Behr Earns 2004 Global Supplier Award From DaimlerChrysler
Behr GmbH & Co. KG, automotive air conditioning and engine cooling systems specialist, was one of nine suppliers to receive DaimlerChrysler’s Global Supplier Award for outstanding performance in 2004. Behr received the award for an interior commodity.
Pete Joy Elected Chairman of Heavy Duty Aftermarket Council
The Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) has formed its new Heavy Duty Aftermarket Council (HDAMC) and elected Robert “Pete” Joy, president of Haldex Commercial Vehicle Systems, North American Sales Division, as chairman at the group’s inaugural meeting on Jan. 11 in Chicago.
Federal-Mogul Earns 2004 DaimlerChrysler Global Supplier Award for Powertrain
Federal-Mogul Corp. on January 12 received the 2004 DaimlerChrysler Global Supplier Award in the Powertrain category. DaimlerChrysler’s Global Supplier Award is designed to recognize global supplier contributions and excellence in supplier performance. Suppliers with a business volume of more than $1.35 million with the Chrysler Group, Commercial Vehicles Division or Mercedes-Benz Car Group were also eligible. Federal-Mogul was selected based on its benchmark performance in quality, system cost, technology and supply during 2004.
Delphi Appoints President, COO and New Vice Chairman; Donald Runkle to Retire
In what is described as an effort to streamline operations and sharpen its focus on stronger growth, Delphi’s board of directors announced several executive appointments Friday. Rodney O’Neal has been named president and COO, with responsibility for Delphi’s three operating segments, its three regional operations, Global Supply Management and Sales and Marketing. This appointment marks the first time a single officer other than founding chairman, CEO and President J. T. Battenberg III will be responsible for all of Delphi’s global business units. O’Neal will continue to report to Battenberg, who remains chairman and CEO and also chair of the Delphi Strategy Board, the company’s top policy-making group.
The Top Ten Newsmakers of 2004
For the first time ever, Counterman magazine and aftermarketNews.com bring you The Top 10 Newsmakers of the Year. Our editorial team took a look at some of this industry’s most influential leaders and selected the 10 we believe have had a direct impact on the success of the aftermarket in 2004. Beyond that, we believe these individuals have helped set the stage for an even more productive future for our industry.
Babcox Publications Acquires Fleet Equipment and Transport Technology Today
Babcox Publications today announced its acquisition of Fleet Equipment and Transport Technology Today (T3) magazines. Effective January 1, 2005, these two publications will extend the company’s reach into the truck fleet market. According to Bill Babcox, president of Babcox Publications, “The purchase of these two magazines expands our comprehensive lineup of publications for the automotive aftermarket to now include the truck fleet equipment management and information technology (IT) arenas. These respected magazines, and their editorial staffs, broaden our reach and offer outstanding publications for the marketplace.”
Accuride to Acquire Transportation Technologies Industries, Inc.
Heavy duty wheel maker Accuride Corp. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Transportation Technologies Industries, Inc. (TTI), one of the largest North American manufacturers of truck components for the heavy and medium-duty trucking industry. The common stock of both companies is privately held. With the merger, the two companies hope to become a “one-stop component sourcing solution and expects to become one of the predominant suppliers to the heavy/medium commercial vehicle industry,” according to a press release issued this week.
Executive Interview: John Lampe, chairman, president and CEO of Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding
Two years ago on August 9, Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. — and the whole tire industry — changed for all time. John Lampe has been in the middle of the entire saga from day one. More importantly, as chairman, president and CEO of what is now Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding (BFAH) and the head of Bridgestone/Firestone North America Tire, the Kansas native has led the once-beleaguered company back from the brink.
Alcoa Combines its Two Wheel Operations
Alcoa has combined its two wheel operations into one business unit – Alcoa Wheel Products (AWP) – and has named Kevin Kramer to head the new group. Combining Alcoa’s Cast Auto Wheels and Alcoa Wheel and Forged Products units, AWP will produce and market both cast and forged passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, motorcycle and specialty wheels for both the OE and replacement markets.
The Year in Review – A Look at the Top 10 News Stories of 2004
Whether you believe 2004 was a good or bad year for the aftermarket, no one can argue this was a big news year for our industry. The year included noteworthy shifts in leadership, mergers, acquisitions and more, most of which will significantly impact the industry for many years to come. Here’s a month-by-month look at what aftermarketNews.com considers to be biggest news events that happened in our industry in 2004.