Bosch Exec Predicts Vehicle Safety Will Be the Future Focus for Automotive Electronics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicle-related fatalities have remained constant for nearly a decade, totaling approximately 40,000 deaths per year. Advancements in vehicle safety, designed to help reduce that alarming statistic, hinge on the research and development of advanced electronic technologies. According to Jason Forcier, president North America, automotive electronics, Robert Bosch LLC, vehicle safety will be the top focus in automotive electronics technology in the future.
New DENSO President to be Elected in June
KARIYA, Japan – DENSO has announced plans to elect Nobuaki Katoh as new president and CEO after the annual shareholders meeting in June. Current President and CEO Koichi Fukaya will be promoted to vice chairman and Akihiko Saito will remain as chairman. “I am both honored and determined to lead DENSO to further success as
Delphi Taps Ron Pirtle to Lead Powertrain Division; James Bertrand to Succeed Pirtle as President of Delphi Thermal
Delphi Corp. has announced changes in the top leadership of its Powertrain and Thermal Divisions. Ronald Pirtle has been named president of Delphi Powertrain and president of the company’s European Operations. He succeeds Guy Hachey, who is leaving the company to pursue another opportunity. Pirtle, who had been president of Delphi Thermal, will relocate to Luxembourg and will continue to report to Delphi CEO and President Rodney O’Neal. James Bertrand succeeds Pirtle as president of Delphi Thermal and also maintains his current responsibilities as president of the company’s Automotive Holdings Group (AHG). Both divisions are headquartered in Southeast Michigan. Bertrand will continue to report to O’Neal as well.
Former Toyota Exec Named New Dana CEO
Dana Holding Corp. has named Gary Convis, 65, to the post of chief executive officer (CEO). Convis was appointed to Dana’s new board of directors in January 2008 after retiring from Toyota Motor Corp., where he had spent more than 20 years, culminating in his role as chairman of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky.
PPG’s First Quarter Sales Increase 41 Percent, Setting All-Time Record
PPG Industries has reported record sales of $3.7 billion for the first quarter, surpassing the prior year’s first quarter results by 41 percent. First quarter net income was $100 million, or 61 cents per share, comprising net income from continuing operations of $87 million, or 53 cents per share, and income from discontinued operations, net of tax, of $13 million, or 8 cents per share.
MAHLE Clevite Expands Grassroots Racing Outreach with Sponsorship of NASCAR Corona Series
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – To further expand its reach into grassroots racing, MAHLE Clevite has announced its sponsorship of the NASCAR Corona Series. The three-year sponsorship agreement for the NASCAR series in Mexico will last until 2010. “Our new agreement to sponsor Mexico’s most important stock car racing series not only supports our existing relationship
Honeywell Transportation Systems Forms New Friction Materials Unit
Honeywell Transportation Systems has announced plans to operate its global friction business as its own strategic business unit. The move was made in an effort to provide greater value to its customers and strengthen its capabilities, according to the company. The decision to separate the Friction Materials business from Honeywell’s Consumer Products Group business unit was the result of an assessment that included more than 120 “Voice of Customer” interviews and direct feedback from suppliers and channel partners.
Delphi Turnaround Plan Will Take Time Says Miller
Delphi Corp. Executive Chairman Steve Miller says the auto parts maker’s turnaround plan is generating $20 billion to $30 billion per year in new business that will be an engine of growth for the company when it exits bankruptcy protection. Leaving Chapter 11 will take more time, however. In the face of declining U.S. auto sales, tight capital markets have made investors wary about the Troy, Mich.-based company, making it difficult to pull together the financing it needs.
CCAR Names Daren Fristoe as Chief Marketing Officer
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The Coordinating Committee for Automotive Repair (CCAR) has announced the addition of Daren Fristoe to its staff as chief marketing officer. In his new position, Fristoe will be responsible for the creation and execution of marketing planning, relationship building and expanding the opportunities for CCAR’s existing and future product and service
VIDEO FEATURE: LDN Fun Run Raises $6,000 for GAAS Scholarships
A record number of aftermarket execs laced up their running shoes for a worthy cause last week. The Leadership Development Network (LDN) hosted its annual Fun Run benefit during the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) Spring Leadership Days, which took place April 9-11 in Bonita Springs, Florida. While in Bonita Springs, aftermarketNews Editor Amy Antenora talked with LDN Chairman Jason Porrini about the history of the Fun Run, as well as his own experiences as one of the first participants in LDN’s Next Generation Club program.