Universal Automotive Begins Second Phase of Integrating TRW Acquisition
Universal Automotive Industries has begun the second phase of a planned program to integrate the operations from its acquisition of TRW Automotive in January 2004. The purchase effectively doubled Universal’s size. Arvin Scott, Universal Automotive’s president and CEO, said phase two focuses on information technology and getting all operations on the same systems platform. Scott said the company hopes to complete the second phase by this summer.
SCRS Appoints 2004-05 Executive Board and Officers
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has appointed its board of directors and executive officers for the year 2004-2005. The election took place at the SCRS Annual Meeting on April 8 at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tenn. For the second year in a row, Lou DiLisio was elected SCRS chairman of the board, an occurrence that has happened only twice before — first, when inaugural Chairman Don Caldwell presided over consecutive terms in 1982-83 and 1983-84 and a second time, when Chairman Bob Jones held the office in 1990-91 and 1991-92.
Radiator.com’s Marketing Drives Sales
A California company has found gold under the hood of America’s older vehicles – with a little help from Visteon Corp. In a little more than a decade, Radiator.com/1-800-Radiator has grown from a $2.5 million local business into a $60 million company with 34 locations nationwide.
New Mobile Air Conditioning Climate Protection Goal Announced
In conjunction with Earth Day yesterday, a new partnership agreement between select members of industry, government and environmental advocacy organizations was announced. The new collaborative effort will work to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the operation of motor vehicle air conditioning (A/C) systems.
Edelbrock Considers Going Private
Edebrock Corp., the California-based maker of performance replacement parts, is considering going private. Vic Edelbrock, Jr., chairman, president and CEO of Edelbrock Corp., has proposed to acquire all outstanding shares of Edelbrock common stock, not already owned by Edelbrock or his affiliates. Edelbrock and his affiliates currently own approximately 51.2 percent of the company’s stock.
ExxonMobil Celebrates 30 Years for Mobil 1
ExxonMobil is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the introduction of Mobil 1 synthetic motor oil. First introduced in 1974, Mobil 1 has become the world’s number one-selling synthetic motor oil, according to the company. ExxonMobil kicked off a celebration for the brand on April 13 in Beaumont, Texas, where Mobil 1 is manufactured and distributed for all of North and South America.
Automotive Suppliers Support Frink as Manufacturing Secretary
MEMA and its members have voiced their support for the nomination of Al Frink as the first Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Manufacturing and Services. Frink, 61, co-founded the California-based carpet maker Fabrica International in 1974.
Manufacturing Czar Nominated
The Bush administration tapped a California businessman to serve as its manufacturing czar after the first pick withdrew his nomination over criticisms his company cut U.S. jobs and shifted work to China. The administration will nominate California carpet manufacturer Al Frink as assistant commerce secretary of manufacturing and services.
Judge Dismisses Class Action Move Against Steeltex Tires
A California judge today dismissed a motion seeking national class action status for an on-going lawsuit alleging defects in Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire’s entire Firestone Steeltex line. The ruling, which came after months of delays, is expected to be appealed by attorney Joseph Lisoni, who has made it a personal crusade to force the court-ordered recall of all Steeltex tires.
SmarTire Signs Distribution Agreement with Lexani Wheel Corp.
SmarTire Systems has signed a distribution agreement with Lexani Wheel Corp, a manufacturer of luxury alloy wheels based in California. Lexani will bundle SmarTire’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) with its Johnson line of custom wheels, which are sold through its dealer base.