Leadership for Change — Cross-Functional Collaboration and Breakthrough Thinking
Last time we talked about the role of change leadership in aligning resources and setting expectations on the magnitude and pace of change. Today we want to talk more about cross-functional collaboration and breakthrough thinking.
Auto Industry Conference to Help Participants Navigate the Future of the Industry
A perfect storm is brewing for global automakers and suppliers, but those who lead, manage and influence the industry have the knowledge and capabilities for navigating the troubled waters ahead. They’ll share their insights in early August in the Traverse City, Mich. area at the Management Briefing Seminars — the automotive industry’s premier conference event.
DST Asks: How Do You View the Industry and Your Career?
Every automobile in every dealer’s showroom in America displays an EPA fuel economy ratings sticker. The ratings are estimates developed by the automakers after testing a limited number of pre-production vehicles. The EPA then verifies the results on roughly 10 to 15 percent of the vehicles produced for that year. The tests, repeated the same way each time in a controlled environment, are the same for all autos and are supposed to simulate city and highway driving conditions. They can’t – and don’t – reflect the conditions under which every vehicle is driven; nor do they reflect the maintenance condition, type of fuel used, or – perhaps most importantly-the variety of driving styles that we all see everyday on the streets. What do mileage ratings and driving styles have to do with your aftermarket career? Plenty.
Executive Interview with Scott Meyer, President of MEMA
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Scott Meyer, outgoing chairman of the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). As he concludes his time as chairman of the association, he steps into a new role as interim president of MEMA, which is in the midst of celebrating its 100-year anniversary. Join us as Meyer shares his insights on the anniversary of MEMA’s centennial, and what lies ahead for both MEMA and the entire industry.
Challenges to China’s Auto Industry
China’s automotive industry will face four challenges in the coming few years, said Fu Yuwu, vice-chairman and secretary general of the China Society of Automotive Engineering.
Modine Named One of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens for Fifth Year in a Row
For the fifth year in a row, Modine Manufacturing has been named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens for 2004 by Business Ethics magazine. Modine finished 32nd overall, the same ranking as last year, ahead of such companies as Delphi, Eastman Kodak, Fed Ex and PepsiCo, Inc.
Advance Auto Parts Reports Record First Quarter 2004 Results
Advance Auto Parts has announced its revenue and earnings for its first quarter, which ended on April 24.
Toyota Earnings of $10 Billion Solidify Hold on 2nd Place
Toyota Motor on Tuesday became the first Japanese company to report a net profit of more than a trillion yen, or about $10 billion, firmly establishing its position as the world’s No. 2 automaker ahead of Ford Motor.
Universal Automotive Begins Second Phase of Integrating TRW Acquisition
Universal Automotive Industries has begun the second phase of a planned program to integrate the operations from its acquisition of TRW Automotive in January 2004. The purchase effectively doubled Universal’s size. Arvin Scott, Universal Automotive’s president and CEO, said phase two focuses on information technology and getting all operations on the same systems platform. Scott said the company hopes to complete the second phase by this summer.
Standard Motor Products Reports First Quarter Results
Standard Motor Products has reported its financial results for the first quarter, which ended on March 31. Consolidated net sales for the first quarter of 2004 were $204.8 million, compared to consolidated net sales of $135.7 million during the comparable quarter in 2003. Losses from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2004 were $545,000 or 3 cents per diluted share, compared to $607,000 or 5 cents per diluted share in the first quarter of 2003.