MEMA Elects New Chairman and Officers; Delphi’s Alan Dawes to Serve as 2004-2005 MEMA Chairman
Alan Dawes, vice chairman and CFO of Delphi Corp., has been elected 2004-2005 chairman of the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Board of Directors. Outgoing MEMA Chairman Scott Meyer, who stepped down as president of Ken-Tool, was named MEMA president until a permanent president and CEO is found. As a result, Ronald Cutler, TRW Automotive, will continue to serve on the board as past chairman.
Second Day of Presentations at 2004 GAAS Predict Strong Growth
The second and final day of the 2004 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) ended on a strong note with some impressive new numbers and predictions for the future success of the industry. For the first time in many years, financial analysts are beginning to sit up and take notice of the aftermarket.
Auto Pride Convention Focuses on EDI Initiatives
On the sun-drenched shore of Florida’s southern Atlantic coast, IWD (Independent Warehouse Distributors) Auto Pride/Truck Pride held its 19th Annual Membership Meeting on April 28 through May 2. The event included participation from 117 members and their families, as well as 137 manufacturers/suppliers in attendance. While the members participated in more than 10 strategy and program sessions, the manufacturers hosted a booth show during the second day of the event.
Dave Caracci Elected New AAIA Chairman of the Board of Directors
AAIA has elected its officers and board of directors for the 2004-2005 term at its spring meeting in Phoenix, Ariz.
Attorney Shirley Peterson Elected to Goodyear Board
Attorney Shirley Peterson has been elected to Goodyear Tire & Rubber’s board of directors. The recipient of a number of national awards, Peterson began a 20-year career as an attorney with the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson in Washington, D.C., in 1969, becoming a partner in 1978. In 1989, she accepted an appointment by President George H.W. Bush as assistant attorney general, Tax Division at the U.S. Department of Justice. Peterson remained there until 1992, when President Bush appointed her commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service.
Executive Interview with Joe Puishys, President of Honeywell Friction Materials
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Joe Puishys, president of Honeywell Friction Materials. A 25-year veteran of the company’s automotive businesses, Joe Puishys has served as president of Honeywell Friction Materials since early 2002. His responsibilities include overseeing the most recent corporate effort to align closely with Honeywell’s business initiatives and operating plan. He has already played a major role in the cost cutting and six sigma programs occurring throughout the organization. Join us as Puishys gives us an update on Honeywell Friction Materials, including plans to expand manufacturing operations and launch new products.
Experts Warn Industry’s Growth in South Carolina Will Be Flat at Best
South Carolina is chasing automotive manufacturing jobs even as the industry’s work force is slipping away from the U.S. Some experts warn South Carolina will lose its auto jobs too, as automakers and parts companies move jobs abroad or squeeze out jobs at home through efficiency gains. Some experts warn South Carolina will lose its auto jobs too, as automakers and parts companies move jobs abroad or squeeze out jobs at home through efficiency gains.
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.
Autospecialty Announces Executive Promotions
Autospecialty has announced a number of executive promotions. Larry Fidance has been promoted to vice president of marketing for the entire company.
Akebono Announces Passing of Regional Sales Manager Carl Schaefer
Akebono announced yesterday that Eastern Regional Sales Manager Carl Schaefer unexpectedly passed away in January. Schaefer was a 25-year veteran of the automotive aftermarket business, with a focus on brake systems. He joined Akebono in 2002 and managed the company’s aftermarket sales in the eastern U.S. and Canada.