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.
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.
Elgin Industries Named Jasper Engines & Transmissions “Preferred Partner”
Elgin Industries has been named a “Preferred Partner” by Jasper Engines & Transmissions, one of Elgin Industries’ largest customers. The award was presented during the annual Jasper Engines & Transmissions Preferred Partners Banquet on March 9.
ASC Industries Launches Canadian Print Advertising Campaign
ASC Industries is expanding its international advertising reach through a new agreement with Canadian magazine publisher The Automotive Group, which focuses on the automotive aftermarket. ASC said it will concentrate its advertising in The Automotive Group’s warehouse distributor and technician-oriented publications: Jobber News and SSGM (Service Station and Garage Management).
New Import Parts Specialist Certification Tests Available
Aftermarket firms can begin the new year with a competitive edge by encouraging employees and customers to take the newly updated Auto International Association (AIA) Import Parts Specialist and Master Import Parts Specialist certification tests. Better-trained counter personnel and service technicians are vital to ensuring quality repairs and satisfying import nameplate customers. These tests address the pressing need for professionals with knowledge and training to help drive improved sales and provide the best customer service to import nameplate owners.
Dura Automotive Standardizes Manufacturing Operations
Dura Automotive Systems has announced it will standardize its North American manufacturing operations on QAD MFG/PRO eB2 and related applications. QAD Inc. is a provider of enterprise applications for global manufacturers. QAD Global Services will work together with Dura to provide consulting and implementation services. Dura will deploy MFG/PRO eB2 at nine production sites and upgrade 11 other locations in North America. Dura said it expects QAD applications will help streamline manufacturing and enterprise functions shared by multiple locations, enable more efficient financial management and accelerate information transfer along the supply chain.
Champion Motorsport Named Exclusive Dealer for Porsche Tubi Style Exhaust Systems
Champion Motorsport, a subsidiary of Champion Motors, has been named the exclusive authorized dealer in North America for Tubi Style hand-crafted stainless steel exhaust systems for Porsche models.
AADCO Automotive to Acquire Coreline Auto Parts Ltd.
AADCO Automotive Inc., a supplier of Like, Kind and Quality (LKQ) used auto parts, has signed an agreement to acquire Coreline Auto Parts Ltd. of Milton, Ontario. Founded in 1977, Coreline Auto Parts is the third largest automotive core and materials broker in Canada doing business from coast to coast. A privately held company with annual revenues of $1.5 million, Coreline will significantly expand the AADCO distribution network across Canada, according to AADCO CEO Charles Hodgkinson.
CSK’s Fraser, California Air Resources Board Representatives to Speak at ASPA Annual Meeting
Martin Fraser, president and COO of CSK Automotive, Peter Venturini of the CARB California Air Resource Board (CARB) Stationary Sources Division chief, and Janette Brook, CARB Air Quality Measures Branch chief, are the key speakers for the third annual Automotive Aftermarket Specialty Products Group (ASPA) meeting.