The Week in Review (Nov. 3-7, 2008)
The Week in Review offers a snapshot of the most highly read stories of the week as seen on aftermarketNews. To access the complete stories, simply click on the highlighted links. If you missed reading one of our daily news emails, just click on the link that says “News Archives” at the bottom of the page to begin catching up on the latest industry news.
CARQUEST Names Sachs As Its Official Clutch Supplier
Under the agreement, ZF Services North America will be the sole supplier of complete clutch kits, flywheels and clutch hydraulics to CARQUEST, effective the first quarter of 2009.
American Axle Strike Tips U.S. Nearer Recession as GM, Suppliers Idle Workers
At the beginning of this year, it seemed like Detroit’s great labor battles were over, after industry-changing deals at the Detroit automakers and the likes of parts giant Delphi Corp. But now, as the UAW strike against American Axle & Manufacturing moves through its second month with no end in sight — talks have been sparse with little progress made on key issues — the auto industry’s latest labor dispute has become about more than wage and benefit cuts for a few thousand workers.
German Auto Suppliers Well Positioned, but Credit Profiles Diverging
Fitch Ratings said leading German automotive suppliers are in a comparably good position to deal with the tough trading conditions of the auto supply industry thanks to technological strengths, enlarged global reach and robust profitability. However, credit profiles will continue to diverge between issuers with strong technology and those that are highly dependent on specific regions, original equipment manufacturers and products not commanding the necessary resources to compete globally, the rating agency said.
Executive Interview with Philip Martens, ArvinMeritor Senior Vice President, President, Light Vehicle Systems
In this exclusive Executive Interview, Phil Martens, senior vice president and president of ArvinMeritor’s Light Vehicle Systems business group, brings us up to speed on the return of the Gabriel brand as part of the company’s focus on re-invigorating its global ride control business.
Automotive Communicators Honored for Outstanding PR Achievements
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – The winners of the sixth annual Excellence in Automotive Public Relations Award were honored this week at the Spring Conference of the Automotive Public Relations Council (APRC) held in Dearborn, MI. The awards are the only of their kind that are dedicated to recognizing excellence in automotive public relations. The
ArvinMeritor Appoints Ed Frutig VP, GM, Light Vehicle Systems Chassis Systems
ArvinMeritor has appointed Ed Frutig vice president and general manager of Light Vehicle Systems (LVS) Chassis Systems. He will be responsible for leading the business unit’s accelerated plan for profitable growth through customer-focused initiatives, including global expansion and commercialization of advanced-engineering products.
Modine Announces New Strategic Product Focus, Promotes Several Executives
Modine Manufacturing Co. has announced plans for creating a new strategic product focus for its vehicular business units and related administrative groups. This change, which will become effective Nov. 1, will impact the company’s three primary vehicular divisions: Powertrain Cooling Products (covering chassis mounted components and systems); Engine Products (covering engine mounted components and systems, including Modine’s exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) coolers); and Passenger Thermal Management Products (covering passenger HVAC products and systems).
AIA to Hold 18th Annual Industry Awards Program at AAPEX
LAS VEGAS — The Auto International Association (AIA), a segment of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, will hold its 18th AIA Industry Awards program at AAPEX 2006. The Sands Expo Center Upper Level Lobby will again be the site for this year’s display and will be accessible during the entire week of the show. Open
Omnitek Holds Third Annual Users Group Conference
MISSION VIEJO, CA — Omnitek Information Systems and 21st Century Graphic Technologies recently held their third annual user’s group conference Aug. 10-12 in Irvine, CA. The goal of the annual conference was to inform users of the changing trends in the automotive aftermarket and their impact on the companies’ newly developed systems and methods. At