BorgWarner Reducing North American Workforce, Adjusts 2006 Guidance
In response to declining North American auto industry production, BorgWarner said today it is reducing its North American workforce by approximately 850 people, or 13 percent. The reductions, which will take place across 19 operations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, are being driven by recent customer volume decreases and restructurings, the company said. The company expects this measure to be substantially completed by the end of October.
WTO Battle Starts Against China on Auto Parts
The U.S., European Union and Canada will today ask World Trade Organization judges to prohibit Chinese duties on imports of car parts they say discriminate against foreign makers, in the first WTO lawsuit against China, EU and U.S. officials said.
Suppliers Must Think Globally, Leaders Say; Many in Auto Parts Industry are Struggling
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel TRAVERSE CITY, MI — To avoid becoming casualties in the auto industry’s restructuring, parts suppliers need to become less beholden to Detroit, more globally focused and focused on products that improve safety or boost fuel economy. That was the consensus of experts who reflected Tuesday on the industry tumult that has
TRW Automotive Subsidiary Acquires Motor Production Facility in Slovakia
A subsidiary of TRW Automotive Holdings Corp., Roadster Automotive BV, has acquired Slovakian electric motor production business, Dana Emerson Actuator Systems (DEAS), from Dana Corp. The terms of the planned acquisition were not disclosed.
Automakers Reach Out to Women Car Designers of the Future
Katie Slater, a soft-spoken, ponytail-sporting 17-year-old, is attracted to fast cars and powerful engines. As a 14-second, 100-meter sprinter at Cabrini High School in Allen Park, MI, Katie says she thinks cars should run and look as sleek and fast as her sprint.
Visteon Reports Second Quarter Net Income of $50 Million
For the second quarter of 2006, Visteon reported net income of $50 million or 39 cents per share compared to a loss of $1.2 billion or $9.85 per share in the second quarter 2005. For the second quarter, product sales were $2.86 billion and services sales were $138 million. Sales for the same period a year ago totaled $5 billion. Product sales were lower by $2.14 billion due to the Oct. 1, 2005, transaction with Ford that transferred 23 Visteon facilities to Automotive Components Holdings (ACH), LLC, a Ford-managed business entity.
Collins & Aikman Names James Wynalek President of its Plastics Operations
Collins & Aikman has appointed James Wynalek to president of its plastics operations, effective immediately. Wynalek had been serving as executive vice president and chief technology officer for the North American automotive supplier. In his new position, Wynalek will oversee all manufacturing, purchasing, process engineering and quality issues for the company’s plastics operations. Wynalek replaces Dennis Profitt, who has left the company to pursue other interests.
Executive Interview with Roberto Malagon, President, Remsa of America
North American brake pad manufacturer Remsa was originally founded in 1970 in Pamplona, Spain, by three independent business men. By 1981, production had reached 1 million sets, starting several expansion phases including the launch of the North American group in 1992. Remsa was acquired by Lucas Varity in 1998 which soon became TRW Automotive. Shortly thereafter, TRW began building a new manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico, which now serves the Americas. Today, Remsa is part of the Friction Materials Group of TRW Automotive. Join us as Roberto Malagon, president of Remsa of America, tells us more about this under-the-radar brake pad supplier.
Executive Interview: MEMA Leaders Discuss the Supplier’s Impact on Capital Hill
During last month’s MEMA Legislative Summit, Counterman Managing Editor Michael Freeze spoke with the people behind the association’s lobbying event: Ann Wilson, vice president of government affairs for the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA); Robert “Bob” McKenna, president and CEO of MEMA; and Steve Handschuh, executive director for the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). Taking time out from their busy schedules while at the Summit, the three discussed the importance of meeting with Congress, the issues affecting the aftermarket industry and the growing influence of the industry in Washington, D.C.
Detroit Free Press Tom Walsh Column: Detroit Way is Going Out of Style
Is the Detroit Way of doing business on its final lap? Yes, almost certainly, if the General Motors Corp. board of directors, which meets today, ultimately decides to cast its lot with billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian and the daring automotive superstar of the moment, Carlos Ghosn, by steering GM into a sprawling global alliance with Nissan Motor Co. of Japan and French automaker Renault.