Technology Outpaces Would-be Technicians
Help Wanted: Automotive technician. Starting salary: $30,000. Benefits include medical insurance, plus two weeks paid vacation and two long weekends off — that’s Thursday through Sunday — a year. How difficult is it to fill a job like that in Michigan’s lackluster economy? Plenty, according to Stan Shephard, owner of Shephard’s Hi Tech Automotive in Detroit. Shephard posted his help-wanted sign 18 months ago, and today the position remains unfilled. He’s had only 15 applicants for the job.
CSK and NHRA to Educate Youth on Dangers of Street Racing
CSK Auto Inc. and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) have joined forces to educate America’s youth of the dangers of street racing and the benefits of racing at licensed race tracks under controlled conditions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for people aged 16 to 20. CSK Funny Car drivers Del Worsham and Phil Burkart, in conjunction with local police departments, are scheduling visits to high schools throughout the country to share their professional racing experience and offer firsthand knowledge of why drivers should “Race on the Track, Never on the Street.”
North American Automotive Suppliers, Japanese Carmakers Meet for 10th Annual Business Conference
North American automotive suppliers and Japanese car manufacturers will meet to promote expanded business relationships at the 10th annual MEMA/JAMA One on One Business Conference, scheduled to take place Monday, Sept. 27, through Wednesday, Sept. 29, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dearborn, Mich. The conference is sponsored by the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA)
DST Asks: Do You Get Everything You Need from Your Current Computer System?
The database engine is the foundation of a computerized business system, used to abstract very specific sorts of information about your business and organize it in a way that will prove useful. The database should ultimately be viewed as a representation or model of the business.
Hella Receives Award for Technical Innovation
Global automotive lighting and electronics supplier Hella KG Hueck and Co. has received a “Trophy of Excellence” for its technical innovations in the field of electronically-controlled bend lighting.
WIX Announces Two New In-Store Promotions
WIX Filters has launched two new promotions for collectors. An exclusive NASCAR Performance Product, WIX is launching the WIX #1 Fan Bobblehead Promotion designed to help spread the excitement of America’s fastest-growing sport to consumers. WIX is also unveiling the latest in its series of die-cast collectibles, celebrating the joint achievements of both Ford and WIX.
Car Care Council Women’s Board Expands Scholarship Program in 2004
The Car Care Council Women’s Board is increasing the number of scholarships it will be awarding in 2004, in an effort to recruit and retain talented women in the automotive aftermarket industry. The Women’s Board will be awarding a $1,000 scholarship and two $500 scholarships to female students who have completed at least one year in an ASE-certified, post-secondary automobile technology program and plan on entering the automotive field upon graduation. In addition, two $500 scholarships will be awarded to high school female students who will attend an ASE-certified, post-secondary automobile technology program and plan on entering the automotive field upon graduation.
Modine Wins High Volume Condenser Program from PSA
Modine Manufacturing Co. has received the largest condenser order in the company’s 88-year history, from the European automobile manufacturer PSA Peugeot Citroen. The condensers will be used in several models for PSA, which has been one of the fastest-growing carmakers in the past five years. Modine will start production in 2006 for the anticipated $15 million order, approximately half of which represents incremental business. The air conditioning condensers will be manufactured in a highly specialized facility in Austria, which started in 1984 as a joint venture.
ArvinMeritor Honors Outstanding Achievements in Engineering
ArvinMeritor has announced the winners of its 2003 Engineer of the Year and Manufacturing Engineer of the Year awards. The awards, presented at ceremonies on Feb. 5, in Detroit, Mich., recognize those engineers or scientists who have made significant and innovative technological contributions to ArvinMeritor, its customers and the automobile industry.
Monro Muffler Brake to Acquire Mr. Tire Locations from Mile One Automotive
Monro Muffler Brake has signed a definitive agreement with privately held Mile One Automotive to acquire 36 Mr. Tire locations in Maryland and Virginia. The company has no plans to close any of the Mr. Tire locations, and the stores will continue to operate under the current brand name. Monro also said it intends to retain substantially all Mr. Tire store employees.