Compuware Panning to Buy Covisint
Compuware Corp., the largest high-tech company based in Michigan, is expected to announce that it will purchase financially struggling Covisint LLC, according to documents on Compuware letterhead obtained by the Detroit Free Press. The acquisition, expected to be completed within 30 days for an undisclosed “small cash transaction,” ends the most expensive Internet start-up and flop ever launched in Michigan.
Ward’s Reports Estimated Production
Vehicle production last week in the U.S., Canada and Mexico was expected to hit an estimated 339,878 units, up 15 percent from the 295,481 cars and trucks built last week, according to Ward’s Automotive Reports.
Dana Names GM Europe Exec Michael Burns CEO and President, Acting President Bill Carroll to Retire
Dana Corp.’s board of directors has named Michael Burns CEO, president and a director of the company, succeeding the late Joe Magliochetti, who passed away Sept. 22, 2003. Burns, who has been president of General Motors Europe since 1998, will officially take over on March 1. Bill Carroll, who has served as acting president and COO since September, will continue in these positions until March 1, at which time he will retire from the company.
ACDelco Announces Plans for National Car Care Month
ACDelco is stepping up its efforts to promote April’s National Car Care Month (NCCM) and the industry-wide “Be Car Care Aware” campaign, which educates consumers on the benefits of proper vehicle maintenance. In honor of National Car Care Month, ACDelco is teaming up with warehouse distributors in select markets to participate in its first-ever car care initiative, which will educate consumers about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair.
ASA Appoints John Scully Executive Vice President
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has appointed John Scully, AAM, to the position of executive vice president. Scully has served as ASA’s vice president of member services and operations since 1998. In announcing the promotion, Ron Pyle, ASA’s president and chief staff executive, said, “John has proven himself as a strong leader who considers the needs of our members as his top priority. Elevating his position to executive vice president equips John with the resources and authority needed to efficiently and effectively serve our members and this industry.
Survey Says Suppliers Should Pay More Attention to Their Brands
Suppliers must do a better job of building and utilizing their brand names, according to new research by SupplierBusiness.com. Companies make a mistake when they submerge their identities or consolidate brand portfolios out of existence, say executives who were surveyed. By having a clear brand strategy they say suppliers can capitalize on their good name and good will. The cost of developing a brand strategy is low and the risk is small. A strong brand means a company is taken more seriously in the bidding process and can open doors when trying to win new business with an OEM it has no relationship with.
Delphi’s Rodney O’Neal Elected to Goodyear Board
Rodney O’Neal, president of Delphi Corp.’s dynamics, propulsion, thermal and interior sector, has been elected to Goodyear’s board of directors. O’Neal, a 33-year veteran of the auto industry, was elected a Delphi vice president and president of its interior systems business when the auto parts maker was incorporated in 1998. Delphi was spun off from General Motors Corp. in 1999. He was named executive vice president and president of Delphi’s Safety, Thermal and Architecture Sector in 2000.
ArvinMeritor Announces 2004 Suppliers of the Year
ArvinMeritor has announced the winners of the company’s annual supplier awards. The awards — which were presented Jan. 29, at ArvinMeritor’s North American Supplier Conference in Troy, Mich. — recognize outstanding performance in customer service, product quality, delivery and cost reduction.
“DST Asks”: What Ordering Methods Do You Offer to Customers?
Forecasting the future isn’t a task restricted to tabloid psychics or your TV weatherman. Whether we like it or not, running a successful business today that will remain successful in the future requires forecasting skills.
Diedrich Scholarship Applications Due
Incoming students planning to attend Northwood University in Midland, Mich., have until March 1 to apply for the Harvey Diedrich “Advantage” Scholarship. The award of $500 will go to a deserving student, majoring in either Marketing/Management or Automotive Aftermarket Management. Applications can be submitted online at www.northwood.edu. Diedrich was a longtime contributor to the aftermarket who passed away suddenly in June 2003. The scholarship was established by Diedrich’s friends and colleagues for his innovative marketing programs for Monroe shocks and Walker mufflers. He was principal architect of the highly successful “Walker Advantage” program.