More Aftermarket Eye Candy at This Year’s North American International Auto Show
Although there’s no shortage of muscle on the main floor at this year’s North American International Auto Show — the 850-horsepower Chrysler ME412 concept is only the beginning — there’s also a subterranean performance theme that’s been missing from previous shows. Once the take-it-or-leave-it realm of marginal players like Daewoo and stillborns like the revival Cunningham sports car, Cobo Center’s downstairs Michigan Hall exhibit area is studded this year with an intriguing array of production vehicles enhanced by aftermarket bolt-on goodies: designer wheels, low-profile tires, oversize brakes, high-performance shock absorbers and more.
ArvinMeritor’s Yost to Discuss Heavy Duty Supplier Industry Trends at Heavy Duty Dialogue
Larry Yost, chairman and CEO of ArvinMeritor will discuss the challenges facing the heavy duty supplier industry at Heavy Duty Dialogue 2004, slated for Feb. 9 and 10. The event will take place at the Atlanta Airport Hilton and Towers, Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport, Atlanta, Ga. This is 13th in the biennial series presented by the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA).
Cooperation Urged in Auto Costs Fight
As a former Ford Motor Co. executive, Kathleen Ligocki knows about the carmakers’ mission to slash supplier prices. But in order to survive long-term, automakers must work with suppliers to take out the waste, said Ligocki, now chief executive of Tower Automotive. Speaking on an Automotive News World Congress panel Monday in Dearborn, Mich., Ligocki, a former vice president for Ford customer services, called for a collaborative effort between suppliers and carmakers to improve both sides’ bottom lines.
Automakers Tailor Ads to Woo Minorities
The auto industry increasingly is targeting the black, Hispanic and Asian American communities with tailored advertising, as the buying power of minorities grows, according to a recent report in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer Reporter . Companies are now beginning to create ads that speak to specific audiences, placing them in targeted media outlets. According to Randi Payton, publisher of the magazines African Americans on Wheels and Latinos on Wheels, this increased attention to diversity is even making its way into the design of cars, as automakers tailor products to lifestyle choices.
Bridgestone Americas’ Lampe To Retire
John Lampe, chairman, CEO and president of Bridgestone Americas Holding, who led the company’s remarkable recovery after devastating tire recalls in late 2000 and early 2001, announced today that he is retiring effective Mar. 31. He will be succeeded as chairman and CEO of BAH by Mark Emkes, currently chairman, CEO and president of Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT). Lampe announced his retirement this afternoon during a company-wide live Web cast and conference call. In addition, Lampe and Emkes granted Tire Review an exclusive in-depth interview about the retirement and the company’s future plans earlier this morning.
Transpro Named NAPA Branded Radiator Supplier
Transpro has been named supplier of a new radiator program for NAPA. Under the agreement, Transpro will supply NAPA with a radiator program that will offer a selection of popular radiator models covering a variety of automotive and light truck applications. Transpro will begin shipping product to NAPA this month, and the program will be rolled out to the NAPA distribution system in February.
Nearly 35,000 Manufacturing Professionals Expected at National Manufacturing Week
Nearly 35,000 manufacturing professionals from more than 10,000 companies are expected at National Manufacturing Week (NMW), scheduled to take place Monday, Feb. 23, through Thursday, Feb. 26, in Chicago. The event is organized by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). The latest in innovative manufacturing technologies and processes will be featured at the event. NMW’s six shows cover design engineering; plant engineering and facilities management; industrial automation; enterprise IT; technology and cleaning technology.
ACDelco to Sponsor MACS 2004 Convention
ACDelco will be a silver-level sponsor at this year’s Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide 2004 Convention and Trade Show, CRANK it UP!, Jan. 22-24 at the Caribe Royal All-Suites Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Susan Christophersen, manager of product service and training development for ACDelco, and Bob Stewart, A/C training program development, ACDelco service training, both will be presenting during the MACS 24th annual convention.
Executive Interview with Wolfgang Winzer, Vice President and General Manager of Siemens VDO Automotive Corp. Service & Special Solutions, North America
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Wolfgang Winzer, vice president and general manager of Siemens VDO Automotive Corp. Service & Special Solutions, North America. Winzer recently talked with aftermarketNews.com about the company’s extensive history in the OE market and how this will help them build a stronger aftermarket segment. He shared some of the company’s goals for its aftermarket business in the coming years.
Auto Executives Don’t See Big Profit Rise Until 2006, KPMG Study Reveals
The global automotive industry is not expected to return to peak profitability levels until at least 2006, according to the results of an annual global survey by KPMG, an audit, tax and advisory firm. However, automotive executives indicate the worst is behind them, citing 2003 as the worst year for profits in the half-decade, KPMG said. KPMG’s fifth annual survey, conducted in October and November 2003, polled 100 American, Asian and European automotive executives from 19 automakers and from 49 Tier 1 and 32 Tier 2 suppliers.