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.
SEMA Expands Installer/Specialist Test Programs with Custom Wheel and Tire Accreditation Test
SEMA has added a custom wheel and tire specialist exam to its battery of certification tests. The new test, known as Z5, will measure real-world knowledge and skills of the wheel and tire professionals who install custom applications on passenger cars and light-duty trucks. SEMA has added a custom wheel and tire specialist exam to its battery of certification tests. The new test, known as Z5, will measure real-world knowledge and skills of the wheel and tire professionals who install custom applications on passenger cars and light-duty trucks.
“DST Asks”: What Do You Look For In a Computerized Business Management System?
Technology is breaking down the barriers that once hindered our ability to process and share information efficiently. As our industry taps into the power of new technologies, those businesses that adopt and embrace them sooner rather than later will realize new efficiencies and bottom-line improvements while simultaneously setting the revised standards of successful business operation. Those standards will be the benchmarks of competitive advantage that will steer the future of the industry.
MEMA Joins Aftermarket eForum as Sponsor
MEMA has joined as a sponsor of the 2004 Aftermarket eForum scheduled for Monday, Aug. 2, through Wednesday, Aug. 4, in Chicago, Ill. Other sponsors of this industry-wide event include the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association and the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA), R.L. Polk & Co., Comergent, Evant, Gcommerce, Prescient Technology, DST and WorldPac.
Asbestos Bill Headed for Showdown
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), has acknowledged that asbestos litigation reform legislation (S1125) as currently drafted is unlikely to gain the necessary 60 votes required to end debate in the Senate. The legislation is a priority of Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), and he is working with high-ranking Democrats in an attempt to develop a compromise bill that will draw the necessary votes to overcome the expected filibuster. Key to the discussion is the amount of money contained in a trust fund to pay claims as well as the size of individual claims.
Delphi Increases Product Coverage in North America, Launches Three New Catalogs
Delphi is introducing three new 2004 product catalogs for engine management and HVAC systems, including Delphi Freedom batteries, EGR valves and thermal components. The new catalogs cover 950 part numbers, 300 of which are all new for 2004, providing expanded coverage in North America.
Bendix Brakes Awards “Drive it Home” Promotion Grand Prize
Bendix Brakes has awarded Vinemont, Al-based technician Rick Holland a new 2004 Ford F150 truck. Holland, a customer of warehouse distributor Walter White and a technician for National Tire & Battery, was the grand prize winner of the brand’s “Drive It Home” scratch and win promotion.
Johnson Controls’ Earnings Up 17 Percent
Johnson Controls Inc. said quarterly earnings rose 17 percent, with both its automotive parts and building controls businesses reporting double-digit sales gains. Johnson Controls also eliminated a few dozen jobs at its Milwaukee controls division, even as it plans to expand the business by about 100 jobs, the company said Wednesday.
Exide Closer to Exiting Chapter 11
Exide Technologies said it reached an agreement with its creditors and lenders on a plan to exit Chapter 11 protection, one that gives unsecured creditors 10 percent of the reorganized company. 11
Johnson Controls Delays Move
Plymouth Township, Mich., will retain its largest taxpayer for the time being. Johnson Controls officials recently announced they will not to move to Salem Township this year, but still expect to relocate their headquarters and technology facilities from Plymouth Township to a larger site when a suitable location is found.