Eighty-five Years and Counting
When the residents of North Philadelphia need a reliable part they go to Morris Auto Parts, because like the motto says, “Morris Has It.” Owner Harris Steinberg stands by that motto and that’s one of the many reasons he was named the 2006 Counterman Magazine Counter Professional of the Year, presented by WIX Filters.
Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Holds Annual Winter Meeting in Sunny Florida
The shareholders of Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc. gathered in Boca Raton, FL, for the group’s annual winter meeting held Dec. 2-6. Each shareholder of the Alliance was represented. The meeting is a culmination of the past year’s efforts of Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper parts stores and certified service centers. Reports and breakout meetings focusing on marketing, product and education were reviewed. New vendors were reviewed and approved and the 2007 marketing strategy was presented.
Johnson Controls Launches VARTA Battery Brand Line in China
Johnson Controls said it officially launched its VARTA automotive battery brand in China, following the opening last week of the company’s flagship VARTA store in Henan Province’s Zhengzhou city in partnership with a long-standing distributor. Last year, Johnson Controls acquired Delphi’s global battery business and since June 30 this year the company has completely replaced all Delphi branded batteries with ones that carry the VARTA brand name, the company said.
Suppliers Must Think Globally, Leaders Say; Many in Auto Parts Industry are Struggling
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel TRAVERSE CITY, MI — To avoid becoming casualties in the auto industry’s restructuring, parts suppliers need to become less beholden to Detroit, more globally focused and focused on products that improve safety or boost fuel economy. That was the consensus of experts who reflected Tuesday on the industry tumult that has
EaglePicher Completes Restructuring
EaglePicher Incorporated (EPI) and its U.S. subsidiaries have successfully completed their Chapter 11 restructuring process. On Aug. 1, pursuant to their confirmed plan of reorganization, substantially all the assets of EPI and its U.S. subsidiaries will be transferred to the newly formed EaglePicher Corp. (EPC) and its subsidiaries.
Equipment and Tool Institute Elects 2006-2007 Officers and New Directors
The Equipment and Tool Institute has announced the results of its 2006-2007 elections. All officers and directors will take office as of May 1.
Suppliers Must Move Soon in China: Door is Closing, Experts Say at SAE Meeting
U.S. autoparts makers struggling to survive in an industry clogged with bankrupt companies can find a foothold in the future in China — but only if they act now. That’s the message several experts and supplier executives brought to suppliers Monday on the opening day of the Society of Automotive Engineers 2006 World Congress at Cobo Hall in Detroit. Suppliers and automakers have been making multibillion-dollar moves into China, lured by the possibility of cutting their costs as much as 50 percent.
DuPont Makes More Cutbacks in Coatings Unit
DuPont Co. said this week it would close several manufacturing and research facilities and eliminate 1,500 jobs, mostly in Europe, in its coatings and color-technologies division. The move reflects weakness in Europe’s economy and in the U.S. automotive industry. The coatings division supplies paint to auto manufacturers and other businesses around the world.
Automotive Supplier Representatives to Discuss Challenges and Opportunities at 2006 GAAS
A panel of automotive supplier representatives will examine the challenges and opportunities they face in today’s global economy on May 17 at the 11th annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) at the Hyatt Regency, Dearborn, MI. Participants can save $200 by registering before Friday, March 24.
J.L. French Expects to Leave Bankruptcy in June
French Automotive Castings could emerge from bankruptcy this summer, the Sheboygan, WI, company said Monday. The auto parts supplier filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Friday in federal court in Wilmington, DE, along with eight affiliates. Combined, the companies listed $741.6 million in debt.