UPDATE: House Subcommittee Approves Right to Repair Act
After nearly five years of debate, yesterday the House Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection Subcommittee voted in favor of the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (H.R. 2048), in an open mark-up session on Capitol Hill. However, the vote was not passed without contention, according to one news report.
Philips Automotive Lighting North America Receives Frost & Sullivan Award
Philips Automotive Lighting North America, a division of Royal Philips Electronics and one of the world’s largest suppliers of lighting for the automotive industry, has been selected as the 2005 recipient of the Frost & Sullivan Product Line Strategy of the Year Award. Frost & Sullivan, created the award after completing its analysis of the North America Lighting Aftermarket. According to Frost & Sullivan, Philips Automotive Lighting optimized its product line by leveraging its products against various price, performance and feature points required by vehicle owners.
Cooper to Close Athens, GA, Race Tire Plant
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. has taken the first steps toward closing its Athens, GA, retread rubber and racing tire plant by the end of summer. The tiremaker filed paperwork with the Security and Exchange Commission yesterday outlining the write-down it expects to take as a result of the action. Cooper said it would close the plant within “two to three months,” putting some 140 employees out of work. The tiremaker said its own evaluation showed the plants production of race tires and retread stock could be absorbed by its other facilities.
Peterson Rounds Out Its LED Line With New Great White Back-Up Lights
Peterson Manufacturing has released another addition to its LED line with the new Great White LED Back-Up Lights, as part of its “Better Ideas on the Move” campaign.
Firestone and Mario Andretti Launch Driver Safety Education Campaign
Firestone and legendary racer Mario Andretti are teaming up in order to save lives with a new driver safety education campaign. The program includes a series of television and print ads in which Andretti stresses the importance of proper tire inflation and maintenance, and urges drivers to check their tires every month.
Toyo, CTNA Issue Recall Notices
Following Yokohama Tire Corp.’s recall of 69 medium truck radials produced by GTY Tire Co., a joint venture between Yokohama, Continental Tire North America (CTNA) and Toyo Tire USA Corp., both Toyo and CTNA have issued their own recall notices. All told, 142 tires are being recalled. Toyo is recalling 24 medium truck tires produced at the plant. CTNA issued a non-specific statement relating to the entire group of tires being recalled. However, the remaining 49 tires being sought are believed to be Continental and/or General brand medium truck tires.
Executive Interview with Michael Scheiven, Director, Aftermarket Channel, Philips Automotive Lighting North America
Our latest Executive Interview features Michael Scheiven, director, Aftermarket Channel, Philips Automotive Lighting North America. Just about two years ago, Scheiven joined Philips after a long and successful career with General Motors (GM). Scheiven spent 19 years at GM, serving as director of AC Delco Aftermarket Operations with General Motors Brazil, International Marketing Manager with GM Service Parts Operations US, Commercial Director for GM Service Parts Operations-Mexico and South America Sales Manager for General Motors Corp. It was precisely this background that led Philips to recruit Scheiven, as the company sought to revitalitize its aftermarket business. Scheiven recently spoke with aftermarketNews.com about Philips’ Automotive Lighting business and the changes in this market segment.
Executive Interview with Chris Gardner, Director of MEMA’s MIS Council
Our latest Executive Interview features Chris Gardner, director of the MEMA (Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association) Information Services (MIS) Council. The MIS Council is a peer group of individuals from MEMA member companies who are responsible for their companies’ IS operations and serves as a forum for industry interaction, education and idea exchange. Gardner has his finger on the pulse on the latest advancements in technology and how they can best be implemented in the aftermarket. Here, Gardner talks about MEMA’s efforts in the technology sector through the MIS Council and group initiatives.
Live from AAPEX: MotorVac Showcases New Product Line
MotorVac Technologies, which makes proprietary technological solutions for the automotive service and repair industry, this week launched three new products at the AAPEX Show in Las Vegas.
BFGoodrich Tires Announces Recall
BFGoodrich Tires is recalling 46,000 passenger and light truck tires today, after its quality system alerted the company to a condition initially affecting ride quality, but which could possibly result in steel belt separation.