AWDA Announces 2007-2008 Officers; New Governors Added to the Board
Jim Tennant, AAP, president, Piston Ring Service, has assumed the chairmanship of the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA). Tennant follows recent AWDA chairmen Tim Sturdevant (2006-2007), Doug Washbish (2005-2006) and Fletcher Lord (2004-2005). Joining Tennant in the association’s top leadership positions are vice chairman Rusty Bishop, CEO, Federated Auto Parts Distributors, Staunton, VA; secretary Willi Alexander, president and CEO, Parts Depot, Roanoke, VA; and treasurer Timothy A. Lee, AAP, chairman, Lang Distribution, Kankakee, IL.
Brugman Joins Pioneer Automotive Technologies
FARMINGTON HILLS, MI — Pioneer North America has named Louis Brugman general manager Product Planning for Pioneer Automotive Technologies, Inc. In this role, Brugman will provide product direction for all new products in Pioneer’s OEM customer portfolio. He will also lead a cross functional team with members from other divisions of Pioneer Corp. to develop
Canadian Auto Imports Hits Record
From AFX News Limited OTTAWA — A record number of Canadians imported vehicles from the United States this year and economists say the automotive shopping spree south of the border could drive down prices in Canada. Scotia Economics, citing data from the Registrar of Imported Vehicles, said Monday that Canadians imported a record 137,000 new
TRW Announces Steering Wheel Joint Venture in India with Sun
TRW Aftermarket Asia-Pacific Private Limited, a subsidiary of TRW Automotive Holdings Corp., and Sun Vacuum Formers Private Limited plan to form a joint venture company to manufacture steering wheel systems in India. Finalization of the agreement is pending approval by the Indian government. The proposed name of the joint venture is TRW Sun Steering Wheels Private Limited.
Mortgage Woes Could Spread to Cars
From AFX News Limited DETROIT — Rising delinquency rates on car and truck loans have some industry analysts concerned that subprime mortgage troubles could spill into the automotive finance business. In a note to investors Monday, Lehman Brothers analyst Brian Johnson said his analysis of auto loan-backed securities sold by Ford Motor Credit Co. and
Permatex Presents 2007 International Partner Award to America Europe International, Timken Australia
Permatex announced the recipients of its 2007 International Distinguished Partner Award at this year’s AAPEX show in Las Vegas. America Europe International and Timken Australia were named co-recipients of the award for their dedication and contribution to Permatex’s sales growth internationally. According to Tony Battaglia, director of marketing for Permatex, the award recognizes a commitment to profitability, consistent sales growth and long term results.
Mitchell 1 and ASE Present Technician of the Future Award
POWAY, CA – Colin Hoffard of Willow Street, PA, has received the Technician of the Future award, sponsored by Mitchell 1 and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Hoffard received the honor during a ceremony that took place on Nov. 12, in Scottsdale, AZ, Hoffard was recognized for having the highest score in
Siemens VDO Adds New Part Numbers to Electric Motor Line, Power Window Program and TPMS Replacement Parts
Siemens VDO Automotive has announced the addition of new part numbers to several of its product lines. The company is adding more than 130 part numbers to its full line of blower motors, radiator and condenser fan motors and cooling fan assemblies. Siemens VDO will now offer more than 900 SKUs with application coverage for more than 200 million North American vehicles. In addition, the company said it will add substantial coverage to its power window program with the addition of more than 135 new power window regulators and power window motor and regulator assemblies. Siemens VDO has also expanded its line of OE replacement parts for tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS).
Johnson Controls Signs MOU to Acquire Saline, MI, Automotive Component Holdings Plant
PLYMOUTH, MI — Johnson Controls has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Ford Motor Company to acquire the Saline, MI, Automotive Components Holdings (ACH) plant. The Saline ACH plant manufactures interior components such as door panels, floor consoles, instrument panels and cockpit systems for a variety of Ford Motor Company vehicles. Closure of the
AAMCO Unveils Eco-Green Initiative to Promote Cleaner Running Cars and Centers
Transmission service center chain, AAMCO, recently introduced Eco-Green Auto Service Certification, a new program designed to protect the environment, reduce vehicle emissions and promote alternative fuels among the thousands of motorists AAMCO serves annually. Eco-Green Auto Service Certification will be awarded to qualifying AAMCO centers across America based on a stringent set of criteria that reduces the centers’ environmental footprint, while giving AAMCO customers a new range of services that cut emissions, improve mileage and reduce the hazardous waste associated with owning and maintaining their vehicles. The certification is the first of its type in the automotive aftermarket industry.