Motor Vehicle Suppliers Report 2008: Business Outlook Less Than Rosy, With Some Pockets of Optimism
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) has announced the results of a recent member survey showing that suppliers expect business to look a little less than rosy for the automotive aftermarket this year. Across all three of MEMA’s market segments, the surveys showed that the 2008 business outlook is slightly more pessimistic than it was in 2007.
Landmark Fuel Bill Set for Bush OK
From The Detroit News and MEMA Industry News WASHINGTON — President Bush is expected to sign an energy bill this morning that will raise passenger car fuel efficiency standards for the first time in more than two decades, ending an epic battle to require automakers to dramatically improve the fuel economy of the nation’s cars
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Looks at the Fluctuating Dollar’s Impact on Manufacturing
This edition of “Ask the Industry” looks at the affect changes in U.S. currency is having on the automotive aftermarket industry, particularly the manufacturing sector. Helping us sort through this complex issue is Frank Hampshire, senior director of market research for the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). In this exclusive “Ask the Industry” discussion, Hampshire says the fluctuating value of the dollar isn’t all bad for aftermarket manufacturers.
Joe McAleese of Bendix CVS Elected 2008 HDMA Chairman
Joe McAleese, president and CEO of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, has been elected 2008 chairman of the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) Board of Directors. McAleese has enjoyed a 25 year career at Bendix and Honeywell/AlliedSignal (owners of Bendix prior to January 2002). During that time he has spent 20 years with the Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems business, and has held numerous leadership roles. McAleese has served on the HDMA board executive committee since 2004 and is 2008 chairman of the board. He was elected to the MEMA board of directors in 2006 and currently serves on its executive and nominating committees. He is a long-time member of the Heavy Duty Business Forum, an HDMA executive discussion group, and also serves its board of governors.
China Agrees to Remove Certain Export Subsidies
Bowing to American pressure on the eve of high-level talks to reduce economic tensions, China agreed Thursday to terminate a dozen different subsidies and tax rebates that promote its own exports and discourage imports of steel, wood products, information technology and other goods.
Dayco Products’ Dennis Welvaert Named New AASA Chairman; New Board Members Elected
Dennis Welvaert, president, North American aftermarket division, Dayco Products LLC., Tulsa, OK, took office as chairman of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Board of Governors at the board’s Nov. 8 board meeting in Chicago. Welvaert is a 37-year veteran in the automotive industry. His career started with Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. where he held various technical positions in research and development before moving into the OEM Sales division.
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.
Executive Interview with Bill Thompson, President of IMR
Bill Thompson is the president of IMR. He joined the company in 2003 and immediately recognized the extraordinary potential in both the amount of research the company does, and the volume of data it collects. As a result, he has led the way into innovative new research venues, and developed new ways of using the data for a variety of automotive customers. Among the places IMR data can be seen is the weekly research article “The Pulse,” published every Friday on aftermarketNews. Under his leadership, the company continues to grow its portfolio of aftermarket research products and services. Bill is currently a member of the AASA, AAIA and SEMA and currently sits on the AAIA market research committee. In this exclusive Executive Interview, Thompson explains the role of IMR in the aftermarket and how market research data can provide companies with the competitive edge.
Grote Named AWDA Leader of the Year
On Sunday night, William D. Grote III, chairman and CEO of Grote Industries, was named the 2007 recipient of the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) Leader of the Year Award. Each year, AWDA bestows this prestigious award on an aftermarket professional who has contributed to the industry in a unique and significant way. Bill began his career at Grote as a district manager, then worked his way through several sales and marketing positions. In 1969, as a third generation of family took the helm at Grote, he was elected to the board of directors. In 1972 Bill was appointed director of OEM sales and in 1979 was promoted to vice president of sales and marketing. This diverse experience served him well when he became president and CEO in 1989. Since 2004, Bill has served as chairman and CEO. Now well into its second century of business, Grote Industries continues to focus on developing new technology and is currently involved in obstacle detection research.
Dorman Promotes Steven Berman to President and COO
Dorman Products has announced the promotion of Steven Berman to president and chief operating officer. Richard Berman will remain chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer.