Maccabeus Top AutoMobility Stories – December 2022

Katie Lucas Named Chief Administrative Officer of Lucas Oil

Lucas Oil Products has announced the appointment of Katie Lucas, the company’s vice president of strategy and philanthropy, to the position of chief administrative officer. In this role, she will be responsible for blending day-to-day operations with long-term strategic goals, providing oversight of company policies, procedures, campaigns and growth initiatives. “Over the years I’ve known and worked with Katie, I’ve seen her ability to motivate teams and drive initiatives forward while exemplifying the vision and core values that have made Lucas Oil what it is today,” said Forrest Lucas, CEO of Lucas Oil. “We are in a unique position to continue the legacy of our iconic American brand while advancing and elevating our focus to meet the needs of the next generation. Katie is the right person to meet these goals, tapping into efficiencies that will help the company thrive.” As vice president of strategy and philanthropy, Katie shaped company strategy and business development initiatives, adding long-term vision and insight to new and ongoing initiatives. She will further advance strategic planning as CAO to pursue growth and adapt to a changing automotive landscape. Together with the Lucas Oil executive team, she will lay the groundwork for an enduring corporate strategy and culture equipped for the next 20 plus years. Under Katie’s leadership, Lucas Oil has been recognized for philanthropic efforts supporting local and national non-profits and was recently named Outstanding Corporation by the Inland Empire Association of Fundraising Professionals for its exceptional commitment to the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital in Loma Linda, California. Katie was named one of Indiana Business Journal’s Forty under 40, recognized for her professional success and civic involvement in central Indiana. Her other non-profit affiliations include the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, Ascension St. Vincent Foundation, Wheeler Mission, Grit & Grace Nation Foundation, EDGE Mentoring and many others.  Source:  Aftermarket News

Monro Inc. Announces Senior Vice President – CIO

Monro, Inc. has announced the promotion of Cindy Donovan to senior vice president – chief information officer. She is responsible for developing and implementing Monro’s information technology strategy and long-range implementation plan to further the company’s strategic goals. “Cindy’s veteran experience in IT, strategic planning, project management, and governance and compliance has been a substantial asset to Monro,” said Mike Broderick, Monro’s president and CEO. “Her leadership will drive continuous improvement in IT operations and technology enablement, which are both mission critical.” Cindy joined Monro in 2019 as the director of project Management and data architecture before receiving two promotions to vice president – information technology in January 2020 and senior vice president – information technology in December 2020. During this time, Cindy led a technology transformation at Monro. She developed a robust team of more than 60 IT professionals and partners with expertise in strategic planning, enterprise architecture, program/project management, data management and business analytics, enterprise applications, point of sale systems, user services, digital workplace, infrastructure/cloud services, networking and telecommunications, cybersecurity, and other information technology functions, including implementing multiple hardware and software solutions to accomplish the company’s business objectives. Prior to Monro, Cindy served as vice president, chief information officer at IEC Electronics from December 2016 to August 2019, and as senior IT manager, data services at Paychex from December 2014 to December 2016. From 2007 to 2014, she held various leadership positions at Carestream Health, including director for IT strategic planning, PMO, and governance. She also held several IT management, compliance, and ERP application development positions at Kodak from 1990 to 2006. Cindy earned her bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from State University of New York College at Geneseo in Geneseo, New York.  Source:  Aftermarket News

