Dana Opens New Automotive Systems Technology Center
Today, Dana Corp. unveiled a new Automotive Systems Group Technology Center, located near Toledo, Ohio. The nearly 200,000 square-foot facility features advanced component and system engineering, along with housing testing and purchasing experts. In addition to supporting research and development activities across North America, the new center augments Dana’s technical centers in the Asia-Pacific, South American and European markets, according to Dana CEO and President Michael Burns.
SEMA Raises $5,000 for Charity
More than $5,000 was raised for charity through a variety of special activities that took place during the SEMA International Auto Salon-Los Angeles earlier this month. Proceeds benefit Athletes and Entertainers for Kids, a nonprofit organization that provides a variety of programs to children in need.
DST Appoints New Chief Technology Officer
DST Inc., a technology provider to the parts and service supply chain, has named Alex Nubla as the company’s new Chief Technical Officer (CTO). Nubla has extensive experience as a consultant, leader and technical expert working for such companies as IBM Global Services, Nissan Motors and Bank of America. He also served as technical editor for four years for Midrange Computing magazine, the primary journal of record for midrange computing professionals.
ASA to Host Seminar on Right to Repair Issue
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has created a three-hour seminar, “You Have the Right to Repair,” which will be offered at several ASA affiliated events this year, including Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) in Las Vegas on Nov. 6. Taught by Bill Haas, AAM, ASA’s vice president of service repair markets, the course has been approved by the Automotive Management Institute (AMI). Attendees will receive six credits toward the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation.
DST Asks: What Factors Do You Look at When Measuring the Cost of Managing Inventory?
Manufacturers and very large distributors have benefited from the productivity- and efficiency-enhancing features of automated warehouses for years. That technology is now available to virtually any size business. What factors do you take into account in measuring the cost of managing your inventory and do you have the data available to make those measurements?
Automotive Suppliers Support Frink as Manufacturing Secretary
MEMA and its members have voiced their support for the nomination of Al Frink as the first Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Manufacturing and Services. Frink, 61, co-founded the California-based carpet maker Fabrica International in 1974.
AutoZone Creates Student Scholarship Program
AutoZone has created a new scholarship program focusing on automotive service technology. The $10,000 “AutoZone Future Technician Scholarship” will be managed and administered by SkillsUSA-VICA’s Youth Development Foundation (YDF). AutoZone intends to divide the scholarship incrementally to gold, silver and bronze medal winners of the SkillsUSA National Championships Automotive Service Technology contest held in Kansas City, Mo., on June 21.
MEMA Creates Brand Protection Council to Address Counterfeiting, Non-Compliant Products, Intellectual Property Rights
MEMA and its market segment associations have established a new Brand Protection Council to help address and set the association’s priorities in the areas of counterfeiting, diversion, non-compliant products and intellectual property rights. The council will meet four times a year and will help dictate MEMA’s (and the industry’s) collective actions on various intellectual property issues. The council will also share best practices and dialogue on this growing industry challenge.
Oklahoma’s Court OKs Bond Issues for 2 Tire Plants
Two tire manufacturers’ expansion plans totaling $450 million got a major boost Tuesday from the Oklahoma Supreme Court. The court approved a $66.3 million bond issue designed to help the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.’s $250 million plant expansion in Lawton, Okla. The bond issue also would help in a $200 million expansion at Michelin North American Inc. in Ardmore, Okla.
MEMA Holds Second Annual Counterfeiting Seminar
MEMA presented its second annual seminar dedicated to the issue of counterfeiting of automotive and truck parts. The event, “Taking Action Against Automotive/Truck Parts Counterfeiting, Diversion and IPR Violations” was held on Monday, April 5 at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Mich. Described by Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Vice President Paul Foley as a “major industry initiative,” the seminar was developed to educate the industry on the nuances of counterfeiting, share best practices, solicit media support and provide networking and exhibitor opportunities.