MANN+HUMMEL USA Names Thomas to Communications Post
MANN+HUMMEL USA has named Julie Thomas to the position of executive assistant to the president, with responsibility for the automotive supplier’s public relations programs.
Keystone Restyling Products Updates Web Site
Keystone Restyling Products has updated its Web site, www.keystonerestyling.com. The redesigned site is easy to navigate, with a minimal number of clicks, enabling users to find product information as quickly as possible, according to the company.
ArvinMeritor President and COO Terry O’Rourke Resigns
ArvinMeritor announced late yesterday that Terry O’Rourke is resigning from his position as president and COO, to pursue opportunities outside of the company. O’Rourke is resigning from the board of directors as well. The COO position will be eliminated. O’Rourke joined ArvinMeritor as president of the company’s Light Vehicle Systems (LVS) business group in March 1999, after serving as group vice president and president of Lear Corp.’s Ford Division.
Siemens VDO Automotive Expands Detroit-Area Testing Facility
Siemens VDO Automotive is investing $2 million to transform its former machining and tooling shop in Auburn Hills, Mich., into a 5,000-square-foot fuel validation test center for its Powertrain Fuel Supply Systems (FS) division. The project is expected to be complete in May 2004. The new fuel validation laboratory will bring product testing and validation closer to local development engineers and Detroit-based customers, said the company.
UAW Organizes at Dana to Shore Up Membership
The UAW has organized about 2,000 workers at five Dana Corp. plants from Michigan to Tennessee as the union seeks to rebuild its active ranks and regain power in the auto industry. Along the way, the union faces opposition not only from workers who don’t want a union but also from those who want a tougher union that would fight and win better wages, benefits and working conditions. To them, the UAW has become too conciliatory as it strives to gain members.
BorgWarner Names Vice President, Engine Research and Development
BorgWarner has appointed Olaf Weber to the newly created position of vice president, engine research and development. In this new role, Weber will be responsible for identifying technological and market trends in engines, and developing new systems that will enable BorgWarner to leverage the company’s capabilities and expand into new areas of the engine business.
Bendix Brakes Awards “Drive it Home” Promotion Grand Prize
Bendix Brakes has awarded Vinemont, Al-based technician Rick Holland a new 2004 Ford F150 truck. Holland, a customer of warehouse distributor Walter White and a technician for National Tire & Battery, was the grand prize winner of the brand’s “Drive It Home” scratch and win promotion.
Bandag Reports Fourth Quarter Results
Bandag Inc. has reported consolidated net income of $29.1 million, or $1.50 per diluted share, for fourth quarter 2003, compared to consolidated net income of $17.5 million, or $0.91 per diluted share in the fourth quarter 2002. Net income for both the fourth quarter 2002 and 2003 included favorable tax adjustments of approximately $3 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, resulting primarily from the resolution of certain tax matters.
GAAS Fund Organizers Announce $50,000 GAAS Scholarship Challenge
An anonymous donor has issued a $50,000 fund raising challenge for the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) scholarship program, awarded to students planning aftermarket careers. The “$50,000 GAAS Scholarship Challenge” was initiated after the donor committed to donate up to $10,000 to the Global Scholarship fund in 2004 and will match 25 percent of all other donations to the fund up to a matching amount of $10,000. The challenge campaign aims to net the fund a total of $50,000 in donations. Delphi Corp. has made the first challenge donation of $3,000.
SEMA Chairman Named 2004 Meguiar’s Award Recipient
Corky Coker of Coker Tire, chairman of SEMA’s board of directors, was chosen as the 2004 Meguiar’s Award recipient by the Meguiar’s Award Selection Committee. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly impacted the collector-car hobby. Past recipients include: Steve Earle, founder of the Historic Sports Car Racing Association; Robert Petersen, founder of Motor Trend and Hot Rod magazines; and “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno.