TV, Movies Elevate Popularity of the Custom Car
The black Honda Prelude with hints of pearl blue beckons you to take a ride to hear its 800-watt amplified stereo blasting OutKast’s “Roses,” to sit in its gray racing seats and watch through tinted windows as people stare enviously. Tricking out vehicles has long been a part of American culture. Whether it’s a hot rod, monster truck or chromed-out Chevrolet, we want our rides to express our personalities. Today it’s a $29-billion industry highlighted in movies and cable programs.
Intermet Names President and CEO Gary Ruff as Chairman and CEO; John Doddridge Retires
The board of directors of Intermet Corp., has unanimously elected President and CEO Gary Ruff to chairman and CEO, effective immediately.
Executive Interview with Scott Meyer, President of MEMA
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Scott Meyer, outgoing chairman of the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). As he concludes his time as chairman of the association, he steps into a new role as interim president of MEMA, which is in the midst of celebrating its 100-year anniversary. Join us as Meyer shares his insights on the anniversary of MEMA’s centennial, and what lies ahead for both MEMA and the entire industry.
From the Inside: Executive Interview with Craig Anderson, President, Hercules Tire & Rubber Co.
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Craig Anderson, president of Hercules Tire & Rubber Co. While Hercules has grown quietly, preferring to remain out of the spotlight, every year brings line expansions, new products and other enhancements designed to help its members and dealer customers grow their businesses. Even after selling off its core retreading business, Hercules posted its best sales year ever in 2002, and again in 2003, and saw each of its divisions turn a profit in 2003. Craig Anderson, president, sat for an interview with Jim Smith, editor of Tire Review magazine in April. The two discussed how the changes impacted Hercules, the company’s plans in the future, and how he sees the market moving in the near-term.
Society of Automotive Engineers Establishes New SAE Alabama Section
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has formally approved the formation of its first new section in 12 years — the SAE Alabama Section.
Cooper Tire to Sponsor Saturn Motorsports Racing Program
Cooper Tire & Rubber and its subsidiary Mickey Thompson Performance Tires and Wheels, has announced a new sponsorship and supply agreement with Saturn Motorsports. The agreement positions Cooper Tire as a major associate sponsor of the Saturn Motorsports Pro FWD Ion, driven by three-time world champion and current NHRA point’s leader, Lisa Kubo. Cooper Tire will also title sponsor a Saturn Motorsports tuner car slated to compete later this year in Sport FWD.
Parts Distributor Leverages Technology to Achieve Growth Profitability
Georgia parts distributor, Powertrain Inc. of Savannah, has reported a 25 percent growth in the company’s billed labor time since it began using DST Inc.’s DSTWare Service module to manage both its parts distribution and service business. With 33 percent of its business mix consisting of service, the Durrence’s have said they attribute this growth to the software’s ease of use.
Key Automotive Group Names President for Key Safety Systems, Promotes Tim Nelson to President of Key Plastics
Key Automotive Group (KAG) has named Daniel Ajamian president and COO of its affiliate, Key Safety Systems, Inc. KAG also announced that Tim Nelson has been promoted to president and COO for the North American operations of the company’s other principal subsidiary — Key Plastics L.L.C.
Snap-on Appoints Former BorgWarner CEO and Chairman to Board
John Fiedler, retired chairman and CEO of BorgWarner, has been appointed to Snap-on’s board of directors. Fiedler served as BorgWarner’s chairman and CEO until 2003. Prior to 1995, he was president and COO. During his tenure, BorgWarner increased its revenues from $800 million to roughly $3 billion.
Hayes Lemmerz Announces Agreement with Hyundai Translead
Hayes Lemmerz International’s Commercial Highway Division has received a multi-product agreement with Hyundai Translead. Hayes Lemmerz will supply all standard wheel-end components for all of Hyundai Translead’s dry freight vans, refrigerated trailers, chassis and converter dollies for the agreement term. The agreement includes CentruMount steel wheels, and Cast Hub and Drums and Centrifuse Drums.