NHTSA to Release Defect Data to Public
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said this week data collected from its defect warning system will be made public sometime this year. The agency agreed to keep warranty claims and consumer complaints confidential after automakers claimed access to the data would allow competitors to learn proprietary information about their vehicles. However, NHTSA dismissed manufacturers’ attempts to limit some information, such as the states in which defect-related deaths are occurring.
Senate Vote Delays Asbestos Legislation Debate
A motion to limit Senate debate and proceed with consideration of asbestos trust fund legislation failed yesterday by ten votes (50 – 47). Sixty votes are needed for such “cloture” motions to pass. Democrats argued that the bill, S. 2290, was not ready for Senate consideration and called for further negotiations to reach compromises on key issues such as higher compensation amounts paid by the fund to eligible victims. Senate majority leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), and Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.), announced plans for bipartisan talks to craft a bill that can be passed this year.
Process Management Framework
Two articles back we talked about the role of the process owner. This person is a critical leader and driver of change, but can’t make it happen alone. Operational innovation in the process enterprise can produce significant performance improvement, but it requires close teamwork across multiple departments to achieve its full potential. Today’s article looks at the cross-functional infrastructure necessary to support the process owner in driving change.
Herman Trend Alert: Where the Jobs Are (Or Will Be)
One of the major problems faced by employers in the U.S. and in other countries is a shortage of skilled workers. Employers are struggling to find thousands of qualified Heating and Air Conditioning engineers, specialized computer programmers, imaging technicians, pharmacists, hotel clerks and even housekeepers. These jobs exist now, not just in some future scenario.
Bank One Sues Venture, Affiliates
Bank One Corp. has filed a foreclosure lawsuit against bankrupt auto supplier Venture Corp. and related companies owned by its former owner, Larry Winget. The bank says it’s not trying to close down Venture or disrupt its operations, but it wants to ensure that the businesses owned by Winget are merged back into Venture. The suit was filed Tuesday.
Engine Builders Meet for Third Round of 2004 Clevite Engine Builder Showdown Series
Engine builders for the likes of Kevin Harvick, Jeremy Mayfield and Jeff Gordon took part in a head-to-head competition in the third round of the 2004 Clevite Engine Builder Showdown Series, which took place April 7 at the NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI), in Mooresville, N.C. Engine builders for the likes of Kevin Harvick, Jeremy Mayfield and Jeff Gordon took part in a head-to-head competition in the third round of the 2004 Clevite Engine Builder Showdown Series, which took place April 7 at the NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI), in Mooresville, N.C.
Engine Builders Meet for Third Round of 2004 Clevite Engine Builder Showdown Series
Engine builders for the likes of Kevin Harvick, Jeremy Mayfield and Jeff Gordon took part in a head-to-head competition in the third round of the 2004 Clevite Engine Builder Showdown Series, which took place April 7 at the NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI), in Mooresville, N.C. Engine builders for the likes of Kevin Harvick, Jeremy Mayfield and Jeff Gordon took part in a head-to-head competition in the third round of the 2004 Clevite Engine Builder Showdown Series, which took place April 7 at the NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI), in Mooresville, N.C.
ExxonMobil Celebrates 30 Years for Mobil 1
ExxonMobil is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the introduction of Mobil 1 synthetic motor oil. First introduced in 1974, Mobil 1 has become the world’s number one-selling synthetic motor oil, according to the company. ExxonMobil kicked off a celebration for the brand on April 13 in Beaumont, Texas, where Mobil 1 is manufactured and distributed for all of North and South America.
DuPont To Cut 3,500 Positions
DuPont Co. said yesterday that it will reduce its workforce by 6 percent, or 3,500 positions, by the end of the year to save $325 million annually. The Wilmington, Del.-based chemical company, whose products include Corian surfaces, Tyvek house wrap and auto paint, said that about 3,000 positions would be eliminated through severance programs and about 500 through normal attrition. The company also said it would stop using 450 contractors.
Organizers Call First AAPEX Online Space Drawing a Success
The first online space drawing for AAPEX was a huge success, according to show organizers. More than 1,683 exhibitors participated, accounting for more than 444,000 net square feet of exhibit space sold.