Henkel Technologies Earns Decoma President’s Award
Henkel Technologies recently received the Decoma International President’s Award for 2003 for innovations that lower costs while improving productivity and quality. The award recognizes Henkel’s efforts at two key Decoma facilities. Henkel Technologies was nominated by Decoma’s Norplas and Nascote facilities for separate technologies that help ensure production lines continue running efficiently.
Subaru Recalls Certain Six Cylinder Outbacks and Impreza WRX Vehicles
Subaru of America has announced a voluntary recall on certain 2001-2004 six cylinder Outback models, and 2002-2004 Impreza WRX 2.0L models to address a possible cruise control cable problem. Approximately 127,580 vehicles are potentially affected, according to Subaru.
SmarTire Signs Distribution Agreement with Lexani Wheel Corp.
SmarTire Systems has signed a distribution agreement with Lexani Wheel Corp, a manufacturer of luxury alloy wheels based in California. Lexani will bundle SmarTire’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) with its Johnson line of custom wheels, which are sold through its dealer base.
APA Honors Henry Jacobs; Re-Elects Three Board Members During Annual Shareholders Meeting
The Automotive Parts Associates, Inc. (APA) honored Henry Jacobs for his 50 years of automotive aftermarket service at its annual shareholders meeting in San Diego, Calif. Jacobs is the founder of Automotive Warehouse in Wichita, Kan. Also during its Annual Shareholders Meeting, APA announced the re-election of J. Michael Faley, Robert Jacobs and Silvia Martinez to its board of directors.
Judge Approves $149 Million BFNAT Settlement
State District Judge Donald Floyd in Beaumont, Texas, has approved a $149 million settlement of 30 class-action lawsuits filed on behalf of Bridgestone/Firestone tire owners. The announcement comes more than three years after the 2000 recall of 14.4 million Firestone tires. Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT) agreed to the proposed settlement last July.
Kendall Motor Oil Awards Chemicals Business to TCC
Kendall Motor oil, a ConocoPhillips brand, awarded its automotive chemicals business to Texas-based Technical Chemical Co. (TCC). According to Ray Sparling, Kendall Motor oil brand manager, the relationship between TCC and Kendall will offer Kendall more branded product choices and will consolidate the product line across the ConocoPhillips family of brands.
Goodyear Teams Up with Wal-Mart on RFID Supply Chain Technology
As part of its effort to stake out a leadership position in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) applications, Goodyear Tire & Rubber has teamed up with Wal-Mart in a massive retail implementation of this new technology. In June 2003, Wal-Mart Stores announced that its 100 largest suppliers would be required to begin using RFID tags on every case and pallet of product shipped to the retailer’s Dallas region stores by 2005. Approximately 25 other suppliers, including Goodyear, volunteered to also participate in this effort.
Elgin Industries Named Jasper Engines & Transmissions “Preferred Partner”
Elgin Industries has been named a “Preferred Partner” by Jasper Engines & Transmissions, one of Elgin Industries’ largest customers. The award was presented during the annual Jasper Engines & Transmissions Preferred Partners Banquet on March 9.
2004 Automotive News PACE Awards Winners Announced
Automotive News has announced the 11 winners of its 2004 PACE Awards. This is the 10th year that the publication has honored innovative auto suppliers through the PACE Awards, which are co-sponsored by Cap Gemini Ernst & Young and Transportation Research Center Inc. The winners were announced at a ceremony on Monday, March 8, at the Detroit Opera House. A panel of independent judges selected the winners from a group of 23 finalists.
NHRA Tour de Force Storms Detroit
Legendary hot-rodder and storyteller John Force wants a major drag racing strip in the Detroit area, and he’s willing to invest time and money to make it happen. Force, the king of funny cars and one-liners, was in town last week for the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress at Cobo Center, in Detroit. His job: to chat with engineers and shake hands with backers, including Ford Motor Co. executives, who support his passion to go fast over a quarter-mile.