Live from D.C.: MEMA Members Go to Capitol Hill
Day two of the MEMA Legislative Summit began with an unexpected twist – a fire in the Rayburn Congressional building – where MEMA intended to start its day of lobbying. However, in true aftermarket fashion, MEMA members didn’t miss a beat. The attendees split up into 12 groups to meet in closed door sessions with representatives from the House and Senate.
BorgWarner Names New President and GM, BorgWarner Transmission Systems; New Technology VP
BorgWarner has named two executives to new posts. Dr. Bernd Matthes has been named president and general manager, BorgWarner Transmission Systems, succeeding Mark Perlick, who has been named to the newly created position of vice president of technology for BorgWarner.
Delphi, IRL Work Together to Make Racing Safer
Continuing its safety and technical leadership in the world of motorsports, the Indy Racing League (IRL) has awarded the Delphi Corp. a state-of-the-art THOR-FT crash test dummy for research use at the company’s Vandalia, Ohio, Engineering and Test facility. The THOR-FT, which stands for Test Device for Human Occupant Restraint – Frontal Technology, is a specially designed high tech crash test dummy able to record more than 130 items of data in a single test — providing improved biofidelity (the ability to react like human tissue) and kinematics (human body movements).
Executive Interview with Lou Gaudette, General Sales Manager, Loctite Automotive Aftermarket Division, Henkel Corp.
After a three-year hiatus, Henkel has re-launched the Loctite brand in the automotive aftermarket with a new look and an innovative and exclusive product line. As General Sales Manager for Henkel Corp.’s Loctite Automotive Aftermarket Division, Lou Gaudette is responsible for all of Henkel’s aftermarket activities in the U.S., Caribbean and Canada. Read on as Gaudette brings us up to speed on Loctite’s re-entry into the marketplace.
Dayco Celebrates Its First Hundred Years
With its celebration slogan “Continuing the Legacy,” Dayco Products, LLC is celebrating its 100th year as a company. In these days of corporate buy-outs and mergers, Dayco has maintained its identity, and in some ways returned to its early roots, to become a highly-respected, worldwide manufacturer of belts, hose, tensioners and related parts for the automotive original equipment and replacement markets. The legacy it celebrates is one of a strong company that has a reputation for an insatiable craving to develop new products, improve established products and increase manufacturing efficiencies.
Federal-Mogul Launches National TV Ad Campaign
Federal-Mogul has launched a new national television advertising campaign featuring its Wagner ThermoQuiet brake pad. The consumer-oriented commercial focuses on a common concern among vehicle owners: annoying brake squeal. The company said the commercial was created to convey the message that the “breakthrough technology of Wagner ThermoQuiet brake pads provides strong stopping power and virtually eliminates brake noise.”
Goodyear Shareholders Elect Directors, Close Proposals at Annual Meeting
At Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.’s annual shareholder meeting on April 26, new members of the board of directors were elected and several proposals were closed. Gary Forsee, Denise Morrison, Thomas Weidemeyer, John Breen and William Hudson Jr., were elected to the board of directors. Foresee, Morrison and Weidemeyer will serve until 2008, and Breen and Hudson will serve until 2006.
Timken Chief Engineer Honored by SAE
The Timken Co.’s Chief Engineer for Axle Centers, Mircea Gradu, was recently honored by the Society of Automotive Engineers’ (SAE) for his leadership and contributions to developing and enhancing the interchange of technical information in SAE’s transmission and driveline technology sessions. Gradu was presented with the SAE Forest R. McFarland Award at a ceremony held April 12, during the Honors Convocation at the Society of Automotive Engineers’ World Congress at Cobo Hall in Detroit.
Automotive Hall of Fame Calling for the Best and Brightest of Young Automotive Leaders
The Automotive Hall of Fame is seeking nominations for its Young Leadership and Excellence Awards. Winners will be honored at the Automotive Hall of Fame’s annual awards ceremony in October. Since 1980, the Automotive Hall of Fame has honored a select group of just 57 men and women who have demonstrated significant potential as future industry leaders. Honorees are permanently exhibited at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Mich.
Rudy Giuliani to Deliver NACE 2005 Keynote Address
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani will present the keynote address at the 2005 International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) on Thursday, Nov. 3 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Giuliani will speak about leadership and practicing the principles of leadership he deeply believes in.