NEWS BRIEFS FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 24, 2007ROL to Acquire Corteco's Traditional Aftermarket Business OVIEDA, FL (May 17, 2007) - ROL Manufacturing announced that it has reached an agreement in principle to acquire specific assets of Corteco's North American Traditional Aftermarket Business (TAB) from Freudenberg-NOK. Closing is expected to take place in June 2007, subject to the fulfillment of customary closing preconditions. Specifically, the agreement includes the assets in the United States, Canada and Mexico that are related to Corteco Engine Gaskets & Seals, Omega Power Steering Hose and MounTec Engine & Transmission Mounts. In addition, ROL Mfg. and Freudenberg-NOK have agreed to form a strategic alliance. The agreement provides for the exchange of services, parts and technology in order to maximize focus and service for their respective customers and markets. (Source: ROL
Manufacturing)Bush Calls for Higher Fuel Efficiency WASHINGTON (May 14, 2007) - President Bush announced that his administration will begin the long process of establishing higher fuel efficiency standards for new cars.
President Bush makes a statement about CAFE standards.
(Photo: White House)"Last month, the Supreme Court ruled that the [U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)] must take action under the Clean Air Act regarding greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles," President Bush told reporters. "So today, I'm directing the EPA and the Departments of Transportation, Energy and Agriculture to take the first steps toward regulations that would cut gasoline consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles, using my '20-in-10' plan as a starting point." The Supreme Court found on April 2 that carbon dioxide, the principal heat-trapping gas, is a pollutant under the Clean Air Act and must be regulated by EPA unless the agency scientifically determines that it does not contribute to climate change or that action is not necessary. The decision also rebuffed the administration's arguments, ruling in favor of states that were seeking new controls on these emissions from automobiles. Bush added that developing these regulations requires coordination across many different areas of expertise, and he acknowledged that because the process is a complicated legal and technical matter, it's going to take time to fully resolve: "Yet, it is important to move forward, so I have directed members of my administration to complete the process by the end of 2008. When it comes to energy and the environment, the American people expect common sense, and they expect action."(Source: White
House)'Pros Who Know' Scholarship Program Ramps Up GRAND BLANC, MI (May 15, 2007) - IHRA and ADRL Pro Modified driver Harold Martin - the "EFI Wizard" - has had an illustrious career, both on and off the track. An entrepreneur and engineer, Martin was the first driver to use electronic fuel injection in drag racing.
Harold Martin's Pro Modified racecar.
(Photo: ACDelco) Now, the ACDelco-sponsored Pontiac racer is taking on a new role for ACDelco: youth outreach. Martin is helping to raise awareness of the automotive industry's shortage of qualified automotive technicians - and awarding scholarships in the process. At select dates on the IHRA and ADRL race circuits, Martin is encouraging young people to pursue careers in automotive technology, by spreading the word about the demand for qualified technicians. He also is promoting the ACDelco-Harold Martin "Pros Who Know" scholarship program, which awards four high-school seniors each a $2,500 scholarship for first-year expenses at an accredited vocational school, trade school, college or university. In addition to these scholarships, ACDelco will present $500 in ACDelco automotive parts to each winning student's school, helping these institutions' vocational programs. The scholarship program runs through Oct. 15, 2007; winners will be notified by January 2008. For more information or to submit an application, visit www.acdelco.com.(Source: ACDelco)CARB Mandates Diesel Emission Control Strategies SACRAMENTO, CA (May 18, 2007) - The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has announced that Mailout MSC 07-15, an executive order regarding the proper selection of CARB-verified Diesel Emission Control Strategies (DECS), is now available. The agency strongly advises fleet owners to read and follow the guidelines before purchasing a CARB-verified DECS. DECS installed on inappropriate engines, vehicles and/or applications, or operated in a manner that is not compliant with the executive order, cannot be considered verified configurations and will not satisfy the agency's fleet requirements. CARB advises that non-compliance could expose owners of affected vehicles or equipment to potentially significant civil penalties and fines. The executive order can be acquired at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/mailouts/mouts_07.htm.