Pronto Announces Second International Member
National Pronto Association has added its second international shareholder to its membership. Almacen Fronterizo de Autopartes S.A. de C.V., located in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, joined the Pronto group effective May 1.
Littelfuse Reports First Quarter Sales of $133 Million
DES PLAINES, Ill.— Littelfuse has reported its sales and earnings for the first quarter of 2008. Sales for the first quarter of 2008 were $133.7 million, an increase of $1.9 million or 1 percent compared to the first quarter of 2007. Automotive and electrical sales increased 8 percent and 5 percent, respectively, compared to the
MPA to Acquire Automotive Importing Manufacturing, Inc.
Motorcar Parts of America (MPA) has signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire certain assets of Automotive Importing Manufacturing, Inc. (AIM), a privately held company based in Rancho Cordova, Calif. Specifically, MPA will acquire AIM’s operation that produces new and remanufactured alternators and starters.
Bosch Registers 7 Percent Sales Increase in North America
The Bosch Group increased its sales in North America in 2007 by 7 percent to $9.5 billion, with all three of the company’s business sectors — Automotive Technology, Industrial Technology and Consumer Goods and Building Technology — contributing to the growth. Sales for the Bosch Group globally grew by roughly 8 percent to exceed $63 billion, after adjusting for currency effects.
MAHLE Clevite Expands Grassroots Racing Outreach with Sponsorship of NASCAR Corona Series
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – To further expand its reach into grassroots racing, MAHLE Clevite has announced its sponsorship of the NASCAR Corona Series. The three-year sponsorship agreement for the NASCAR series in Mexico will last until 2010. “Our new agreement to sponsor Mexico’s most important stock car racing series not only supports our existing relationship
Ford Completes Sale of Glass Business
From AFX News Limited DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Motor Co. says it’s completing the sale of its automotive and architectural glass business to Tulsa, Okla., investor Robert Price. The sale price hasn’t been disclosed. The operation is part of Automotive Components Holdings (ACH), which Ford created in 2005 to manage 17 plants that Ford reacquired
Midas Acquires Franchisor of 181 SpeeDee Auto Service Centers
Midas has acquired the assets of G.C. & K.B. Investments, Inc., and its affiliated entities that franchise or sub-franchise 181 SpeeDee quick-lube and automotive maintenance shops in the United States and Mexico. G.C. & K.B. Investments, Inc., is owned by Gary Copp and Kevin Bennett, who founded the company in 1980. SpeeDee, which is based in New Orleans, generated U.S. system-wide retail sales of approximately $78 million in 2007 through its network of 116 U.S. shops. The SpeeDee system also includes 65 shops in Mexico that are licensed to a master franchisee.
Superior Industries Reports Fourth Quarter and 2007 Results
Superior Industries International announced sharply improved operating results for the fourth quarter and 2007 versus the same periods of the prior year. For the three months ended Dec. 31, 2007, consolidated net sales increased 8 percent to $229,243,000 compared to $212,169,000 for the fourth quarter of 2006, despite a reduction of $945,000 in wheel program development revenues. This revenue growth included a 1.5 percent increase in unit wheel shipments and a 7.1 percent increase in average selling prices, due principally to a higher percentage of larger diameter wheels in the sales mix than in the prior year.
Executive Interview with Tak Ito, Executive Vice President of GMB
This week we hear from Tak Ito, executive vice president of GMB. Ito joined the GMB corporate office in Japan in 1987 and transferred to GMB North America as the assistant manger. In 1990, he moved to GMB California as sales account executive, where he was responsible for the development of sales for those companies that import directly from GMB factories. In 1997, Ito moved to GMB New Jersey as managing director. In 2007, he was given responsibility for leading the company’s sales and service teams in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, including the OES and the aftermarket.
AutoZone to Hire 400 at New PA Distribution Center
Up to 400 workers will be hired for a new AutoZone distribution center opening in Hazle Township, PA. Officials recently announced the automobile and light truck parts and accessories retailer will open a 600,000-square-foot center in the Humboldt Industrial Park in May. Up to 250 people will be hired by then and another 150 by the time the center is fully operational.