Magazines Announce ‘Readers’ Choice Awards’ Recipients
The readers of Babcox’s Counterman, Brake & Front End, ImportCar and Underhood Service magazines have announced the Readers’ Choice Award recipients for 2004. The awards are based upon those companies whose advertising most successfully communicated their messages to the aftermarket.
Dana Launches Spicer SmartRide Line of Suspension and Axle Offerings
To help meet the growing demands of its OE and fleet customers, Dana Corp. has expanded its trailer suspension and axle offerings with the recent launch of the Spicer SmartRide family of suspension modules and systems.
Diggory Elected Chairman of Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association
William “Bill” Diggory, vice president and general manager of Chicago Rawhide, Elgin, Ill., has been elected 2005 chairman of the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA). Diggory served as HDMA vice chairman in 2004.
Hayes Lemmerz Announces Changes in Senior Management Team
James Stegemiller, vice president of Hayes Lemmerz International and president of the company’s North American Wheel Group, has announced he will retire effective Nov. 1.
Stability Control Jumping from Autos to Semis
Motive technology is always on the go. Take the rearview mirror. It made its way from the Indy 500 in the early 1900s onto every passenger vehicle made today. Now, an automotive technology is being used on semitrailer trucks. Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems of Elyria, Ohio, has come up with a stability control system for 18-wheelers like those found in cars. It says the system could reduce the number of semi rollovers by 50 percent.
Overseas Automotive Council Selects Three New Board Members
Three new members have been elected to the Overseas Automotive Council (OAC) Board of Directors for three-year terms of office. OAC is the international aftermarket division of MEMA. The council promotes the sale in foreign markets of automotive products manufactured in North America.
Ninth Annual GAAS Kicked Off in Chicago
While the theme of this year’s Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) — Leaner, Faster, Better — may connote the automated efficiency of a well-run machine, the true focus of the day’s numerous presentations was on the talented pool of people who make up that machine and how to make better use of them. “The core of any great business is the people,” said GAAS founder and chairman Mort Schwartz, who welcomed approximately 400 aftermarket executives to the event.
Honeywell Receives APA’s Branded Products Award
Honeywell Friction Materials, which manufactures Bendix branded brake products, was recently recognized with the Automotive Parts Association’s (APA) Branded Products Award. The award was presented to Honeywell at the association’s 24th annual Shareholders & Manufacturers Conference held at the Wyndham Emerald Plaza in San Diego last month.
Dave Caracci Elected New AAIA Chairman of the Board of Directors
AAIA has elected its officers and board of directors for the 2004-2005 term at its spring meeting in Phoenix, Ariz.
Executive Interview with Joe Puishys, President of Honeywell Friction Materials
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Joe Puishys, president of Honeywell Friction Materials. A 25-year veteran of the company’s automotive businesses, Joe Puishys has served as president of Honeywell Friction Materials since early 2002. His responsibilities include overseeing the most recent corporate effort to align closely with Honeywell’s business initiatives and operating plan. He has already played a major role in the cost cutting and six sigma programs occurring throughout the organization. Join us as Puishys gives us an update on Honeywell Friction Materials, including plans to expand manufacturing operations and launch new products.