The Week In Review (Aug. 21-25, 2006)
THE WEEK IN REVIEW (August 21-25, 2006) _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ASSOCIATION & LEGISLATIVE NEWS: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ASA to Communicate with Members through New Blog The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is among the latest in the aftermarket industry to launch a blog website. ASA’s new blog (http://blog.asashop.org) will provide commentary and analysis about the automotive service industry
German Firm Extends Auto Parts Range
ThyssenKrupp AG will increase the range of vehicle parts it produces in China, supporting its customers as they attempt to increase their share of the growing market. “We will make a complete portfolio of parts in China and will make selective acquisitions here,” said Wolfram Morsdorf, chairman of the executive board of ThyssenKrupp Automotive.
The Steel Scene
Traditionally suffering from a poor image, the steel industry has become increasingly under the spotlight during the last 12 months as the strong demand for steel has led to short-term shortages in some industries, especially automotive. The steep increases in the cost of raw materials, including steel, is being cited as one of the principal reasons why carmakers may be forced to increase the price of their vehicles for the first time in years. Nissan, for example, which had to cease production at three of its plants in Japan for several days because of a steel shortage, has already said that it is considering a price rise and is watching with interest what its rivals are doing. Options it was said to be considering are reducing incentives, reducing the standard specification, or a simple price rise, the last being the least favorable due to the competitive nature of the retail market.
Akebono North America Names New Executive Vice President
Akebono Corp., one of North America’s leading suppliers of advanced brake technology, has appointed Johann Finkelmeier as executive vice president, global strategy and business development.
Automotive Communicators to Discuss Global Communication Strategies
Global communication strategies, with a focus on China, will be the key topic of discussion at the Fall Conference of the Automotive Public Relations Council (APRC). The APRC is a professional peer group of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association. Global communication strategies, with a focus on China, will be the key topic of discussion at the Fall Conference of the Automotive Public Relations Council (APRC). The APRC is a professional peer group of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association.