eForum Update: Prescient Technologies’ Joe Register Presented with AAIA Aftermarket Visionary Award
In between talk of telematics and technology, Scott Luckett and Kathleen Schmatz of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) took a moment during the 2008 Aftermarket eForum this week in Chicago to recognize an individual who has worked to bring technology to the forefront of the industry’s consciousness. Presented annually to the individual whose words and deeds demonstrate vision and imagination in the application of technology for the betterment of the aftermarket industry, this year’s AAIA Aftermarket Visionary Award was presented to Joe Register, president of Prescient Technologies, Inc. in Dover, N.H.
Tim Leuliette Elected President and CEO of DURA Automotive Systems; Larry Denton Steps Down
DURA Automotive Systems announced today that its board of directors has named Timothy Leuliette president and CEO, effective today. He succeeds Larry Denton, who elected to leave the company after successfully leading DURA through a 20-month reorganization and emergence from Chapter 11.
AAPEX Organizers Reporting Strong Exhibitor Registrations Despite Tough Economy
Despite challenging economic conditions, organizers of the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) are reporting strong exhibitor registrations, slightly exceeding numbers for the same time last year. To date, 1,101 exhibitors have registered for AAPEX 2008, compared with 1,096 at the same time last year. Total number of booths is down only 3.3 percent, show organizers said. Approximately 11,000 buyers are already registered to attend.
DURA Emerges from Chapter 11
DURA Automotive Systems has successfully emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company officially concluded its Chapter 11 reorganization process after meeting all statutory requirements of its Revised Joint Plan of Reorganization, including successfully closing its exit financing facilities and filing associated documentation. In conjunction with its emergence, the company also announced its new board of directors.
An Open Letter from Terry McCormack President and CEO, Affinia Group Inc.
Yesterday, we received the following Open Letter from Terry McCormack, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Affinia Group, Inc. In the letter, McCormack announces that the Michigan-based auto parts manufacturer plans to decrease its presence at this year’s AAPEX show in Las Vegas. While news of the company’s scaled-back presence may be news in and of itself for Affinia’s customers and competitors, McCormack points out that the decision speaks to the more significant shifts taking place in today’s business world – changes that cannot be ignored.
DENSO Announces Senior Management Changes
KARIYA, Japan — DENSO Corp. has announced several management changes, voted upon yesterday at the company’s shareholders meeting. The following changes were effective as of June 25. New Directors appointed to the Board: Koichi Fukaya, Vice Chairman (from President and CEO) Nobuaki Katoh, President and CEO (from Senior Managing Director) Hiromi Tokuda, Executive Vice President
Bosch to be Tier 1 Strategic Partner for 2009 SAE World Congress
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. — The Bosch Group will serve as Tier 1 Strategic Partner for the 2009 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress, April 20-23 at COBO Center in Detroit. The Congress’ 2009 host company, Honda, recently identified ‘Racing to Green Mobility’ as the theme of next year’s Congress. "Honda has created a timely
Aftermarket eForum Will Wrap Up with Breakout Sessions on Solutions to Tech Challenges
BETHESDA, Md. – The 2008 Aftermarket eForum will conclude Wednesday morning, July 16, with three concurrent breakout sessions with a focus on solutions to technology challenges that aftermarket companies are facing. The breakout sessions topics will focus on manufacturers implementing service-oriented architecture (SOA), a practical discussion on industry standards and technology compliance, and a primer
AMI Announces $1,000 AES
BEDFORD, Texas — The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) is now accepting applications for the new $1,000 Automotive Electronics Service, Inc. (AESWave.com) “Building a Learning Culture” Technician Scholarship. AMI’s resource development effort, EXCEL, in conjunction with AESWave.com established the scholarship to help automotive service professionals obtain the management education and technical training essential for success in
Gates Corp. to Testify at June 17 Judiciary Committee Hearing on Intellectual Property
Jeffrey Thurnau, patent counsel with Gates Corp. will testify on Tuesday, June 17, before the Senate Judiciary Committee at a hearing entitled “Protecting Consumers by Protecting Intellectual Property.” The hearing will take place at 10 a.m. in Room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Thurnau will testify on behalf of Gates Corp. and the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). MEMA represents more than 700 motor vehicle product manufacturers with nearly 12,000 U.S. plant locations and 783,100 U.S. workers and contributes to 4.5 million private industry jobs across the country.Thurnau will address the need for strong intellectual property protections to assure the safety and well being of U.S. auto parts consumers as well as the importance of Intellectual Property to Gates and the U.S. motor vehicle parts supplier industry.