Piston Foundation Names Manager of Development

Sperry Hutchinson, of Phoenix, Arizona, has been named the Manager of Development for The Piston Foundation, as the organization moves forward in its mission to bring more young people into the collector car industry, to bolster its fundraising outreach and to continue to spread the importance of skilled trade careers. “The Manager of Development role is meant to coincide with this need, leading the day-to-day effort in major gift fundraising as the Foundation continues to grow,” said Robert Minnick, founder and CEO of The Piston Foundation. Hutchinson has lived most of his life in Arizona, where he was born and raised. His love for automobiles followed him throughout his days at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and beyond. Much of his time has been spent on automotive pursuits such as building concept cars, performing restorations, and working on print and video ad campaigns. This has led to more than a decade of experience centered around his passion and, in that time, he has gone on to create several car rallies, serving as Chairman of the Copperstate 1000 and the world’s first vintage, off-road luxury rally, the Copperstate Overland. “I’m tremendously proud to be involved with this group,” said Hutchinson. “This role represents a real unification of my passions for the automotive world and in helping others achieve their personal and professional dreams within that space. It’s thrilling!” “The future of our work is about inspiration and growth,” he continued. “The more we can inspire others to join us in helping young people find their own paths within the world of automotive restoration and preservation, then we’ll have fostered a future where there is more certainty about that perennial question – what will ultimately happen to these cars, these pieces of art, these pieces of history – that we care so much about? “I hope that by applying the lessons I’ve learned from years of working in the automotive space as well as my decades in the non-profit sector that I, and every single person that is ultimately involved with The Piston Foundation, can help provide that surety, that future.” “Sperry is an excellent fit for the role, bringing several decades’ worth of experience in non-profit leadership. His expertise in fundraising, community outreach and, of course, classic automobiles, makes him just the kind of car enthusiast Piston is looking for,” added Minnick. “Our mission to bring more young people into the collector car industry is a big, hairy goal that needs a community of support behind it. Sperry’s success as a non-profit leader, board member, and event director impressed us. He proved he has the talent and skills to build relationships that will help our scholarship and apprenticeship programs grow and thrive.” Along with Hutchinson’s arrival comes new plans for the future at The Piston Foundation. As Jeff Mason, President and COO, puts it, “We’re already working together on exciting new things for Founders Club, Car Show Classroom, and Pistons & Pizza events. While we introduce Sperry to the beauties of East Coast racing and rallies, he’ll be teaching us the finer points of desert off-roading. That’s the great thing about car culture; it’s a passion we all can share.”  Source:  Aftermarket News

CarMax appoints longtime employee as COO

CarMax Inc. has appointed Joe Wilson, a longtime employee, as COO and executive vice president. Wilson, 49, stepped into the role “effective immediately,” according to a document CarMax filed Nov. 18 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. His annual base salary will be $625,000, according to the filing. He succeeds Ed Hill, who retired from the COO position in January, according to the company. Wilson joined CarMax in 1995, according to the filing. He worked in buying roles and as a purchasing manager for several years before being promoted to assistant vice president of auction services and merchandising development in 2008. He was promoted to vice president of that unit in 2013. In 2016, Wilson was appointed vice president of merchandising operations. In 2017, he was promoted to senior vice president of store strategy and logistics.  Source:  Automotive News

Piston Foundation Names Manager of Development

Sperry Hutchinson, of Phoenix, Arizona, has been named the Manager of Development for The Piston Foundation, as the organization moves forward in its mission to bring more young people into the collector car industry, to bolster its fundraising outreach and to continue to spread the importance of skilled trade careers. “The Manager of Development role is meant to coincide with this need, leading the day-to-day effort in major gift fundraising as the Foundation continues to grow,” said Robert Minnick, founder and CEO of The Piston Foundation. Hutchinson has lived most of his life in Arizona, where he was born and raised. His love for automobiles followed him throughout his days at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and beyond. Much of his time has been spent on automotive pursuits such as building concept cars, performing restorations, and working on print and video ad campaigns. This has led to more than a decade of experience centered around his passion and, in that time, he has gone on to create several car rallies, serving as Chairman of the Copperstate 1000 and the world’s first vintage, off-road luxury rally, the Copperstate Overland. “I’m tremendously proud to be involved with this group,” said Hutchinson. “This role represents a real unification of my passions for the automotive world and in helping others achieve their personal and professional dreams within that space. It’s thrilling!” “The future of our work is about inspiration and growth,” he continued. “The more we can inspire others to join us in helping young people find their own paths within the world of automotive restoration and preservation, then we’ll have fostered a future where there is more certainty about that perennial question – what will ultimately happen to these cars, these pieces of art, these pieces of history – that we care so much about? “I hope that by applying the lessons I’ve learned from years of working in the automotive space as well as my decades in the non-profit sector that I, and every single person that is ultimately involved with The Piston Foundation, can help provide that surety, that future.” “Sperry is an excellent fit for the role, bringing several decades’ worth of experience in non-profit leadership. His expertise in fundraising, community outreach and, of course, classic automobiles, makes him just the kind of car enthusiast Piston is looking for,” added Minnick. “Our mission to bring more young people into the collector car industry is a big, hairy goal that needs a community of support behind it. Sperry’s success as a non-profit leader, board member, and event director impressed us. He proved he has the talent and skills to build relationships that will help our scholarship and apprenticeship programs grow and thrive.” Along with Hutchinson’s arrival comes new plans for the future at The Piston Foundation. As Jeff Mason, President and COO, puts it, “We’re already working together on exciting new things for Founders Club, Car Show Classroom, and Pistons & Pizza events. While we introduce Sperry to the beauties of East Coast racing and rallies, he’ll be teaching us the finer points of desert off-roading. That’s the great thing about car culture; it’s a passion we all can share.”  Source:  Aftermarket News

