The Week In Review (Aug. 21-25, 2006)
THE WEEK IN REVIEW (August 21-25, 2006) _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ASSOCIATION & LEGISLATIVE NEWS: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ASA to Communicate with Members through New Blog The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is among the latest in the aftermarket industry to launch a blog website. ASA’s new blog (http://blog.asashop.org) will provide commentary and analysis about the automotive service industry
Timken Board Elects John Reilly as Director
The Timken Co.’s board of directors has elected John Reilly, non-executive chairman of Exide Technologies, as a director of the company. His election expands the Timken board to 13 directors. Reilly has served as non-executive chairman of Exide Technologies since 2004. He previously served as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Stant Corp., chairman, president and CEO of Figgie International, president of Brunswick Corp. and president and CEO of Tenneco Automotive. He also has held leadership positions at Navistar, Mark Body and the former Chrysler Corp.
EPA, UPS Unveil Hybrid Delivery Truck
The Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday unveiled a hybrid diesel vehicle that could reduce the fuel costs of package delivery services like UPS by as much as 70 percent and cut harmful emissions. The hybrid, which was developed through a partnership between the EPA, UPS, the Army’s National Automotive Center, Eaton Corp. and Navistar’s International Truck and Engine Corp., combines a high-efficiency diesel engine with a hydraulic propulsion system, which replaces the vehicle’s conventional drivetrain and transmission.
New Version of Clevite Heavy Duty CEEK Program Available Online
In order to better meet the heavy duty needs of its fleet, agricultural, construction, industrial and marine customers, Clevite Engine Parts updated its Heavy Duty CEEK (Clevite Electronic Engine Kits) program, which can now be found at Heavydutyenginekits.com.
Johnson Controls Elects New Director
Battery, integrated seating and interior systems supplier Johnson Controls announced the election of Eugenio Clariond Reyes- Retana to the company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Clariond, 61, is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Grupo IMSA S.A., an industrial conglomerate specializing in steel, aluminum and plastic products.
GVW Holdings to Sell Workhorse and Uptime Parts to International
GVW Holdings Corporation (GVW) announced it has signed an agreement to sell its subsidiaries Workhorse Custom Chassis, LLC and Uptime Parts, LLC, to International Truck and Engine Corporation, operating company of Navistar International Corporation. The acquisition agreement was signed July 1 and will be completed over the next 30 to 90 days.
International Truck and Engine To Manufacture Trucks and Buses in India in Joint Venture
Navistar International’s operating company, International Truck and Engine Corp., said this week it intends to enter into a joint venture with Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) of India to produce and market light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles for India and export markets.
Metaldyne Execs Stole Trade Secrets, Prosecutors Claim
Two former employees of Metaldyne Corp. — one of them a vice president — were charged Tuesday with stealing the company’s trade secrets to sell to a Chinese competitor. Anne Lockwood, 52, of Rochester Hills and Fuping Liu, 41, a U.S. citizen who lives in Shanghai, China, were charged in a criminal complaint with stealing the company’s technology for making engine connecting rods from powdered metal.
Grammer AG Wins Volkswagen Best Supplier Award
Grammer AG – Automotive, a supplier of specialty automotive seating systems, has received a 2003 Best Supplier Award from Volkswagen’s Truck and Bus Division. Grammer’s Atibaia, Brazil operations produce all Volkswagen bus and truck seats manufactured in Brazil. Four companies out of Volkswagen’s more than 350 suppliers were selected for the recognition.
Rema Tip Top/North America Announces Two Executive Appointments
Rema Tip Top/North America’s TRM division has expanded its national account department and appointed two new executives. As part of the expansion, Kevin Sapp has been named national account manager. In this new role, Sapp will continue to develop Rema Tip Top’s business with OEM tire manufacturers, retread material manufacturers, retail tire chain, mass merchandisers and automotive distribution chains. Additionally, the company has named Michael Gibson as its new south central zone territory manager. Gibson brings 11 years of experience to the position, coming from Schrader-Bridgeport where he fulfilled various responsibilities in sales, operations and purchasing.