The Top Ten Newsmakers of 2007
For the fourth year in a row, the editorial staffs of aftermarketNews and Counterman magazine have selected 10 individuals who have made an impact on the industry this past year. The list is presented in alphabetical order.
GM, UAW Announce Buyout Plan: Deal Aims to Reap Savings of New Contract
From Detroit Free Press DETROIT — General Motors Corp. and the UAW announced Tuesday an agreement to offer the first phase of retirement and buyout incentives intended to help the automaker take advantage of cost-saving measures in its new labor contract. In the first phase of its special attrition program, GM will offer buyouts and
Federal-Mogul to Emerge from Chapter 11 on Dec. 27
Federal-Mogul Corp. announced this morning that its Plan of Reorganization is scheduled to become effective on Dec. 27, marking the company’s emergence from Chapter 11.The Michigan auto parts maker’s Plan of Reorganization was confirmed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on Nov. 8 and affirmed by the U.S. District Court on Nov. 14. The Confirmation Order relating to the Plan has become final and non-appealable.
Robert Bosch Group to Buy Holger Christiansen from Hella for Undisclosed Price
Robert Bosch Group GmbH said it plans to buy Danish-based auto parts maker Holger Christiansen A/S from Hella KGaA Hueck & Co for an undisclosed price. Under the deal Bosch will take over Holger Christiansen, brands HC-Parts and Cargo, along with four factories in Europe and eight sales points in Europe and the U.S., which employ some 900 workers.
Executive Interview with Michael Tate, General Manager, MAHLE Clevite Inc.
In September, Michael Tate joined MAHLE Clevite as general manager. He brings 26 years of aftermarket experience to MAHLE Clevite, most recently with SPX Service Solutions. In addition to SPX, Tate held a variety of sales management positions with such companies as Parker Automotive, Dorman Products and Phillips & Temro Industries. As GM of MAHLE Clevite, Tate has management responsibility for all North American Aftermarket activities for the MAHLE Group, which includes MAHLE Clevite Inc., MAHLE Clevite Canada, ULC and the Aftermarket division of MAHLE Componentes de Motores S.A. de C.V.
Delphi Can Begin Bankruptcy Vote Process
Delphi Corp. can begin soliciting votes for its plan to exit bankruptcy, the company’s lawyer said on Friday, a major step toward letting the auto parts maker proceed with a restructuring that would shed thousands of jobs in plants across the country. Delphi attorney Jack Butler said bankruptcy judge Robert Drain verbally approved the order on Friday and that if all changes the judge requested meet his requirements, he would enter an order today. Delphi’s reorganization plan includes shrinking its unionized work force to a fraction of its former size and shifting manufacturing overseas.
AOCA Uncovers Misleading Warranty Notice Scheme in Canada
DALLAS — The Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA), which represents the fast lube industry in North America, recently investigated the following notice found printed under the hood of several Chrysler vehicles in Ontario, Canada: The notice read: Daimler Chrysler Canada reserves the right to deny warranty coverage if not all of the recommended scheduled maintenance
China Agrees to Remove Certain Export Subsidies
Bowing to American pressure on the eve of high-level talks to reduce economic tensions, China agreed Thursday to terminate a dozen different subsidies and tax rebates that promote its own exports and discourage imports of steel, wood products, information technology and other goods.
Judge OKs Sale of Delphi Brake Plant: TRW Deal Gives Saginaw Facility New Life
Delphi Corp. won a judge’s approval Thursday to sell its chassis business to a division of TRW Automotive Holdings Corp., breathing new life into a Delphi brake parts plant in Saginaw, MI, that this time last year faced the prospect of closure. The sale makes good on a promise made in June, in Delphi’s contract with the UAW, to keep that plant running by teaming up with Delphi’s former owner General Motors Corp. to find a buyer. It also brings the Saginaw plant, with 670 hourly workers, into a company that has kept its head above water during the industry’s challenging times.
James Eady Joins Pioneer as Vice President, General Manager
Pioneer Inc. has announced the appointment of James “Jim” Eady as vice president/general manager. He will have complete responsibility for day to day operations along with new market and product development. Pioneer is an international supplier of automotive aftermarket cables, engine parts, flywheels, mounts, ring gears, transmission parts, harmonic balancers, shop supplies and performance parts.