BorgWarner to spin off 2 units, doubling down on EVs

Auto supplier BorgWarner Inc. announced Tuesday it plans to spin off its fuel systems and aftermarket segments into a separate, publicly-traded company. Auto supplier BorgWarner Inc. will spin off its fuel systems and aftermarket segments into a separate, publicly-traded company. After the spin-off, the legacy BorgWarner would consist of two units, its electric propulsion and drivetrain division and air management segments. It’s unclear whether the legacy unit or the new unit will move from its Auburn Hills, Mich., headquarters. The combined company employs roughly 49,000 in 22 countries. The electric propulsion unit manufactures electric motors, power electronics, control modules and software, among other components. The air management segment consists of a turbocharger unit and also emissions and thermal systems as well as battery charging units. The tax-free spin off is intended to be completed in late 2023, the company said Tuesday. Following the completion, current BorgWarner shareholders would own shares in both companies. The move is designed to untether the company’s legacy internal combustion engine units from the growing electric vehicle segment as automakers continue to double down on an EV future. “The BorgWarner board believes a strategic spin-off of our fuel systems and aftermarket segments would be the best path forward to further the transformation of our company,” Alex Michas, non-executive chairman of the BorgWarner board, said in a statement. “The intended separation supports optimizing our combustion portfolio and advancing our electrification journey while (the spin off) would be able to pursue growth opportunities in alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, and in aftermarket. Ultimately, we expect the intended separation to maximize shareholder value by having two focused and strong companies, each pursuing their respective strategies.” BorgWarner executives believe the move would “ultimately achieve or exceed” its long-stated target of realizing 25 percent of revenue from EVs by 2025 with expectations to boost EV revenue to 45 percent of total sales by 2030. BorgWarner is already on track to achieve 22 percent of revenue from EVs by the target date, with the split expected to boost it above that an extra 3 percent, the company said. Through the first nine months of 2022, the supplier’s air management segment generated revenue of about $5.5 billion with an adjusted operating margin of 13.7 percent, compared to the electronic propulsion and drivetrain segment, which generated revenue of about $3.9 billion and an adjusted operating margin of 6.9 percent. The units to be divested represent about 31 percent of the current company’s total revenue. Through the first nine months of the year, the fuel systems segment generated revenue of approximately $1.7 billion with an adjusted operating margin of 11.3 percent; the aftermarket segment generated revenue of just under $1 billion with an adjusted operating margin of 14.5 percent. BorgWarner has been an expansion mode in 2022. In February, it completed a nearly $800 million deal to acquire German lithium ion battery maker Akasol. In October, CEO Frédéric Lissalde told investors during the supplier’s third-quarter earnings call it is looking at expanding its U.S. footprint. Last week, BorgWarner announced the $37.3 million acquisition of Swiss power electronics engineering firm Drivetek.  Source:  Automotive News

VinFast plans U.S. IPO

Vietnam-based electric-vehicle maker VinFast said on Tuesday it has filed for an initial public offering in the United States and plans to list its ordinary shares on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “VFS”. For the IPO, the company said it will convert to a Singapore public limited company and will be known as VinFast Auto Ltd., while the number of shares to be offered and the price range for the proposed offering have not yet been determined. While no time frame was specified on Tuesday for the offering, the IPO was initially slated for the fourth quarter of this year, the company had previously said. The company’s parent, Vingroup conglomerate, said in May that the IPO maybe delayed to 2023 due to market uncertainty. VinFast, which began operations in 2019, is betting big on the U.S. market, where it hopes to compete with legacy automakers and startups with two all-electric SUVs and a battery leasing model that will reduce the vehicle purchase price. In April, VinFast’s Singapore-based holding company filed for a confidential IPO with U.S. securities regulators, as it readied a $4-billion investment to build a factory in the United States. The company in late November shipped its first batch of 999 vehicles to the United States, capping a five-year bid to develop an auto production hub in Vietnam for markets in North America and Europe.  Source:  Automotive News

Toyota names new head of production engineering and manufacturing

Toyota Motor North America has appointed Takefumi Shiga as the new head of production engineering and manufacturing for its operations in the region and handed him the leading role in developing its first battery manufacturing plant now under construction in North Carolina. His new role is effective Jan. 1. Shiga, 55, will have responsibility for all aspects of the Japanese automaker’s production engineering operations and its 14 vehicle and unit plants across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. In addition, Shiga will oversee continued development of Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina, the $3.8 billion battery plant under construction near Liberty, N.C., Toyota said. He succeeds Toshio Niimi, who has been in the role since 2020 and will be returning to Toyota Motor Corp., in Japan, the automaker said. Shiga, who has worked at Toyota since 1992 and held numerous executive positions, will report to North American CEO Ted Ogawa.  Source:  Automotive News

Former Amazon Executive Joins CarParts.com as COO

CarParts.com, an e-commerce provider of automotive parts and accessories, and a one-stop shop for vehicle repair and maintenance needs, has announced the hiring of tenured industry leader Michael Huffaker as chief operating officer, effective today. Huffaker brings with him unparalleled e-commerce and brick-and-mortar expertise, having most recently served as vice president, category leader, for Amazon Fresh Grocery. He has a history of step-change performance improvement in the businesses he has managed, including known, best-in-class retailers. Huffaker’s interest in the B2B sector also allows for an opportunity in a currently fragmented space, as he sees the potential to double down on the level of service that can be offered. Laser-focused on building and scaling supply chains, product and business management, and building large, diverse teams, Huffaker’s approach aligns with the long-term strategy and vision of CarParts.com. “As we look to the future of CarParts.com and what is needed to take our business to the next level,Michael was the obvious choice for COO,” said David Meniane, CEO. “It is clear he is a customer-centric executive with the financial discipline and operational excellence required to not only succeed but thrive within our organization. We believe he will be a great cultural fit, his skills and mindset mirror those of the company, and together we can accomplish great things.” As COO, Huffaker is responsible for ensuring customers receive a world-class experience, from the moment they place an order to the time it arrives on their doorstep. “I’ve been following the trajectory of CarParts.com for some time now, and it’s impressive to see their growth, success and impact on the industry,” said Huffaker. “I look forward to identifying areas of opportunity, specifically focusing on delivery speed, safety, and reliability, and applying my background to various sectors of the business. I am confident we can enhance operations, accuracy, and profitability for the company today and in the years to come.”  Source:  Aftermarket News

CRP Appoints Christian Eichstaedt Director of Innovation

CRP Automotive named Christian Eichstaedt its director of innovation for its Automotive business. The announcement was made by Michael Palm, vice president of sales and marketing. Eichstaedt will be responsible for continuing to build CRP Automotive’s reputation for innovation and develop strong relationships with professional repair technicians and our channel distribution partners, said Palm. Eichstaedt has spent the last 25 years in the automotive aftermarket. Prior to joining CRP, Eichstaedt was director of aftermarket sales, North America for thyssenkrupp Bilstein, NA, where he led sales, customer service, and training for Bilstein branded and private label ride control products. Eichstaedt also enjoyed a successful 15-year career with IMC (Interamerican Motor Corporation) where he started out as a product/car line manager for Mercedes-Benz and BMW before moving on to director of product development for European car lines. “Christian is a welcome addition to our diverse organization. His years of experience and expertise in the automotive aftermarket will certainly help us to continue to identify and create an unending stream of first to market problem solving solutions for today’s ever changing technology challenges,” said Palm. “His ability to connect and engage with professional repair technicians will ensure we have a strong voice of customer from the user of our product solutions.”  Source:  Aftermarket News

