TRW and ArvinMeritor in JV

In a press release, TRW Automotive Aftermarket and ArvinMeritor announces a Shock Absorber Distribution Joint Venture .

With the Joint Venture, TRW and ArvinMeritor will jointly control the future marketing, sales and distribution of the Gabriel and TRW aftermarket programmes throughout Western, Central and Eastern Europe.

See the full press release: http://trw.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=343

European Associations Launch Right to Repair Campaign

Automotive aftermarket and motorist representatives have today launched the Right to Repair Campaign at EquipAuto 2007 to safeguard consumer choice and effective competition in the market for vehicle replacement parts, tools and equipment, servicing and repair.
Campaign spokesperson Sylvia Gotzen: While technological innovations provide better emissions control as well as more safety and comfort, they have made it increasingly challenging to service or repair a vehicle. Fair and full access for independent market operators to technical information, multi-brand diagnostic tools as well as test equipment, replacement parts and training is therefore more than ever crucial to be able to provide European motorists with the quality service and parts they deserve in the aftermarket care of their vehicles,”

While technological innovations provide better emissions control as well as more safety and comfort, they have made it increasingly challenging to service or repair a vehicle. Fair and full access for independent market operators to technical information, multi-brand diagnostic tools as well as test equipment, replacement parts and training is therefore more than ever crucial to be able to provide European motorists with the quality service and parts they deserve in the aftermarket care of their vehicles.

Full story available on the tirereview.com website

Valeo settles with Delphi

In a settlement between Valeo and Delphi in which Valeo allegelly sold defective part to Delphi, the two companies has now reach an agreement in which Valeo will pay Delphi $4 million.

More on the story: http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071009/NEWS03/710090308/1004/news03

Remy set to reorganise

Remy Intenational has received acceptance of its reorganization plan and will procced to commence voluntary proceedings under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Banktuptcy Code to seek confirmation of the plan.

Source: AutoIndustry

Johnson Controls to launch new logo

Johnson Control is launching a new corporate logo and tag-line across its multi-diverse organisations.

The change is coming at the same time as the new CEO Mr. Roell is stepping in and who say the move comes as a result of aligning the corporate strategy. The new tag-line 'Ingenuity Welcome' send a strong signal for potential employees and this is no coincidence. The company believes that building its brand will enable them to attract the best talent and thereby support the cómpanys continued growth.

Privious stand-alone brands will also as part of the new branding strategy become closed tied in with the new corporate identity. Strong product brands such as: HomeLink, York, Optima, Varta, Heliar and LTH will become endorsed Johnson Control brands.

More on the brand change: See the Johnson Controls website

Chinese exhibitor caught by customs at Frankfurt IAA Show

For the first time the IAA has employed a special mobile customs group to check exhibitors from non-EU countries to expose counterfit products. Surprisingly the customes group with assistance from two patent lawyers found only one company in violation of a patent holders IP rights.

More on the story: http://www.autoindustry.co.uk/news/26-09-07_14

Valeo to sell its wiring operation

Yesterday, Valeo confirmed that it is in talk with German company Leoni AG on selling its wiring business. The activities in question had sales of 545 mill. EU in 2006. Leoni AG sad that the acqusition would gain the access to the French market for the first time.

More on this news: http://www.abcmoney.co.uk/news/042007128251.htm