(Source: CARB)Gasoline Prices Hit New Record High WASHINGTON (May 9, 2007) - Relief from high gasoline prices is weeks away, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration's (EIA's) latest report. The office - which serves as the Department of Energy's independent forecasting and analytical arm - says that the national average price for regular unleaded gasoline reached $3.103 per gallon on the week of May 14, eclipsing the all-time record by 3.4 cents per gallon. Gasoline Prices by State
(May 22, 2007)HighestLowestIL$3.46NJ$2.93CA$3.44SC$2.98WA$3.43NH$3.00MI$3.42AK$3.02NE$3.40VT$3.02OR$3.40TN$3.02HI$3.39DE$3.02NM$3.39MS$3.03WI$3.38VA$3.03ND$3.35AL$3.04(Table source: FuelMeUp.com) In contrast, retail diesel prices fell for the fourth consecutive week to $2.773 per gallon - 14.7 cents per gallon lower than at this time last year. Moreover, while diesel prices have fallen 5.03 percent from a year ago, gasoline prices have risen by 5.29 percent. FuelMeUp.com is a Web site designed to help consumers find the lowest-priced gasoline in their city or ZIP code. The site tracks gasoline prices in stations nationwide and updates prices three times a day. Visitors enter a ZIP code or location, and a list of the gasoline pricing in that area is found. The site is accessible either by cell phone or computer. In addition, the EIA says that demand has been outpacing supply, causing gasoline inventories to drop from well above the average range to well below it. Other factors include a reduction in gasoline production stemming from refinery maintenance, unplanned outages/breakdowns and a slump in imports that only recently has been corrected. "Retail prices will go even higher heading into the summer vacation season because not all of the recent rise in wholesale fuel costs has been reflected in what consumers pay at the pump," says EIA head Guy Caruso at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on summer gasoline prices. While he declined to speculate how much higher fuel costs will go, Caruso advised that "there is still some wholesale price run-up that has not been passed through." (Sources: EIA, FuelMeUp.com)Prettier in Pink
(Photo: ACDelco) Now, the ACDelco-sponsored Pontiac racer is taking on a new role for ACDelco: youth outreach. Martin is helping to raise awareness of the automotive industry's shortage of qualified automotive technicians - and awarding scholarships in the process. At select dates on the IHRA and ADRL race circuits, Martin is encouraging young people to pursue careers in automotive technology, by spreading the word about the demand for qualified technicians. He also is promoting the ACDelco-Harold Martin "Pros Who Know" scholarship program, which awards four high-school seniors each a $2,500 scholarship for first-year expenses at an accredited vocational school, trade school, college or university. In addition to these scholarships, ACDelco will present $500 in ACDelco automotive parts to each winning student's school, helping these institutions' vocational programs. The scholarship program runs through Oct. 15, 2007; winners will be notified by January 2008. For more information or to submit an application, visit www.acdelco.com.(Source: ACDelco)CARB Mandates Diesel Emission Control Strategies SACRAMENTO, CA (May 18, 2007) - The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has announced that Mailout MSC 07-15, an executive order regarding the proper selection of CARB-verified Diesel Emission Control Strategies (DECS), is now available. The agency strongly advises fleet owners to read and follow the guidelines before purchasing a CARB-verified DECS. DECS installed on inappropriate engines, vehicles and/or applications, or operated in a manner that is not compliant with the executive order, cannot be considered verified configurations and will not satisfy the agency's fleet requirements. CARB advises that non-compliance could expose owners of affected vehicles or equipment to potentially significant civil penalties and fines. The executive order can be acquired at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/mailouts/mouts_07.htm.(Source: CARB)Gasoline Prices Hit New Record High WASHINGTON (May 9, 2007) - Relief from high gasoline prices is weeks away, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration's (EIA's) latest report. The office - which serves as the Department of Energy's independent forecasting and analytical arm - says that the national average price for regular unleaded gasoline reached $3.103 per gallon on the week of May 14, eclipsing the all-time record by 3.4 cents per gallon. Gasoline Prices by State
