Cosworth Technology Forms New Aftermarket Group
Cosworth Technology, Inc. (CTI), an independent consultant and supplier of powertrain and diagnostic engineering services to the global automotive industry, has announced the formation of a new aftermarket product group. The new aftermarket division, called “powerworks” will develop performance enhancement products and systems, supercharger systems in particular, for vehicle power trains ranging from 4 cylinder 2-liter engines up to large 8 cylinders engines (5+ liters).
Flow of Auto Data Restricted
Under pressure from automakers, the affiliate of J. D. Power and Associates that regularly provides pricing, demographic and other key automotive data to the media no longer will do so. Power Information Network, or PIN, which handles about 60 requests a month from television, radio and newspapers, such as the Detroit Free Press, will stop in a move the company labeled a “business decision.” The company has been notifying journalists of the change, effective Sept. 1, for the last week.
Auto Customizers Spend Billions, Boost Aftermarket Parts Suppliers
Some adults decorate their houses to suit their personalities. Others “pimp out” their cars. Customizing cars is a hobby that’s been around for years, but these days — with television shows such as “Pimp My Ride” and “Monster Garage,” and movies like “The Fast and The Furious,” the trend is just starting to get noticed.
Cummins Mourns the Loss of Former Chairman and CEO J. Irwin Miller
Cummins Inc. has issued a statement mourning the death of Joseph Irwin Miller, who died this week at the age of 95. Miller was born in Columbus, Ind. in 1909. J. Irwin Miller built Cummins from a family business into a Fortune 500 company with more than 25,000 employees in 131 countries and more than $6 billion in annual sales. He is credited for transforming his hometown of Columbus, Ind., into a city of architectural wonders, earning it the nickname the Athens of the Prairie. The company said he will be eulogized as a great business leader, social activist and philanthropist whose influence will continue well into the 21st century.
Executive Interview with Paul Foley, Vice President, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA)
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Paul Foley, vice president of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), a market segment of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). Join us as Foley brings us up to speed on the rapid growth of AASA since its creation two years ago, as well as several industry initiatives AASA is currently focusing on.
Rift Harming Auto Industry
The tense relationship between Detroit’s automakers and their suppliers was on display Wednesday as executives from both camps spoke about cooperating and collaborating while taking subtle or direct swipes at each other.
Japanese Students Get Lesson on U.S. Cars
Who knew that American autos could pose such a culture shock — the steering wheel is on the left side, the cars are bigger and American drivers use car-side mirrors.
TV, Movies Elevate Popularity of the Custom Car
The black Honda Prelude with hints of pearl blue beckons you to take a ride to hear its 800-watt amplified stereo blasting OutKast’s “Roses,” to sit in its gray racing seats and watch through tinted windows as people stare enviously. Tricking out vehicles has long been a part of American culture. Whether it’s a hot rod, monster truck or chromed-out Chevrolet, we want our rides to express our personalities. Today it’s a $29-billion industry highlighted in movies and cable programs.
DST Asks: Are Some Business Processes in Our Industry Flawed?
When the question is “Why do we do it that way?” and the only answer is “Because that’s how we’ve always done it,” red flags should be going up all over the place in the minds of management. Technology can greatly enhance business processes. But do you think some business processes in our industry are fundamentally flawed?
Much of Coastal U.S. May Follow California on Car Emissions
California’s plan for sharp cuts in automotive emissions of global warming gases could eventually lead much of the coastal United States to turn to vehicles that are substantially cleaner, and by extension more fuel efficient, than those in the rest of the nation.