AAIA Calls on Regulators to Review GM Licensing Fee
In a Sept. 7 letter, AAIA called on the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to take action regarding the recent announcement by General Motors (GM) that it is increasing the licensing fee for use of its data stream information to $50,000 from the current $10,000. In addition, the agreement spelled out by GM in a letter to tool companies requires that even if a company does not want to use 2004 model year information, they still must pay the new licensing fee if the tool providers want to include data stream information for past model year vehicles on their products (notwithstanding the fact that they may have already paid the fee to GM for that information under previous licensing agreements).
E-Publisher to Produce Catalog for New Spark Plug Company
Vertical Development (VDI), through its e-Publisher content management system, is now helping aftermarket newcomer E3 Spark Plugs introduce its advanced ignition technology throughout North America. Founded in 1997, E3 invested years of research developing an advanced electrode for spark plugs that would increase power output, reduce fuel consumption and decrease emissions. When they began marketing their new spark plug line earlier this year, E3 contracted Vertical Development.
New ALLDATA Product Release Includes i•SHOP Implementation and Data Enhancements
ALLDATA, a leading provider of computer-based automotive repair information and software solutions for service providers, has released its third quarter 2004 product suite for repair professionals, which includes implementation of the i•SHOP standards.
Executive Interview with Paul Foley, Vice President, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA)
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Paul Foley, vice president of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), a market segment of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). Join us as Foley brings us up to speed on the rapid growth of AASA since its creation two years ago, as well as several industry initiatives AASA is currently focusing on.
Soy-Based Products Show Potential Under The Hood
As soy biodiesel continues to gain acceptance at the pump, soy-based lubricants are also fueling the automotive industry. Engine oil and hydraulic power steering fluid are two soy-based products showing potential “under the hood.”
BorgWarner Breaks Ground for New World Headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich.
BorgWarner has broken ground for its new world headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich. In September 2003, the powertrain supplier announced that it would relocate its corporate headquarters from Chicago to metro Detroit in order to maintain closer connections with the company’s global customers and suppliers, as well as maximize opportunities for collaboration with the BorgWarner Powertrain Technical Center, which is also located in Auburn Hills.
Heavy Duty Dialogue 2006 to Examine EPA, NHTSA Regulations
Heavy Duty Dialogue 2006 is timed to give heavy duty suppliers the opportunity to discuss important industry topics, such as regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) scheduled to go into effect in 2007. The biennial conference, organized by the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), is set for Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 6-7, 2006, at the Atlanta Airport Hilton & Towers at Atlanta’s Hartsfield Airport.
Shortage of Technology-Oriented Mechanics May Lead to Higher Repair Costs
Motorists, already facing soaring gas prices, can expect higher repair costs in the future because of a lack of qualified mechanics. Even as today’s cars and trucks become more technologically advanced, there are fewer students who can read well enough to understand manuals that explain how to repair them, mechanics and automotive instructors say.
Engine Manufacturers Will Work to Meet the Challenge of EPA’s New Nonroad Diesel Engine Regulation
The Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) responded positively to the announcement of the nonroad diesel engine and fuel regulation finalized recently by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Retooling a Pool of Talent: Michigan Reaches Out from Brawn to Brains
Diego Rivera’s famous mural of Detroit’s industry depicts big, muscular men pulling on steel and manipulating heavy machines as they mold new cars. But if Rivera were here today, how would he see the city? Probably not muscling steel girders around. He’d see MBAs and computer geeks creating the modern automotive world in front of their computers.