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.
Delphi Appoints Three New Sales Managers in North America
Delphi Corp. has named three new sales managers for North America. Jim Eady, Darrel Reuss and Steve Tucker will serve as regional sales managers for vehicle electronics in North America for Delphi Product & Service Solutions. Eady will cover the Southeast, Reuss the Midwest and Tucker the Northeast and all will report to Scott Donnelly, North American vehicle electronics sales manager.
Ex-Federal-Mogul Chairman Returns
Federal-Mogul Corp., an auto-parts maker operating under bankruptcy protection since October 2001, said Robert Miller has returned as chairman, replacing former CEO Frank Macher. Miller was Federal-Mogul CEO in September 2001 before he left to take the same position at Bethlehem Steel Corp., a company that’s also in bankruptcy protection. Miller’s appointment to chairman took effect Sunday, after Macher’s contract expired, the Southfield-based parts maker said in a statement.
Universal Automotive Acquires Three Brands from TRW Automotive’s Kelsey-Hayes Subsidiary
Universal Automotive has purchased several business assets of TRW Automotive’s Kelsey-Hayes subsidiary. The Livonia, Mich.-based businesses sold for $11 million in cash plus additional contingent payments. Universal has acquired the Autospecialty, ValuMaxx and Power Stop brands from Kelsey-Hayes. It also has entered into a licensing agreement for the use of the TRW trademark for premium quality brake rotors and drums and a supply agreement for TRW suspension products.
Starcraft Shareholders Approve Merger With Wheel to Wheel, Tecstar
Shareholders of aftermarket and OEM supplier Starcraft Corp. have voted to approve a proposed merger agreement with Troy, Mich.-based Wheel to Wheel, Inc., an automotive engineering and design business. The transaction has received all required regulatory clearance and the merger is expected to close by the middle of January. In 1988, Starcraft and Wheel to Wheel jointly formed Tecstar, which provides and installs appearance enhancement items on vehicles provided by and returned to an original equipment manufacturer. The new agreement calls for Starcraft to acquire the remaining 50 percent ownership of Tecstar LLC and Tecstar Canada that it does not currently own by acquiring closely held Wheel to Wheel. The transaction merges Wheel to Wheel into a newly created subsidiary of Starcraft, which will exchange Starcraft common shares for shares of Wheel to Wheel.
Automotive Products is Sold
German brake and clutch manufacturer FTE Automotive GmbH said Monday it bought Auburn Hills, Mich., auto clutch systems maker Automotive Products Inc. for an undisclosed price. The deal makes Ebern, Germany-based FTE a major player in clutch products with worldwide sales of $462 million.
Intermet to Close Havana, Ill., Foundry
Intermet Corp. intends to close its foundry in Havana, Ill., during the second quarter of this year. The company said the closure is necessary to rationalize excess production capacity and reduce costs. The facility, which manufactures ductile-iron castings for the automotive industry, currently employs 205 people, including hourly and salaried staff. The company will consolidate the plant’s equipment and products into other existing Intermet foundries.
TIA Consolidates, Maryland Office Becomes New HQ
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) will consolidate all of its offices in Bowie, Md., as of Feb. 1. TIA’s operations in Kentucky will be relocated and the building will be put up for sale. TIA said this decision comes after months of in-depth analysis into the cost-effectiveness of operating two offices in different states. Two members of the Louisville staff, Senior Vice President of Education and Technical Services Kevin Rohlwing and Director of Training Chris Marnett, will be moving to the Maryland office.
AWDA Segment Liaison Candidates Under Review
AAIA is in the process of reviewing candidates to join the professional team at AAIA headquarters and serve as liaison to the new Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) segment. AWDA officially became a segment of AAIA on Jan. 1. Individuals interested in learning more about the position, which will be based at the AAIA national headquarters in Bethesda, Md., should contact Kathleen Schmatz at 301-654-6664 or [email protected].
Midas Completes Restructuring
Midas said it has completed its restructuring plan successfully, and on schedule. In April 2003, Midas announced agreements with AutoZone in the U.S. and Uni-Select in Canada for distribution of Midas brand and other automotive parts to the 1,900 Midas shops in North America. Midas’ timetable to exit the parts distribution business was the end of fiscal 2003. In April 2003, Midas announced agreements with AutoZone in the U.S. and Uni-Select in Canada for distribution of Midas brand and other automotive parts to the 1,900 Midas shops in North America. Midas’ timetable to exit the parts distribution business was the end of fiscal 2003.