Delphi Earnings Decline
Auto-parts maker Delphi Corp. said Tuesday its fourth-quarter net earnings sank to $82 million as it paid for a major restructuring program it launched in October, which included 8,500 job cuts. Net income for the quarter was 15 cents a share, down from $119 million, or 21 cents, in the same period a year earlier.
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.
Save the Date: MEMA Legislative and Public Policy Summit – Advancing American Manufacturing, May 5-6
MEMA and its market segment associations – AASA, HDMA and OESA – will host the inaugural “MEMA Legislative and Public Policy Summit: Advancing American Manufacturing” on Thursday and Friday, May 5-6 in Washington, DC. The Summit has been created to raise awareness among Washington policymakers of the supplier industry’s many contributions to the nation’s economy. MEMA intends to bring members to Washington, DC, to collectively share their priorities and concerns with members of Congress and the Bush administration. While in Washington, they will discuss best practices in government affairs for our industry, and provide updates and dialogue on legislative, regulatory and political developments from senior administration officials, members of Congress and other experts.
Deadline for 2004 GAAS Scholarship Is March 31; Applications Available Online
The deadline to apply for a Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) scholarship – awarded to students planning an aftermarket career – is Wednesday, March 31. The scholarships are available to students in two-year technical college programs and vocational schools and four-year college programs.
Honeywell and Federal-Mogul End Talks Regarding Bendix Friction Materials Business
Honeywell has ended its discussions with Federal-Mogul regarding the possible sale of Honeywell’s Bendix friction materials business. After several months of negotiations, the parties were unable to agree on the terms of a deal, said Honeywell officials. The two companies entered into a letter of intent nearly one year ago.
Manufacturers’ Rep Conference Slated to Take Place in Conjunction with GAAS
AAIA has announced details of its upcoming Manufacturer’s Representative Conference, which takes place in conjunction with the 2004 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium. The conference, slated for May 16-17 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago, Ill., will address “Industry Partnerships – Developing Strategies for a Profitable Future.” Parts Plus President Mike Lambert is among a number of industry experts scheduled to speak at the event.
Learn How to Work Leaner, Faster, Better at GAAS 2004
Early registrants for the ninth annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) program will learn how the aftermarket will work leaner, faster and better at a substantial savings. GAAS 2004 is set for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18-19, at the Hyatt Regency, Chicago, Ill. Dr. Jeffrey Rosensweig, economist and professor at Emory University, heads the lineup of speakers at GAAS 2004. NASCAR Driver Bill Lester is the featured lunch speaker on Tuesday, May 18. GAAS 2004 will also include two pre-conference events: the 2004 Manufacturers’ Reps Conference on Sunday and Monday, May 16-17, and the University of the Aftermarket Pre-Symposium Seminar on Monday, May 17, “How to Accelerate Your Sales Growth through Increased Customer Loyalty.”
Continental Tire North America and Exel Form Strategic Tire Distribution Partnership
Continental Tire North America (CTNA) and Exel, a global logistics company, have formed a strategic partnership in the area of tire distribution logistics in North America. As part of the agreement, Exel will assume control of the management of CTNA’s tire distribution warehouses. All details of the agreement will be finalized by April 1, 2004.
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.
TI Automotive Wins $1.2 Billion in New Business
TI Automotive recently won contracts in its fuel systems division valued at more than $1.2 billion from automotive manufacturers in Europe, Asia and North America. Beginning with 2006-model-year production, the fourth-quarter contract awards include complete fuel systems and subsystems for a range of products,