ArvinMeritor and DaimlerChrysler Subsidiary Sign Memorandum of Understanding
ArvinMeritor has signed a memorandum of understanding with DaimlerChrysler subsidiary Axle Alliance Co. (AAC), proposing that ArvinMeritor become the turnkey supplier in providing heavy-duty tandem rear drive axles to AAC, ultimately for Freightliner’s North American Class 8 truck assembly operations.While the proposal is still tentative, if accepted, ArvinMeritor will partner with AAC on the design, development and assembly of heavy-duty axles from ArvinMeritor facilities in York, S.C., Monterrey, Mexico, and Asheville, N.C.
Chrysler Recalls 438,000 PT Cruisers
Chrysler has recalled 438,000 PT Cruisers for a defective power steering hose that can leak fluid into the engine compartment. Nine underhood fires linked to the defect have been reported.
ArvinMeritor Establishes Reman Facility in Plainfield, Ind.
ArvinMeritor Inc. Commercial Vehicle Aftermarket (CVA) group has established new remanufacturing processes at its U.S. remanufacturing facility to create heavy-duty reman aftermarket parts. The QS-9000 certified facility supplies parts under both Meritor and Euclid brand names.
ArvinMeritor to Sell Kenton, Ohio, Facility
ArvinMeritor is selling its Commercial Vehicle Systems (CVS) facility in Kenton, Ohio, to a subsidiary of Sypris Solutions, Inc. ArvinMeritor has owned the Kenton facility since 1948. As part of the agreement, ArvinMeritor and Sypris will begin a multi-year outsourcing arrangement.
National Pronto Association Adds Two Shareholders
National Pronto Association has announced the addition of two new shareholders to the program group. Pronto is a shareholder-owned organization headquartered in Justin, Texas. Formed in 1979, Pronto currently has 49 shareholder owners operating 87 distribution center locations.
Jasper Engines & Transmissions Becomes “Silver” Sponsor of the Car Care Council Women’s Board
Jasper Engines & Transmissions has signed on as a “Silver” sponsor of the Car Car Council’s Women’s Board activities for 2004. The Car Care Council Women’s Board recently expanded its sponsorship program in order to support all of the Women’s Board activities for the year.
icarz Names New Executive Vice President
icarz, Inc., a leading provider of software for in-store and distributor systems, has the announced appointment of Sanjay Apte to executive vice president. Apte will be responsible for software development, delivery and support.
Dana Today Celebrates 100 Years in Business
Today, Dana Corp. celebrates 100 years in business with its founding on April 1, 1904. On that day, an engineer named Clarence Spicer began producing his encased universal joint, which effectively replaced the sprocket-and-chain power transmission of the day.
Metaldyne Launches Internal Inquiry
Auto supplier Metaldyne Corp. has launched an internal investigation into questionable accounting practices for the last seven years that could have resulted in overstating the company’s earnings by $20 million. The error was followed by a cover-up to balance the books, the company said.
Dana Cuts 75 Jobs at Northern Indiana Plant
Auto-parts supplier Dana Corp. said it will lay off about 75 workers at a plant in northern Indiana that cuts and assembles axle components. The job cuts — about half the remaining work force — will leave about 80 jobs at the plant in Syracuse, Ind., said Dana spokesman Gary Corrigan.