Michael, Marco Andretti to Drive in 2006 Indy 500
Not one, but two Andrettis, will be back in the driver’s seat in the Indianapolis 500 this May. Indy legend Michael Andretti and his son Marco have announced they will compete in the 90th Indianapolis 500 on May 28, 2006, as teammates with Andretti Green Racing (AGR). Marco Andretti also will drive for AGR in the entire 2006 IndyCar Series season.
ETI and JAMA Celebrate Annual Tech Week
The 18th Annual Equipment and Tool Institute and Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (ETI/JAMA) Japan Tech Week, held Dec. 5-9, brought more than 50 individuals from 32 of the leading automotive tool and equipment and information provider companies to Redondo Beach, CA for technical presentations from 10 different Japanese vehicle manufacturers.
Continental Tire North America, Union Face Off Over Plant
Tensions in Charlotte, NC, are rising as the head of Continental Tire North America (CTNA) is saying the company may close its headquarters plant and the United Steelworkers (USW) is claiming the tiremaker hasn’t provided information to allow it to “develop a plan to salvage manufacturing at the Charlotte plant.”
CRP 2006 Belt Application Catalog Unveiled At AAPEX
CRP Industries, an exclusive distributor of ContiTech branded belts in North America, announced at AAPEX this week that its 2006 domestic and import catalogs are ready for distribution. Founded in 1954 as the North American partner of Continental AG, CRP ships products from distribution centers in New Jersey, California, Canada, and Mexico. The company’s extensive product lines span three market segments: automotive replacement parts, high-speed motors and industrial hoses.
Clarcor Buying New York Manufacturer
Clarcor Inc., a diversified manufacturer of mobile, industrial and environmental filtration products and consumer and industrial packaging products, has signed a deal to buy manufacturer Martin Kurz & Co. for undisclosed terms.
Right to Repair Highlighted at AAPEX
Signs are being offered to show support for competition in the vehicle service and repair market. These signs of support, expected to be hung in various exhibitors’ AAPEX booths will proclaim: “We Support Right to Repair.”
Galaxy, Dynamic Merger Completed
The merger of Galaxy Tire & Wheel, Inc. and Dynamic Tire Corp. has been completed, resulting in the creation of GPX International Tire Corp. The Boston-based Galaxy Tire and Toronto-based Dynamic Tire announced their merger plans this past June.
Executive Interview with Mac McGovern, Director of Training, KYB America
A successful independent shop owner for more than 30 years, Mac McGovern joined KYB as director of training in August of this year. Considered one of the aftermarket’s leading trainers and advisors, McGovern is implementing KYB’s innovative Ride Control Solutions from KYB program, which is helping to develop the understanding and co-operation between manufacturers, distributors and service centers in order to improve business practices and better take care of motorists’ needs.
Car Care Month Vehicle Check-Up Event Demo to be Held at AAPEX
A new seminar demonstrating how to increase service and parts sales by hosting local vehicle check up events for consumers will take place on Thursday, Nov. 3 at the Sands Expo Center during AAPEX in Las Vegas. Attendees will receive a complimentary DVD that provides step-by-step instructions on planning, marketing and executing these popular events during Car Care Months in April and October. The seminar, designed for repair shop owners, technicians, WDs, jobbers and program groups, will be held from 8 to 9 a.m. in room 302 of the Sands Expo Center.
Cooper Tire Production Affected by Hurricane Damage
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. announced yesterday that two of its tire manufacturing facilities will operate on reduced schedules due to raw material shortages. Beginning Sunday, October 2, Cooper’s plants in Texarkana, AR, and Tupelo, MS, will begin reduced production schedules. The company estimates about 30,000 tires per day will be taken out of production until the raw material supply is normalized.