DuPont and Hendrick Motorsports Extend NASCAR Sponsorship
DuPont and Hendrick Motorsports have announced the extension of DuPont’s longstanding sponsorship of the #24 Chevrolet Monte Carlo in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. The new pact builds on an association launched 13 years ago with 21-year-old rookie driver named Jeff Gordon. Under the new contract, DuPont continues as the primary sponsor for three years, through the 2008 racing season, with the option to extend for an additional two years. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Barry Meguiar Named an “Automotive Icon”
Barry Meguiar, president and CEO of Meguiar’s, Inc., a manufacturer of automotive appearance products, has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Petersen Automotive Museum’s Automotive Icon Award.
Dayco Celebrates Its First Hundred Years
With its celebration slogan “Continuing the Legacy,” Dayco Products, LLC is celebrating its 100th year as a company. In these days of corporate buy-outs and mergers, Dayco has maintained its identity, and in some ways returned to its early roots, to become a highly-respected, worldwide manufacturer of belts, hose, tensioners and related parts for the automotive original equipment and replacement markets. The legacy it celebrates is one of a strong company that has a reputation for an insatiable craving to develop new products, improve established products and increase manufacturing efficiencies.
Analysis: Top 100 Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers
For the third year in a row, global tiremakers such as Bridgestone and Michelin have come out on top of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association’s 2005 Top 100 Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers list. In fact, the first five companies ranked are all tiremakers.
AFC Finishing Systems Partners with Chip Foose and Foose Design
AFC Finishing Systems, a manufacturer of spray booths and finishing equipment, has partnered with Chip Foose and Foose Design on the installation of an AFC Quadraft Spray Booth in Foose’s Huntington Beach, Calif., facility. The AFC Quadraft Spray Booth will provide Foose Design with the ability to paint on premises.
ETD Discount Tire Pays Consumers in Settlement Agreement
ETD Discount Tire Centers Inc., the retail division of Englewood Tire Distributors, has agreed to pay $168,809 to settle claims that customers were charged for four-wheel alignments for their vehicles even though the rear wheels on their vehicles were not designed to be adjusted. The settlement, announced by the New Jersey Attorney General’s office, includes $46,809 directly to approximately 3,000 customers who purchased four-wheel alignments after Jan. 1, 1999, and $122,000 to the state’s Division of Consumer Affairs. Under terms of the settlement, ETD Discount Tire Centers made no admission of liability.
Carlisle to Exit the Automotive Business
Carlisle Companies Inc. has announced it will exit the automotive business, which it currently serves through its Carlisle Engineered Products division. Carlisle is a diversified global manufacturing company serving the construction materials, commercial roofing, specialty tire and wheel, power transmission, heavy-duty brake and friction, foodservice, data transmission and process systems.
The Top Ten Newsmakers of 2004
For the first time ever, Counterman magazine and aftermarketNews.com bring you The Top 10 Newsmakers of the Year. Our editorial team took a look at some of this industry’s most influential leaders and selected the 10 we believe have had a direct impact on the success of the aftermarket in 2004. Beyond that, we believe these individuals have helped set the stage for an even more productive future for our industry.
Hayes Lemmerz Considers Selling Chattanooga, Tenn. Plant
Hayes Lemmerz International is entertaining offers for its Chattanooga, Tenn., plant but will continue production if it doesn’t sell, a company official said Monday.
SO-CAL Speed Shop announces TV Show and Aftermarket Licensing Program
The SO-CAL Speed Shop, a Southern California-based hot rod builder, has signed a master licensing agreement with Bischoff Hervey Entertainment (BHE) to develop licensing and sponsorship opportunities as well as a TV show produced by Original Productions, creators of the hit show “Monster Garage.”