Pickups Plus Franchisee to Distribute New ValuGard Line
Aftermarket accessories retailer Pickups Plus, which recently acquired Auto Preservation (AP) from Automotive International Inc. will begin to distribute its new ValuGard product and service offering through a franchisee in Columbus, Ohio. Through the recent acquisition, Pickups Plus will now offer automotive dealerships ValuGard care and warranty products, including paint sealant, undercoating, fabric protector and anti-rust compounds, plus a full line of prep/recon products.
MEMA Holds First Automotive Suppliers’ Legislative and Public Policy Summit
Automotive suppliers, members of Congress and federal agency heads met to discuss automotive safety, energy and the environment, international trade and soaring health care and pension costs during the “MEMA Legislative and Public Policy Summit: Advancing American Manufacturing,” held May 5-6 in Washington, D.C.
Keith Kreft Awarded ETI Founder’s Award
Keith Kreft of Cupertino, Calif., was presented the Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI) Founder’s Award at the association’s recent board meeting. The Founder’s Award honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and support of the Institute. It is ETI’s highest honor. Kreft is the 14th recipient of the award since it was established in 1985.
DENSO Awards Michigan Students $30,000 in Scholarships
DENSO International America, the North American headquarters of DENSO Corp., has awarded 24 students in Oakland County, Mich., a total of $30,000 in academic scholarships through the DENSO Oakland Schools Education Foundation (DOSEF). DENSO International America, the North American headquarters of DENSO Corp., has awarded 24 students in Oakland County, Mich., a total of $30,000 in academic scholarships through the DENSO Oakland Schools Education Foundation (DOSEF).
Universal Automotive Appoints Two New Managers
Universal Automotive Industries has appointed Larry Newman and Arnold Slutsky to managerial positions at the company’s Autospecialty division. Newman joins Autospecialty’s Undercar Products Group as sales team program group manager. Slutsky has been named purchasing manager at Autospecialty’s Supply Chain division, based in Alsip, Ill.
Supplier Pact is Official: New Hires to Make Less at Delphi and Visteon
The country’s two largest auto-parts makers, Delphi Corp. and Visteon Corp., formally announced Thursday their 7-year UAW contract that will substantially reduce pay for their future UAW workers, and requires them to pay for more of their health care and much of their retirement.
Herman Trend Alert: Whither Creativity?
Creativity has been highly valued for centuries. The ability of artists, musicians, writers, explorers, scientists, pioneers and business leaders to create new ideas, approaches, processes and ways of thinking have been admired and honored. The results of these treasured creative people have contributed to the development of new products, art forms, countries, and mankind’s reaching into the mysteries of space beyond our planet.
Cooper Tire and Rubber Realigns Tire Division
Cooper Tire and Rubber has announced five new executive appointments, as a result of a realignment within the company’s tire group. The realignment was designed to better focus on target markets, support the company’s strategic plan and ensure the right resources are in place to grow the tire business globally, the company said.
Victor Reinz Names Machinist of the Year
Victor Reinz has named its Victor Reinz Machinist of the Year. Along with the AERA and the ASE, Clevite Engine Parts established the Victor Reinz Machinist of the Year Award in order to recognize the valuable contributions machinists make to the automotive rebuilding industry. This year’s award was presented at the AERA New Products Showcase in Las Vegas, Nev. on April 23, 2004.
Federal-Mogul Says Bill Could Jeopardize Jobs
Federal-Mogul Corp., a Southfield-based auto-parts maker forced into bankruptcy by asbestos litigation, says it opposes legislation to create a $124-billion fund to compensate people for cancer and other diseases caused by the fibrous mineral. Federal-Mogul told lawmakers it was no longer represented by two industry groups lobbying Congress to pass the bill as a retired federal judge tried to mediate differences over the measure. The bill is stalled in the U.S. Senate. Republican and Democratic leaders agreed to the mediation after Democrats blocked Senate action on the bill last week.