Ford CMO Suzy Deering abruptly departs

Ford Motor Co. on Wednesday said Chief Marketing Officer Suzy Deering, who joined the automaker in early 2021 from eBay, is leaving the company at the end of the week. The automaker did not give a reason for her departure. “We thank Suzy for her contributions to Ford and wish her all the best in the future,” Kumar Galhotra, president of Ford Blue, said in a statement. Deering, in a post on LinkedIn, said she still believes in the company’s mission and vision. “I’ve made the decision that it is time for me to move on and let the team fly,” she wrote. “My respect for the team and what’s ahead as Ford evolves and lands the new brand positioning and the new brand design system will elevate the brand to greater heights… The shift to focusing on the customer and aligning all aspects of the business to exceed their expectations isn’t easy but I believe in what’s possible and what’s ahead. While I may not be in ‘the building’ I will be rooting for Ford and smiling at what comes to life.” Ford said it would announce her successor later. Deering’s appointment was announced roughly a month after Jim Farley took over as Ford CEO in October 2020, a signal the company wanted to reach outside the industry and bolster its tech chops against the likes of Tesla and other challengers. Ford described Deering at the time as “accomplished at using technology, data and analytics to anticipate customer needs and fulfill them with human-centered products and services.” Under her watch, the automaker launched key products including the Bronco, F-150 Lightning and Maverick. Deering told Automotive News in late 2021 that the company hoped the Maverick compact pickup could become its next iconic product. “It has the absolute potential to be the level of an F-150 or the level of a Mustang because it’s so connected in such a different way to the customer,” she said. “When we’ve done well, we build vehicles and products that customers become extremely passionate about. Maverick 100 percent lives up to that. I think it’s on that path.” Deering was an Automotive News All Star in 2021. She and Ford’s chief communications officer, Mark Truby, were recognized for using several news events to earn the company significant publicity, such as when the F-150’s on-board generator helped Texans deal with power outages and when President Joe Biden test drove a yet-to-be-revealed F-150 Lightning during a visit to Michigan.  Source:  Automotive News

Genuine Parts Company Announces Officer Changes

Genuine Parts Co. has announced today that its board of directors has appointed William P. Stengel to the position of president and chief operating officer and Christopher T. Galla to the position of senior vice president and general counsel, effective Jan. 1, 2023. Stengel joined the company in 2019 as executive vice president and chief transformation officer with nearly two decades of significant leadership and professional experience. In 2021, he was promoted to serve as only the eighth president in the company’s 93-year history. In his expanded role, he will continue to partner with business units and field support teams to execute the GPC strategy, as well as manage the company’s day-to-day operations. Stengel will continue to report to Paul Donahue, chairman and CEO. “Will has been actively involved in all aspects of the organization as president over the past two years,” said Donahue. “He has played a leadership role in defining the GPC strategic vision, prioritizing enterprise initiatives and delivering outstanding performance. We look forward to Will’s continued contributions as president and COO.” Galla has been with the company for nearly 18 years, and he was most recently vice president and general counsel, responsible for the company’s legal function. In his new role, he will continue overseeing all legal matters for the company and take on expanded responsibilities across governance, environmental and compliance matters. As a member of the executive leadership team, Galla will also report directly to Donahue. “Chris’ deep expertise across all legal matters at GPC has been invaluable, and I am pleased to formally welcome him to the executive leadership team,” continued Donahue. “He is a trusted leader and well-qualified for his new responsibilities. We look forward to his future contributions to the company.”  Source:  Aftermarket News

