NHRA Tour de Force Storms Detroit
Legendary hot-rodder and storyteller John Force wants a major drag racing strip in the Detroit area, and he’s willing to invest time and money to make it happen. Force, the king of funny cars and one-liners, was in town last week for the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress at Cobo Center, in Detroit. His job: to chat with engineers and shake hands with backers, including Ford Motor Co. executives, who support his passion to go fast over a quarter-mile.
Jeff Schuster Tapped to Lead Global Forecasting Department at J.D. Power; Dr. Wynn Bussmann to Retire in April
J.D. Power and Associates has named Jeff Schuster to lead its automotive global forecasting services department at the firm’s Troy, Mich., office. Schuster, who was recently promoted to senior director of North American Forecasting, has been with J.D. Power and Associates since 1996. In his new position, Schuster replaces Dr. Wynn “Van” Bussmann, who retires April 3. Bussmann, who has led Global Forecasting since joining the firm in July 2001, will be on a retainer and serve as an advisor for the forecasting business for the balance of the year.
GOJO Industries Launches New Automotive Web Site
GOJO Industries, a longtime leader in skin care solutions for the automotive industry, has launched a new automotive Web site, featuring tools and resources to help shop supervisors recognize and help prevent costly skin problems. The site offers material safety data sheets as well as information about products, dispensers and contact information to receive assistance from a GOJO skin care expert.
Dale Hobbs Named Director of Sales at Parts Plus
Dale Hobbs has been named director of sales at Parts Plus. Mike Lambert, president of Parts Plus, announced the appointment. Dale Hobbs has been named director of sales at Parts Plus. Mike Lambert, president of Parts Plus, announced the appointment.
Crump to Chair NACE 2004 in Las Vegas
The International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) has re-appointed Vernon Crump, body shop director for John Eagle Collision Center in Dallas, Texas, as chairman for NACE 2004, which will be held Nov. 3-6, in Las Vegas, to coincide with Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW). Crump was NACE 2003 chairman and received accolades for his leadership and experience, and for the innovative programs he introduced at NACE to spotlight new technologies and to strengthen industry and global relationships.
CARDONE Industries Accepted into EPA’s National Environmental Performance Track Program
Automotive parts remanufacturer CARDONE Industries has been accepted for membership in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Environmental Performance Track Program. Performance Track rewards facilities that voluntarily exceed regulatory requirements, implement environmental management systems, work closely with their communities and set three-year goals to continuously improve environmental performance.
Class-action Decision Delayed in BAH Hearing; Firestone Recalls Another 297,000 Steeltex Radial A/T tires
An Indio, Calif., hearing to determine if a lawsuit over Bridgestone/Firestone’s Steeltex tire brand should gain class-action status has been postponed until Mar. 17. The hearing was originally scheduled for Feb. 25. California Superior Court Judge Christopher Sheldon delayed the decision, saying he wanted a shorter version of the motion filed by Bridgestone Americas Holding (BAH) opposing class-action certification. In related news, late yesterday afternoon Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire announced a voluntary safety campaign in the U.S. to replace approximately 297,000 Steeltex Radial A/T tires in size LT265/75R16 LR D (Load Range D) on 2000-2002 and some early 2003 model year Ford Excursions. The company said preliminary data suggests that there could be an issue concerning the performance of these tires. The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that the new recall was initiated following three fatal crashes that claimed five lives.
CARDONE Industries Named O’Reilly Auto Parts 2003 Vendor of the Year
CARDONE Industries was recently named “2003 Vendor of the Year” by O’Reilly Auto Parts. CARDONE is a leading supplier of remanufactured automotive products, including a full line of brakes, drivetrain, electronics, motors, pumps and steering. CARDONE was selected for the award based on its high service levels, including effective sales support, ease of business and high order fill, according to the company.
American Axle Strike Causes GM to Idle Plant
In a move that already is rippling through the auto industry, about 6,500 UAW auto-parts workers hit the picket lines Thursday morning at American Axle & Manufacturing Inc. in Detroit and other cities. A 4-year contract with UAW members at American Axle, one of the world’s largest auto suppliers, expired at midnight Wednesday and the two sides could not reach a tentative agreement. By late Thursday the strike already was affecting General Motors Corp., American Axle’s biggest customer and former owner.
Car Care Council’s Women’s Board Expands Sponsorship Opportunities
The Car Care Council Women’s Board is expanding its sponsorship program to allow for support of all of the Women’s Board activities for the year, which include industry outreach, consumer education and recruiting women to the industry, as well as serving as an advisory board to the “Be Car Care Aware” campaign.