The Week in Review (July 23-27, 2007)
By Arianne Anderson The Week in Review offers a snapshot of the most read stories of the week as seen on aftermarketNews. To access the complete stories, simply click on the highlighted links. If you missed reading one of our daily news emails, click on any of the dates listed at the bottom of the
Polk Data Shows Nearly 11 Percent Growth in Ethnic Market from 2003 to 2006
New vehicle registrations among ethnic groups increased by nearly 11 percent from 2003 to 2006, according to data released by R. L. Polk & Co. Hispanics, Asians and African Americans are represented in the category. Polk also reports non-ethnic new vehicle registrations are down seven percent for the same timeframe.
WIX Filters Box Top Program Provides Nearly $50,000 for Local FFA Chapters
GASTONIA, NC – WIX Filters, part of Affinia Group’s family of brands, donated nearly $50,000 to local FFA chapters throughout the United States through its popular WIX Filters/FFA box top program. The WIX Filters/FFA box top program has helped the organization raise funds for 20 consecutive years. Between January and April 2007, participating FFA chapters encouraged
Keystone Automotive to Host Open Houses in North Carolina
Keystone Automotive Industries is hosting three open houses in North Carolina to show appreciation for past business and to welcome new customers.The open house events will feature vendors displaying popular 2007 products, gifts for new customers, opportunities to win valuable prizes, additional discounts available on all products at the show, as well as food and refreshments.
Continental AG and Siemens VDO Automotive AG Join Together to Form Automotive Supplier at Forefront of Global Market
With the biggest acquisition in its 136-year history, Continental AG, Hanover, is investing itself with what it calls excellent prospects for the future in a global market that, while demanding, is equally rich in opportunities.Continental is buying the Siemens VDO Automotive AG from Siemens AG, Berlin/Munich, for $15.6 billion. Today, the supervisory boards of Siemens AG and of Continental AG, in Munich and Hanover respectively, gave their consent for the transaction. Execution of the acquisition is contingent on the approval of the appropriate antitrust authorities. As per 2006, Continental and Siemens VDO Automotive AG realize aggregate annual sales of around $34 billion with a worldwide workforce of close to 140,000.
Automotive Distribution Network Releases Network Connect for Windows
MEMPHIS, TN – The Automotive Distribution Network has released a Microsoft Windows version of Network Connect, the association’s distribution management system for jobbers. According to Mike Lambert, president of the Network, Network Connect for Windows includes access to Network-specific all-lines cataloging, parts pictures, interchange, buyer’s guide and manufacturers’ prices on all workstations. “Our premier web-enabled
Executive Interview with Philip Martens, ArvinMeritor Senior Vice President, President, Light Vehicle Systems
In this exclusive Executive Interview, Phil Martens, senior vice president and president of ArvinMeritor’s Light Vehicle Systems business group, brings us up to speed on the return of the Gabriel brand as part of the company’s focus on re-invigorating its global ride control business.
ASA Announces New Member Benefit with AutoNetTV
BEDFORD, TX — The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced a new member benefit agreement with AutoNetTV. AutoNetTV is a provider of an automotive television network that may be viewed in the waiting areas of service and repair centers nationwide. The company’s programming is designed to entertain and educate customers while they’re on-site, with an
Continental AG to Buy Drum Brakes Maker Automotive Products from Pacifica
From AFX News Limited FRANKFURT — Continental AG said it will buy Automotive Products Italia Srl (AP) from Australia’s Pacifica Group Ltd. for an undisclosed amount. AP, the second largest producer of drum brakes in Europe, last year posted sales of about $109 million, Continental said. The company’s production facility in Cairo Montenotte in the
Johnson Controls Posts Profit: Supplier Nets $396 Million in Third Quarter
As one of the most diversified and resilient companies in the turbulent auto industry, seat maker Johnson Controls Inc. has managed to keep posting record sales and profits. It did so again on Wednesday, but that wasn’t enough to keep the stock from tumbling. Between April and June, Milwaukee, WI-based JCI, which has its automotive headquarters in Plymouth, MI, reported net income of $396 million, or $1.98 per share, on sales of $8.9 billion. Both are record highs for JCI’s fiscal third quarter.