PPG Announces Management Assignments
PPG Industries has announced a series of management assignments that take effect May 1.
Private Equity Firm to Acquire Universal Underwriters
An investor group, led by San Francisco-based private equity firm Hellman & Friedman LLC, has signed a stock purchase agreement to acquire Universal Underwriters Group from Zurich Financial Services Group in a deal valued at approximately $1.1 billion. Founded in 1922, Universal Underwriters is the leading provider of property and casualty insurance to U.S. franchised automotive dealerships with an approximate 40 percent market share.
Executive Interview with Guy Bargnes, Director of Marketing, North American Operations for BASF Corp. Refinish Group
Guy Bargnes has spent his entire life in the collision repair industry. He was born and raised in Buffalo, NY, where his father ran a family business, V. H. Bargnes Co., Inc., which distributed automotive paints, supplies and equipment to area collision shops. In 1992 Bargnes joined BASF full-time, and he is now director of marketing, North American Operations, for the Refinish Group. Bargnes recently sat down to a phone interview with aftermarketNews and shared with us some of the insights from his lifelong career in the industry. Join us as Bargnes talks about BASF’s four leading principles, trends in the refinish business and the return of paint companies to industry trade shows.
Struggling Detroit Woos Japan’s Carmakers
At many union halls in Michigan, signs on parking lots still warn that foreign-made cars “will be towed away at owner’s expense.” So why is Governor Jennifer Granholm of Michigan pushing so hard to close a sweetheart land deal with Toyota?
Struggling Detroit Woos Japan’s Carmakers
At many union halls in Michigan, signs on parking lots still warn that foreign-made cars “will be towed away at owner’s expense.” So why is Governor Jennifer Granholm of Michigan pushing so hard to close a sweetheart land deal with Toyota?
Global Sealing and European Powertrain Operations Hurt Federal-Mogul Performance
Federal-Mogul Corp., the Southfield, Mich.-based maker of auto parts, Wednesday posted a wider loss for the fourth quarter, hurt by charges to its global sealing systems operations and its European powertrain operations. The net loss came to $270.4 million, or $3.07 a share, for the quarter, compared with a loss of $120.7 million, or $1.39 a share, a year ago, the company said in a statement.
Cooper Releases 2004 Financial Results
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. had a pretty good 2004, posting net sales of $2.1 billion and a net profit of $27 million from continuing operations.
DCR Systems Launches Collision Repair Outsourcing Program
Cleveland, Ohio-based DCR Systems has announced plans to build, staff, tool and operate state-of-the-art collision repair facilities in partnership with dealers nationwide. The new plan is designed to strengthen customer loyalty and enhance revenue streams for U.S. auto dealerships.
AAIA’s Aaron Lowe Shares the History and How-to’s for its Annual Legislative Summit
Our latest Executive Interview features Aaron Lowe, vice president of government affairs for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association. On March 1 and 2, more than 200 aftermarket executives will gather in our nation’s capitol for the 2005 Aftermarket Legislative Summit. The annual event gives representatives of the aftermarket the opportunity to provide policymakers with the information they need to make educated and informed decisions about issues that impact the aftermarket. Major issues to be highlighted during this year’s Summit include: The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act; association health plans; anti-counterfeiting; and asbestos litigation reform legislation. Lowe recently shared with us some history about this industry-critical event and how you can get involved.
Thomson Delmar Learning Releases Chilton 2005 Labor Guide Manual and CD-ROM
Thomson Delmar Learning, part of The Thomson Corp., has announced publication of the 2005 Chilton Labor Guide Manual and 2005 Chilton Labor Guide CD-ROM. Thousands of labor times for 1981-2005 domestic and imported cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs reflect technicians’ use of aftermarket tools and training, according to the company.