BorgWarner in Right Place to Compete
BorgWarner Inc., the new auto supplier on the block in Auburn Hills, Mich., has a competitive edge that hasn’t gone unnoticed on Wall Street. While some automotive-related stocks have seen double-digit declines in the past year, BorgWarner has seen double-digit gains. And, even with the difficulties faced by auto stocks, BorgWarner has continued to get favorable marks from Wall Street analysts.
Canadian Automakers Hail Agreement to Reduce Greenhouse Gases
A landmark agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions was formally signed Tuesday by the Canadian government and the country’s automobile industry. The signing of the memorandum agreement, previously announced as a follow-up to the Kyoto protocol on climate change, took place at Auto 21, an auto engineering facility at the University of Windsor. The pact is intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Canada’s vehicle fleet by 5.3 megatonnes by the end of 2010.
ArvinMeritor to Develop Specialty Vehicle Drivetrain with Unicell Ltd.
ArvinMeritor has entered into program to develop a new alternative-power vehicle with an electric drivetrain. ArvinMeritor will work on the project with Unicell Ltd., a medium-duty body builder with operations in Toronto, Ontario, and Buffalo, N.Y. The new electric drive vehicle will be equipped with a fully-electric drivetrain and will be demonstrated to the public in 2006.
Executive Interview with Guy Bargnes, Director of Marketing, North American Operations for BASF Corp. Refinish Group
Guy Bargnes has spent his entire life in the collision repair industry. He was born and raised in Buffalo, NY, where his father ran a family business, V. H. Bargnes Co., Inc., which distributed automotive paints, supplies and equipment to area collision shops. In 1992 Bargnes joined BASF full-time, and he is now director of marketing, North American Operations, for the Refinish Group. Bargnes recently sat down to a phone interview with aftermarketNews and shared with us some of the insights from his lifelong career in the industry. Join us as Bargnes talks about BASF’s four leading principles, trends in the refinish business and the return of paint companies to industry trade shows.
ASA, ASA-Washington Ask Repairers to Oppose Washington Hybrid Vehicle Legislation
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and its Washington state affiliate, ASA-Washington, have issued a statement asking independent repair shop owners in Washington to contact their state senators and representatives to request that they oppose Senate Bill 5397 and House Bill 1397.
MACS Issues Reminder on Refrigerant Usage in Mobile A/C Service
The reduced availability and increased cost of HFC-134a refrigerant is causing increasing concern to the service and repair industry. To address this concern, the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide has issued a reminder to all service technicians who perform mobile A/C system service and repair regarding acceptable refrigerant use.
Remy to Sponsor Paul Dana in the Ethanol Hemelgarn Indy Racing League Entry
Remy International has signed a three-year associate sponsorship agreement with driver Paul Dana for the #91 Ethanol Hemelgarn Racing entry in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series, starting with the 2005 season. Dana will pilot the Toyota-powered Dallara for the 17-race season. Ron Hemelgarn, a founding team owner in the Indy Racing League, will operate the team in an encore return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Detroit Diesel Corporation, Freightliner LLC Invest $275 Million in Michigan Facility; Location to Produce a New Heavy-Duty Truck Engine Line
Detroit Diesel Corporation (DDC) and Freightliner LLC today announced plans to invest $275 million to upgrade to a manufacturing and office facility in Redford, Mich. Detroit Diesel Corporation (DDC) and Freightliner LLC today announced plans to invest $275 million to upgrade to a manufacturing and office facility in Redford, Mich.
Bosal Expands Coverage of Import Catalytic Converters
Bosal, global manufacturer of import exhaust systems and related components, has expanded its line of direct-fit catalytic converters. The line now includes more than 850 SKUs and covers a wide range of direct-fit catalytic converters, OE oxygen sensors and air tubes. The line also features a comprehensive selection of universal catalytic converters.
Cleveland-Based Buyout Firm Acquires Phillips & Temro Industries
Morgenthaler Partners, private-equity buyout firm based in Cleveland, Ohio, has acquired Phillips & Temro Industries (PTI), a supplier of products for diesel engine related markets. Phillips & Temro supplies cold start and emissions control products to both the aftermarket and original equipment market through its brands ZeroStart, Temro, EM Products, Cowl and Cab Power.