Hella Expands Production and Aftermarket Facilities
Hella continues to expand its manufacturing facilities and aftermarket sales operations in North America.
Universal Technical Institute Discusses Long-Term Strategic Plan in Investor Meetings
Universal Technical Institute’s (UTI) Chairman Robert Hartman, President and CEO Kimberly McWaters and CFO Jennifer Haslip are conducting meetings with investors this week to highlight the company’s growth plan and business outlook.
Automotive Accessories are Clever, Practical
Torque? Struts? Rack-and-pinion steering? Maybe they are important. But what we really want to know is if the console is big enough to store a purse. Or if there’s a way to secure the grocery bags. Or if there’s a place to stow the kids’ DVDs.
MANN+HUMMEL USA Names Thomas to Communications Post
MANN+HUMMEL USA has named Julie Thomas to the position of executive assistant to the president, with responsibility for the automotive supplier’s public relations programs.
Siemens VDO Automotive Expands Detroit-Area Testing Facility
Siemens VDO Automotive is investing $2 million to transform its former machining and tooling shop in Auburn Hills, Mich., into a 5,000-square-foot fuel validation test center for its Powertrain Fuel Supply Systems (FS) division. The project is expected to be complete in May 2004. The new fuel validation laboratory will bring product testing and validation closer to local development engineers and Detroit-based customers, said the company.
UAW Organizes at Dana to Shore Up Membership
The UAW has organized about 2,000 workers at five Dana Corp. plants from Michigan to Tennessee as the union seeks to rebuild its active ranks and regain power in the auto industry. Along the way, the union faces opposition not only from workers who don’t want a union but also from those who want a tougher union that would fight and win better wages, benefits and working conditions. To them, the UAW has become too conciliatory as it strives to gain members.
Delphi Increases Product Coverage in North America, Launches Three New Catalogs
Delphi is introducing three new 2004 product catalogs for engine management and HVAC systems, including Delphi Freedom batteries, EGR valves and thermal components. The new catalogs cover 950 part numbers, 300 of which are all new for 2004, providing expanded coverage in North America.
GAAS Fund Organizers Announce $50,000 GAAS Scholarship Challenge
An anonymous donor has issued a $50,000 fund raising challenge for the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) scholarship program, awarded to students planning aftermarket careers. The “$50,000 GAAS Scholarship Challenge” was initiated after the donor committed to donate up to $10,000 to the Global Scholarship fund in 2004 and will match 25 percent of all other donations to the fund up to a matching amount of $10,000. The challenge campaign aims to net the fund a total of $50,000 in donations. Delphi Corp. has made the first challenge donation of $3,000.
SEMA Chairman Named 2004 Meguiar’s Award Recipient
Corky Coker of Coker Tire, chairman of SEMA’s board of directors, was chosen as the 2004 Meguiar’s Award recipient by the Meguiar’s Award Selection Committee. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly impacted the collector-car hobby. Past recipients include: Steve Earle, founder of the Historic Sports Car Racing Association; Robert Petersen, founder of Motor Trend and Hot Rod magazines; and “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno.
Goodyear to Seek Millions in Loans
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., on the verge of posting its third straight annual loss, said Tuesday it plans to take on an additional $300 million in loans to fund its turnaround. The Akron, Ohio, company said it is also taking steps to follow through on a promise made last year to the United Steelworkers of America to complete a large bond sale. The sale is designed to improve the company’s strength and protect union jobs.