Delphi, Visteon Pact to Trade for Job Security
Detroit’s two largest auto suppliers, Delphi Corp. and Visteon Corp., are close to reaching a historic 7-year contract with the UAW that dramatically cuts the wages for all future hires, and requires them to pay for more of their health care and much of their retirement, UAW and company sources have told the Free Press.
Executive Interview with Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of AAIA
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Schmatz became president and CEO of AAIA on Jan. 1, 2004. She had served as executive vice president of the association since January 2002. In addition to filling us in on her first few months at her new post, Schmatz shared with aftermarketNews.com updates on AAIA’s merger with AWDA, Right to Repair legislation and the Be Car Care Award Campaign.
Executive Interview with Rex Falkenrath, Founder and CEO of Hi-Tech Engine Components
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Rex Falkenrath, founder and CEO of Hi-Tech Engine Components. Falkenrath founded Hi-Tech in August of 1973. With more than 31 years in business, Hi-Tech Engine Components has developed a full line of engine parts and kits sold nationally through parts store chains and program distribution groups. Join us as we learn more about Hi-Tech Engine Components and the engine parts market.
New Mobile Air Conditioning Climate Protection Goal Announced
In conjunction with Earth Day yesterday, a new partnership agreement between select members of industry, government and environmental advocacy organizations was announced. The new collaborative effort will work to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the operation of motor vehicle air conditioning (A/C) systems.
AAIA to Host Information Webinar on New PIES Data Audit and Certification Service
Earlier this week, AAIA announced the availability of a new service to audit and certify product information compliance with the Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES). To explain how the DAC service works and describe the importance of accurate product information to the aftermarket industry, AAIA and Comergent will conduct an informational Webinar at 11 a.m. (EST) on Thursday, May 13.
Tire Shipments Gain Momentum This Year: RMA
According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), tire shipments will grow 3.2 percent overall in 2004, due to a rebound in the commercial trucking sector and a strengthening U.S. economy. Tire shipments for 2003 increased by 0.6 percent, compared to 2002 levels, said the RMA, as a result of a strong replacement tire market demand being offset by a decline in light vehicle OE tire markets.
AAIA Launches New Data Audit and Certification Service
AAIA has launched a new service that enables aftermarket manufacturers and suppliers to audit and certify product information compliance with the Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES). The Data Audit and Certification service (DAC) is provided in partnership with Comergent Technologies, Inc., a leading demand chain management software applications company based in Redwood City, Calif.
DST Asks: What Topics Would You Like to Read About?
Right now, today, perhaps no other industry is as poised and ready to transform itself as the automotive aftermarket parts and service industry to leverage technology usage to dramatically enhance productivity and boost bottom-line performance. That’s why we took the opportunity, after publishing three months worth of weekly columns, to ask our readers what they would like us to discuss in the next three months. The responses were interesting and thought provoking. Here’s a general recap of what we’ve covered so far and, based upon your feedback, topics for the near future.
Genuine Parts Co. Reports First Quarter Results
Genuine Parts Co. (GPC) has reported sales and earnings for the first quarter, which ended on March 31. Sales for GPC totaled $2.2 billion, up 9 percent compared to the first quarter of 2003. Net income for the quarter was $100.2 million, an increase of 13 percent over $88.4 million recorded in the previous year before the cumulative effect of an accounting change adopted January 1, 2003.
TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Achieves ISO/TS Certifications
TRW Vehicle Safety Systems has achieved the International Standards Organization (ISO)/Technical Specification (TS) 16949 quality management certification for its airbag manufacturing operations in Mesa, Ariz. This specification aligns existing automotive quality system requirements within the global automotive industry. It also specifies the quality system requirements for the design, development, production, installation and servicing of automotive-related products.