(May 22, 2007)HighestLowestIL$3.46NJ$2.93CA$3.44SC$2.98WA$3.43NH$3.00MI$3.42AK$3.02NE$3.40VT$3.02OR$3.40TN$3.02HI$3.39DE$3.02NM$3.39MS$3.03WI$3.38VA$3.03ND$3.35AL$3.04(Table source: FuelMeUp.com) In contrast, retail diesel prices fell for the fourth consecutive week to $2.773 per gallon - 14.7 cents per gallon lower than at this time last year. Moreover, while diesel prices have fallen 5.03 percent from a year ago, gasoline prices have risen by 5.29 percent. FuelMeUp.com is a Web site designed to help consumers find the lowest-priced gasoline in their city or ZIP code. The site tracks gasoline prices in stations nationwide and updates prices three times a day. Visitors enter a ZIP code or location, and a list of the gasoline pricing in that area is found. The site is accessible either by cell phone or computer. In addition, the EIA says that demand has been outpacing supply, causing gasoline inventories to drop from well above the average range to well below it. Other factors include a reduction in gasoline production stemming from refinery maintenance, unplanned outages/breakdowns and a slump in imports that only recently has been corrected. "Retail prices will go even higher heading into the summer vacation season because not all of the recent rise in wholesale fuel costs has been reflected in what consumers pay at the pump," says EIA head Guy Caruso at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on summer gasoline prices. While he declined to speculate how much higher fuel costs will go, Caruso advised that "there is still some wholesale price run-up that has not been passed through." (Sources: EIA, FuelMeUp.com)Prettier in Pink
The 2008 limited-edition Warriors
in Pink Mustang.
(Photos: Ford) DEARBORN, MI (May 17, 2007) - Ford is revving up its 2007 Warriors in Pink campaign to support the "Susan G. Komen for the Cure" fund - the largest source of non-profit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. The automaker announced it will produce a limited edition of 2,500 new 2008 Mustang with the "Warriors in Pink" package. Available on the V6 premium array coupe or convertible models, the package adds a pink ribbon and Pony fender badge, pink Mustang rocker tape striping, charcoal leather seats with pink stitching, aluminum-spoke steering wheel with pink stitching and charcoal floor mats with pink ribbon and contrast stitching. The Warriors in Pink package, which includes the Mustang Pony package, will be available in three colors: black, metallic silver and performance white. In addition, a Warriors in Pink collection of apparel also is available at www.Fordcares.com. All of the net proceeds from the limited run of Mustangs and apparel will be donated to the Komen fund.(Source: Ford)Chevy Sequel Drives into
History Books TARRYTOWN, NY (May 15, 2007) - General Motors Corp. (GM) made history last week as its Chevy Sequel became the first electrically driven, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle to achieve 300 miles on one tank of hydrogen, in and out of traffic on public roads, while producing zero emissions.
(Photos: Ford) DEARBORN, MI (May 17, 2007) - Ford is revving up its 2007 Warriors in Pink campaign to support the "Susan G. Komen for the Cure" fund - the largest source of non-profit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. The automaker announced it will produce a limited edition of 2,500 new 2008 Mustang with the "Warriors in Pink" package. Available on the V6 premium array coupe or convertible models, the package adds a pink ribbon and Pony fender badge, pink Mustang rocker tape striping, charcoal leather seats with pink stitching, aluminum-spoke steering wheel with pink stitching and charcoal floor mats with pink ribbon and contrast stitching. The Warriors in Pink package, which includes the Mustang Pony package, will be available in three colors: black, metallic silver and performance white. In addition, a Warriors in Pink collection of apparel also is available at www.Fordcares.com. All of the net proceeds from the limited run of Mustangs and apparel will be donated to the Komen fund.(Source: Ford)Chevy Sequel Drives into
History Books TARRYTOWN, NY (May 15, 2007) - General Motors Corp. (GM) made history last week as its Chevy Sequel became the first electrically driven, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle to achieve 300 miles on one tank of hydrogen, in and out of traffic on public roads, while producing zero emissions.
