3M and Graco Launch Co-Branded Product Line
3M Automotive Aftermarket Division and Graco Industrial/Automotive Equipment Division have formed an alliance to offer a new line of paint spray guns to the automotive aftermarket. According to Bob MacDonald, vice president, 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division, the two companies worked with painters from across the country to develop the line.
Federal-Mogul Sees Accelerated Shift to Aluminum Engine Bearings in Automotive Service Industry
Automotive engine rebuilders have embraced aluminum engine bearing technologies and are adopting this new material for a broad range of late-model automotive applications, according to engineering and marketing representatives at Federal-Mogul Corp.
NHRA Tour de Force Storms Detroit
Legendary hot-rodder and storyteller John Force wants a major drag racing strip in the Detroit area, and he’s willing to invest time and money to make it happen. Force, the king of funny cars and one-liners, was in town last week for the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress at Cobo Center, in Detroit. His job: to chat with engineers and shake hands with backers, including Ford Motor Co. executives, who support his passion to go fast over a quarter-mile.
SEMA Spring Expo Reaches New Level Of Success
Organizers for the 2004 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Spring Expo, have reported that this year’s show was the biggest regional show the association has held to date. The Expo took place March 5-6 at the Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis. A day of seminars preceded the actual exhibit. Although attendance figures have not yet been audited, show organizers said preliminary reports show an increase of approximately 65 percent in buyer attendance, and 30 percent in total attendance from the SEMA Spring Expo in Nashville last February.
AASA Creates New Aftermarket Council Forum for European Market Issues; Elects Leaders
The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) has established the European Automotive Aftermarket Manufacturers Council, a new discussion group for aftermarket executives heading their businesses’ European operations. The European Automotive Aftermarket Manufacturers Council will provide a forum for AASA members’ senior executives in Europe. The members will meet quarterly to discuss industry issues and solutions, share best practices and network with peers.
Small is Satisfactory: Dura Builds a Niche
So it’s not as big as Delphi. It doesn’t employ as many as Lear. But Lawrence Denton, chief executive for Dura Automotive Systems Inc., says he’s satisfied with his company’s size. Dura, he says, is just better off being small.
ASA, ASC-MI Testify at Michigan Senate Insurance Committee Hearing on Insurer-Owned Repair
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and the Automotive Service Councils of Michigan (ASC-MI) testified recently before the Michigan Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee on Senate Bill 819, Insurer Owned Repair legislation. Repair facility owners from throughout Michigan packed a Senate hearing room to show support for the legislation, according to ASA. The legislation prohibits insurance companies from owning or acquiring a repair facility in the state of Michigan. If the legislation is passed, any insurer that has ownership of a repair facility must divest itself of that facility within two years of the effective date of the legislation. S. 819 was introduced by Sen. Laura Toy, R-Livonia. The bill has 16 co-sponsors.
Defining The Process Enterprise
In this week’s article we’ll deal with a fundamental question: What is a “process enterprise” and how does it differ from the kind of enterprise most of us are living in today?
Great Britain’s Automotive Aftermarket Holds Potential for U.S. Suppliers
Recent changes in market access regulations and similarities between consumers in the U.K. and U.S. make the $24 billion automotive aftermarket in Great Britain a potential sweet spot for U.S. suppliers.
AAIA Issues ‘Call to Action’
On Feb. 26, Sen. Lindsey Graham, (R-S.C.), introduced the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair legislation (S. 2138) in the Senate. Similar to legislation in the House (H.R. 2735), the bill would ensure that motorists retain the right to choose how and by whom their vehicles are maintained and repaired. AAIA and AWDA are strongly urging individuals and businesses involved in the industry to go to the Legislative Action Center at www.aftermarket.org and send a letter urging their senator to join Graham in supporting S. 2138.