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.
Transportation Secretary Mineta Launches Traffic Safety Partnership with NASCAR
U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta and NASCAR President Mike Helton have joined forces in launching a new traffic safety alliance with the racing league aimed at saving the lives of everyday drivers on America’s roads. Secretary Mineta made the announcement while in Richmond, Va., appearing as the grand marshall of NASCAR’s running of the Chevy American Revolution 400.
Job Without Glitter May Be Gold — Skilled ‘Blue-Collar’ Workers Get Top Dollar
Think you have to earn a college degree to collect a hefty paycheck? Think again. A work-force shortage is driving up demand – and salaries – for skilled workers in “blue-collar” trades within the construction, automotive, health-care and service industries.
Pickups Plus Appoints New COO
Pickups Plus, a leading retailer and national franchiser in the $38 billion truck and SUV aftermarket accessory industry, has appointed Sean Hayes COO. Hayes who joined Pickups Plus, in April 2003, will lead the integration of the company’s new acquisition, Auto Preservation, into the company’s corporate structure and expansion plans. Hayes will also be in charge of disseminating appropriate information to shareholders and the expansion of the company’s franchising business.
Pep Boys Invests in New Distribution Center in California
Pep Boys has announced plans to lease a 600,240-square-foot build-to-suit distribution center in San Bernardino, Calif., at the site of the former Norton Air Force Base, which is being redeveloped for industrial use. The site is now called AllianceCalifornia. Scheduled to open in May 2005, the new distribution center will replace Pep Boys’ existing three-building distribution center complex in Los Angeles.
LKQ Corp. Announces First Quarter 2004 Results
LKQ Corp. has reported results for its first quarter, which ended on March 31. The company reported revenues of $100.1 million and net income of $5.6 million, representing growth over the first quarter of 2003 of 26.3 percent and 43 percent, respectively.
Senate Vote Delays Asbestos Legislation Debate
A motion to limit Senate debate and proceed with consideration of asbestos trust fund legislation failed yesterday by ten votes (50 – 47). Sixty votes are needed for such “cloture” motions to pass. Democrats argued that the bill, S. 2290, was not ready for Senate consideration and called for further negotiations to reach compromises on key issues such as higher compensation amounts paid by the fund to eligible victims. Senate majority leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), and Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.), announced plans for bipartisan talks to craft a bill that can be passed this year.
Dave Caracci Elected New AAIA Chairman of the Board of Directors
AAIA has elected its officers and board of directors for the 2004-2005 term at its spring meeting in Phoenix, Ariz.
Auto-Wares Tech Expo Grows Customers & Skills
Every spring, Auto-Wares grows customer skills through a full weekend of technician training. Inside the Lansing Convention Center in Michigan, a line snaked out of the door that lead to a room where scores of automotive technicians were preparing to take the State of Michigan Mechanic Certification test, the state’s mandatory version of the ASE exam. Inside the Lansing Convention Center in Michigan, a line snaked out of the door that lead to a room where scores of automotive technicians were preparing to take the State of Michigan Mechanic Certification test, the state’s mandatory version of the ASE exam.
Aftermarket eForum to Feature Data Warehouse Panel
The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance will be featured in a panel discussion at the 2004 Aftermarket eForum which takes place August 2-4 in Chicago. Dick Morgan, president and CEO of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, will lead a panel that will explore the challenges and rewards of developing a data warehouse to share sales and inventory information among participating suppliers and warehouse distributors.