Chevy Sequel
(Photo: GM) "With this drive, General Motors has reached another important milestone toward the commercialization of our fuel cell vehicles, by achieving the range expected by today's consumers," said Larry Burns, GM vice president, Research & Development and Strategic Planning. "And we did it while producing zero emissions, as a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle only emits water. In addition, the hydrogen produced at Niagara Falls, used to fuel Sequel, was derived from hydropower - a clean, renewable resource. This means that the entire process - from the creation of the hydrogen to the use of the fuel in the vehicle - was virtually carbon dioxide-free." First introduced in 2005 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the first drivable version appeared last fall. It is the first vehicle in the world to successfully integrate a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system with a broad menu of advanced technologies, such as steer- and brake-by-wire controls, wheel hub motors, lithium-ion batteries and a lightweight aluminum structure. (Source: GM)NASCAR Shows Zero Tolerance CHARLOTTE, NC (May 15, 2007) - NASCAR provided a clear signal that it will follow a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to creativity on the Car of Tomorrow (CoT), when it docked driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. 100 driver-standing points and hit his crew chief, Tony Eury Jr., with a $100,000 fine and a six-race suspension for an illegal modification to the rear wing's mounting brackets. The fine ties the all-time record for a NASCAR infraction. "We communicated to the teams earlier in the year [March 21] that any modifications to these parts that had already been certified would be dealt with severely," Competition Director Robin Pemberton says. The memo to Nextel Cup Series teams outlined penalties for CoT infractions, specifically listing $100,000 fines, points deductions and suspensions for alterations to any certified and mandated part. According to NASCAR, the No. 8 team was found to have violated several sections of its 2007 rule book - most notably, Rule 20-3.1.3B, which reads, "NASCAR-approved upper and lower rear wing mounting brackets must not be modified to obtain a rear-wing angle of less than zero degrees or more than 16 degrees." Eury says the infraction at Darlington Raceway was an oversight, maintaining he had used outdated brackets on the rear wing of Earnhardt's CoT. "It was kind of just a bad deal, a part that got on there that shouldn't have,'" he says. "There was a lot of off-season testing for NASCAR. There's been three different kinds of brackets on there and it just happened to be one of the old-style brackets. It really wasn't that big of a deal." NASCAR thought otherwise. "There is no doubt whatsoever it was intentional," says Pemberton. "We are very surprised and disappointed in Tony." He noted that the Earnhardt car initially passed a prequalifying inspection, but when the wing did not pass the prerace inspection the next day, it was removed for further examination. Once the brackets were off the car, NASCAR discovered they had been intentionally modified. NASCAR then made its ruling and put the illegal parts on display in the NASCAR trailer for teams to examine. (Source: NASCAR)Lang, AAIA to Co-produce Aftermarket Factbook BETHESDA, MD (May 19, 2007) - An alliance between Lang Marketing Resources and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) has created the first single estimate of the size and scope of the total automotive aftermarket. According to the research, the expanded version of the 2007-2008 Aftermarket Factbook, the full size of the automotive aftermarket in 2006 is estimated to be $294 billion. The 310-page report will contain information from both the AAIA Aftermarket Factbook and the Lang Aftermarket Annual 2007-2008, and the new publication will feature analysis never before available. "To achieve this monumental harmonization of data, it was important to recognize that public companies in the automotive industry are using information from both AAIA and Lang," says Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO, AAIA. "Every effort was made to preserve the integrity of the basic outline of this information so the financial community and public companies would not be confused." "The partnership between AAIA and Lang Marketing for me began a year ago as a result of a phone call I received from a Wall Street analyst expressing frustration at not being able to reconcile our respective aftermarket data," explains Jim Lang, president, Lang Marketing Resources. "After a number of meetings, we decided to not only harmonize AAIA and Lang data on the size of the aftermarket, but also to present both sets of data in a single report." (Sources: Lang Marketing Resources, AAIA)
