Timken to Sponsor ‘Engineer of the Year’ Award
Timken has announced it will sponsor the Design News “Engineer of the Year” award at the National Design Engineering Show. The award, voted on by readers of Design News, will be presented at a banquet in February at McCormick Place in Chicago. Established in 1987, the Engineer of the Year award recognizes the individuals behind significant developments in the field of engineering. It is the top honor presented at the show, which is part of National Manufacturing Week from Feb. 23-26, 2004. Design News is a trade magazine covering mechanical and electromechanical design engineering.
Eaton Plans Joint Venture with Chinese Auto A/C Maker
Eaton Corp. has formed a joint venture with Chinese A/C maker Changzhou Senstar Automobile Air Conditioner Co. Ltd. The two companies will produce automotive air conditioning hose and tube assemblies and power steering hose and tube assemblies in Shanghai for Volkswagen’s China operations. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
GM Giving Away 1,000 Vehicles
General Motors has introduced a new “Hot Button” marketing program, the latest in a line of marketing initiatives aimed at reaching consumers more effectively. As part of the program, GM will hold the largest vehicle giveaway in history in a two-month period. Beginning on Jan. 5, GM is giving away 1,000 2004 vehicles. Consumers will have an opportunity to win one of 54 different GM vehicles including HUMMER H2, Cadillac CTS, Pontiac GTO, Saturn VUE, Chevy SSR, Buick Rainier, Saab 9-3 and GMC Envoy, simply by visiting a participating dealership and pushing the OnStar “Hot Button” in a specially designated vehicle.
Tesma International Completes Acquisition of Davis Industries
Tesma International has completed its acquisition of Davis Industries. Tesma announced its intention to acquire all outstanding shares of the privately-held automotive supplier in mid-December. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. According to Tesma, Davis’ main product focus, in the area of stamped powertrain components and assemblies, will complement and broaden Tesma’s current product offerings and customer base.
Michelin, TRW Automotive Joint Venture Awarded Contracts for TPMS
EnTire Solutions, the joint venture between Michelin and TRW Automotive, has been awarded contracts with Honda and Fiat for its direct tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Launched at the Tokyo Motor Show in October, EnTire Solutions is now supplying TPMS for the 2004 Acura MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and has also been selected by Fiat to provide advanced TPMS for a range of its upcoming European models. Other customers include several Hyundai, Kia platforms and General Motors.
MEMA Names New Director of Finance and Administration
Wendy Earp has been promoted to director of finance and administration for MEMA. She formerly served as the association’s controller, a position she has held since May 2001. Earp succeeds Joseph “Joe” Griscti, who is retiring after 22 years of service to the association and industry.
Harris Interactive Launches Internet-Based Automotive Market Research Product; Names Head of Automotive Research Group
Harris Interactive, a global market research and consulting firm, has introduced enhanced Internet-based market research capabilities for vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. Harris Interactive has developed a consumer panel to be used exclusively for automotive market research. The firm’s automotive insights panel is comprised of a body of respondents identified from among its multimillion-member panel of online survey respondents. The panel can provide vehicle manufacturers and automotive suppliers with insight into consumer preferences, product knowledge, buying behavior and brand awareness. In conjunction with this announcement, Harris Interactive has appointed Scott Upham senior vice president of the Automotive & Transportation Research (ATR). Upham, previously of J.D. Power and Associates, will direct automotive research efforts for the company.
Suppliers Use Show as Bridge to Buyers
Most people think of Detroit’s auto show as a glitzy showcase for the latest cars and trucks from automakers around the globe. But auto parts makers increasingly are using one of the most influential auto shows in the world to promote their wares to the vehicle manufacturers that buy them and the consumers who use them.
Two Michigan Manufacturers Name New Directors of Investor Relations
Lear Corp. has appointed Anne Bork director of investor relations. In her new role, Bork will be responsible for supporting the company’s global investor-relations activities. She will report to Mel Stephens, Lear’s vice president of investor relations and corporate communications. TRW Automotive has also named a new director of investor relations. Patrick Stobb has joined TRW from Visteon where he held the position of manager of investor and shareholder relations since June 2002. Prior to that, he held a number of finance positions with both Visteon and Ford.
Could Someone You Know Be The 2004 Victor Reinz Machinist of the Year?
Clevite Engine Parts is currently accepting applications for the 2004 Victor Reinz Machinist of the Year Award. Along with the Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association (AERA) and the National Institute for Automotive Excellence (ASE), Clevite Engine Parts presents this award annually to recognize the valuable contributions machinists make to the automotive rebuilding industry. To further expand the Machinist of the Year Program, Clevite will provide a cash prize of $250 to the person who nominates the winner of this year’s award, in an effort to encourage bosses, colleagues, family and friends to nominate a broader selection of deserving machinists.