Dana AAG Expands Relationship with NASCAR
Dana’s Automotive Aftermarket Group (AAG) has renewed its partnerships with NASCAR in anticipation of the 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. Dana aftermarket products such as WIX filters, Raybestos brakes and Clevite Engine Parts are part of the exclusive lineup of NASCAR Performance products.
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.
ArvinMeritor to Sell Ohio Trailer Systems Business to Sypris Solutions
ArvinMeritor has announced plans to sell its Kenton, Ohio, trailer systems business to Louisville, Ky.-based Solutions. ArvinMeritor said the sale of the facility, which employs more than 200 people, will allow the company to focus strategically within trailer products on its core processes for the design and assembly of complete systems, which consist of axles, brakes, suspension and ride control. Once the transaction is complete, Sypris Solutions would become a long-term, key supplier of trailer axle beams to ArvinMeritor’s trailer assembly facility in Frankfort, Ky.
ATMC Spring Conference to Focus on “Clean Diesel”
The Automotive Training Managers Council (ATMC) will hold its 2004 Spring Conference and Business Meeting on April 18-20 at the Holiday Inn Fairlane-Dearborn in Detroit, Mich. The conference will focus on heavy-duty/diesel emissions and new technologies. Numerous automotive presentations on clean diesels, new emissions-related systems and their impact on the service technician will be on the agenda.
Bekaert Specialty Films Introduces Enhanced Automotive Film Cutting System
Bekaert Specialty Films (BSF) has introduced ComputerCut Version 3.0, a new enhanced version of its automotive window tint, paint protection film and vinyl graphics pattern cutting system. ComputerCut 3.0 maintains all the capabilities of earlier versions, but also offers a variety of new features, including the ability to manage a private image and pattern database, and to import custom graphics from programs such as Adobe Illustrator and Flexi Sign. In addition, ComputerCut 3.0 has a newly designed user-friendly interface, making the system easier to navigate and operate, according to the company.
More Aftermarket Eye Candy at This Year’s North American International Auto Show
Although there’s no shortage of muscle on the main floor at this year’s North American International Auto Show — the 850-horsepower Chrysler ME412 concept is only the beginning — there’s also a subterranean performance theme that’s been missing from previous shows. Once the take-it-or-leave-it realm of marginal players like Daewoo and stillborns like the revival Cunningham sports car, Cobo Center’s downstairs Michigan Hall exhibit area is studded this year with an intriguing array of production vehicles enhanced by aftermarket bolt-on goodies: designer wheels, low-profile tires, oversize brakes, high-performance shock absorbers and more.
Keystone Automotive Acquires Toronto-Based Quinte Bumper & Fender
Keystone Automotive Industries has acquired Quinte Bumper & Fender, a privately held company based in Ontario, Canada, that distributes automobile collision replacement parts. Quinte recorded sales of approximately $6.5 million during its most recent fiscal year. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition is a continuation of Keystone’s strategy to expand throughout Canada, according to Charles Hogarty, president and CEO of Keystone.
Four CART Board Members Resign
James Hardymon, James Henderson, Rafael Sanchez and Frederick Tucker have resigned from the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) board of directors, leaving President and CEO Christopher Pook as the sole member of the board. Their resignations come after the recent news that CART’s assets of would be bought out by Open Wheel Racing Series LLC, following a failed merger attempt between the two racing organizations.
AWDA Segment Liaison Candidates Under Review
AAIA is in the process of reviewing candidates to join the professional team at AAIA headquarters and serve as liaison to the new Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) segment. AWDA officially became a segment of AAIA on Jan. 1. Individuals interested in learning more about the position, which will be based at the AAIA national headquarters in Bethesda, Md., should contact Kathleen Schmatz at 301-654-6664 or [email protected].
Roush Acquires Mountune Racing
As part of its strategy to expand its European engineering operations Roush has acquired England-based Mountune Racing Limited. The company said this acquisition will also address the growing demand for small-displacement, high-performance engines in the U.S. Mountune Racing will become a wholly owned division of Roush, and will be located within Roush’s Brentwood, England, facility.