TIA Consolidates, Maryland Office Becomes New HQ
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) will consolidate all of its offices in Bowie, Md., as of Feb. 1. TIA’s operations in Kentucky will be relocated and the building will be put up for sale. TIA said this decision comes after months of in-depth analysis into the cost-effectiveness of operating two offices in different states. Two members of the Louisville staff, Senior Vice President of Education and Technical Services Kevin Rohlwing and Director of Training Chris Marnett, will be moving to the Maryland office.
Michelin, TRW Automotive Joint Venture Awarded Contracts for TPMS
EnTire Solutions, the joint venture between Michelin and TRW Automotive, has been awarded contracts with Honda and Fiat for its direct tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Launched at the Tokyo Motor Show in October, EnTire Solutions is now supplying TPMS for the 2004 Acura MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and has also been selected by Fiat to provide advanced TPMS for a range of its upcoming European models. Other customers include several Hyundai, Kia platforms and General Motors.
Suppliers Use Show as Bridge to Buyers
Most people think of Detroit’s auto show as a glitzy showcase for the latest cars and trucks from automakers around the globe. But auto parts makers increasingly are using one of the most influential auto shows in the world to promote their wares to the vehicle manufacturers that buy them and the consumers who use them.