Sell-Out Inventory Management Seminar Shows Industry’s Interest in Topic
The University of the Aftermarket’s Inventory Management Seminar, held March 8-9, drew a sell-out crowd, revealing the topic’s high interest to the industry. The event was hosted by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the aftermarket segment association of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). The seminar gave participants a better understanding of the fundamentals of inventory control management and the purchasing process. Major areas of focus were distribution center inventory management, store inventory management and supply chain inventory management.
NHTSA’s Runge, Continental Teves’ Kozyra to Speak at Automotive Suppliers’ Legislative and Public Policy Summit
Dr. Jeffrey Runge, administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will be joined by William Kozyra, president and CEO of Continental Teves North America, on Thursday, May 6, for a discussion on automotive safety, at the MEMA Legislative and Public Policy Summit: Advancing American Manufacturing, in Washington, D.C. Runge and Kozyra will discuss such topics as NHTSA’s and Congress’ views toward encouraging voluntary industry guidelines vs. mandates and how industry and government should address innovation and technology out-pacing regulation.
New Video to Highlight Importance of Automotive Suppliers
MEMA and its market segment associations, in conjunction with Blue Sky Productions, are producing a special 5-minute video that highlights the importance of automotive suppliers – in terms of how they contribute to America’s manufacturing base and economy and how they fit into the entire automotive industry. John McElroy will narrate the video which will be shown at industry events, to legislators and regulators on Capitol Hill and on the MEMA Web site.
Class-action Decision Delayed in BAH Hearing; Firestone Recalls Another 297,000 Steeltex Radial A/T tires
An Indio, Calif., hearing to determine if a lawsuit over Bridgestone/Firestone’s Steeltex tire brand should gain class-action status has been postponed until Mar. 17. The hearing was originally scheduled for Feb. 25. California Superior Court Judge Christopher Sheldon delayed the decision, saying he wanted a shorter version of the motion filed by Bridgestone Americas Holding (BAH) opposing class-action certification. In related news, late yesterday afternoon Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire announced a voluntary safety campaign in the U.S. to replace approximately 297,000 Steeltex Radial A/T tires in size LT265/75R16 LR D (Load Range D) on 2000-2002 and some early 2003 model year Ford Excursions. The company said preliminary data suggests that there could be an issue concerning the performance of these tires. The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that the new recall was initiated following three fatal crashes that claimed five lives.
Registration Forms Now Available for MEMA Counterfeiting Seminar
As part of its continuing efforts to address the counterfeiting and intellectual property right violations problems — which costs the U.S. automotive industry nearly $3 billion and costs the global industry $12 billion each year — MEMA will present a one-day seminar — “Taking Action Against Automotive Parts Counterfeiting, Diversion and IPR Violations” — on Monday, April 5, at the Dearborn Hyatt, Dearborn, Mich.
Taking Action Against Automotive Parts Counterfeiting
On Monday, April 5, MEMA will hold a one-day seminar as a follow-up to its first counterfeiting seminar held last October. “Taking Action Against Automotive Parts Counterfeiting, Diversion and IPR Violations” will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Mich. The seminar – presented by MEMA and its market segment associations: AASA, HDMA and OESA – will examine best practices against counterfeiting, diversion and IPR violations and increase dialogue among suppliers to address the issue.
MEMA Names Inaugural Winners of Joseph A. Magliochetti Industry Champion Award
Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-Mich.) are the winners of the first-ever Joseph A. Magliochetti Industry Champion Award, which has been established by MEMA to recognize public officials for outstanding leadership on behalf of the automotive supplier industry. The first ever presentation of the award, named in honor of the late president and CEO of Dana Corp., will be held at a gala dinner on Wednesday, May 5, during the MEMA Legislative and Public Policy Summit in Washington, D.C.
Deadline Approaching for Participation In Top Aftermarket Suppliers List
The deadline for participation in the 2004 Top Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers List, published by Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the aftermarket segment of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), has been extended to Friday, Feb. 13. Produced by Babcox Publications, this multi-page, full-color publication will feature insightful information on the largest suppliers to the automotive aftermarket. The form to participate is available online at http://www.aftermarketnews.com/top70.asp. The 2003 AASA Top Aftermarket Suppliers list is also available at the link.
Commemorative Issue of FOCUS Marks MEMA’s 100th Anniversary
MEMA is teaming with Babcox Publications to publish a special commemorative issue of its quarterly magazine, Focus, in June 2004 to mark the association’s 100th anniversary. This special edition will be a collector’s item, produced in “coffee-table” quality. The magazine will commemorate the past 100 years of contributions that suppliers and individuals have made to the original equipment, aftermarket and heavy duty industries, a historic timeline and many historic photos from MEMA and its member companies.
Save the Date: MEMA Legislative and Public Policy Summit – Advancing American Manufacturing, May 5-6
MEMA and its market segment associations – AASA, HDMA and OESA – will host the inaugural “MEMA Legislative and Public Policy Summit: Advancing American Manufacturing” on Thursday and Friday, May 5-6 in Washington, DC. The Summit has been created to raise awareness among Washington policymakers of the supplier industry’s many contributions to the nation’s economy. MEMA intends to bring members to Washington, DC, to collectively share their priorities and concerns with members of Congress and the Bush administration. While in Washington, they will discuss best practices in government affairs for our industry, and provide updates and dialogue on legislative, regulatory and political developments from senior administration officials, members of Congress and other experts.