SKF/Chicago Rawhide Launches Redesigned Web Site
SKF/Chicago Rawhide has redesigned and relaunched its Web site — www.vsm.skf.com . The newly redesigned site combines interactive elements with a user-friendly, navigable layout to service the automotive and heavy duty aftermarkets, according to the company. SKF/CR designed the Web site to include interactive cataloging and product information. The company said it also worked to address the requests and needs of its distributor partners during the redesign.
Attorney Shirley Peterson Elected to Goodyear Board
Attorney Shirley Peterson has been elected to Goodyear Tire & Rubber’s board of directors. The recipient of a number of national awards, Peterson began a 20-year career as an attorney with the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson in Washington, D.C., in 1969, becoming a partner in 1978. In 1989, she accepted an appointment by President George H.W. Bush as assistant attorney general, Tax Division at the U.S. Department of Justice. Peterson remained there until 1992, when President Bush appointed her commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service.
Bosch Names President, Mexican Operations; VP of OE Sales
Robert Bosch Corp. has named Charles Visconti president of Robert Bosch S.A. de C.V., Mexico. The company has also named Sheryl Hyman vice president of original equipment sales for Asian, European and heavy duty customers.
Ford Recalls Escapes; Engine Stalls Cited
Ford Motor Co. is recalling 363,440 Escape compact sport-utility vehicles from model years 2001-2003 because the engine may stall at certain speeds.
ASA to Host Seminar on Right to Repair Issue
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has created a three-hour seminar, “You Have the Right to Repair,” which will be offered at several ASA affiliated events this year, including Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) in Las Vegas on Nov. 6. Taught by Bill Haas, AAM, ASA’s vice president of service repair markets, the course has been approved by the Automotive Management Institute (AMI). Attendees will receive six credits toward the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation.
Mark Armstrong to Retire From Cooper Tire & Rubber
Cooper Tire & Rubber Vice President Mark Armstrong has announced his retirement after 26 years with the company. Armstrong started out as a territory manager for Cooper in the Eastern Region. He subsequently served in numerous positions in sales and marketing until his most recent promotion to executive vice president of the Tire Group, responsible for sales and marketing for global tire operations.
NASCAR to Debut “NASCAR Performance Live” Radio Show
NASCAR will debut “NASCAR Performance Live,” a new one-hour radio show dedicated to discussing and examining the technical side of NASCAR. NASCAR will debut “NASCAR Performance Live,” a new one-hour radio show dedicated to discussing and examining the technical side of NASCAR.
AAIA President Kathleen Schmatz Appears on CNBC “Behind the Wheel Show”
AAIA President and CEO Kathleen Schmatz was interviewed last week on the CNBC show “Behind the Wheel.” “Behind the Wheel” is a monthly automotive show that airs on the business cable network. Schmatz’s interview was part of a segment on National Car Care Month.
Automotive Suppliers Support Frink as Manufacturing Secretary
MEMA and its members have voiced their support for the nomination of Al Frink as the first Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Manufacturing and Services. Frink, 61, co-founded the California-based carpet maker Fabrica International in 1974.
DuPont To Cut 3,500 Positions
DuPont Co. said yesterday that it will reduce its workforce by 6 percent, or 3,500 positions, by the end of the year to save $325 million annually. The Wilmington, Del.-based chemical company, whose products include Corian surfaces, Tyvek house wrap and auto paint, said that about 3,000 positions would be eliminated through severance programs and about 500 through normal attrition. The company also said it would stop using 450 contractors.
Organizers Call First AAPEX Online Space Drawing a Success
The first online space drawing for AAPEX was a huge success, according to show organizers. More than 1,683 exhibitors participated, accounting for more than 444,000 net square feet of exhibit space sold.
Goodyear to Reduce Profits By Another $65 Million
Goodyear Tire & Rubber said it would reduce its reported profit for the past six years by an additional $65 million, citing improper accounting at its overseas operations among other reasons. Goodyear said its internal investigation of overseas accounting was complete.