as a positive indicator of improvement for the tiremaker. Keegan has led Goodyear through a difficult period during which the company eliminated 6,000 jobs and lost $280 million in accounting errors. During that time, its shares plummeted to a low of $3.67 last year. In early trading Wednesday, shares were up 8 cents to $9.22 on the New York Stock Exchange.
Goodyear Completes Purchase of Slovenia’s Sava Tires
Goodyear Tire & Rubber is now full owner of Sava Tires d.o.o., a tire manufacturing company in Kranj, Slovenia, which the company has had a 60 percent stake in since 1998. In 2002, the company bought an additional 20 percent. This 80 percent had previously been transferred to Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe.
Tenneco Automotive Receives European Supplier Award
Tenneco Automotive’s French aftermarket team has received Speedy Repair Centre’s 2004 Supplier’s Golden Award for quality and service. Speedy is part of Kwik-Fit Europe, which has approximately 1,900 service points across Europe. Speedy specifically recognized Tenneco Automotive for providing quality service including excellent service rates, low stock run-outs, strong sales information, consistent sales support from its sales representatives, vital technical information, warranty follow-up and close involvement in the Speedy network.
HDMA’s Kraus Featured Speaker at CFS Institute for Truck Parts Professionals III
Tim Kraus, executive director of the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) and vice president of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), is scheduled to speak at the Council of Fleet Specialists (CFS) Institute for Truck Parts Professionals III, which takes place Sunday, Sept. 12, through Wednesday, Sept. 15, in Kansas City. Established in 1983, HDMA is the heavy duty market segment association of the MEMA.
Automotive Tool Makers Get the Scoop on New Vehicles at ETI Detroit Tech Week
More than 80 representatives from 42 automotive tool and equipment manufacturers received technical information on new and upcoming vehicles direct from the carmakers at the 24th Annual Detroit Tech Week, held June 14-18 and hosted by the Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI).
Car Care Council Women’s Board Announces Record Attendance
The Car Care Council Women’s Board (WB) set a record for attendance at its annual summer meeting held recently in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The day and a half meeting featured speakers and strategic planning geared toward consumer education and automotive careers for women.