HELLA Automotive Names VP of Sales, US & Canada Aftermarket

HELLA Automotive Sales Inc. Has appointed Robert Tinson as vice president of Aftermarket Sales for the U..S and Canada, effective Dec. 5. As a new executive team member for HELLA Inc.’s organization, Tinson brings more than 18 years of senior-level executive experience in the automotive aftermarket with a proven record of developing sales teams and strategies and cultivating customer relationships while reaching commercial targets. Over the past 10 years, he’s led aftermarket sales in North America for Sensata Technologies and its aftermarket brand, Schrader TPMS Solutions. “As vehicle technology evolves, so will the demand for introducing and delivering highly innovative products into the aftermarket. I am excited to build on the strength of the HELLA brand and provide our customer’s unique value and opportunity,” said Tinson, adding that his favorite part of the aftermarket industry is its people and the forward-thinking minds that aim to solve problems.  Source:  Aftermarket News

PARTS iD Announces CFO Transition

PARTS iD Inc., the owner and operator of, among other verticals, CARiD.com, a leading digital commerce platform for the automotive aftermarket, has announced the appointment of James Doss as its chief financial officer (CFO), effective Jan. 1, 2023. Doss will assume the role following the retirement of current CFO Kailas Agrawal at the end of this year. “We are appreciative of the work Kailas has done to bring us to this point as a public company and we wish him the best in retirement,” said Nino Ciappina, CEO of PARTS iD. “As we look ahead, we are very pleased to have Jim join PARTS iD. Jim’s extensive financial and strategic experience, including his time as a public company CFO, will be a significant asset as we continue our focus on improved liquidity and profitability through margin, expense and investment optimization.” Most recently, Doss served as CFO at Indyme Solutions, LLC, a leading software and tech services provider of customer engagement and active loss prevention systems, where he oversaw financial reporting, budgeting, general accounting, credit and collateral, and corporate finance. Prior to his time at Indyme, Doss served as CFO at RF Industries LTD, a publicly traded manufacturer of interconnect products and systems across wireless/wireline telecom, data communications and industrial markets. Earlier in his career, Doss held several progressively senior finance roles across a number of organizations, leading to improved financial performance, heightened productivity and enhanced internal controls. Doss earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration from San Diego State University.  Source:  Aftermarket News

Holley Names New CFO

Holley Inc., a leading platform serving performance automotive enthusiasts, has announced the appointment of Jesse Weaver as the company’s CFO. Weaver will succeed Stephen Trussell, who has served as the company’s interim CFO since Sept. 30, 2022. Trussell will continue as the company’s vice president of finance, a role he has held since 2009. Weaver, who has nearly 20 years of experience in finance, strategy and data analytics, will serve as a member of the executive leadership team and report directly to President and CEO Tom Tomlinson. Most recently, Weaver served as senior vice president of finance at SmileDirectClub, a teledentistry company and direct-to-consumer provider of dental and orthodontics products. Prior to that role, he was vice president of financial planning and analysis at Dollar General. Before joining Dollar General, Weaver held multiple leadership positions in finance at Yum! Brands’ U.S. Pizza Hut division. “We are very pleased to welcome Jesse as our CFO,” said Tomlinson. “He brings extensive global finance and accounting experiences across multiple industries, and he has a proven track record of driving results.” “I am excited to join Holley at this exciting time in the company’s growth and development,” said Weaver. “I have gotten to know the entire management team and board, and I am impressed with the team’s dedication to consumer engagement, new product innovation, and the commitment to become the most compelling platform in the performance automotive aftermarket space. I see a tremendous amount of opportunity for future value creation at Holley and I look forward to unlocking this potential for our shareholders.” Weaver holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Belmont University and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.  Source:  Aftermarket News

