Subaru Recalls Certain Six Cylinder Outbacks and Impreza WRX Vehicles
Subaru of America has announced a voluntary recall on certain 2001-2004 six cylinder Outback models, and 2002-2004 Impreza WRX 2.0L models to address a possible cruise control cable problem. Approximately 127,580 vehicles are potentially affected, according to Subaru.
NHTSA’s Runge, Continental Teves’ Kozyra to Speak at Automotive Suppliers’ Legislative and Public Policy Summit
Dr. Jeffrey Runge, administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will be joined by William Kozyra, president and CEO of Continental Teves North America, on Thursday, May 6, for a discussion on automotive safety, at the MEMA Legislative and Public Policy Summit: Advancing American Manufacturing, in Washington, D.C. Runge and Kozyra will discuss such topics as NHTSA’s and Congress’ views toward encouraging voluntary industry guidelines vs. mandates and how industry and government should address innovation and technology out-pacing regulation.
SmarTire Signs Distribution Agreement with Lexani Wheel Corp.
SmarTire Systems has signed a distribution agreement with Lexani Wheel Corp, a manufacturer of luxury alloy wheels based in California. Lexani will bundle SmarTire’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) with its Johnson line of custom wheels, which are sold through its dealer base.
Dana’s John Washbish to Discuss Technology and Training at GAAS
John Washbish, president of Customer Relationship Management for the Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group, will discuss “Technology and Training in Today’s Aftermarket” on Tuesday, May 18, at the ninth annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS). GAAS 2004 will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18-19, at the Hyatt Regency, Chicago.
Judge Approves $149 Million BFNAT Settlement
State District Judge Donald Floyd in Beaumont, Texas, has approved a $149 million settlement of 30 class-action lawsuits filed on behalf of Bridgestone/Firestone tire owners. The announcement comes more than three years after the 2000 recall of 14.4 million Firestone tires. Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT) agreed to the proposed settlement last July.
Kendall Motor Oil Awards Chemicals Business to TCC
Kendall Motor oil, a ConocoPhillips brand, awarded its automotive chemicals business to Texas-based Technical Chemical Co. (TCC). According to Ray Sparling, Kendall Motor oil brand manager, the relationship between TCC and Kendall will offer Kendall more branded product choices and will consolidate the product line across the ConocoPhillips family of brands.
Transtar Autobody Technologies Selects BJM Associates for Advertising and Marketing
Transtar Autobody Technologies has named BJM Associates as its new advertising and marketing agency. Transtar Autobody Technologies develops and markets automotive refinish products, including VOC compliant clearcoat and primers, adhesives, sealers, coatings, plastic repair, compounds, glazes and waxes for the collision repair industry.
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.
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.
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.