TI Automotive Names Ernst Kuhlen to New Position
TI Automotive has named Ernst Kuhlen director of global fuel delivery pumps and modules. Kuhlen will be responsible for development and implementation of the company’s global pump-and-module product strategy. Based in Neuss, Germany, he will report to Manouchehr Kambakhsh, vice president for global engineering. Previously engineering director for pumps at Pierburg AG in Neuss, Kuhlen joined TI Automotive as part of the company’s recent purchase of Pierburg’s pump business.
Dana AAG Expands Relationship with NASCAR
Dana’s Automotive Aftermarket Group (AAG) has renewed its partnerships with NASCAR in anticipation of the 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. Dana aftermarket products such as WIX filters, Raybestos brakes and Clevite Engine Parts are part of the exclusive lineup of NASCAR Performance products.
More Details on the Future of Honeywell’s Friction Materials Business
Yesterday, Honeywell announced that it had terminated discussions with Federal Mogul regarding the possible sale of its friction materials business, which manufactures and markets the well-known aftermarket brand Bendix. After several months of negotiations, the parties were unable to agree on terms of a deal. Now Honeywell has reported that the friction materials division will remain part of Honeywell and will become closely aligned with the company’s business initiatives and operating plan. According to Joe Puishys, president of Honeywell friction materials, the company is in the process of making investments in both the aftermarket and OE segments of the business.
DENSO Becomes Toyota’s Corporate Sponsor for F1
Toyota Motor Corporation and Toyota Motorsport GmbH have announced today that DENSO Corp. has become a corporate sponsor for the Panasonic Toyota Racing F1 team from the 2004 season. DENSO has supported the Toyota F1 team as a technical partner since 2002, providing products such as tailor-made spark plugs for the team’s V10 engine.
MACS Announces New Sponsorships for 2004 Convention
Four Seasons, a division of Standard Motor Products, has announced its sponsorship of “Crank it UP!” — the 24th annual Convention and Trade Show of the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide. The convention takes place January 22-24 at the Caribe Royale All-Suite Resort in Orlando, Fla. Sanden International has announced its gold sponsorship of the event, bringing drag racing legend Big Daddy Don Garlits to the convention to present the keynote speech during a luncheon on Saturday, January 24th at noon. Garlits will speak on teamwork and working toward success.
ArvinMeritor Taps Don Polk to Lead Its LVS Wheels Business
ArvinMeritor has promoted Donald Polk to the position of vice president and general manager of its Light Vehicle Systems (LVS) business group’s Wheels product line, effective immediately. Before being named to this new position, Polk was vice president and general manager of the LVS Ride Control product line. Polk began his career with the company as a Wheels sales engineer in 1989.
More Aftermarket Eye Candy at This Year’s North American International Auto Show
Although there’s no shortage of muscle on the main floor at this year’s North American International Auto Show — the 850-horsepower Chrysler ME412 concept is only the beginning — there’s also a subterranean performance theme that’s been missing from previous shows. Once the take-it-or-leave-it realm of marginal players like Daewoo and stillborns like the revival Cunningham sports car, Cobo Center’s downstairs Michigan Hall exhibit area is studded this year with an intriguing array of production vehicles enhanced by aftermarket bolt-on goodies: designer wheels, low-profile tires, oversize brakes, high-performance shock absorbers and more.
MPA Name Change is Official
In an exclusive interview from October 2003, Motorcar Parts & Accessories (MPA) Chairman, President and CEO Selwyn Joffe, indicated that MPA’s shareholders would soon vote on a proposal to change the company’s name. That name change is now official. Motorcar Parts & Accessories has changed its name to Motorcar Parts of America to better reflect its position in the markets it serves.
Jack Roush Named First Recipient of SKF X-Tracker Award
Jack Roush, CEO of Roush Industries and owner of the Roush Racing Team, has been named the first recipient of the SKF X-Tracker Award. The international award recognizes an individual who has achieved success in the face of extreme challenges or adversity. SKF selected Roush as the first X-Tracker Award recipient due to his legendary success in the automotive and racing industries and his perseverance through his recovery from life-threatening injuries sustained in a 2002 airplane crash.
ArvinMeritor’s Yost to Discuss Heavy Duty Supplier Industry Trends at Heavy Duty Dialogue
Larry Yost, chairman and CEO of ArvinMeritor will discuss the challenges facing the heavy duty supplier industry at Heavy Duty Dialogue 2004, slated for Feb. 9 and 10. The event will take place at the Atlanta Airport Hilton and Towers, Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport, Atlanta, Ga. This is 13th in the biennial series presented by the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA).