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.
Stoneridge Adds Two New Directors to Its Board
Automotive components manufacturer Stoneridge has appointed John Corey and William Lasky to the company’s board of directors. Corey is president and CEO of Safety Components International, a supplier of air bags and components. He previously held positions as president of the Stanley Mechanics Tools Division, AlliedSignal’s automotive aftermarket products division and Moog Automotive. Lasky is chairman, president and CEO of JLG Industries, a diversified construction and industrial equipment manufacturer. Prior to joining JLG, Lasky spent 22 years in various positions of increasing responsibility with Dana, including president of its Filtration Products Worldwide business from 1997 to 1999.
MPA Automates Catalog and Product Management with e-Publisher
Motorcar Parts of America (MPA) has partnered with Vertical Development Inc. (VDI) to consolidate its application and technical data into a single relational database. As a result, MPA’s customers can now access the latest product information linked to technical reference bulletins in a single lookup.
ELR for Application Parts Manual Now Available
AAIA has just published the Enhanced Line Review (ELR) for Application Parts, a 298-page manual to help companies make better assortment decisions, increase inventory efficiency and develop long-term strategies to grow their parts businesses.
Noble International to Purchase Laser Welding International
Noble International has signed a purchase agreement to acquire Laser Welding International Inc. (LWI). LWI, based in Clinton Township, Mich., is a supplier of laser-welded blanks (LWB) to General Motors. According to Noble’s COO Tim Emmitt, the acquisition of LWI will help expand Noble’s presence with General Motors. The company plans to integrate LWI into Noble Metal Processing over the next several months, Emmitt said.
More Aftermarket Eye Candy at This Year’s North American International Auto Show
Although there’s no shortage of muscle on the main floor at this year’s North American International Auto Show — the 850-horsepower Chrysler ME412 concept is only the beginning — there’s also a subterranean performance theme that’s been missing from previous shows. Once the take-it-or-leave-it realm of marginal players like Daewoo and stillborns like the revival Cunningham sports car, Cobo Center’s downstairs Michigan Hall exhibit area is studded this year with an intriguing array of production vehicles enhanced by aftermarket bolt-on goodies: designer wheels, low-profile tires, oversize brakes, high-performance shock absorbers and more.
Keystone Automotive Acquires Toronto-Based Quinte Bumper & Fender
Keystone Automotive Industries has acquired Quinte Bumper & Fender, a privately held company based in Ontario, Canada, that distributes automobile collision replacement parts. Quinte recorded sales of approximately $6.5 million during its most recent fiscal year. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition is a continuation of Keystone’s strategy to expand throughout Canada, according to Charles Hogarty, president and CEO of Keystone.
Delphi Appoints Three New Sales Managers in North America
Delphi Corp. has named three new sales managers for North America. Jim Eady, Darrel Reuss and Steve Tucker will serve as regional sales managers for vehicle electronics in North America for Delphi Product & Service Solutions. Eady will cover the Southeast, Reuss the Midwest and Tucker the Northeast and all will report to Scott Donnelly, North American vehicle electronics sales manager.
Ex-Federal-Mogul Chairman Returns
Federal-Mogul Corp., an auto-parts maker operating under bankruptcy protection since October 2001, said Robert Miller has returned as chairman, replacing former CEO Frank Macher. Miller was Federal-Mogul CEO in September 2001 before he left to take the same position at Bethlehem Steel Corp., a company that’s also in bankruptcy protection. Miller’s appointment to chairman took effect Sunday, after Macher’s contract expired, the Southfield-based parts maker said in a statement.
ASA Names New Vice President of Communications, New Manager of Web Operations
Angie Wilson has been named the Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) new vice president of communications. She replaces Ken Roberts, who has left the position to pursue opportunities in another industry, according to ASA. ASA has also promoted Colby Horton to manager of Web operations.