Learn How to Work Leaner, Faster, Better at GAAS 2004
Early registrants for the ninth annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) program will learn how the aftermarket will work leaner, faster and better at a substantial savings. GAAS 2004 is set for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18-19, at the Hyatt Regency, Chicago, Ill. Dr. Jeffrey Rosensweig, economist and professor at Emory University, heads the lineup of speakers at GAAS 2004. NASCAR Driver Bill Lester is the featured lunch speaker on Tuesday, May 18. GAAS 2004 will also include two pre-conference events: the 2004 Manufacturers’ Reps Conference on Sunday and Monday, May 16-17, and the University of the Aftermarket Pre-Symposium Seminar on Monday, May 17, “How to Accelerate Your Sales Growth through Increased Customer Loyalty.”
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.
AutoZone Enhances Top Management Team, NAPA’s Steve Handschuh Named Senior VP
AutoZone (AZ) has announced new responsibilities and additions to the company’s senior management team. Steve Handschuh, current president of NAPA Auto Parts, has been named senior vice president of AZ commercial. Handschuh spent the last seventeen years at NAPA building its wholesale business. Mike Longo, currently senior vice president of store operations for AZ commercial and ALLDATA, has been named senior vice president for growth initiatives. Additionally, Brad Bacon, vice president and general manager of store operations, will become senior vice president of store operations.
Keystone Automotive Acquires Toronto-Based Quinte Bumper & Fender
Keystone Automotive Industries has acquired Quinte Bumper & Fender, a privately held company based in Ontario, Canada, that distributes automobile collision replacement parts. Quinte recorded sales of approximately $6.5 million during its most recent fiscal year. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition is a continuation of Keystone’s strategy to expand throughout Canada, according to Charles Hogarty, president and CEO of Keystone.
ASA Names New Vice President of Communications, New Manager of Web Operations
Angie Wilson has been named the Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) new vice president of communications. She replaces Ken Roberts, who has left the position to pursue opportunities in another industry, according to ASA. ASA has also promoted Colby Horton to manager of Web operations.
TI Automotive Wins $1.2 Billion in New Business
TI Automotive recently won contracts in its fuel systems division valued at more than $1.2 billion from automotive manufacturers in Europe, Asia and North America. Beginning with 2006-model-year production, the fourth-quarter contract awards include complete fuel systems and subsystems for a range of products,
Power Steering Flaw Prompts GM Recall
General Motors Corp. is recalling more than 800,000 cars because of a power steering defect that may have led to eight injuries. About 750,000 cars in the U.S. and about 55,000 in Canada — all made between Jan. 1, 1996, and Oct. 31, 1997, — are affected, GM said. The models are the 1996 Buick Regal, 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, 1997-98 Oldsmobile Cutlass, Chevrolet Lumina, Monte Carlo, Malibu, and 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue cars. Also, some 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix and Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, and 1997-98 Buick Regal cars are being recalled. Eight reported nonfatal injuries may be related to the defect.
Four CART Board Members Resign
James Hardymon, James Henderson, Rafael Sanchez and Frederick Tucker have resigned from the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) board of directors, leaving President and CEO Christopher Pook as the sole member of the board. Their resignations come after the recent news that CART’s assets of would be bought out by Open Wheel Racing Series LLC, following a failed merger attempt between the two racing organizations.
SEMA Show 2004 Space Selection Begins in February
Online space selection for the SEMA Show 2004 will begin the week of Feb. 9. The trade show is scheduled to take place Nov. 2 through Nov. 5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The online selection for exhibit location will be made according to a company’s seniority as SEMA Show exhibitor, and their membership in SEMA and/or the Tire Industry Association (TIA).
Intermet to Close Havana, Ill., Foundry
Intermet Corp. intends to close its foundry in Havana, Ill., during the second quarter of this year. The company said the closure is necessary to rationalize excess production capacity and reduce costs. The facility, which manufactures ductile-iron castings for the automotive industry, currently employs 205 people, including hourly and salaried staff. The company will consolidate the plant’s equipment and products into other existing Intermet foundries.