RMA Names New President and CEO
Charles Cannon was named president and CEO of the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), a role he has held on an interim basis since February. Cannon got his start in Washington on the staff of the House Appropriations Committee, followed by several years with D.C.-based United Technologies. He has managed Cannon Consultants Inc. for the last
Pro Motor Engines Wins 2008 MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown
Dennis Borem and Darrell Hoffman of Pro Motor Engines wasted no time in the 15 minutes and 59 seconds it took to win the 2008 MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown on May 20. They came away with the Randy Dorton Memorial Trophy and a cash prize of $26,000, as well as bragging rights for another year — they are winners two years in a row now having taken last year’s top prize with a 16:25 build.
Reps. Rangel, Shuler Co-Sponsor Right to Repair Legislation
The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) has gained two more supporters. Reps. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) have declared their support of the pending legislation.
John Sanderson Retires from Continental’s North American Operations
John Sanderson has retired from Continental, effective June 1. Sanderson joined Continental in connection with Continental’s acquisition of Siemens VDO Automotive last fall, where he was president and CEO of the firm’s North American operations. In his role as President and CEO of Siemens VDO Automotive Corp., a position he was appointed to in 2000, Sanderson had responsibility for Siemens VDO’s North and South American business and profitability initiatives.
Consumer Media Hungry for Car Care Council Messages
BETHESDA, Md. – The consumer media hype about the summer vacation season kicked into high gear prior to the Memorial Day weekend. As a result, the Car Care Council said it received a “flurry of calls” in response to its pitch on the benefits of driving vs. flying and tips for motorists to save gas.
Tom Linebarger Named President and COO of Cummins Inc.
Tom Linebarger has been named president and chief operating officer of Cummins Inc., replacing Joe Loughrey, 58, who will become vice chairman, effective Aug. 1, until he retires in March 2009. Linebarger, 45, currently serves as president of Cummins Power Generation and has been an executive vice president since 2005. He formerly was the company’s chief financial officer.
SEMA Market Study: Automotive Accessories Sales Increase
DIAMOND BAR, Calif. – U.S. consumers purchased an unprecedented $38.1 billion of specialty automotive products in 2007, despite a lag in the general U.S. economy. That figure is a 3.78 percent increase from 2006 to 2007, and it represents the 17th consecutive year of growth. Comprehensive details and information are included in the annual SEMA
California Aftermarket Parts Bill Defeated
The California Automotive Wholesalers’ Association (CAWA) has announced a big win for California consumers with the defeat of SB 1059 (Migden), a bill aimed at restricting consumers’ ability to have aftermarket parts installed on their vehicles. A large coalition including CAWA, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), the Coalition for Automotive Repair Equality, LKQ/Keystone, California Retailers Association, AAA, insurance industry and others, worked together to lobby against SB 1059, which would have made it unlawful for any insurer to require the installation of an aftermarket part for the first three years of the vehicle’s life as well as restrict the ability of insurers to replace a part with a lower priced replacement part during this same three year period.
Massachusetts Legislative Committee OKs Right to Repair Bill, Bill Now Heads to Ways and Means Committee for Review
Following extensive debate, a Massachusetts legislative committee has approved legislation (HB 296) that will provide independent repair shops the same access to diagnostic repair information and tools that car companies made available to their franchised dealers. The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure voted to report the landmark legislation out of committee favorably where it will next appear before the Committee on Ways and Means. The legislation is co-sponsored by state Rep. Vincent Pedone(D-Worcester), and state Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford).
IndyCar Series Holds Automotive Manufacturer Round-table to Discuss New Specs, Encourage More Participation
With the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on the cusp of celebrating two significant centennials, and the unification of open-wheel racing in North America complete, the IndyCar Series has announced plans to define its next generation of technical competition rules with the ultimate goal of encouraging new manufacturer participation within the series. An ‘IndyCar Automotive Manufacturers Round-table’ targeting senior level automotive executives will be held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in late June to openly discuss future IndyCar Series concepts. The series has targeted introduction of new specifications for the 2011 season, the 100th anniversary of the first Indianapolis 500-Mile Race with a desire for multiple automobile manufacturer participation.