ASA Adds New Affiliate
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) board of directors has named ASA-Texas as its 15th affiliate. Terry St. Pierre, owner of The Muffler Shoppe in Abilene, Texas, and president of ASA-Texas, said he is excited about the future of ASA-Texas and the direction it’s headed. St. Pierre said he encourages all service professionals to grow their local chapter, which will in turn grow their state groups, which will grow ASA on a national level.
Collins & Aikman Reveals Insider Deals
Collins & Aikman Corp. revealed Wednesday that it paid a board member $300,000 to serve as vice chairman for six months in 2002 and did millions of dollars of business with another board member. The company had failed to fully disclose details on those transactions to shareholders.
AutoZone Authorizes Additional Stock Repurchase
AutoZone’s board of directors has authorized the repurchase of an additional $600 million of the company’s common stock in connection with its ongoing share repurchase program. The share repurchase authorization now totals $3.9 billion, according to the company.
Executive Interview with Tony Perticari, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Crown Remanufacturing
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Tony Perticari, a 35-year veteran of the automotive parts industry. Perticari joined Philadelphia-based Crown Remanufacturing in 1986. He currently serves as vice president of sales and marketing for the company and is responsible for all NAFTA and overseas sales and marketing activities. Join us as Tony Perticari tells us what makes Crown tick, and what it takes to stay ahead of the pack. He also shares with us his predictions for the future of the reman industry, and the company.
Dana’s John Washbish to Discuss Technology and Training at GAAS
John Washbish, president of Customer Relationship Management for the Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group, will discuss “Technology and Training in Today’s Aftermarket” on Tuesday, May 18, at the ninth annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS). GAAS 2004 will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18-19, at the Hyatt Regency, Chicago.
Collins & Aikman Ends Inquiry, Shares Rise
Collins & Aikman Corp. on Thursday said it completed an internal accounting inquiry and will not restate previously issued financial statements, sending its shares up 18 percent. The company also said its fourth-quarter loss more than tripled to nearly $10 million. Last August, the Troy, Mich., company said it was investigating business transactions between the company and two of its directors, just days after its CEO resigned.
Dura Automotive Standardizes Manufacturing Operations
Dura Automotive Systems has announced it will standardize its North American manufacturing operations on QAD MFG/PRO eB2 and related applications. QAD Inc. is a provider of enterprise applications for global manufacturers. QAD Global Services will work together with Dura to provide consulting and implementation services. Dura will deploy MFG/PRO eB2 at nine production sites and upgrade 11 other locations in North America. Dura said it expects QAD applications will help streamline manufacturing and enterprise functions shared by multiple locations, enable more efficient financial management and accelerate information transfer along the supply chain.
Tenneco Automotive Names Timothy Donovan as New Director
Timothy Donovan has been elected to Tenneco Automotive’s board of directors. Donovan is executive vice president, managing director of Tenneco Automotive’s International Group and general counsel. Donovan joined Tenneco Automotive as senior vice president and general counsel in August 1999.
Former Allied Signal President Michael Monti Dies
Michael Monti, former president of Allied Signal Inc., died Friday at age 66. A former MEMA board member, Monti retired from Allied Signal in 1995 after 37 years with the company. Before becoming president, he had worked as president of the Allied Fram division and vice president and general manager of the Bendix automotive aftermarket operation in Jackson, Tenn.
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.