Online Registration Now Open for ASA’s Annual Convention
Online registration for the Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) 2007 Annual Convention is now available by visiting http://www.ASAshop.org/Annual07. The annual convention will be held May 3-5 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, TN. Attendees may use the secure online form to register for a variety of annual convention activities, including management seminars, ASA’s Celebration of Excellence, optional tours and housing accommodations.
Darrel Amberson Appointed Event Chairman Appointment for NACE 2007
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and the 2007 International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) announced that Darrell Amberson, current ASA collision division director, has accepted the appointment as the 2007 event chairman. This appointment includes leading a 25-member NACE Attendee Advisory Council in the logistical plan developments, formulated for the betterment of future NACE events.
Chinese Auto Part Makers Seek Overseas Mergers and Acquisitions
China’s auto part sector will see more overseas mergers and acquisitions in the years ahead, as more local Chinese manufacturers look for overseas partners, insiders predicted. Huaxiang Group, one of the world’s top 500 auto part companies, announced earlier this month that it had acquired a subsidiary of the world’s third largest auto part maker, Lawrence Automotive Interiors.
AMI Announces 2006 BodyShop Business Magazine Scholarship Recipient
The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) and Babcox Publications have announced that Dick DeLaere, controller, Autobody USA in Kalamazoo, MI, is the recipient of this year’s BodyShop Business Magazine Scholarship. AMI and Babcox present the scholarship annually to recognize management-oriented members of the Automotive Service Association Collision Division. The recipient receives $1,000 to be applied toward expenses to attend the International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) in Las Vegas, Nov. 1-4.
J.D. Power and Associates Acquires Automotive Resources Asia
J.D. Power and Associates, a business of The McGraw-Hill Companies, has acquired Automotive Resources Asia (ARA), a market strategy and information firm specializing in Asia’s car markets since 1993. ARA provides market information to automakers and suppliers in the China and the ASEAN region. The company’s surveys are routinely used by global and domestic automobile manufacturers and parts suppliers to collect insights on everything from new-vehicle buyer behavior to future product demand forecasts. The company maintains offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Bangkok.
American Axle & Manufacturing Reports Second Quarter Earnings of $20.4 Million
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings’ (AAM) earnings in the second quarter of 2006 were $20.4 million or 40 cents per share, compared to earnings of $18.9 million or 37 cents per share in the second quarter of 2005.
American Axle & Manufacturing Announces Executive Appointments
American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (AAM) announced the following executive appointments effective July 1. John Bellanti has been appointed vice president, manufacturing services, capital planning & cost estimating. Allan Monich has been appointed vice president, quality assurance & customer satisfaction. John Sofia has been appointed vice president engineering & product development.
American Axle & Manufacturing Reports First Quarter 2006 Financial Results
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings (AAM) has reported its sales and earnings for the first quarter of 2006. AAM’s earnings in the first quarter of 2006 were $8.6 million or 17 cents per share. This compares to earnings of $13.3 million or 26 cents per share in the first quarter of 2005. AAM’s earnings in the first quarter of 2006 include a favorable tax adjustment of $3.1 million, or 6 cents per share, related to the settlement of federal and state tax liabilities from prior years. AAM’s first quarter results also reflect a $10.4 million increase in non-cash expenses related to depreciation and amortization, pension and post-retirement benefits and stock-based compensation.
Chery, Geely Included into China’s Top 10 Automakers for 2005
Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. and Geely Holding Group were included in the list of China’s top 10 automakers for 2005 for the first time, according to data released by China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) on January 13.
Automotive Management Institute Honors Class of 2005
The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) honored its 13th class of Accredited Automotive Managers (AAMs) on Nov. 4. The graduating class of 2005 had 125 automotive service professionals who earned the prestigious AAM designation by successfully completing AMI courses and accumulating a minimum of 120 credits. The graduation took place during the Automotive Service Association (ASA) Celebration of Excellence, Nov. 4, 2005, in Las Vegas.