HD Dialogue ’07 Focuses on ‘Flat World’ Realities in the Commercial Vehicle Market
The 2007 HD Dialogue, organized by the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), will address the “Flat Realities” of the heavy duty industry on Monday, Jan. 22, at The Mirage in Las Vegas. The event will give insight into the global marketplace, future economic and market trends, industry predictions and technology.
Dana to Sell Trailer Axle Manufacturing Business
Dana Corp. and two affiliates have entered into asset purchase agreements with Hendrickson USA, L.L.C., a subsidiary of The Boler Co., for the sale of Dana’s trailer axle manufacturing business. Under terms of the agreements, the buyers will acquire certain assets located in Lugoff, SC; Barrie, Ontario, Canada; and Wuxi, China, which are used to manufacture heavy-duty trailer axles and suspensions for an aggregate price of approximately $38 million in cash. The buyer will also assume limited liabilities related to the business.
Autolite Taps into Popularity of Blogs
Blogs, short for weblogs, are everywhere today. Whatever your interest, there is a blog about it somewhere in cyberspace. Now, the Autolite brand of Honeywell Consumer Products Group is using the popularity of blogging to reach out to a niche market of consumers. Playing off the success of its recent "Man Tips" radio campaign, Autolite has launched http://www.mantipsgarage.com , which offers advice (solicited and otherwise) on all things related to hot-rod living, including auto and motorcycle subjects, sports, beer, dating, marriage, but mostly cars.
AASA Forms Automotive Aftermarket Marketing Council
The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) has created the AASA Marketing Council to advance the automotive aftermarket manufacturing industry through collaborative marketing and communication solutions.
Nominate Your Pick for the 2006 Heavy-Duty Technician of the Year
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, Dayton Parts, LLC (DP, LLC), Haldex and SKF have banded together to create a new recognition for fleet technicians. The four companies announced they are now accepting applications for the 2006 Technician of the Year Award program. The companies created the program in 2005 to recognize a fleet’s “superstar” technician, who exemplifies the best qualities of the profession, including his/her technical and mechanical experience, service specialties and overall contributions to the industry.
HDAW ‘07 Educational Program to Address Industry Trends and Technological Advances
The 2007 Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW ’07) will offer a comprehensive education program addressing industry trends and technological advances. The second annual HDAW will be held Jan. 22-25, 2007 at The Mirage in Las Vegas. HDAW was developed as a unique venue for meetings between the executive members of the companies comprising the major HD industry associations and marketing groups. It provides a forum for the overall improvement of the HD aftermarket industry with one major meeting, all in one place, one time a year.
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Goes to Washington
At MEMA’s recent Legislative Summit, congressional representatives discussed aftermarket issues with the association’s members. Counterman Managing Editor Michael Freeze spoke with a number of industry execs at the event, and asked: As an attendee at the MEMA Legislative Summit, what industry issue do you feel most passionate about?
2006 Legislative Summit: MEMA Members Discuss Issues with Members of Congress
Last week in Washington, D.C., the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) held its annual legislative summit. The association’s aim was to lobby in support of various issues that have heavily impacted the aftermarket and manufacturing industry. The two-day event began with a supplier fair, which featured manufacturers such as Delphi, Federal-Mogul and Bendix. The fair familiarized congressional officials with the companies’ products and upcoming initiatives. The opening day was also filled with strategic preparation for the next day’s congressional meetings. As MEMA President and CEO Robert McKenna explained, the association wanted to make the meetings more efficient than last year to allow members to thoroughly present their issues to members of Congress.
HDAW 2007 Planning Begins With Naming of David Engstrom as New JOC Chairman
David Engstrom, president of Mutual Wheel, has been elected to serve as the HDAW 2007 chairman. Engstrom was elected at the HDAW Joint Operating Committee (JOC) meeting May 18 in Dearborn, MI. The JOC also elected Joe Mejaly, vice president and general manager of ArvinMeritor’s Commercial Vehicle Aftermarket Business, as vice chairman. The 2007 Education Committee will be co-chaired by Dave Scheer, president of Inland Truck Parts, and John Flad, vice president of aftermarket sales, Bendix CVS.
AAIA Elects New Officers and Board of Directors; Dick Morgan Elected Chairman
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) elected new officers and board of directors at its Spring Volunteer Leadership Days held in Hollywood, FL, on May 6. “The backbone of AAIA and the lifeblood of its governance are its volunteer leaders,” said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. “The outstanding individuals who serve on the AAIA board of directors are among the very best visionaries and thought leaders in the aftermarket industry.”