Lund International Announces Two Executive Appointments
Lund International has promoted Bob Schuetz to vice president of aftermarket sales. Schuetz joined Lund in October 2003 in the newly created position of vice president of new business development. Lund has also announced the appointment of John Whitten as director of sales engineering. Whitten brings with him 11 years of quality and product engineering, most recently working in automotive accessories on a contract basis for General Motors and DaimlerChrysler.
Two Major Tiremakers Join U.S. EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership
Two major tiremakers — Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNT) and Michelin North America — have joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay Transport Partnership, a national partnership to help reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions from ground freight transportation.
Fewer U.S. Vehicles are Being Scrapped, According to R. L. Polk & Co.
The fact that vehicles are staying on the road longer is a boon for the aftermarket, and according to recent research from R. L. Polk & Co., the numbers are moving even more in the aftermarket’s favor. Vehicle scrappage rates declined 9.1 percent in 2003, according to recent Polk research. The number of passenger cars scrapped in 2003 was down 6.1 percent while light trucks experienced a 12.7 percent decrease. Both numbers were factors in driving the scrappage rate down for all vehicles, a trend since 1970, according to Polk.
“DST Asks”: What Do You Look For In a Computerized Business Management System?
Technology is breaking down the barriers that once hindered our ability to process and share information efficiently. As our industry taps into the power of new technologies, those businesses that adopt and embrace them sooner rather than later will realize new efficiencies and bottom-line improvements while simultaneously setting the revised standards of successful business operation. Those standards will be the benchmarks of competitive advantage that will steer the future of the industry.
Siemens VDO Automotive to Acquire Chrysler Group’s Huntsville Electronics Operations
Siemens VDO Automotive Electronics Corp. has signed an agreement to acquire Chrysler Group’s electronics operation located in Huntsville, Ala. The facility produces automotive electronics products for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge products and generates approximately $1 billion in sales. Details of the transaction have not been disclosed. Situated on a 180-acre site, Huntsville Electronics is composed of two plants operating two shifts daily. The first plant opened in 1977 and is 232,000 square feet. The second plant opened in 1988 and encompasses 849,000 square feet. Currently, operations in Huntsville employ more than 2,000 people who are represented by the UAW.
GM Recalls Popular SUVs for Electrical Risk, Second Major Recall for GM This Month
General Motors said Monday that it will recall 636,000 of its most popular 2002 and 2003 midsize SUVs because of a windshield wiper system electrical problem that’s been tied to two crashes. GM plans to begin notifying owners starting in July, when they will be told to go to a dealer to have a vent hole in the windshield wiper system patched so that water does not leak in. The leaking water can corrode wiring, GM said, which in turn can lead to a short circuit or windshield wiper problems.
Jerry Mosingo Named COO of ASC Incorporated
ASC Inc., a full-service specialty-vehicle development partner for automotive manufacturers, has named Jerry Mosingo COO, effective immediately. He replaces Scott Koepke, who has been named COO of ASC-Yachiyo Manufacturing Ltd. (AYM), an ASC joint venture company in Columbus, Ohio. Both executives will report to ASC’s president and CEO, Paul Wilbur. Mosingo’s COO assignment is expected to last through 2004.
“AMN Perspectives by Thomas Group: Experience at Work”
As this column unfolds over the coming months, there will be several major themes, each with a number of articles. In this first series, we’ll address operational effectiveness. We’ve chosen the inventory dilemma as the first topic, though additional installments will include the related issues of inventory management methods, performance measures, information technology and others.
Walker Exhaust Announces Special Spring Trade Promotion
Walker Exhaust is offering a special spring trade promotion that enables undercar professionals to earn $25 gift cards, be entered into weekly $500 cash giveaways and participate in a sweepstakes drawing for a premium home theater system.
MACS Presents Mobile A/C Pioneer Award
Six veteran professionals were honored with the Mobile A/C Industry Pioneer Award during the MACS 24th annual convention and trade show, held last month.