DCR Systems Launches ‘Lean’ Collision Repair Process Licensing Company
In response to significant demand, Mentor, Ohio-based DCR Systems has launched a new company, DCR Intellectual Property Co. The DCR Intellectual Property Company operating system is based on ‘lean manufacturing’ principles, which eliminate many of the inefficiencies associated with auto body repair.
The Top Ten News Stories of 2007
For the fourth year in a row, the editorial staffs of aftermarketNews and Counterman magazine have selected what they determined to be the most significant events to impact the automotive aftermarket in the past year. News stories are presented in chronological order.
OAC Elects New Members to Board of Directors
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The Overseas Automotive Council (OAC) recently held elections for its Board of Directors. Members newly elected to the board include: • Carlos Baez, C.B. Automotive Group Corp; • Jorge Hernandez, Gates InterAmerica; • Joe De Santino, JDS Global Corp; • Kim Sheffey, Coni-Seal; and • Enrique Escobar, Lindeco International Corp.
Hella Appoints New Customer Service Supervisor
PEACHTREE CITY, GA — Hella, Inc., the North American aftermarket subsidiary of automotive lighting and electronics supplier Hella, has just appointed Barry Angevine as its customer service supervisor, U.S. aftermarket. The announcement was made by Fred Snow, vice president, aftermarket, who noted that Angevine would be responsible for managing the customer service team as well
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Looks at Business Solutions for Rising Healthcare Costs
For this week’s Ask the Industry, we look at an issue that is on nearly everyone’s mind these days – healthcare. It has become such a critical concern, both for business owners and employees, that the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) recently developed the Health Care Working Group, to assist its members in addressing the issue. Based on the model of MEMA’s successful Brand Protection Council, the Health Care Working Group began meeting this past year, under the direction of Ann McCullough, MEMA’s director of external affairs.
Collins & Aikman to Sell its Soft Trim Business
Collins & Aikman has signed an asset purchase agreement with International Automotive Components Group North America Inc. (IAC NA) for the sale of the company’s North American automotive flooring and acoustic components business. The sale includes 16 facilities in the United States , Canada and Mexico. The Soft Trim business employs approximately 4,300 people and produces products for all major automakers.
“Winning Customers Together:” ACDelco’s National Convention by the Numbers
ACDelco has reported that its recent 2006 National Convention in Las Vegas dealt was attended by more than 6,000 ACDelco customers – Warehouse Distributors (WDs), Total Service Support (TSS) accounts and Jobbers – as well as employees. With a theme of “Winning Customers Together," the 2006 ACDelco National Convention showcased the tools ACDelco provides to help build relationships and grow the business.
Pirelli Promotes Three Executives
ROME, GA – Several executives recognized for being instrumental in Pirelli’s significant growth over the past four years were recently promoted to vice president posts. Steve Carpino has been promoted to head of R&D and product development, John Hagan will now be in charge of original equipment, and Andrew Kearton, will be responsible for manufacturing.
Automakers Reach Out to Women Car Designers of the Future
Katie Slater, a soft-spoken, ponytail-sporting 17-year-old, is attracted to fast cars and powerful engines. As a 14-second, 100-meter sprinter at Cabrini High School in Allen Park, MI, Katie says she thinks cars should run and look as sleek and fast as her sprint.
Ross’ International Auto Components to Acquire Lear’s European Interiors Division
Wilbur Ross, chairman of International Automotive Components Group, LLC (IAC), has announced a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of Lear Corp.’s European interior systems division for a 34 percent equity interest in IAC. International Automotive Components Group was formed in October, 2005 by WL Ross & Co. LLC and Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC to acquire the European assets of Collins & Aikman.