Challenge Ahead for Detroit’s Automakers
Detroit’s Big Three automakers — General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler — are going to have to make changes in their products if they want to stay competitive, says automotive trend watcher Micheline Maynard.
Tower Earnings Up
Tower Automotive Inc. earned $12 million, or 21 cents per share, on revenue of $781.2 million in the first quarter. The Novi maker of stamped automobile parts earned $11.57 million, or 21 cents per share, on revenue of $732.57 million in the same period of 2003.
U.S. Bank, Bridgestone, Labatt Blue Renew Return as Sponsors of 2004 Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland
Officials from the Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland announced that U.S. Bank will return to the annual Roar by the Shore summer event as presenting sponsor in 2004. Officials from the Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland announced that U.S. Bank will return to the annual Roar by the Shore summer event as presenting sponsor in 2004.
DuPont Expands Fayetteville Manufacturing Line
DuPont has announced plans to add a $15 million glass interlayer manufacturing line at its site in Fayetteville, N.C. The new line will manufacture DuPont SentryGlas Plus interlayers, high-strength polymer sheets used by glass laminators and window companies to make advanced safety glass for automobiles and buildings.
The End of the Line for the Olds
Today marks the end of the road for Oldsmobile, a line of cars which has been around since 1897. General Motors announced in 2000 that it would discontinue the Oldsmobile, which was the oldest automotive brand name in U.S. history.
Goodyear Launches First Product-Driven Advertising Campaign in Five Years
Goodyear Tire & Rubber has launched an aggressive media campaign in support of its new Assurance brand of tires. Goodyear’s 30-second television commercial for Assurance debuted yesterday on both network and cable television. The commercial is being aired on ABC, CBS and NBC, along with ESPN, MSNBC, TBS, CNBC, The Discovery Channel and The History Channel.
Interstate Batteries Taps Next Chief Exec
Interstate Batteries, a leading brand of replacement automobile batteries in North America, has announced that Carlos Sepulveda will be promoted to president and CEO on May 1. Sepulveda will replace R. Tom Miller, current president and CEO, who is retiring after 41 years in various executive positions at Interstate Batteries. In addition, Len Ruby, executive vice president has announced his retirement after 25 years with the company.
DST Asks: What Topics Would You Like to Read About?
Right now, today, perhaps no other industry is as poised and ready to transform itself as the automotive aftermarket parts and service industry to leverage technology usage to dramatically enhance productivity and boost bottom-line performance. That’s why we took the opportunity, after publishing three months worth of weekly columns, to ask our readers what they would like us to discuss in the next three months. The responses were interesting and thought provoking. Here’s a general recap of what we’ve covered so far and, based upon your feedback, topics for the near future.
KYB America 2004 Product Catalog Now Available
KYB America has announced that its 2004 “World Class Shocks and Struts” product catalog is now available. The catalog features the entire KYB shock and strut product line, as well as a much expanded range of strut mounts and boots, with a new image to reflect the company’s position as a leading manufacturer of quality shocks and struts.
ASA to Host Seminar on Right to Repair Issue
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has created a three-hour seminar, “You Have the Right to Repair,” which will be offered at several ASA affiliated events this year, including Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) in Las Vegas on Nov. 6. Taught by Bill Haas, AAM, ASA’s vice president of service repair markets, the course has been approved by the Automotive Management Institute (AMI). Attendees will receive six credits toward the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation.