AASA China Aftermarket Forum Works with TecDoc to Develop Electronic Car Parts Catalog
To address the rapid expansion of the Chinese aftermarket, the China Aftermarket Forum (CAF) of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) worked with TecDoc, a leading electronic parts cataloging provider in Europe, to develop an electronic parts catalog system for China’s aftermarket. The cooperative project began in early 2007, and the first data entry training was held in Shanghai and was attended by TRW, Hella, Tenneco, SKF and Federal-Mogul.
Truck-Lite Announces Executive Appointments
FALCONER, NY — Truck-Lite, a producer of lighting, wiring harnesses, mirrors, turn signal switches and safety accessories for the heavy duty truck, trailer and commercial vehicle industries, has announced several executive appointments this week. Tim Walker, formerly senior vice president of worldwide sales for Truck-Lite, has been named executive vice president, sales, for Europe and
Tom Walsh: Detroit Automakers and Suppliers Need to Find Harmony
Michigan’s economy has taken the worst shellacking of any state from the shakeout of the U.S. auto industry. No surprise, right? Michigan lost 65,000 automotive jobs from 2001 to 2005; Ohio lost 17,000 and Indiana about 8,000 in the same period. But here’s the kicker: It could have been worse, much worse, for Michigan.
Auto Engineers Are in Demand, Jobs Experts Say
Automotive engineers remain in demand, despite this week’s announced layoffs at General Motors Corp. Just this week, Hella, a German manufacturer with a facility in Plymouth, MI, announced plans to hire 50 new lighting and electronics engineers before the end of the year. Ironically, Hella needs the new talent because it’s picking up more business from General Motors, and Ford Motor Co. chose it as a strategic supplier for exterior lighting.
Motor Vehicle Lighting Council Names New Officers
Daniel Robusto, president and COO of Illinois-based North American Lighting, Inc., was recently elected chairman of the Motor Vehicle Lighting Council (MVLC). He succeeds Joseph Borruso, president and CEO of Hella North America, who served as the MVLC’s first chairman. The Motor Vehicle Lighting Council (MVLC) is a coalition of global automotive lighting and component manufacturers and related education and research institutions committed to bringing new lighting advancements to market in order to increase vehicle performance and vehicle and pedestrian safety.
ITW Acquires Permatex
ITW Performance Polymers, part of Illinois Tool Works, has acquired Permatex, Inc., a well-known producer of sealants, adhesives, and other products for the worldwide automotive aftermarket and the industrial maintenance and repair market. The company made this purchase at the same it was in the process of acquiring Wynn Oil from Parker Hannafin, as announced on Jan. 4.
AutoCom Associates Wins MarCom Creative Award
AutoCom Associates, a Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based public relations agency, recently received a platinum award in the annual MarCom Creative Awards competition. The MarCom Creative Awards competition recognizes outstanding achievement by marketing and communications practitioners. This year, there were more than 3,300 entries from around the world. The platinum award is the top honor for excellence in quality, creativity and resourcefulness.
Motor Vehicle Lighting Council Launches Redesigned Web Site Focusing on Public Safety
As part of its commitment to improve driver and pedestrian safety, the Motor Vehicle Lighting Council (MVLC) recently redesigned its Web site to better inform the motoring public about the benefits and proper use of advanced lighting technologies.
MEMA Holds Second Annual Counterfeiting Seminar
MEMA presented its second annual seminar dedicated to the issue of counterfeiting of automotive and truck parts. The event, “Taking Action Against Automotive/Truck Parts Counterfeiting, Diversion and IPR Violations” was held on Monday, April 5 at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Mich. Described by Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Vice President Paul Foley as a “major industry initiative,” the seminar was developed to educate the industry on the nuances of counterfeiting, share best practices, solicit media support and provide networking and exhibitor opportunities.
ANSA Automotive Names Mitch Williams National Sales Development Manager
Mitch Williams, founder of Vehicle Performance Systems, a recently formed international sales and marketing agency, has joined the ANSA Automotive sales team. Heading up National Sales Development, he will focus on expanding and managing the independent outside rep base and developing major WD relationships for both Silverline and ANSA SPORT performance exhausts.