Wix Filters Named to NASCAR Performance Product Line-Up
WIX Filters has received endorsement as an exclusive NASCAR Performance Partner. The launch of NASCAR’s Performance brand — targeting installers and consumers — provides automotive aftermarket products a point of difference in the highly competitive retail marketplace. NASCAR will promote the new NASCAR Performance Network through a marketing program that promotes vehicle maintenance and directs consumers to nearby service facilities. The network, which is housed on NASCAR.com, features a shop locator service for driving directions, store hours, services and certifications.
TI Automotive Wins $1.2 Billion in New Business
TI Automotive recently won contracts in its fuel systems division valued at more than $1.2 billion from automotive manufacturers in Europe, Asia and North America. Beginning with 2006-model-year production, the fourth-quarter contract awards include complete fuel systems and subsystems for a range of products,
SEMA Show 2004 Space Selection Begins in February
Online space selection for the SEMA Show 2004 will begin the week of Feb. 9. The trade show is scheduled to take place Nov. 2 through Nov. 5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The online selection for exhibit location will be made according to a company’s seniority as SEMA Show exhibitor, and their membership in SEMA and/or the Tire Industry Association (TIA).
AAPEX Space Drawing Applications are Due Jan. 14
Wednesday, Jan. 14 is the deadline to receive an exhibit space application to participate in the AAPEX 2004 Online Exhibitor Space Drawing. AAPEX 2004 will take place Nov. 2 through Nov. 5 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas. More than 1,900 exhibitors will participate in AAPEX.
Visteon Projects Profit After Losses
Visteon Corp. expects to earn a small net profit this year after losing at least $1.6 billion from 2001 to 2003, executives said Thursday. If Visteon turns a profit this year, it would be the first since 2000, the year the auto parts maker separated from Ford Motor Co. In a briefing for Wall Street analysts in conjunction with the North American International Auto Show, Visteon laid out its financial expectations for the first time in at least a year.
Ex-Visteon Employees File Suit
More than 50 former employees of Visteon Corp. have filed a lawsuit against the $18-billion auto-parts supplier, claiming that the company conned them into signing non-negotiable separation agreements that they later learned were negotiable for more compensation. The multimillion-dollar suit, filed last week in the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Michigan, says that Visteon presented 54 workers with separation contracts in April 2001 after the Dearborn, Mich.-based company announced that it would cut its white-collar workforce.
Could Someone You Know Be The 2004 Victor Reinz Machinist of the Year?
Clevite Engine Parts is currently accepting applications for the 2004 Victor Reinz Machinist of the Year Award. Along with the Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association (AERA) and the National Institute for Automotive Excellence (ASE), Clevite Engine Parts presents this award annually to recognize the valuable contributions machinists make to the automotive rebuilding industry. To further expand the Machinist of the Year Program, Clevite will provide a cash prize of $250 to the person who nominates the winner of this year’s award, in an effort to encourage bosses, colleagues, family and friends to nominate a broader selection of deserving machinists.
Executive Interview with Wolfgang Winzer, Vice President and General Manager of Siemens VDO Automotive Corp. Service & Special Solutions, North America
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Wolfgang Winzer, vice president and general manager of Siemens VDO Automotive Corp. Service & Special Solutions, North America. Winzer recently talked with aftermarketNews.com about the company’s extensive history in the OE market and how this will help them build a stronger aftermarket segment. He shared some of the company’s goals for its aftermarket business in the coming years.
NACE Announces Dates and Location for 2004 Event
The 2004 International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) will take place during the same week as Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) in Las Vegas. NACE will be held Nov. 3-6, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, in Las Vegas. NACE is the world’s collision repair event and draws an attendance of more than 30,000 from around the globe. It features more than 60 educational sessions and an exposition with approximately 500 exhibiting companies. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) sponsors NACE.
Kathleen Schmatz Takes Over as President and CEO of AAIA
Jan. 1 marked the first day of Kathleen Schmatz’ new role as president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), a trade association representing more than 2,700 companies that manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials, supplies and services. Schmatz, who has served as AAIA’s executive vice president since January 2002, takes over the role from Al Gaspar, who retired at the end of 2003 after 30 years in the aftermarket industry. Gaspar is president emeritus and will serve as a consultant to the association.