ITC Pulls Plug on Steel Tariffs
Automakers and other users of high-grade steel won a major victory last week when the International Trade Commission (ITC) revoked all tariffs and duties it had previously placed on imported steel. A coalition of automakers – including Toyota, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, Nissan, General Motors and Honda – had sought removal of the 13-year-old tariffs, which impacted carbon steel plate from 16 countries.
Automotive Communicators of the Year Honored at APRC Fall Conference
The Automotive Public Relations Council (APRC) honored David Ladd and Mike Pennington as “Automotive Communicators of the Year” at the Fall 2006 Conference held Oct. 12 in Dearborn, MI. Ladd and Pennington are the first recipients of the APRC Communicator of the Year award.
The Week in Review (Oct. 9-13, 2006)
By Amy Antenora Editor, aftermarketNews Our Week in Review email, typically distributed on Friday afternoons, is being distributed today due to our attendance last week at the Automotive Distribution Network’s joint meeting of its Network Jobber Advisory Council and Network Service Dealer Advisory Council . Thanks to the Network for their hospitality! Stay tuned: On
Affinia Group Realigns Corporate Finance Team, Announces Staff Additions
Following last week’s news announcing a restructured marketing operation, today Affinia Group announced that it has added two new members to its corporate finance team and also realigned the duties of some existing corporate finance managers.
MEMA Realigns Personnel to Strengthen Aftermarket, Communications; Gardner, Beck Promoted to New Positions
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) announced today the realignment of staff to strengthen its aftermarket market segment, the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), and the overall communications program for MEMA and its market segment associations. Chris Gardner, formerly vice president of strategic services and technology, has been promoted to vice president of AASA. Margaret Beck, current director of communications, has been promoted to senior director of communications.
Edward Lampert Won’t Stand for Re-election to AutoZone Board
AutoZone announced today that Edward Lampert, the chairman and chief executive officer of ESL Investments, Inc. and chairman of Sears Holdings Corp., will not be standing for re-election to the AutoZone Board of Directors, in order to devote more time to other duties at ESL and Sears Holdings. The board has nominated Theodore Ullyot, executive vice president and general counsel of ESL, to fill the board seat vacated by Lampert.
Clarity of Structure: More than an Organizational Chart
The following article is part two of a three-part series by special guest contributor Chuck Udell, a senior partner at Essential Action Design Group. The article, inspired by a popular presentation Udell has given to numerous aftermarket professionals, addresses the importance of building a sense of ownership among all employees from top brass, to floor staff. As we witness dramatic changes in the North American aftermarket, a sense of ownership and loyalty among all employees may play a critical role in the future success of our industry, says Udell.
WTO Battle Starts Against China on Auto Parts
The U.S., European Union and Canada will today ask World Trade Organization judges to prohibit Chinese duties on imports of car parts they say discriminate against foreign makers, in the first WTO lawsuit against China, EU and U.S. officials said.
Remy International Eliminates Top OE Business Position
Remy International, Inc. announces leadership changes in its OE and aftermarket businesses. The company has eliminated the position of president of the Remy Inc. OE business. With this decision, Rick Stanley, who served in this role, has decided to seek other opportunities outside of the company. Remy International President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Weber will assume these duties in addition to his role as president and CEO of Remy International.
Executive Interview: MEMA Leaders Discuss the Supplier’s Impact on Capital Hill
During last month’s MEMA Legislative Summit, Counterman Managing Editor Michael Freeze spoke with the people behind the association’s lobbying event: Ann Wilson, vice president of government affairs for the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA); Robert “Bob” McKenna, president and CEO of MEMA; and Steve Handschuh, executive director for the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). Taking time out from their busy schedules while at the Summit, the three discussed the importance of meeting with Congress, the issues affecting the aftermarket industry and the growing influence of the industry in Washington, D.C.