American Axle Pact Ratified; Supplier Gets the Right to Negotiate 2-Tier Wages
UAW members ratified a four-year contract with American Axle & Manufacturing Inc., after a one-day strike late last month that disrupted General Motors Corp. truck production. About 68 percent of the employees voted for the contract, the union said Monday. About 68 percent of the employees voted for the contract, the union said Monday.
PPG Announces Management Assignments
PPG Industries has announced two management assignments. Reg Norton, director of global manufacturing and supply chain for PPG’s automotive refinish business unit, has been appointed global director, environment, health and safety, effective April 1. He will replace David Cannon Jr., vice president, environment, health and safety, who is leaving the company on March 31. Lynne Schmidt, director of government affairs, will be promoted to vice president, government and community affairs, and executive director of the PPG Industries Foundation, effective July 1.
Restructuring Charges Drive Midas to a Net Loss of $76.2 Million in 2003
Midas reported a net loss of $76.2 million — or $4.93 per diluted share — for fiscal 2003, which ended Jan. 3. Midas said the loss is primarily the result $102.6 million in charges related to its restructuring, completed in April. As part of the restructuring, Midas exited its wholesale distribution business and refocused its resources on retail franchising and real estate businesses.
Senator Lindsey Graham Introduces Right to Repair Legislation
Sen. Lindsey Graham, (R-S.C.), introduced Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair legislation (S. 2138) in the Senate on Feb. 26, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Similar to legislation introduced in the House (H.R. 2735), the bill would ensure that motorists retain the right to choose how and by whom their vehicles are maintained and repaired.
American Axle Gets 2-Tiered Pay Plan In Tentative Deal
The UAW’s quick settlement Friday morning of the one-day strike at American Axle & Manufacturing Inc. in Detroit finds the union again authorizing a concept it once loathed — a two-tier wage structure that ensures future employees never make as much as current ones.
Crump to Chair NACE 2004 in Las Vegas
The International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) has re-appointed Vernon Crump, body shop director for John Eagle Collision Center in Dallas, Texas, as chairman for NACE 2004, which will be held Nov. 3-6, in Las Vegas, to coincide with Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW). Crump was NACE 2003 chairman and received accolades for his leadership and experience, and for the innovative programs he introduced at NACE to spotlight new technologies and to strengthen industry and global relationships.
Aftermarket Technology Corp. Appoints Don Johnson to CEO
Aftermarket Technology Corp. (ATC) has announced that Don Johnson will succeed Mike DuBose as CEO and president. DuBose is stepping down as CEO but will remain chairman of the company.
MEMA Names Inaugural Winners of Joseph A. Magliochetti Industry Champion Award
Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-Mich.) are the winners of the first-ever Joseph A. Magliochetti Industry Champion Award, which has been established by MEMA to recognize public officials for outstanding leadership on behalf of the automotive supplier industry. The first ever presentation of the award, named in honor of the late president and CEO of Dana Corp., will be held at a gala dinner on Wednesday, May 5, during the MEMA Legislative and Public Policy Summit in Washington, D.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.
Two Major Tiremakers Join U.S. EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership
Two major tiremakers — Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNT) and Michelin North America — have joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay Transport Partnership, a national partnership to help reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions from ground freight transportation.