Ninth Annual GAAS Kicked Off in Chicago
While the theme of this year’s Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) — Leaner, Faster, Better — may connote the automated efficiency of a well-run machine, the true focus of the day’s numerous presentations was on the talented pool of people who make up that machine and how to make better use of them. “The core of any great business is the people,” said GAAS founder and chairman Mort Schwartz, who welcomed approximately 400 aftermarket executives to the event.
BorgWarner Louis Schwitzer Award Candidates Announced
The Indiana Section of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) announced six candidates for the 38th annual Borg Warner Louis Schwitzer Award, which will be presented May 21 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Transportation Secretary Mineta Launches Traffic Safety Partnership with NASCAR
U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta and NASCAR President Mike Helton have joined forces in launching a new traffic safety alliance with the racing league aimed at saving the lives of everyday drivers on America’s roads. Secretary Mineta made the announcement while in Richmond, Va., appearing as the grand marshall of NASCAR’s running of the Chevy American Revolution 400.
Drivers Hope Rule Changes Make Indy 500 More Competitive
Don’t be alarmed to see cars going slower around Indianapolis Motor Speedway this month. It’s intentional, and depending on which driver is talking, not necessarily a bad thing.
Challenge Ahead for Detroit’s Automakers
Detroit’s Big Three automakers — General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler — are going to have to make changes in their products if they want to stay competitive, says automotive trend watcher Micheline Maynard.
Retooling a Pool of Talent: Michigan Reaches Out from Brawn to Brains
Diego Rivera’s famous mural of Detroit’s industry depicts big, muscular men pulling on steel and manipulating heavy machines as they mold new cars. But if Rivera were here today, how would he see the city? Probably not muscling steel girders around. He’d see MBAs and computer geeks creating the modern automotive world in front of their computers.
DENSO Earns 2004 Climate Protection Award from EPA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded its 2004 Climate Protection Award DENSO Corp., Toyota Motor Corp. and Toyota Industries Corp., which together comprise the Electrical Inverter Air Conditioning Team. The team developed an electrical inverter air conditioning system that provides cooling for the new 2003 Toyota Prius during “idle” stop when the engine shuts down to save fuel and emissions. The team was one of 12 organizations and individuals to receive the award.
Two Named to Executive Positions at DENSO Manufacturing Michigan
DENSO Manufacturing Michigan has appointed two individuals to executive positions. Karen Cooper-Boyer and Joe Stich have been promoted to general managers in their areas of supervision.
NASCAR to Debut “NASCAR Performance Live” Radio Show
NASCAR will debut “NASCAR Performance Live,” a new one-hour radio show dedicated to discussing and examining the technical side of NASCAR. NASCAR will debut “NASCAR Performance Live,” a new one-hour radio show dedicated to discussing and examining the technical side of NASCAR.
Jasper Engines & Transmissions’ Leuck Named President of APRA’s Volume Transmission Division
Craig Leuck, manager of the Transmission Division at Jasper Engines & Transmissions, has been appointed president of the Volume Transmission Division for the Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (APRA). Lueck will work with APRA board members to address industry concerns, answer the needs of volume transmission rebuilders, locate resources for information and share this information through active participation with its members.