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.
GAAS Fund Organizers Announce $50,000 GAAS Scholarship Challenge
An anonymous donor has issued a $50,000 fund raising challenge for the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) scholarship program, awarded to students planning aftermarket careers. The “$50,000 GAAS Scholarship Challenge” was initiated after the donor committed to donate up to $10,000 to the Global Scholarship fund in 2004 and will match 25 percent of all other donations to the fund up to a matching amount of $10,000. The challenge campaign aims to net the fund a total of $50,000 in donations. Delphi Corp. has made the first challenge donation of $3,000.
Hayes Lemmerz Renames European Wheel Group
Hayes Lemmerz International has changed the name of its European Wheel Group to the International Wheel Group. The company said the new name is intended to reflect the increased global awareness and presence of the group. The International Wheel Group has undergone extensive growth in areas outside of Europe, including South Africa, India, Brazil, Thailand, Mexico and Turkey, according to Fred Bentley, president of Hayes Lemmerz’ International Wheel Group.
Coyle Named to Fuel Systems Job at TI Automotive
Patrick Coyle has been named North American regional director for TI Automotive’s Global Fuel Systems Division. Previously, Coyle was responsible for global fuel-system quality. TI Automotive is a tier one supplier of integrated fuel-storage and delivery systems.
Prestolite Electric Sells UK Facility
Prestolite Electric Holding, has sold the Acton (London, England) manufacturing facility of Prestolite Electric Limited, the company’s UK subsidiary. Prestolite sold the subsidiary to Lemon Land Limited for approximately $47 million. The Acton facility had a book value of $9 million. In connection with the purchase, Prestolite retained the right to occupy the facility through the end of 2004.
Automakers Help Allies Handle Crises
Seeking to mitigate disaster costs after events such as 9/11 and last year’s blackout, Detroit automakers said Wednesday they’ll ask their suppliers and dealers to take part in a crisis management plan that will prepare them for emergencies. The automakers, working together through a trade organization called the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), released a booklet that could serve as a guide for suppliers and dealers that either don’t have a contingency plan or want to modify an existing one. GM said that it will begin rolling out the process to all its 3,700 suppliers next week. The AIAG said the plan is voluntary for suppliers and will result in minimal costs for the companies.
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.
New Tire May Put Goodyear on Track
It’s a mystery tire that’s making a lot of tire dealers, analysts and investors excited — and seems to be pushing the stock upward. Goodyear Tire & Rubber plans to launch a new high-end line of passenger tires next month with huge fanfare at its annual convention of dealers and distributors in Orlando, Fla. Some say the tire line, known as Assurance, could become Goodyear’s hottest-selling new line in a decade, a move that could go a long way to helping the Akron, Ohio-based company boost its flagging sales and turn around three years of losses.
Delphi Earnings Decline
Auto-parts maker Delphi Corp. said Tuesday its fourth-quarter net earnings sank to $82 million as it paid for a major restructuring program it launched in October, which included 8,500 job cuts. Net income for the quarter was 15 cents a share, down from $119 million, or 21 cents, in the same period a year earlier.
TI Automotive Names Ernst Kuhlen to New Position
TI Automotive has named Ernst Kuhlen director of global fuel delivery pumps and modules. Kuhlen will be responsible for development and implementation of the company’s global pump-and-module product strategy. Based in Neuss, Germany, he will report to Manouchehr Kambakhsh, vice president for global engineering. Previously engineering director for pumps at Pierburg AG in Neuss, Kuhlen joined TI Automotive as part of the company’s recent purchase of Pierburg’s pump business.