TI Automotive Combines Regional Operations
TI Automotive, a leading supplier automotive fluid storage and delivery systems, has combined its regional operations for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), in a move to help streamline its product development process.
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.
Visteon CFO Daniel Coulson to Retire Next Month
Daniel Coulson, Visteon’s executive vice president and CFO, has announced he will retire on March 31, after a distinguished 38-year career at Visteon and Ford Motor Co.Coulson originally intended to announce his retirement in early December 2003, but agreed to remain with the company on an interim basis after his replacement, George Strickler, former CFO at BorgWarner, withdrew from the new appointment.
Final Deadline for AASA Top Suppliers List — Friday, March 5
The final deadline to submit information for the 2004 Top Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers List is quickly approaching. Information for this free listing must be submitted by Friday, March 5. Published by Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the aftermarket segment of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), and produced by Babcox Publications, this multi-page, full-color publication will be distributed with the May issue of Counterman magazine, which reaches more than 50,000 automotive aftermarket parts distribution professionals every month.
Car Care Council’s Women’s Board Expands Sponsorship Opportunities
The Car Care Council Women’s Board is expanding its sponsorship program to allow for support of all of the Women’s Board activities for the year, which include industry outreach, consumer education and recruiting women to the industry, as well as serving as an advisory board to the “Be Car Care Aware” campaign.
Advance Auto Parts Hopes to Maintain Fast Pace of Earnings, Expansion
Roanoke, Va., is home to an automotive parts retailer that keeps pushing the pace. Advance Auto continues to expand, stretching itself across many markets. By the end of 2003, it had 2,546 stores in 39 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands with plans to open up to 135 in 2004. But how long can it keep up this speed?
School Auto Center Revs Up Students
Alex Kosterman, Kevin Bendorf and Matt Beier hunched over the shiny red Pontiac Sunfire, carefully inspecting the car’s leaky battery before cleaning it up and replacing it. The hands-on lesson on starting systems and batteries took place Tuesday in Racine, Wis.-based Park High School’s new automotive technology center, a 5,000-square-foot dream for the school’s automotive students. The investment bucks a national trend, as more and more high school auto shops are stalling despite a huge demand for skilled auto technicians. The most common roadblocks: the hefty cost of running automotive programs and a more intense focus on college preparatory classes.
“Got Milk?” Promotion Found to be Illegal; Effect on TIA’s Tire Industry Checkoff Program Uncertain
On Feb. 24, a federal appeals court ruled that the familiar “Got Milk?” dairy promotion violates the First Amendment by forcing all farmers to pay for the ads, whether they agree with the ads or not. The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia ruled that federal laws requiring dairy farmers to pay fees to promote the industry infringe “free speech and association rights.” The decision could have serious ramifications for the tire industry, especially with regard to the Tire Industry Association’s (TIA) ongoing support and formal proposal for a tire industry checkoff program.
Alcoa Named ‘Most Admired Company’ by Fortune Magazine
Alcoa has been named one of Fortune magazine’s “Most Admired Companies” in the magazine’s upcoming annual report on reputation. Alcoa is one of the world’s leading producers of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina, and is active in all major aspects of the industry, including the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets.
Key Automotive Group Names President for Key Safety Systems, Promotes Tim Nelson to President of Key Plastics
Key Automotive Group (KAG) has named Daniel Ajamian president and COO of its affiliate, Key Safety Systems, Inc. KAG also announced that Tim Nelson has been promoted to president and COO for the North American operations of the company’s other principal subsidiary — Key Plastics L.L.C.