Lund International Announces Two Executive Appointments
Lund International has promoted Bob Schuetz to vice president of aftermarket sales. Schuetz joined Lund in October 2003 in the newly created position of vice president of new business development. Lund has also announced the appointment of John Whitten as director of sales engineering. Whitten brings with him 11 years of quality and product engineering, most recently working in automotive accessories on a contract basis for General Motors and DaimlerChrysler.
ASA Chief Staff Executive Addresses Consumer, Insurer Issues on Two CBS Programs
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and its Chief Staff Executive Ron Pyle played a significant role in two CBS programs that addressed the issue of insurer-owned body shops. Pyle was recently interviewed at ASA’s headquarters in Bedford, Texas, and appeared Wednesday, Feb. 11, on the “CBS Evening News” during its “Eye on America” segment. On Thursday, Feb. 12, Pyle provided follow-up coverage on this issue when he was interviewed again by CBS during an appearance on “The Early Show.”
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.
MEMA Joins Aftermarket eForum as Sponsor
MEMA has joined as a sponsor of the 2004 Aftermarket eForum scheduled for Monday, Aug. 2, through Wednesday, Aug. 4, in Chicago, Ill. Other sponsors of this industry-wide event include the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association and the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA), R.L. Polk & Co., Comergent, Evant, Gcommerce, Prescient Technology, DST and WorldPac.
Dana Names GM Europe Exec Michael Burns CEO and President, Acting President Bill Carroll to Retire
Dana Corp.’s board of directors has named Michael Burns CEO, president and a director of the company, succeeding the late Joe Magliochetti, who passed away Sept. 22, 2003. Burns, who has been president of General Motors Europe since 1998, will officially take over on March 1. Bill Carroll, who has served as acting president and COO since September, will continue in these positions until March 1, at which time he will retire from the company.
Commemorative Issue of FOCUS Marks MEMA’s 100th Anniversary
MEMA is teaming with Babcox Publications to publish a special commemorative issue of its quarterly magazine, Focus, in June 2004 to mark the association’s 100th anniversary. This special edition will be a collector’s item, produced in “coffee-table” quality. The magazine will commemorate the past 100 years of contributions that suppliers and individuals have made to the original equipment, aftermarket and heavy duty industries, a historic timeline and many historic photos from MEMA and its member companies.
ArvinMeritor Announces 2004 Suppliers of the Year
ArvinMeritor has announced the winners of the company’s annual supplier awards. The awards — which were presented Jan. 29, at ArvinMeritor’s North American Supplier Conference in Troy, Mich. — recognize outstanding performance in customer service, product quality, delivery and cost reduction.
Timken Receives Best Supplier Recognition from Oshkosh Truck Corp.
Timken was recently recognized as “Best Supplier” by the Oshkosh Truck Corp., a manufacturer of specialty trucks and truck bodies for the fire and emergency, defense, concrete placement and refuse hauling markets. The recognition honors Timken’s excellent performance in delivery, quality and product support. Last year was the first year Oshkosh formally recognized suppliers with this award.
ProQuest Automotive and Hino Motors Sign First Electronic Parts Catalog Agreement
ProQuest Automotive announced that it has signed a five-year agreement with Hino Motors Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, to develop an electronic parts catalog (EPC) application for use in all of the North American dealerships of Hino Motors Sales U.S.A., Inc.
Two Visteon Employees to be Honored by Society of Automotive Engineers
Two engineering professionals from Visteon Corporation will be honored with the prestigious Forest R. McFarland Award on Tuesday, March 9, at the Honors Convocation during the 2004 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress & Exhibition in Detroit.