Ex-Detroit Exec Named to Alcoa Post
A former Detroit executive has been named vice president and general manager of Alcoa’s Warrick Operations – the highest position at the facility, the company said Thursday. Michael Lucas, who began his duties Monday, came to Alcoa from Piston Automotive, a diversified company that provides manufacturing, assembly and logistics services to the automobile industry. He served as chief operations officer for Piston.
Three States Officially Proclaim April as National Car Care Month
The governors of Nebraska, South Carolina and Wisconsin recently signed state proclamations, officially declaring April 2004 as being National Car Care Month, according to the Car Care Council.
iATN Heads to Southern Cal for 2004 Convention
The International Automotive Technicians’ Network (iATN) will hold its 2004 convention Sept. 24-26, at the Coast Anaheim Hotel, in Anaheim, Calif. Traditionally a casual event, the convention will offer several technical and business management sessions, in addition to networking opportunities. The convention will also feature “TechNight Live: iATN West Coast Diagnostic Challenge.” There will also be a special luncheon address, as well as a dinner and reception for attendees.
Sell-Out Inventory Management Seminar Shows Industry’s Interest in Topic
The University of the Aftermarket’s Inventory Management Seminar, held March 8-9, drew a sell-out crowd, revealing the topic’s high interest to the industry. The event was hosted by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the aftermarket segment association of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). The seminar gave participants a better understanding of the fundamentals of inventory control management and the purchasing process. Major areas of focus were distribution center inventory management, store inventory management and supply chain inventory management.
Judge Dismisses Class Action Move Against Steeltex Tires
A California judge today dismissed a motion seeking national class action status for an on-going lawsuit alleging defects in Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire’s entire Firestone Steeltex line. The ruling, which came after months of delays, is expected to be appealed by attorney Joseph Lisoni, who has made it a personal crusade to force the court-ordered recall of all Steeltex tires.
Visteon Produces Officially Licensed NASCAR Performance Windshields for Aftermarket
Visteon has signed an agreement to be the exclusive manufacturer of Officially Licensed NASCAR Performance Windshields. This is the second Visteon aftermarket product line to be featured as an Officially Licensed NASCAR Performance product — the first was radiators.
Collins & Aikman Reveals Insider Deals
Collins & Aikman Corp. revealed Wednesday that it paid a board member $300,000 to serve as vice chairman for six months in 2002 and did millions of dollars of business with another board member. The company had failed to fully disclose details on those transactions to shareholders.
Akebono Receives Vendor Excellence Award from Monro Muffler Brake
Akebono Corp. has been awarded the 2003 Vendor Excellence Award from Monro Muffler Brake, Inc. Monro recognized Akebono for the successful launch of ceramic brake pads throughout the Monro chain. Akebono began supplying ceramic brake pads to Monro in late 2002.
Executive Interview with Tony Perticari, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Crown Remanufacturing
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Tony Perticari, a 35-year veteran of the automotive parts industry. Perticari joined Philadelphia-based Crown Remanufacturing in 1986. He currently serves as vice president of sales and marketing for the company and is responsible for all NAFTA and overseas sales and marketing activities. Join us as Tony Perticari tells us what makes Crown tick, and what it takes to stay ahead of the pack. He also shares with us his predictions for the future of the reman industry, and the company.
Bosch Named Service Parts Grand Vendor of the Year by Advance Auto Parts
Advance Auto Parts has named Robert Bosch Corp. recipient of the 2003 Service Parts Grand Vendor of the Year Award. Advance presents this award to the vendor with the top overall performance in the areas of service level, product and program quality, merchandising/promotions, customer service and account management.