DCX Accused of Intimidation
The controversy over DaimlerChrysler AG’s lending policies in Chicago, where the company is under a boycott and sales of the automaker’s vehicles continue to erode, appears to have escalated. Two longtime Chicago automobile dealers accuse DaimlerChrysler of harassing them because they plan to testify in a federal lawsuit on behalf of a former dealer, who accuses the automaker of racist lending policies. They say the company has made unreasonable requests for documents through subpoenas.
ASA Launches Online Membership Directory
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has added an online membership directory to its Web site. A key reference tool for finding fellow members, the directory can be used as a networking tool, according to ASA. The directory includes more than 12,000 member-businesses searchable by geographical location, or alphabetically by contact or business name.
Mitchell 1 Adds Two to Management Team
Mitchell 1 recently added two new staffers to its management team. Maribel Arango Topf has joined the company as customer retention manager and Chris Arden Krimple has been named associate product manager.
MEMA Elects New Chairman and Officers; Delphi’s Alan Dawes to Serve as 2004-2005 MEMA Chairman
Alan Dawes, vice chairman and CFO of Delphi Corp., has been elected 2004-2005 chairman of the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Board of Directors. Outgoing MEMA Chairman Scott Meyer, who stepped down as president of Ken-Tool, was named MEMA president until a permanent president and CEO is found. As a result, Ronald Cutler, TRW Automotive, will continue to serve on the board as past chairman.
Michelin to Expand Georgia Retread Facility
Michelin Retread Technologies (MRT) said it will expand its Covington, Ga., manufacturing facility in order to meet a continuing increase in customer demand. Located in Lochridge Industrial Park in Covington, southeast of Atlanta, the facility produces a variety of pre-mold treads for MRT franchises and retread plants throughout North America.
Police Raid Home of Ex-Mitsubishi Head
Police on Monday raided the home of the former president of Mitsubishi Motors Corp., who was arrested last week on suspicion of hiding auto defects. Police on Monday raided the home of the former president of Mitsubishi Motors Corp., who was arrested last week on suspicion of hiding auto defects.
SKF/Chicago Rawhide, Jeff Burton Team Up to Fight Muscular Dystrophy
SKF/Chicago Rawhide (SKF/CR) and NASCAR NEXTEL Cup driver Jeff Burton recently teamed up to participate in the 2004 Charlotte Muscle Team Event, a yearly event (MDA) through a silent auction and special appearances by various sports personalities.
Federal-Mogul to Close Greenville, Mich., Auto Bearings Plant
After plant workers at Federal-Mogul’s Greenville, Mich., auto bearings plant rejected a contract that would cut wages, health benefits and vacation time, the company has announced it will move the plant’s production elsewhere. According to a report from the Detroit Free Press, Federal-Mogul was seeking $5.35 million to $5.5 million in wage and benefit concessions in order to keep the plant open and maintain the plant’s 310 jobs. Members of the United Auto Workers Local 2017 rejected the deal on Sunday.
Visteon Mourns Loss of Board Member Robert Teeter
Visteon Chairman and CEO Peter Pestillo today extended condolences to the family of Robert Teeter, a member of the company’s board of directors who died Sunday after an illness at age 65. Visteon Chairman and CEO Peter Pestillo today extended condolences to the family of Robert Teeter, a member of the company’s board of directors who died Sunday after an illness at age 65.
Top Tire Industry Performers for 2003
Nokian Tyres, Hankook and Bandag were the tire industry’s top performers in 2003 in terms of earnings as a percentage of sales, while Goodyear, Titan International, Bridgestone Americas Holding and Alliance Tire anchored the bottom of the list.
Auto Components Supplier Set to Quadruple China Sales
World-leading automotive parts and components supplier Robert Bosch GmbH plans to cash in on China’s fast-growing auto sector by quadrupling its sales in the nation by 2012. The company plans to lift its sales to $6 billion by 2012 from last year’s $1.56 billion.
ArvinMeritor Receives $1.7 Million Grant to Develop Exhaust Emissions Technology
ArvinMeritor has been awarded a $1.7 million grant from the Indiana 21st Century Research and Development Fund. The grant will assist in the development of the company’s Plasma Fuel Reformer exhaust emissions technology, which is being developed at the company’s Columbus, Ind., Emissions Technical Center. Purdue University will collaborate with ArvinMeritor to improve fuel spray mixing and combustion processes to help complete the final development of the plasma fuel reformer.