DST Asks: How Do You View the Industry and Your Career?
Every automobile in every dealer’s showroom in America displays an EPA fuel economy ratings sticker. The ratings are estimates developed by the automakers after testing a limited number of pre-production vehicles. The EPA then verifies the results on roughly 10 to 15 percent of the vehicles produced for that year. The tests, repeated the same way each time in a controlled environment, are the same for all autos and are supposed to simulate city and highway driving conditions. They can’t – and don’t – reflect the conditions under which every vehicle is driven; nor do they reflect the maintenance condition, type of fuel used, or – perhaps most importantly-the variety of driving styles that we all see everyday on the streets. What do mileage ratings and driving styles have to do with your aftermarket career? Plenty.
Police Raid Home of Ex-Mitsubishi Head
Police on Monday raided the home of the former president of Mitsubishi Motors Corp., who was arrested last week on suspicion of hiding auto defects. Police on Monday raided the home of the former president of Mitsubishi Motors Corp., who was arrested last week on suspicion of hiding auto defects.
Service Providers: Educate Decision Makers Using Car Care Clinics for Women
Nearly nine of ten female motorists are at least somewhat involved in the decision making process for their household’s vehicle maintenance and repair, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association. To help service providers better educate female consumers about vehicle maintenance and repair, the Car Care Council Women’s Board and Be Car Care Aware campaign have developed the “Service Provider’s Guide to Hosting a Successful Women’s Car Care Clinic.”
CSK Auto Corp. Reports First Quarter 2004 Results
CSK Auto Corp., parent company of CSK Auto Inc., has reported its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2004. Sales for the 13 weeks, which ended on May 2, increased $19.7 million to $397.1 million from $377.4 million for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2003. Same store sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2004 increased 5 percent compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2003.
REVVING HER ENGINE: Girls Enjoy Being Gearheads, Too
The full set of acrylic nails Ashley Pawlowski got before going to the senior prom with her boyfriend is not quite so full. The nail on her left pinky has come off and the air-brushed french manicure is chipping away. This, said the 17-year-old Canton, Mich., High School junior, comes from repeatedly washing oil and grease off her hands with an acetone-based soap. Ashley is a “gearhead,” slang for self-professed auto mechanic junkies whose tastes range from routine maintenance to restoring old cars to high performance engineering.
Bendix to Add More Than 30 New Jobs at Ohio Headquarters
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, said it will add more than 30 engineers, information technology specialists and supply chain professionals to support its staff. The company said surging demand for its medium- and heavy-duty truck products has resulted in the need for additional staff. Bendix currently employs 1,800 in North America, including 450 at its Elyria, Ohio, headquarters.
Monroe Recommends 50,000-Mile Shock and Strut Replacement
Tenneco Automotive’s Monroe brand of shocks and struts has introduced a new 50,000-mile ride-control replacement recommendation for vehicle owners who want to ensure desired ride and handling characteristics.
TRW Reports Net Income Plunges 96 Percent
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. said first-quarter net income fell 96 percent as the company posted $47 million in debt-repayment costs. The Livonia-based company, which counts seat belts, air bags, and brakes among its products, said it posted net income for the latest quarter of $2 million, or 2 cents a share.
TRW Reports Net Income Plunges 96 Percent
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. said first-quarter net income fell 96 percent as the company posted $47 million in debt-repayment costs. The Livonia-based company, which counts seat belts, air bags, and brakes among its products, said it posted net income for the latest quarter of $2 million, or 2 cents a share.
ArvinMeritor to Sell Kenton, Ohio, Facility
ArvinMeritor is selling its Commercial Vehicle Systems (CVS) facility in Kenton, Ohio, to a subsidiary of Sypris Solutions, Inc. ArvinMeritor has owned the Kenton facility since 1948. As part of the agreement, ArvinMeritor and Sypris will begin a multi-year outsourcing arrangement.