Delphi Workers Ask: What Next? Feelings Mixed on Contract
Delphi Corp. workers in Flint and Saginaw — who rely on the auto-parts maker for more than 3,000 jobs — expressed resignation, reluctance and relief as they voted on a historic contract proposal Thursday. The pact would reduce wages for veteran workers, secure some jobs, lose thousands of others and propel Delphi from bankruptcy. But what matters more to the 17,000 UAW workers at Delphi is what the proposal means for their futures, whether they are closing in on retirement or starting their careers.
APRA’s Mohammad Samii to Speak During Automechanika Canada
CHANTILLY, VA – Mohammad Samii, APRA’s coordinator of electrical training, will conduct two seminars during Automechanika Canada in Toronto. On Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 2 – 3:30 p.m. Samii will present an “Introduction to New Trends in Charging and Starting Systems.” He will address design features and characteristics of common contemporary starters and alternators prevalent
First-Ever Women’s Professional Development Track To Debut at NACE 2007
The first-ever Women’s Professional Development Track will debut at the 2007 International Autobody Congress & Exposition, with four brand-new sessions to further develop the skills and careers of women who are directly or indirectly involved in the collision repair and automotive service industries. NACE will be held Oct. 31 – Nov. 3, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
Auto Repair Race Nets College Cash: Students Use Technical Finesse in Competition
One hundred high school students raced Tuesday to repair identically bugged 2007 Ford Fusions, with problems ranging from brake light malfunctions to faulty sensors, in hopes of winning college scholarships. Fifty two-person teams toiled under the sun on the lawn of Ford’s World Headquarters in Dearborn , MI , using computer diagnostic equipment to repair the cars. The Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition drew a surprise visit from Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mulally, who excitedly told spectators and competitors that it is important for people to pursue careers in the automotive service industry.
Delphi, Union Reach Tentative Wage Pact
From AFX News Limited DETROIT — Struggling auto parts maker Delphi Corp. reached a tentative wage-cutting agreement Friday with its largest union in what may set the pattern for future pay in the U.S. automotive parts industry. The deal, which still must be voted on by Delphi members of the United Auto Workers, was signed
Brad Penn to Sponsor Grand Prix Race
WATKINS GLEN, NY — Brad Penn Premium Pennsylvania Grade Lubricants has signed a two-year agreement with Watkins Glen International to be the sponsor of the Historic Grand Prix race held during the Camping World Watkins Glen Grand Prix weekend, July 6-8. Well-known, two-time, Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk will headline the race, to be called
From Counterman.com: And Now for Some Good News
New stats from NADA show that the aftermarket just might be making progress in its attempt to regain ground on dealership parts and service.
Jones Loflin to be CARS 2007 Keynote Speaker
Jones Loflin, president of Helping Others Prepare for Excellence, will be the keynote speaker for the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS). Known as "The Speaker With Two Last Names," Loflin will use his dynamic communication skills and enthusiasm to deliver an exciting, enlightening program. CARS 2007 will be held Nov. 1-3 at the Flamingo Las Vegas.
The Pulse: Which Carmakers Actively Solicit Repair Shops for Their Parts Business
Each week, The Pulse provides insight into the buying, sourcing and brand-loyalty habits of counter professionals and professional technicians. This week, using data from Industrial Marketing Research’s (IMR) recent Installer Survey, we look at which carmakers are actively soliciting independent repair shops for a slice of their parts buying business.
The Aftermarket Drives its Point Home in Washington, D.C.
On any given day you can hear at least one person complaining about a government issue, whether it’s the war, prescription drugs or taxes. Yet most of these folks do nothing to help bring about change because they feel they are too insignificant to make a difference. This week in Washington, D.C., aftermarket professionals were the exception. Nearly 300 energetic and purpose-driven people showed up at the nation’s capitol for the biennial Legislative Summit hosted by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).