NHTSA’s Runge, Continental Teves’ Kozyra to Speak at Automotive Suppliers’ Legislative and Public Policy Summit
Dr. Jeffrey Runge, administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will be joined by William Kozyra, president and CEO of Continental Teves North America, on Thursday, May 6, for a discussion on automotive safety, at the MEMA Legislative and Public Policy Summit: Advancing American Manufacturing, in Washington, D.C. Runge and Kozyra will discuss such topics as NHTSA’s and Congress’ views toward encouraging voluntary industry guidelines vs. mandates and how industry and government should address innovation and technology out-pacing regulation.
Collins & Aikman Ends Inquiry, Shares Rise
Collins & Aikman Corp. on Thursday said it completed an internal accounting inquiry and will not restate previously issued financial statements, sending its shares up 18 percent. The company also said its fourth-quarter loss more than tripled to nearly $10 million. Last August, the Troy, Mich., company said it was investigating business transactions between the company and two of its directors, just days after its CEO resigned.
White House Ready to Name Manufacturing Czar
The Bush administration is likely to name Anthony Raimondo, chairman and CEO of Behlen Manufacturing Co. in Columbus, Neb., as its manufacturing czar as early as today, reports Reuters. One of his chief functions will be to help recover some 2.5 million manufacturing jobs lost since early 2001.
AASA Creates New Aftermarket Council Forum for European Market Issues; Elects Leaders
The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) has established the European Automotive Aftermarket Manufacturers Council, a new discussion group for aftermarket executives heading their businesses’ European operations. The European Automotive Aftermarket Manufacturers Council will provide a forum for AASA members’ senior executives in Europe. The members will meet quarterly to discuss industry issues and solutions, share best practices and network with peers.
Great Britain’s Automotive Aftermarket Holds Potential for U.S. Suppliers
Recent changes in market access regulations and similarities between consumers in the U.K. and U.S. make the $24 billion automotive aftermarket in Great Britain a potential sweet spot for U.S. suppliers.
Former Allied Signal President Michael Monti Dies
Michael Monti, former president of Allied Signal Inc., died Friday at age 66. A former MEMA board member, Monti retired from Allied Signal in 1995 after 37 years with the company. Before becoming president, he had worked as president of the Allied Fram division and vice president and general manager of the Bendix automotive aftermarket operation in Jackson, Tenn.
CSK’s Fraser, California Air Resources Board Representatives to Speak at ASPA Annual Meeting
Martin Fraser, president and COO of CSK Automotive, Peter Venturini of the CARB California Air Resource Board (CARB) Stationary Sources Division chief, and Janette Brook, CARB Air Quality Measures Branch chief, are the key speakers for the third annual Automotive Aftermarket Specialty Products Group (ASPA) meeting.
2004 AAPEX Booth Selection Begins; New Online Process Initiated
As of March 1, all qualified companies participating in the 2004 Online Space Drawing for the 2004 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) received their scheduled booth selection date and time for the Online Space Drawing. The Online Space Drawing is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. (EST) on Monday, March 15.
New Video to Highlight Importance of Automotive Suppliers
MEMA and its market segment associations, in conjunction with Blue Sky Productions, are producing a special 5-minute video that highlights the importance of automotive suppliers – in terms of how they contribute to America’s manufacturing base and economy and how they fit into the entire automotive industry. John McElroy will narrate the video which will be shown at industry events, to legislators and regulators on Capitol Hill and on the MEMA Web site.
Aftermarket eForum — Solutions Today for Tomorrow’s Technology Challenges
This year’s Aftermarket eForum — Solutions Today for Tomorrow’s Technology Challenges — will take place Monday, Aug. 2 through Wednesday, Aug. 4 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago. Building on the success of the past three years, the 2004 eForum will feature an expanded format that includes breakout sessions and a full vendor trade show. New technology and e-commerce are rapidly reshaping the vehicle aftermarket.