Illumaware Announces New Promotion for Aftermarket Manufacturers and Resellers
Corp. has announced a new promotion for aftermarket manufacturers and resellers. Effective immediately, Illumaware will map any product line of less than 10,000 p rod ucts to both ACES and Legacy at no additional charge to customers who commit to a three-year subscription contract with Illumaware’s Evokat online mapping and data management suite.
Consumer Safety Advocates Urge Public Release of Early-Warning Data
Consumer safety advocates are asking Congress to change rules governing when public regulators must release automotive defect information. The request comes after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) failed to release Early-Warning Reporting (EWR) data regarding alleged defective tires produced in China. At least two deaths are blamed on the reportedly defective tires. Consumer safety advocates want to compel NHTSA to share EWR information with consumers, while manufacturers and the agency contend that some information could cause competitive harm upon disclosure and should remain private.
Lear Shareholders Shoot Down Icahn’s Bid to Buy
From Detroit Free Press WILMINGTON, DE — Lear Corp. shareholders rejected a bid to sell the Southfield, MI-based automotive seat maker to billionaire financier Carl Icahn. The news means Lear will stay a public company, culminating a five-month battle in which three investor proxy firms suggested that shareholders reject the deal. The company didn’t disclose
LKQ to Acquire Keystone Automotive Industries
LKQ Corp. has signed a definitive merger agreement to acquire Keystone Automotive Industries, a provider of aftermarket vehicle collision replacement parts, for $48 per share in cash. The merger, which is subject to approval of the shareholders of Keystone and other customary conditions, is currently expected to close early in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Federal-Mogul Expands Range of National Heavy Duty Wheel End Solutions
SOUTHFIELD, MI — The National heavy duty wheel end brand from Federal-Mogul has expanded its extensive line of commercial-vehicle solutions with a complete offering of Everlok/Axilok unitized spindle nuts for steer, drive and trailer axles. The one-piece Everlok/Axilok assembly replaces conventional two- and three-piece systems for faster, more accurate bearing adjustment and reduced maintenance. The
Illumaware Adds Five Full Time Associates to Focus on DIFM Parts and Accessory Cataloging
WAKE FOREST , NC — Illumaware has added five new staff associates to its operations, to focus specifically on “Do-It-For-Me” (DIFM) parts and accessory cataloging. “Having expanded our service offering to those companies that would prefer to outsource their cataloging needs, it was important that we have a significant number of dedicated professionals to back
International Automotive Components Group North America to Acquire Collins & Aikman’s Hermosillo Facility
International Automotive Components Group North America (IAC NA), LLC has executed a definitive agreement with the Mexican subsidiary of Collins & Aikman Corp. (C&A) to acquire C&A’s facility in Hermosillo, Mexico. IAC NA is a joint venture between WL Ross & Co. LLC, Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC and Lear Corp.
Online Registration Open for CARS 2007, Early-Bird Registration Available Until Sept. 20
BEDFORD, TX — Online registration for the 2007 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) is now available on the CARS website (www.CARSonline.org). CARS will be held Nov. 1-3 at the Flamingo Las Vegas. Attendees may use the secure online form to register for a variety of CARS activities, including technical training and management education,
Japanese Automakers Expand Exports, Plant Capacity, While Vehicle Sales Inside Japan Hit Record Lows
Japanese domestic auto sales have hit a 30-year low, even while the country’s artificially weak yen helps drive record levels of exports to the U.S., according to the latest auto industry company sales reports. Sales of autos exported from Japan rose 13.7 percent in the first half of 2007 over the same period last year, an increase of 135,498 autos. Meanwhile, sales of U.S.-built autos by Japanese manufacturers increased only 2 percent. And while Japanese exports to the U.S. are soaring, sales of autos in Japan have hit a 30-year low, dropping 10.5 percent during the first half of 2007 from a year earlier to 1,788,440 units, according to the Japan Automobile Dealers Association.
Permatex Produces Training Videos for Automotive Technicians
Permatex has expanded its training efforts with the development and release of new training videos designed for professional automotive technicians. Called the Professional Training Series, the videos cover Permatex’s two core product lines, form-in-place gasketing and chemical threadlockers. Both of these videos are available on a single DVD and are distributed free of charge to technicians and vocational school teachers nationwide. They are also posted on the Permatex website so technicians can view them online at www.permatex.com/trainingvideos.htm.