UAW, GM Reach Deal
The United Auto Workers and General Motors Corp. agreed today to a tentative contract that ends a two-day national strike — the first against the automaker in 37 years — and puts responsibility for retirees’ health care into the union’s hands. The deal creates a GM-funded, UAW-run trust to administer retiree health care.
Buyer Cerberus Launches First Foray Into Automaking
The $7.4 billion buyout of DaimlerChrysler AG’s Chrysler Group by Cerberus Capital Management LP is a watershed for the struggling U.S. automotive industry. For the first time in decades, a domestic auto company will be operated in private, not under the scrutiny of shareholders. It is unknown how the buyer will handle Chrysler and its premier Toledo, OH-born Jeep brand, but the purchase will enlarge Cerberus’ stable of more than 45 firms.
Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Holds Annual Winter Meeting in Sunny Florida
The shareholders of Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc. gathered in Boca Raton, FL, for the group’s annual winter meeting held Dec. 2-6. Each shareholder of the Alliance was represented. The meeting is a culmination of the past year’s efforts of Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper parts stores and certified service centers. Reports and breakout meetings focusing on marketing, product and education were reviewed. New vendors were reviewed and approved and the 2007 marketing strategy was presented.
Pete Joy of Haldex to be Honored with MEMA’s Triangle Award During HDAW
Robert “Pete” Joy, president of Haldex Friction Brake, will receive the prestigious Triangle Award from the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and its heavy duty market association, the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), during Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW). HDAW takes place Jan. 22-25, 2007, in Las Vegas.
The Holland Group Names Dan Millar Director of Regional Sales
The Holland Group, a manufacturer of components for the transportation industry, has appointed Dan Millar to the position of director of U.S. Regional Sales. In this role, which reports directly to Holland’s U.S.VP of sales and service, Millar will lead and direct sales and marketing activities for all of Holland’s U.S. regional sales teams.
Network Amid Automotive History GAAS Reception on May 17
The Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Reception scheduled for 5:30-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17, will offer participants the opportunity to network with industry colleagues while experiencing automotive history at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, MI. Sponsored by Universal Underwriters Group and Industrial Market Research, the event concludes the symposium’s first day of presentations by top-level industry leaders and analysts. GAAS participants will be taken from the symposium venue at the Hyatt Regency to the nearby Automotive Hall of Fame via buses, sponsored by BB&T Capital Markets.
Automotive Supplier Representatives to Discuss Challenges and Opportunities at 2006 GAAS
A panel of automotive supplier representatives will examine the challenges and opportunities they face in today’s global economy on May 17 at the 11th annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) at the Hyatt Regency, Dearborn, MI. Participants can save $200 by registering before Friday, March 24.
UAW Warns Strikes Loom: Delphi, Tower Union Contracts are in Jeopardy
Leaders of the United Auto Workers told members Tuesday that a strike is possible at Delphi Corp. and likely at Tower Automotive Corp. if both companies maintain their current demands. UAW Vice President Richard Shoemaker said, while talks among Delphi, the UAW and General Motors Corp. are in progress, “it would be less than candid to say that any progress has been made toward resolving the fundamental issues.”
MEMA to Honor GPI’s Temple Sloan at Kick-Off Breakfast During AAPEX
O. Temple Sloan Jr., chairman and CEO of General Parts Inc., will be honored with the prestigious Triangle Award, the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association’s (MEMA) highest honor, during the Kick-Off Breakfast on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas, NV.
Aftermarket eForum: DAY 2 & 3: Breakouts, The Military & Microsoft
The latter half of the Aftermarket eForum brought attendees to hear some breakouts and some views of the aftermarket from the military and a software corporate giant.