Automotive Suppliers Applaud Passage of Omnibus Appropriations Bill: Industry Initiatives Garner Critical Funding for 2005
The fiscal 2005 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, approved by Congress on Nov. 20, includes several measures supported by the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). These measures will aid in the fight against noncompliant automotive parts; provide additional funding for MEP centers that work one on one with medium and small-sized automotive suppliers to boost competitiveness; and grant automotive suppliers and other employers the flexibility to hire international graduates of American universities.
SAE Plans Centennial Celebrations
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE ) plans to hold special celebrations at several of its conferences and expositions in 2005 to celebrate its 100 year anniversary. SAE has been serving the mobility engineering community since 1905. From a black tie gala and special section functions to PR events and centennial series editions of its magazines, there will be ample opportunities for joining SAE in toasting its first century.
Robert Bosch Sales Corp. Wins 2004 Aftermarket Web Challenge
The MEMA Information Services (MIS) Council recently selected Robert Bosch Corp. of Broadview, Ill., as winner of the 2004 Aftermarket Web Challenge (AWC) for its extranet application Bosch Online Advantage. The annual Web competition is the aftermarket’s oldest and most recognized award for excellence in Web applications.
Executive Interview with Steve Christie, Executive Director, Automotive Oil Change Association
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Steve Christie, executive director of the Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA). Christie has served as executive director of AOCA since 1992. With more than 20 years of progressive management experience in trade associations, professional societies and issue oriented organizations, Christie has led the AOCA to dramatic growth in membership and revenues during his tenure as head of the 1,200 plus member organization. Last week, Christie took some time to give us a ‘virtual’ tour of the AOCA, the services it provides as well as its plans for the future. Read on to learn more about the AOCA and the important projects on which the association is currently focusing.
Info on Car Safety Off-Limits to Public
The federal agency that oversees auto safety has decided — based largely on arguments from automakers and their Washington, D.C., lobbyists — that reams of data relating to unsafe automobiles or defective parts will not be available to the public. Specifically, the government has banned the release of car and truck warranty-claims information, customer complaints and early-warning reports about defects from dealers, automakers and rental car companies, even if media outlets or other groups push for it under the Freedom of Information Act.
Executive Interview with Paul Foley, Vice President, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA)
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Paul Foley, vice president of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), a market segment of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). Join us as Foley brings us up to speed on the rapid growth of AASA since its creation two years ago, as well as several industry initiatives AASA is currently focusing on.
Private Equity Firms Drive Away With More Auto Parts Deals
The auto parts industry continues to be one of the favorite places for private equity firms to put their money as they invested more than $1.5 billion in the industry in July.
Valvoline Responds to Article in Detroit Free Press
Valvoline Co. recently shared with aftermarketNews.com a letter written to the editor of the Detroit Free Press responding to an article that questioned the legitimacy of some specialty motor oils. The article, “Don’t be fooled by pricey, fancy oils, experts warn,” was published July 15 in the Detroit Free Press and was picked up by other associated national newspapers such as the Kansas City Star. In the article, Free Press Auto Critic Mark Phelan stated that the “bewildering variety of oils” on the market today may be a waste of money, according to the “variety of industry experts” with whom he spoke. In a letter to the editor, Dr. Fran Lockwood, senior vice president technology for Valvoline, responded to the article and defended the claims that Valvoline and other motor oil manufacturers make about their products.
Cooper Tire to Begin Race Tire Production in the U.S.
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. announced today that it plans to begin production of racing tires at its Athens, Ga., manufacturing facility. The facility currently produces retread materials. The company said it will invest $11 million into the project during the next two years. Conversion to motorsports tires should begin immediately with developmental tire production beginning in early 2005.
Amerityre Enters Accord to Sell Manufacturing Systems and to License Technology in Developing Countries
Amerityre Corporation has entered into an agreement with International Research and Development (IRD) in La Jolla, Calif., to introduce Amerityre’s polyurethane tire manufacturing technology in developing countries around the world. The term of the agreement is for three years and may be automatically renewed for successive three year terms.