Universal Automotive Reports Results for 2003 Year, Fourth Quarter
Universal Automotive Industries has reported financial results for its fourth quarter and year, which ended Dec. 31, 2003. The company said it is making progress integrating the assets it acquired from TRW Automotive, Inc. in January 2004, which effectively doubled Universal’s size.
Sears Exiting Auto Service
Sears Canada is leaving the vehicle service business, in a move that affects about 775 employees as the retailer licenses three other companies to operate at 36 of its 49 auto centers. The rest of the service centers will be closed or converted to non-automotive purposes, the company announced yesterday.
AWDA Names Larry Northup to Direct Segment at AAIA
The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) has appointed Larry Northup to direct its day-to-day operations, as a segment of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). AWDA joined forces with AAIA in January 2004. Northup, who currently serves as senior director of segment management at AAIA, immediately assumes the role of AWDA liaison. Working closely with the AWDA volunteer leadership and AAIA’s professional staff, he will be responsible for coordinating the segment’s membership marketing and recruitment activities, meetings and conferences, including the annual one-on-one meetings, government relations and communications.
DST Asks: Do You Sell from Inventory Locations that are Not Your Own or Are You Making Plans To?
The old maxim “You can’t sell from an empty shelf” has become outdated. Why? Because technology can ensure that shelves are never bare, at least from the customer’s standpoint, with the advent of the Virtual Inventory Network (VIN) — a term coined by DST to encompass B2B, B2C, and Peer-to-Peer e-commerce. A VIN, also sometimes referred to as a Virtual Sales Network, can provide leverage and cohesiveness of shared inventory across multiple trading partners both up and down and across the supply chain.
Executive Interview with Joe Puishys, President of Honeywell Friction Materials
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Joe Puishys, president of Honeywell Friction Materials. A 25-year veteran of the company’s automotive businesses, Joe Puishys has served as president of Honeywell Friction Materials since early 2002. His responsibilities include overseeing the most recent corporate effort to align closely with Honeywell’s business initiatives and operating plan. He has already played a major role in the cost cutting and six sigma programs occurring throughout the organization. Join us as Puishys gives us an update on Honeywell Friction Materials, including plans to expand manufacturing operations and launch new products.
Prolong International Appoints Two New Board Members
Prolong International Corp., parent company of Prolong Super Lubricants, which manufactures patented consumer automotive, commercial/industrial and household products, has appointed Cary Fitchey and Robert Lautz as members of its board of directors. Fitchey and Lautz fill existing vacancies on the board.
Lear Considers Closing Auburn Hills Seat Plant
Auto supplier Lear Corp. says it might in May close a seat-making plant in Auburn Hills, Mich., that employs about 325. Lear sent a letter this month warning the State of Michigan that the plant will close, but a spokesperson said its fate depends on UAW talks.
American Tire Distributors Hosts National TireStarz Dealer Conference
American Tire Distributors (ATD) hosted its first national TireStarz Dealer Conference March 4 – 7. Ninety-nine dealers and their guests attended the four-day session at the Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn. The meeting featured a series of seminars and workshops designed to give ATD dealers timely information on important market trends and strategies for building their business. Mark Emkes, outgoing chairman, CEO and president of Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, addressed the group, as did William “Bill” Berry, American Tire Distributors’ president and COO.
BorgWarner Morse TEC Opens Plant in Korea
BorgWarner Morse TEC has taken a major step forward in its strategic globalization plan with the opening of new plant in Korea. Morse TEC Korea was formed in 2002 in support of the company’s business relationship with Hyundai Motor Co. The new 34,250-square-foot plant is located in Pyongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, Korea.
Cooper to Explore Sale of Automotive Business
Cooper Tire & Rubber is considering selling its Cooper-Standard Automotive Group. According to Thomas Dattilo, chairman, president and CEO of Cooper Tire & Rubber, said the company will be best served at this time by focusing on its tire business.