(Photo: GM) "With this drive, General Motors has reached another important milestone toward the commercialization of our fuel cell vehicles, by achieving the range expected by today's consumers," said Larry Burns, GM vice president, Research & Development and Strategic Planning. "And we did it while producing zero emissions, as a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle only emits water. In addition, the hydrogen produced at Niagara Falls, used to fuel Sequel, was derived from hydropower - a clean, renewable resource. This means that the entire process - from the creation of the hydrogen to the use of the fuel in the vehicle - was virtually carbon dioxide-free." First introduced in 2005 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the first drivable version appeared last fall. It is the first vehicle in the world to successfully integrate a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system with a broad menu of advanced technologies, such as steer- and brake-by-wire controls, wheel hub motors, lithium-ion batteries and a lightweight aluminum structure. (Source: GM)NASCAR Shows Zero Tolerance CHARLOTTE, NC (May 15, 2007) - NASCAR provided a clear signal that it will follow a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to creativity on the Car of Tomorrow (CoT), when it docked driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. 100 driver-standing points and hit his crew chief, Tony Eury Jr., with a $100,000 fine and a six-race suspension for an illegal modification to the rear wing's mounting brackets. The fine ties the all-time record for a NASCAR infraction. "We communicated to the teams earlier in the year [March 21] that any modifications to these parts that had already been certified would be dealt with severely," Competition Director Robin Pemberton says. The memo to Nextel Cup Series teams outlined penalties for CoT infractions, specifically listing $100,000 fines, points deductions and suspensions for alterations to any certified and mandated part. According to NASCAR, the No. 8 team was found to have violated several sections of its 2007 rule book - most notably, Rule 20-3.1.3B, which reads, "NASCAR-approved upper and lower rear wing mounting brackets must not be modified to obtain a rear-wing angle of less than zero degrees or more than 16 degrees." Eury says the infraction at Darlington Raceway was an oversight, maintaining he had used outdated brackets on the rear wing of Earnhardt's CoT. "It was kind of just a bad deal, a part that got on there that shouldn't have,'" he says. "There was a lot of off-season testing for NASCAR. There's been three different kinds of brackets on there and it just happened to be one of the old-style brackets. It really wasn't that big of a deal." NASCAR thought otherwise. "There is no doubt whatsoever it was intentional," says Pemberton. "We are very surprised and disappointed in Tony." He noted that the Earnhardt car initially passed a prequalifying inspection, but when the wing did not pass the prerace inspection the next day, it was removed for further examination. Once the brackets were off the car, NASCAR discovered they had been intentionally modified. NASCAR then made its ruling and put the illegal parts on display in the NASCAR trailer for teams to examine. (Source: NASCAR)Lang, AAIA to Co-produce Aftermarket Factbook BETHESDA, MD (May 19, 2007) - An alliance between Lang Marketing Resources and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) has created the first single estimate of the size and scope of the total automotive aftermarket. According to the research, the expanded version of the 2007-2008 Aftermarket Factbook, the full size of the automotive aftermarket in 2006 is estimated to be $294 billion. The 310-page report will contain information from both the AAIA Aftermarket Factbook and the Lang Aftermarket Annual 2007-2008, and the new publication will feature analysis never before available. "To achieve this monumental harmonization of data, it was important to recognize that public companies in the automotive industry are using information from both AAIA and Lang," says Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO, AAIA. "Every effort was made to preserve the integrity of the basic outline of this information so the financial community and public companies would not be confused." "The partnership between AAIA and Lang Marketing for me began a year ago as a result of a phone call I received from a Wall Street analyst expressing frustration at not being able to reconcile our respective aftermarket data," explains Jim Lang, president, Lang Marketing Resources. "After a number of meetings, we decided to not only harmonize AAIA and Lang data on the size of the aftermarket, but also to present both sets of data in a single report." (Sources: Lang Marketing Resources, AAIA)
