ArvinMeritor Refocuses CVS Field Operations
ArvinMeritor’s Commercial Vehicle Systems (CVS) business unit has refocused its field organization in order to better serve its North American fleet and dealer customers. The reorganization includes increased contact and support, including sales and technical counsel and training, according to CVS.
Accuride Corporation Reports First Quarter Results
Accuride Corp. has announced net sales of $272.6 million for the first quarter of 2005, which ended on March 31. This compares to net sales of $111.4 million for the first quarter of 2004, an increase of 144.7 percent, according to the company. Net income for the quarter was $0.2 million, or 1 cent per diluted share, compared to $4.6 million, or 30 cents per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2004.
China’s Growing Presence in the Global Auto Industry
Over the past few years, global competition in the automotive industry has significantly heated up. Wayne Xing, editor and publisher of China Business Update, yesterday addressed one particular country of increasing interest to the U.S. aftermarket – China – during a presentation at the 2005 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS).
Goodyear Unit Pairs Up For On-Site Tire Program
Wheels Inc. has hooked up with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.’s Just Tires outlets to create what it says is “the industry’s first on-the-go tire installation program” for passenger vehicle fleets. The Tire Valet service will roll out in Chicago starting June 6.
TIA Members Gain Access to Online Fleet Maintenance Tool
Members of the Tire Industry Association (TIA) can now access a Web-based, commercial fleet management tool at “favorable rates,” thanks to an agreement between TIA and Comdata Corp. Comdata’s Fleet Team Web-based service allows dealers providing parts, maintenance and repair services to fleets to offer their customers a fleet maintenance system at no cost, according to the Brentwood, Tenn.-based supplier of transaction and payment services.
FedEx Announces Plans to Add up to 75 ‘Clean Air’ Hybrid Trucks to Fleet
FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp., today announced plans to add up to 75 hybrid, diesel electric trucks to its service fleet in the next 12 months. The announcement coincided with the unveiling of two FedEx hybrid trucks in the nation’s capital on Thursday, which brought the company-wide total of hybrid trucks in use to 18. The Washington, D.C. rollout is a joint initiative with Environmental Defense and Eaton Corp.
Goodyear’s Wingfoot Subsidiary to Operate Eight Pilot Truck Care Centers
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.’s Wingfoot Commercial Tire Systems subsidiary has signed an agreement to assume operation of eight Pilot Truck Care Centers in five states. The new, Goodyear-operated Pilot Truck Care Centers will provide trucking fleets with new tires, retreads, limited mechanical service, preventive maintenance, and roadside assistance, as well as an “on-highway” presence, Goodyear said in a release announcing the agreement. The Truck Care Centers will retain the Pilot name, according to the announcement.
ArvinMeritor and Meritor WABCO Unveil New Medium-Duty Hydraulic ABS/Disc Brake Package
ArvinMeritor and Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems have unveiled their new Premium Hydraulic Braking System for medium-duty truck and bus applications. Meritor WABCO is a joint venture of ArvinMeritor and the WABCO Automotive Products Group of American Standard Companies Inc. The package includes Meritor WABCO’s Hydraulic Power Brake (HPB) — the next-generation of its hydraulic actuation and anti-lock braking system (ABS) — and the Meritor Quadraulic hydraulic disc brake. The package is available immediately for North American original equipment manufacturers’ vehicles.
BFNT Tire Care Videos Now Available in Spanish
Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) is releasing a Spanish-language edition of its popular “Longer Mileage Program Videos” on DVD. The video segments were created to help Spanish-speaking fleet managers, drivers, technicians and maintenance personnel learn more about preventing the most common tire-related problems. The DVD is available free to fleets, dealers and tire-repair facilities.
Grote Offers New Electrical Troubleshooting Poster Featuring Truck Lighting and Wiring Info
Grote Industries, which makes LED and incandescent lamps, mirrors, obstacle detection systems, reflective accessories and wiring components, has created a new poster with tips for technicians and counter salespeople in installation and troubleshooting of electrical wiring and lighting for trucks.