The Week in Review
By Amy Antenora Editor 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
Chrysler to be Sold to Cerberus for $7.4 Billion
DaimlerChrysler AG said Monday it would sell 80.1 percent of its troubled Chrysler Group to a U.S. private-equity firm for $7.4 billion. The sale to Cerberus Capital Management LP — backed by the United Autoworkers Union and expected to be finalized in this third quarter — leaves DaimlerChrysler with a 19.9 percent stake in the iconic Auburn Hills, MI, automaker, to be known as Chrysler Holding LLC.
The Pulse: Sourcing Wire Sets
Each week, The Pulse provides insight into the buying, sourcing and brand-loyalty habits of counter professionals and professional technicians. This week, we look at technicians’ sourcing habits for wire sets.
Nick DiVerde is the general manager of the shop management solutions group at Mitchell 1, a leading provider of shop management systems to the automotive aftermarket. In his current position, DiVerde establishes product and business direction for the shop management and estimating product lines for both the Mitchell 1and ShopKey brands.
The Pulse: Sourcing Oil Filters
Each week, The Pulse provides insight into the buying, sourcing and brand-loyalty habits of counter professionals and professional technicians. This week, we look at technicians’ sourcing habits for oil filters.
Siemens to Spin Off VDO on June 1
Siemens AG will spin off its automotive supplier division VDO into a legally separate unit on June 1 instead of the original date of May 1, because it still has details it needs to work out with the works council, according to Sueddeutsche Zeitung. A company spokeswoman confirmed to the newspaper the new date would be June 1. She said a one month delay will not have any impact on plans to float VDO.
See Spot Pick
You’ve heard the term, “feed the dogs the dog food,” right? Well, only if it’s not tainted with rat poison. Sadly, pets across America were at risk recently of being exposed to tainted dog and cat food that killed many, and made many others terribly sick. But, the ironic twist of fate is, not only were the powerless pets exposed to the toxic treats, so too were the brand managers and marketing executives whose supposedly “different” products were produced from this one, single manufacturing source.
Truck Universe on SPEED is now
Truck Universe, Brenton Prodcutions’ long-running automotive how-to show on SPEED is now known as "Truck U." Truck U has just entered its third season on SPEED and airs Saturdays at 9:30 am (EST). Truck U features how-to and installation tips for aftermarket modifications to Trucks, SUVs, Jeeps and 4x4s. In addition to a new name and logo, Bruno Massel joins Matt Steele as a new co-host of the do-it-yourself program. Long time drag racer, mechanic and technician, Bruno Massel brings more hands on expertise to the already high tech show.
The Pulse: Sourcing Import Ignition
Each week, The Pulse provides insight into the buying, sourcing and brand-loyalty habits of counter professionals and professional technicians. This week, we look at technicians’ sourcing habits for import ignition.
Delphi to Merge Seven Sites
From Detroit Free Press Delphi Corp., the largest U.S. auto-parts maker to file for bankruptcy, will consolidate seven research centers. The move will save about $123 million over the next decade, Delphi spokesman Lindsey Williams said. A new site in Auburn Hills, MI, will have 1,400 employees by 2008. About 50 jobs will be lost.