Chinese Court Enforces Bridgestone Patent Infringement Ruling
On Feb. 27 Bridgestone publicly released details of a recent patent infringement case in China. A Beijing court has ruled in favor of Bridgestone Corp. in a patent infringement case against Chaoyang Long March Tyre Co., Ltd, the Liaoning Province-based manufacturer of the Long March brand of truck tires. After it came to Bridgestone’s attention that the design of certain Long March truck and bus radials may infringe the tire major’s patented intellectual property, the company commenced legal action against Long March in December 2006.
Aftermarket Parts Counterfeiter Arrested in Britain
British law enforcement has arrested a Chinese national wanted for more than a year in Louisiana on two counts of illegal use of counterfeit trademarks following a sting operation in Livingston Parish, LA, British authorities said Monday. London’s Metropolitan Police Service Extradition Unit arrested Yuan Hongwei, 52, as he arrived at Heathrow Airport at 5:30 a.m. Friday, Scotland Yard officials said in a statement.
Continental to Build Engineering Center in Shanghai; Bullish on China Ops
Continental AG’s automotive systems division said it will build a $66 million engineering center in Shanghai as the company aims to double its sales in Asia by 2010. Jay Kunkel, president of Continental’s automotive systems division for Asia, said at a news conference that the company is on track to meet or exceed the target of doubling Asia sales by 2010. He did not give a specific sales projection. Kunkel said the company’s growth in China has been better than expected.
Timken Receives Award from Volkswagen Transmission in China
Timken’s manufacturing facility in Wuxi, China, recently received a 2006 Excellent Supplier award from Volkswagen Transmission Shanghai Co. Ltd. The Timken plant was one of only two suppliers to win the award. Timken has become the sole supplier of needle roller bearings to Volkswagen Transmission. Volkswagen Transmission Shanghai is a joint venture between Volkswagen AG and two of China’s leading car manufacturers, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation and First Auto Works.
Multi Parts Supply Opens New Facility in China
Multi Parts Supply Inc. (MPS) a multinational product development, engineering and supply chain management organization, recently announced the grand opening of its technical center, assembly and distribution facility in Pingyang, China. The facility was built as a Zhejiang government-private partnership in a high-tech industrial park with more than 1 million square-feet of building area of which MPS currently occupies 100,000 square-feet. The new facility houses MPS’ test laboratory, quality control department, light assembly and packaging operation.
Brilliance China Automotive to Sell 300,000 Cars in ’07
From Asiaport Daily News SHENYANG, China — Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd., an automaker based Northeastern China, aims to sell 300,000 cars and earn revenues of more than $5.8 billion this year, up 41 percent versus 2006. Meanwhile, the company said it will export 35,000 cars and obtain foreign exchanges worth $360 million. The company
ASC Expands SKU Offering Worldwide
NORTH CANTON, OH – ASC Industries, a United Components company, now offers more than 1,300 new water pump SKUs, expanding its coverage globally. This expansion makes ASC the largest manufacturer of aftermarket water pumps worldwide. With the integration of ASC as a UCI business unit, all new water pump business has transitioned from Airtex to
Navistar Subsidiary Signs Licensing Agreement with Chinese Diesel Engine Makers
Dongfeng Chaoyang Diesel Co. (DCD), one of China’s largest diesel engine makers, and MWM International Industria De Motores Da America Do Sul Ltda. (MWMI), a subsidiary of Navistar International Corp. has signed a licensing agreement to manufacture and sell select diesel engines in China.
Multi Parts Supply Expands Chinese Operations
Multi Parts Supply Inc. (MPS) a multinational product development, engineering and supply chain management organization, recently announced the expansion of its technical center, assembly and distribution facility in Pingyang, China. The facility is being built as a Zhejiang government-private partnership in a high-tech industrial park with more than 1 million square feet of building are. MPS will initially occupy 100,000 square feet.
W.L. Ross & Co. Buys Two Auto Suppliers for $305 Million
Financier Wilbur Ross this week announced the latest progress in his mission to create a massive automotive supply company with the global footprint to match the automakers. This week, Ross added two automotive suppliers, Mitsuboshi Belting Kaseihin Co., Ltd. (MBK) from Tokyo Stock Exchange listed Mitsuboshi Belting, Ltd. and BST Safety Textiles GmbH (BST), formerly Berger Safety Textiles of Maulburg, Germany, from PPM Capital, the private equity division of Prudential plc, for a total price of $305 million, subject to normal closing adjustments.