Live from AAPEX: Scott Meyer Presented MEMA’s Prestigious Triangle Award
Scott Meyer, retired president of Ken-Tool in Akron, Ohio, and past chairman of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association’s (MEMA) , was presented the Triangle Award, MEMA’s highest honor, last night during the association’s Executive Reception in Las Vegas.
Delphi Reduces Quarterly Loss; Parts Supplier Details Widening SEC Probe
Delphi Corp. narrowed its third-quarter loss to $114 million, and generated more cash than expected, but acknowledged a widening government probe into its accounting practices. The nation’s largest auto-parts maker warned Oct. 5 that it could lose as much as $120 million from July through September because steel and plastic prices rose dramatically, and its biggest customer, General Motors Corp., built fewer cars and trucks.
MEMA Names Industry Veteran Bob McKenna as its New President
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) has named Bob McKenna as its new president and CEO. The appointment is effective October 1. McKenna, who has 35 years of aftermarket industry experience, comes to MEMA from Atlanta-based Genuine Parts Company (GPC) where he served as group vice president and chairman of the board for the National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA).
Info on Car Safety Off-Limits to Public
The federal agency that oversees auto safety has decided — based largely on arguments from automakers and their Washington, D.C., lobbyists — that reams of data relating to unsafe automobiles or defective parts will not be available to the public. Specifically, the government has banned the release of car and truck warranty-claims information, customer complaints and early-warning reports about defects from dealers, automakers and rental car companies, even if media outlets or other groups push for it under the Freedom of Information Act.
Executive Interview: John Washbish Talks About the Dana AAG Acquisition
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features John Washbish, president of customer relationship management for the Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group (AAG). On Friday it was officially announced that New York-based investment firm Cypress Group agreed to buy Dana AAG for $1.1 billion. We had the opportunity to talk to Washbish just hours after the announcement was made. Join us as he shares some of the preliminary details on the acquisition and talks about the future of the Automotive Aftermarket Group.
American Products Co. to be Featured Tonight on New TLC Show Overhaulin’
American Products Company (APC), a leading automotive aftermarket manufacturer of performance and accessory products, will be featured tonight, Tuesday, May 25, on an episode of the new TLC cable channel series “Overhaulin’.” Hosted by legendary fabricator Chip Foose, the show dupes unsuspecting vehicle owners by surreptitiously removing their vehicles and tricking them out without their knowledge. The vehicle is then returned to its owner during a surprise “reveal” in a completely modified, tricked, tuned and transformed configuration.
Federal-Mogul Named a Jasper Engines
For the 17th year in a row, Federal-Mogul Corp. has been presented with Jasper Engines & Transmissions’ “Preferred Partner” award. Jasper is one of Federal-Mogul’s largest customers, and the only company to have received the “Preferred Partner” award every year since its inception.
Executive Interview with Howard Kesten, President and Founder of Workboards
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Howard Kesten, president and founder of Workboards, which launched the automotive job site, aftermarketJobs.com, in December 2003. A two-time guest speaker at AAPEX, Kesten is also founder and CEO of APA Search, Inc., an executive search and human resources consulting firm serving the automotive industry. In 18 years, he has placed more than 1,600 automotive professionals. Join us as Kesten provides an introduction to aftermarketJobs.com and shares with us his predictions for the future of the aftermarket and the job market.
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.