Message from MEMA’s Bob McKenna on Hurricane Katrina Relief
Hurricane Katrina has proved to be a dangerous and devastating storm – it has been called “the U.S. tsunami.” We have all been horror-struck at the scenes of devastation in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Its wide path of destruction will cost billions of dollars.
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. Updates Status of Stores Affected By Katrina
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. announced that the majority of stores in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina have reopened. As of 1:00 p.m. CST Thursday, only 19 stores remain closed, 10 of which are ready to reopen once clearance has been given by the authorities. One store has sustained serious damage, and the status of the remaining eight stores is uncertain at this time due to very limited access to some of the affected areas.
U.S. Department of Energy Provides $4.7 Million in Support of Automotive Technology Education
The U.S. Department of Energy announced the selection of eight universities that will receive $4.7 million to be Graduate Automotive Technology Education (GATE) Centers of Excellence. The goal of GATE is to train a future workforce of automotive engineering professionals to overcome technology barriers preventing the development and production of cost-effective, high-efficiency vehicles for the U.S. market.
SEMA, Off-Roaders Press Congress for Endangered Species Act Reform
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, joined with the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) and the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) to sponsor a “Washington Summit for Motorized Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation” on July 12 and 13. Summit participants asked members of Congress to support Endangered Species Act (ESA) reform legislation and continued off-highway vehicle (OHV) access to federal lands.
Exide Technologies Selected as Aftermarket Supplier by Tri-States Automotive Warehouse
Exide Technologies has been named the exclusive aftermarket battery supplier to Tri-States Automotive Warehouse, Inc. Under the agreement, the company will supply Exide NASCAR Select batteries to Tri-States Automotive Warehouse, which serves the Alabama, Florida and Georgia markets.
Hyundai Opens First U.S. Plant
Mong-Koo Chung, chairman of Hyundai Automotive Group, along with Alabama Governor, Bob Riley, and other elected officials celebrated the grand opening of Hyundai’s first U.S. manufacturing facility. The $1.1 billion plant, called Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC (HMMA), has been under construction since 2002.
Clevite Engine Parts, Randy Dorton Memorial Fund Set Up Live, Online Charity Auction
Clevite Engine Parts and the Randy Dorton Memorial Fund have teamed up to raise money for the NASCAR Technical Institute’s Randy Dorton Memorial Fund Scholarship. A special charity auction will take place on eBay in addition to two other auctions — a silent charity auction and a live auction – both scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, May 24 at the prestigious NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, NC, as part of the Final Round of the Clevite Engine Builder Showdown. Proceeds from each auction will benefit the Randy Dorton Memorial Fund.
Struggling Detroit Woos Japan’s Carmakers
At many union halls in Michigan, signs on parking lots still warn that foreign-made cars “will be towed away at owner’s expense.” So why is Governor Jennifer Granholm of Michigan pushing so hard to close a sweetheart land deal with Toyota?
Struggling Detroit Woos Japan’s Carmakers
At many union halls in Michigan, signs on parking lots still warn that foreign-made cars “will be towed away at owner’s expense.” So why is Governor Jennifer Granholm of Michigan pushing so hard to close a sweetheart land deal with Toyota?
CARSTAR Announces Executive Promotions
CARSTAR, one of North America’s largest collision repair organizations, has promoted three of its executives. Daren Fristoe, most recently senior vice president, has been promoted to the position of chief administrative officer for CARSTAR. Fristoe will continue to provide the company with corporate leadership, specifically focusing on the areas of human resources, training and education, franchise communication and services, corporate marketing and community initiatives. Fristoe joined the CARSTAR organization in May of 2002 after serving as vice president of human resources at eScout, LLC.