DENSO Develops High-Output Power Control Unit and Battery Cooling System for Hybrid Vehicles
DENSO announced it has developed a high-output power control unit (PCU) and a battery cooling system for hybrid vehicles. The products are installed on the Lexus LS 600h and the Lexus LS600hL, which were launched this month by Toyota Motor Corp.
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Goes to Washington
At MEMA’s recent Legislative Summit, congressional representatives discussed aftermarket issues with the association’s members. Counterman Managing Editor Michael Freeze spoke with a number of industry execs at the event, and asked: As an attendee at the MEMA Legislative Summit, what industry issue do you feel most passionate about?
LIVE FROM GAAS — Consultant Mark Paling Talks About Outsourcing for Success
Outsourcing has become more than just a global buzzword. It’s a real-world business practice used by many companies, including those in the automotive aftermarket. In fact, many Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association and Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association member companies currently participate in some sort of outsourcing practice. Wednesday afternoon’s final speaker, Mark Paling, said that companies spent $550 billion on outsourcing in 2005.
Roland Berger: Chinese Cars Can Redefine Entry-Level Segment
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of a Chinese vehicle imported into the U.S. for sale could range from $6,600 to $10,200, potentially redefining the entry-level segment of the market, according to Roland Berger Strategy Consultants. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of a Chinese vehicle imported into the U.S. for sale could range from $6,600 to $10,200, potentially redefining the entry-level segment of the market, according to Roland Berger Strategy Consultants.
Steel Prices To Remain High, Roland Berger Predicts
Rising steel prices have caused pain for many U.S. industries and significant relief is not on the horizon, according to Roland Berger Strategy Consultants. Since 2003, steel prices have climbed by more than 150 percent. Hot-rolled coil prices — a benchmark for pricing — reached a record high of $756 per ton in September 2004 and averaged $744 per ton in 2005. The consulting firm says the recent spike in prices was caused by several factors including increased consumption by China and India, recent consolidation within the U.S. steel industry and continued growth in demand for steel in the U.S.
Executive Interview with Bob McKenna, President and CEO of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association
This week we catch up with Bob McKenna, president and CEO of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). McKenna came to MEMA in Sept. 2005, after 35 years with Atlanta-based Genuine Parts Company (GPC). At GPC, he served as group vice president and chairman of the board for the National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA). Under his leadership, NAPA strengthened its position as a leading distributor in the traditional automotive aftermarket.
Executive Interview with Hoon Chung, President & CEO of DST, Inc.
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Hoon Chung, who was recently named president and CEO of DST, Inc., in Mission Viejo, Calif. Chung has more than 20 years of management experience in supply chain management and technology deployment services. Prior to his role as the Automotive Group senior vice president and general manager at Activant, he was the COO of Adexa, Inc., which delivers intelligent enterprise business planning and performance management solutions that link strategic, tactical and operational aspects in optimizing enterprise-wide supply chain planning and synchronization. Chung recently talked with aftermarketNews.com about his new appointment to lead DST, what he envisions for the company’s future and what he brings from his experience in other industries.
Federal-Mogul President and CEO Moves to ArvinMeritor; Robert Miller Named Interim CEO
Federal-Mogul President and CEO Charles “Chip” McClure has left the company to become the new chairman, CEO and president of Troy, Mich.-based ArvinMeritor. McClure has served as president of Federal-Mogul since 2001 and as CEO since 2003. Robert (Steve) Miller, Jr., a non-executive chairman of Federal-Mogul’s board of directors, has been appointed interim CEO of the company.
DST Asks: How Do you Make Strategic Business Decisions
There are almost as many sources of reference for making strategic business decisions as there are choices for planning and securing your future. Our respondents to last week’s question were in agreement that it takes collaborative efforts to design and implement a corporate roadmap, including internal management, consultants, observing and copying competitors’ strategies, industry journals and publications and technology supplier partnerships.
DST Appoints New Chief Technology Officer
DST Inc., a technology provider to the parts and service supply chain, has named Alex Nubla as the company’s new Chief Technical Officer (CTO). Nubla has extensive experience as a consultant, leader and technical expert working for such companies as IBM Global Services, Nissan Motors and Bank of America. He also served as technical editor for four years for Midrange Computing magazine, the primary journal of record for midrange computing professionals.