Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA) to Develop Online Training Program
After months of extensive research, the Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA) has signed a contract with On-Line Learning Systems in Toronto, Ontario, for the development of an online training program. According to Steve Christie, executive director of AOCA, the e-learning project will allow AOCA to have its entire Technician Academy, which includes eight training modules, progress reporting and certification testing, accessible anywhere in the world via the Internet. This will include online payment of fees and automatic updating of the student database.
Ford, Magna Face Multi-Million-Dollar Class-Action Suit Over Door Latches
Up to 400,000 Canadians might be driving Ford vehicles with faulty door latches that could lead to serious injury or death, according to a class-action lawsuit commenced Tuesday against Ford Motor Co., Magna International and several of its subsidiaries.
Alcoa to Close Ohio Auto Parts Plant, Lay Off 140
Alcoa said late Tuesday it is cutting 140 jobs and closing its automotive components plant in Northwood, Ohio, by the end of the year to decrease overcapacity. The aluminum products maker said it plans to take pre-tax charges of about $7 million, with $3 million to be recorded in the third quarter.
Auto Data Network Acquires CarParts Technologies
Data Network Inc., a provider of software and real-time data services to the automotive industry, has acquired California-based CarParts Technologies, Inc. The deal was completed 17 months ahead of schedule. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Portals Help Manufacturers Predict Delays in Material Shipments
It’s 10 o’clock on Sunday night — do you know where your raw materials, parts, components and sub-assemblies are? That shipment of motors from Taiwan? The load of automotive frame parts bound for the Port of Oakland that you’ll need a week from Thursday on a just-in-time basis? How about those disk drives and capacitors your materials chief ordered from a new supplier in China for your finished-goods assembly plant? Chances are, if yours are among the billions of dollars worth of goods crossing the Pacific Ocean — or any ocean, for that matter — you’re not sure where your cargo is.
Executive Interview with Tom Ward, President, Snap-on Diagnostics
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Tom Ward, president of Snap-on Diagnostics, a global business focused on improving technician and workshop productivity around the world. Join us as Ward gives us an inside look at Snap-on Diagnostics, including information on some recently launched products. Ward also talks about the trends and challenges in automotive diagnostics and repair and how the division works to address these issues.
Genuine Parts Co. Reports Second Quarter Sales and Earnings
Genuine Parts Co. reported sales and earnings for the second quarter and six months, which ended on June 30.
Monro Muffler Brake, Inc. Announces Record First Quarter Sales and Earnings
Monro Muffler Brake announced financial results for the first quarter, which ended on June 26.
DST Asks: How Do you Make Strategic Business Decisions
There are almost as many sources of reference for making strategic business decisions as there are choices for planning and securing your future. Our respondents to last week’s question were in agreement that it takes collaborative efforts to design and implement a corporate roadmap, including internal management, consultants, observing and copying competitors’ strategies, industry journals and publications and technology supplier partnerships.
Rising Auto Recalls Eat Profits
General Motors Corp., Toyota Motor Corp. and two other U.S. carmakers have in six months exceeded the vehicle recalls for last year, reducing profit. GM recalled 7.92 million cars and light trucks as of July 2, and said repair costs had helped cut first-quarter profit in North America by 18 percent. Toyota recalled 367,000 Highlander sport-utility vehicles, surpassing last year’s total by 74 percent. DaimlerChryslerAG’s Chrysler and Honda Motor Co. also are ahead of 2003.