Exide Introduces NASCAR Branded Product Line at Sam’s Club
Playing off the brand recognition the NASCAR name holds with its estimated 75 million fans, Exide Technologies has introduced a new NASCAR branded transportation battery program at Sam’s Club, a national members-only chain of retail warehouses. The new program is exclusive to Sam’s Club and will be available in more than 462 locations nationwide.
Tenneco Automotive Announces Executive Appointment
Tenneco Automotive has named Paul Novas vice president of finance and administration for the company’s European operations. Novas will also continue in his current role as corporate treasurer. Novas has served as vice president and corporate treasurer for Tenneco since 1999. He joined Tenneco Inc. in 1996 as assistant treasurer, responsible for corporate finance and North American treasury activities. He played an integral role in executing the financial transactions leading to the separation of Tenneco’s energy and shipbuilding businesses in 1996 and the separation of the packaging and automotive businesses in 1999.
Deadline for 2004 GAAS Scholarship Is March 31; Applications Available Online
The deadline to apply for a Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) scholarship – awarded to students planning an aftermarket career – is Wednesday, March 31. The scholarships are available to students in two-year technical college programs and vocational schools and four-year college programs.
Hayes Lemmerz International Expands its Aluminum Wheel Presence
Hayes Lemmerz International has purchased certain assets from Hayes Wheels de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. and sold its equity interest in Hayes Wheels de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., to DESC, S.A. de C.V. According to Fred Bentley, president of Hayes Lemmerz’ International Wheel Group, the transaction is a key step in the company’s strategy to focus on the growth market for aluminum wheels.
ArvinMeritor Announces Finance Leadership Appointments
Robert “Rob” Guy has been named vice president of finance for ArvinMeritor’s light vehicle systems (LVS) business group. Marc Pensa has been named vice president of finance for ArvinMeritor’s commercial vehicle systems (CVS) business group. Robert “Rob” Guy has been named vice president of finance for ArvinMeritor’s light vehicle systems (LVS) business group. Marc Pensa has been named vice president of finance for ArvinMeritor’s commercial vehicle systems (CVS) business group.
Greg Potter Named 2004 ETI President
Greg Potter of Chief Automotive Systems has been elected 2004 president of the Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI).
OE Suppliers May Drop By 50 Percent: Group Predicts Half Will Go Under by 2010
The auto industry is on track to lose half of its parts suppliers by 2010 because of escalating pressure to reduce component prices. That prediction from the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA), a trade group that represents suppliers, comes in response to a new survey that found automakers are demanding more and steeper price cuts from parts makers.
DENSO Becomes Toyota’s Corporate Sponsor for F1
Toyota Motor Corporation and Toyota Motorsport GmbH have announced today that DENSO Corp. has become a corporate sponsor for the Panasonic Toyota Racing F1 team from the 2004 season. DENSO has supported the Toyota F1 team as a technical partner since 2002, providing products such as tailor-made spark plugs for the team’s V10 engine.
Honeywell and Federal-Mogul End Talks Regarding Bendix Friction Materials Business
Honeywell has ended its discussions with Federal-Mogul regarding the possible sale of Honeywell’s Bendix friction materials business. After several months of negotiations, the parties were unable to agree on the terms of a deal, said Honeywell officials. The two companies entered into a letter of intent nearly one year ago.
The Results Are In: Seventy Percent Say AAPEX is Worth the Cost
The results are in from the first edition of “AMN Asks” — the new weekly aftermarketNews.com poll. Last week, we asked whether you thought the annual AAPEX Show in Las Vegas offers “complete value” for the amount of time and resources you spend to attend. The annual Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo, which takes place in Las Vegas every fall, is the largest gathering of aftermarket products and people under one roof. It’s a chance to network, check out new products and attend informative seminars. It’s fast-paced and frenetic and can be a world of fun, however, on the flipside, it’s also an exhausting week of glad-handing and schmoozing in a very pricey town. Is it offering the best bang for your buck?
Manufacturers’ Rep Conference Slated to Take Place in Conjunction with GAAS
AAIA has announced details of its upcoming Manufacturer’s Representative Conference, which takes place in conjunction with the 2004 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium. The conference, slated for May 16-17 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago, Ill., will address “Industry Partnerships – Developing Strategies for a Profitable Future.” Parts Plus President Mike Lambert is among a number of industry experts scheduled to speak at the event.
Oxford Automotive Names Two to Top Management Positions
Oxford Automotive, a $1 billion Tier 1 supplier of specialized welded metal assemblies, has announced two key management changes. Jeffrey Wilson, current president of Oxford Automotive’s North American division, has been appointed president and COO of Oxford Automotive Inc. Patrick Flynn, current vice president of strategic planning, has been named CFO, replacing Martin Welch who resigned last week to pursue other interests.