Aftermarket Web Challenge Deadline Approaches
Applications for the 2004 Aftermarket Web Challenge are due Monday, Aug. 16. The Aftermarket Web Challenge is the automotive aftermarket’s oldest and most recognized award for Web application excellence. It is sponsored by the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Information Services Council (MIS Council) and is held in conjunction with the organization’s annual Fall Conference. This year’s competition will focus on business-to-business extranets that connect manufacturers with their customers.
Updated: Cypress Group to Buy Dana AAG Unit
It’s official. Dana Corp. has finally named a buyer for its Automotive Aftermarket Group (AAG). As first-reported early this morning in a ”Breaking News” bulletin from aftermarketNews.com, New York-based buyout firm Cypress Group has agreed to purchase the Dana AAG unit for approximately $1.1 billion in cash. Dana AAG President Terry McCormack and John Washbish, the AAG unit’s president of customer relationship management, along with their executive team will continue with the company. According to Michael Finley, managing director of Cypress, former Echlin top execs Larry McCurdy and Joe Onorato have signed on to serve as directors of the new company.
Second Day of Presentations at 2004 GAAS Predict Strong Growth
The second and final day of the 2004 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) ended on a strong note with some impressive new numbers and predictions for the future success of the industry. For the first time in many years, financial analysts are beginning to sit up and take notice of the aftermarket.
Aftermarket Web Competition to be Held at Upcoming MEMA Technology Conference
The MEMA Information Services Council Board of Directors has announced a call for applications to the annual Aftermarket Web Challenge. The Aftermarket Web Challenge is the automotive aftermarket’s oldest and most recognized award for Web application excellence. It is sponsored by the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Information Services Council (MIS Council) and is held in conjunction with the organization’s annual Fall Conference.
Kathy Edge Named New Chair of Filter Manufacturers Council
Kathy Edge, marketing manager for Parker Hannifin/Racor Filtration, has been elected chairman of the Filter Manufacturers Council (FMC). Founded in 1971, FMC represents manufacturers of vehicular and industrial filtration products.
APRC Presents Third Annual Excellence in Automotive PR Awards
The winners of the third annual Excellence in Automotive Public Relations Awards were honored on April 21 at the Automotive Public Relations Council (APRC) Spring Conference held in Dearborn, Mich. APRC, a part of MEMA, is a professional organization for public relations practitioners in all segments of the automotive industry. The only award of its kind, the Excellence in Automotive Public Relations Award identifies public relations programs that have successfully addressed an automotive-related public relations issue with exemplary professional skill, creativity and resourcefulness.
Lean Manufacturers Recognized for Excellence
Ten automotive suppliers are among the recipients of the 2004 Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing. Dubbed the “Nobel prize of Manufacturing” by Business Week magazine, the Shingo Prize recognizes manufacturers who follow Toyota’s LEAN manufacturing principles. Administered by the College of Business, Utah State University, nine state-level awards and a public-sector category, primarily for Military Depots doing re-manufacturing, have been implemented in recent months.
Dana Corp. Prepares for 100th Anniversary Celebrations
Dana Corp. will kick off its centennial-year celebrations at an automotive technology event in downtown Detroit, this while banners announcing the anniversary will begin peppering downtown Toledo. The Toledo firm, which turns 100 on April 1, will start its centennial celebration at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress. Dana will return to the March 8 to 11 event at Cobo Center for the first time since 2001 after bowing out, along with other large suppliers, for business and financial reasons.
Kayaba to Expand Global Manufacturing Operations
Next month, Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd. (KYB) will acquire a 75 percent shareholding in AP Amortiguadores SA (APA) currently held by ArvinMeritor. In the U.S., Kayaba is set to expand its manufacturing base at Franklin, Ind, to support growing sales of KYB shocks and struts to the North American aftermarket.
Delphi Appoints Three New Sales Managers in North America
Delphi Corp. has named three new sales managers for North America. Jim Eady, Darrel Reuss and Steve Tucker will serve as regional sales managers for vehicle electronics in North America for Delphi Product & Service Solutions. Eady will cover the Southeast, Reuss the Midwest and Tucker the Northeast and all will report to Scott Donnelly, North American vehicle electronics sales manager.