NASTF Releases Secure Data Release Model
The National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) has announced that the Secure Data Release Model (SDRM), which allows properly vetted technicians and security professionals to access key codes, immobilizer PINs and other security-related information, has been released to the industry. Details about the SDRM are now available on the NASTF website at www.nastf.org.
Dana Appoints Robert Marcin Chief Administrative Officer
TOLEDO, OH — Dana Holding Corp. announced that Robert Marcin has joined the company as chief administrative officer. In this capacity, Marcin will take on leadership responsibility for human resources, corporate communications, government relations and labor relations. "Bob brings a wealth of expertise and experience across these interrelated functions," said Dana Executive Chairman and Acting
DCR Systems Launches ‘Lean’ Collision Repair Process Licensing Company
In response to significant demand, Mentor, Ohio-based DCR Systems has launched a new company, DCR Intellectual Property Co. The DCR Intellectual Property Company operating system is based on ‘lean manufacturing’ principles, which eliminate many of the inefficiencies associated with auto body repair.
Deal Revives Chrysler Output: Production Resumes on Interim Accord with Plastech
Production resumed at Chrysler LLC and interiors supplier Plastech Engineered Products Inc. on Tuesday after the two companies reached a deal that temporarily resolves a dispute that threatened to shut nearly all of Chrysler’s factories. Chrysler halted production at five assembly plants Monday after the Auburn Hills, MI-based automaker on Friday canceled its contracts with the supplier, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection that day.
MEMA Brand Protection Council Appoints 2008 Co-Chairmen
Andrew Cifranic of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC and Brian O’Rourke of Ford Customer Service Division were named co-chairmen of the Brand Protection Council (BPC) of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) at the group’s recent meeting in Detroit, MI. In their roles as co-chairmen, Cifranic and O’Rourke will assist in setting the council’s direction, agenda planning and conducting quarterly meetings.
From Counterman.com: Ignition System Sales in a Changing Market
Distributors started disappearing from engines back in the late 1980s and early 1990s as the automakers began to phase in distributorless ignition systems (DIS) followed by coil-on-plug (COP) ignition systems. Everybody said distributors and eventually spark plug wire sets were going away. Well, here it is more than 20 years later and auto parts stores still carry a hefty inventory of distributors, caps, rotors and spark plug wire sets. But in addition to these parts, store shelves are also stocked with DIS coil packs and COP coils. There are more SKUs than ever and the product mix is constantly changing.
Michelin Invests $6.8 Million to Improve Fuel Economy
GREENVILLE, SC — Michelin is investing $6.8 million in a research and development project focused on further improving vehicle fuel economy by reducing tire rolling resistance. These funds will support the company’s research efforts in South Carolina and will include a $1.9 million research contract with Clemson University and its International Center for Automotive Research
Dana Emerges from Chapter 11; Former GM Exec Named to Succeed Mike Burns as Executive Chairman, CEO
Dana Holding Corp. has emerged from Chapter 11 reorganization. The company said it is now positioned to compete vigorously in the global automotive, commercial vehicle and off-highway markets. In conjunction with emergence, Dana’s new Board of Directors has elected John Devine executive chairman and acting CEO. Devine is the former vice chairman and chief financial officer of General Motors Corp.
CSK Auto Responds to O’Reilly Automotive Proposal
CSK Auto confirmed that it has received from O’Reilly Automotive an unsolicited proposal to acquire all of the outstanding shares of CSK Auto. The company issued a statement in response, which said that CSK’s Board of Directors and management remain committed to acting in the best interests of the company’s stockholders. In addition, CSK announced today that it has adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan “in order to maintain the integrity of the strategic review process” that its Board of Directors is conducting.
DENSO Announces Third Quarter Financial Results
DENSO has announced global financial results for the third quarter ended Dec. 31, 2007. The company reported consolidated net sales of $9 billion, a 10.9 percent increase from the previous year. Consolidated operating income totaled $909.6 million, a 16.9 percent increase from the previous year. Consolidated net income totaled $644.3 million, a 19.5 percent increase from the previous year.