ArvinMeritor Announces Finance Leadership Appointments
Robert “Rob” Guy has been named vice president of finance for ArvinMeritor’s light vehicle systems (LVS) business group. Marc Pensa has been named vice president of finance for ArvinMeritor’s commercial vehicle systems (CVS) business group. Robert “Rob” Guy has been named vice president of finance for ArvinMeritor’s light vehicle systems (LVS) business group. Marc Pensa has been named vice president of finance for ArvinMeritor’s commercial vehicle systems (CVS) business group.
Honeywell and Federal-Mogul End Talks Regarding Bendix Friction Materials Business
Honeywell has ended its discussions with Federal-Mogul regarding the possible sale of Honeywell’s Bendix friction materials business. After several months of negotiations, the parties were unable to agree on the terms of a deal, said Honeywell officials. The two companies entered into a letter of intent nearly one year ago.
“DST Asks”: The Use of Computerized Business Management Systems and their Potential for Generating ROI
Tremendous technological advances have made the use of computerized business management systems the paradigm of the aftermarket. All tiers of the supply and service chains have benefited from technology — manufacturers, warehouse distributors, jobbers, national and regional parts and service chains, multi-store independent parts and service enterprises and single-store independent parts and service facilities. Gone are the days when a capital investment in technology was merely another overhead expense. Savvy managers now know that computerized systems can become their own profit centers, generating an impressive ROI.
Oxford Automotive Names Two to Top Management Positions
Oxford Automotive, a $1 billion Tier 1 supplier of specialized welded metal assemblies, has announced two key management changes. Jeffrey Wilson, current president of Oxford Automotive’s North American division, has been appointed president and COO of Oxford Automotive Inc. Patrick Flynn, current vice president of strategic planning, has been named CFO, replacing Martin Welch who resigned last week to pursue other interests.
MACS Announces New Sponsorships for 2004 Convention
Four Seasons, a division of Standard Motor Products, has announced its sponsorship of “Crank it UP!” — the 24th annual Convention and Trade Show of the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide. The convention takes place January 22-24 at the Caribe Royale All-Suite Resort in Orlando, Fla. Sanden International has announced its gold sponsorship of the event, bringing drag racing legend Big Daddy Don Garlits to the convention to present the keynote speech during a luncheon on Saturday, January 24th at noon. Garlits will speak on teamwork and working toward success.
Penske Truck Leasing Extends Supply Agreement with Goodyear
Penske Truck Leasing has announced it will extend its current supply agreement with Goodyear Tire & Rubber. Under the agreement, Goodyear will serve as Penske’s primary supplier of tires in North America until at least 2008. Goodyear supplies Penske with a variety of truck tires, including replacement and retreaded tires. In addition, Penske has named Goodyear as a “Supplier of the Year,” in recognition of past outstanding service.
Bo Fisher to Succeed His Father as CEO and Chairman of Fisher Auto Parts
Following the death this week of his father Arthur Jay (Art) Fisher Jr., CEO of Fisher Auto Parts, Arthur Jay (Bo) Fisher III, has been unanimously elected to the position of CEO and chairman of the board. He has been president of Fisher Auto Parts since 1992 and owns a majority of the company.In addition, Gary Shifflett and Herb Godschalk have been promoted to become co-Presidents of Fisher Auto Parts.
Continental Tire North America and Exel Form Strategic Tire Distribution Partnership
Continental Tire North America (CTNA) and Exel, a global logistics company, have formed a strategic partnership in the area of tire distribution logistics in North America. As part of the agreement, Exel will assume control of the management of CTNA’s tire distribution warehouses. All details of the agreement will be finalized by April 1, 2004.
Tenneco Offers New Limited Lifetime Warranties
Tenneco Automotive is promoting an expanded product guarantee program for 2004. Tenneco is now featuring limited lifetime warranties and a 90-day risk-free trial offer on premium Walker exhaust, Monroe shock and strut, DynoMax performance exhaust and Rancho off-road technologies. The new strategy will also enable aftermarket businesses to enhance bottom-line results while significantly increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty, according to Tenneco Automotive Vice President of Marketing Richard Alameddine.
Bekaert Specialty Films Introduces Enhanced Automotive Film Cutting System
Bekaert Specialty Films (BSF) has introduced ComputerCut Version 3.0, a new enhanced version of its automotive window tint, paint protection film and vinyl graphics pattern cutting system. ComputerCut 3.0 maintains all the capabilities of earlier versions, but also offers a variety of new features, including the ability to manage a private image and pattern database, and to import custom graphics from programs such as Adobe Illustrator and Flexi Sign. In addition, ComputerCut 3.0 has a newly designed user-friendly interface, making the system easier to navigate and operate, according to the company.