Ex-VW CEO Diess will head Infineon board

Former Volkswagen Group CEO Herbert Diess is in line to become supervisory board chairman at semiconductor group Infineon. Diess, 64, was replaced as VW Group CEO by Porsche boss Oliver Blume on Sept. 1. During his four-year stint leading the automaker, Diess clashed with senior managers and the automaker’s powerful works council over his electrification strategy and management style. Diess’s appointment as Infineon chairman is subject to a confirming vote at the chipmaker’s annual meeting on Feb. 16. He will succeed Wolfgang Eder, 70, who plans to resign at the meeting. “Now is the right time to make changes to the supervisory board,” said Eder, who has held the post since 2019. “Given the highly challenging environment in which Infineon is active, I am pleased to welcome Dr. Diess as the ideal candidate to become my successor. He has excellent knowledge of the company and of the industry landscape.” The move represents a return to the chipmaker for Diess, a fomer BMW executive, who was a supervisory board member from 2015 to 2020. Infineon, based in Neubiberg near Munich, counts the automotive industry as its biggest customer. Stellantis recently announced plans to buy more than $1 billion worth of chips from Infineon as it electrifies its brands in Europe including Peugeot, Fiat, Opel, and Alfa Romeo. The head of Infineon’s automotive unit, Peter Schiefer said in January that he expects shortages of its core microchips to be over next year, with the situation improving in summer 2023. To meet the growing demand, Infineon plans to expand its production capacities, including investment in its 1.6 billion-euro ($1.8 billion) semiconductor plant in Villach, Austria, which was inaugurated last year.  Source:  Automotive News

Self-driving trucking firm TuSimple appoints CFO, reconstitutes audit panel

TuSimple Holdings Inc. appointed interim financial chief Eric Tapia on a permanent basis and reconstituted its audit committee, the self-driving trucking firm said on Friday, weeks after an internal probe revealed links to a China-backed firm. The company reappointed former CEO Cheng Lu as its top boss last month after it fired his predecessor Xiaodi Hou following the probe. The investigation by its board revealed that some employees spent paid hours last year working for Hydron Inc, a startup working on autonomous trucks mostly in China. TuSimple also said on Friday it had appointed three new independent board members last week. “With the appointment of Eric as permanent CFO, three new independent board members in the last week, the reconstitution of the Board’s Audit Committee and other board committees, we’re moving forward with our plan to restore accountability and transparency to this company,” CEO Lu said. Tapia joined TuSimple in 2021, and has been the interim chief financial officer since July 7.  Source:  Automotive News

Autoliv Appoints Jonas Jademyr as EVP, Quality & Program Management

Autoliv Inc. has appointed Jonas Jademyr as the new executive vice president, Quality & Program Management effective Jan. 15, 2023. Jademyr will become a member of the Autoliv executive management team and succeeds Svante Mogefors, who will retire. Jademyr, currently vice president, Group Program Management in Autoliv, has experience in engineering, development and program and project management within complex large-scale matrix environments. Prior to joining Autoliv in early 2021, Jademyr had an extensive career at Volvo Group including the position of head of Quality at Volvo Construction Equipment. “Jonas has a vast experience in improving ways of working and driving effective program management within the automotive sector. His holistic approach and leadership skills are highly appreciated. Quality is key in everything we do since our life-saving products never get a second chance. Considering Jonas’s strong track-record of successful cross-functional collaboration, I have high expectations that he will harness the best of our quality and project management teams to deliver world class results,” said Mikael Bratt, president and CEO at Autoliv. Svante Mogefors will retire after more than 30 years with Autoliv. Joining Autoliv in 1985, Mogefors held a number of roles with the organization in both Operations and Quality and steps down as the most senior executive in Quality, a role he has held since 2005. He will continue for the first half of 2023 as senior advisor to the CEO and support the transition. “I would like to thank Svante for all his great contributions to Autoliv. Svante has played a key role in making sure that quality is always present and top of mind in everything we do. I feel confident that with Svante’s support in the transition, the new role of Quality and Project Management will be off to a great start to continue the dedication to quality and to leverage project management efforts on the road to achieving our strategic targets. I wish Svante all the best in his next phase in life,” added Bratt.  Source:  Aftermarket News

DENSO Announces N. America Organization, Leadership Updates

DENSO announced updates to its business groups, organizational structure and leadership roles and responsibilities in North America that will take effect Jan. 1, 2023. The moves are designed to strengthen DENSO’s ability to quickly address customers’ and society’s changing needs and bolster the company’s Two Great Causes: Green – achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 – and Peace of Mind – creating a safe and seamless world for all.  DENSO explains its business units will organize under two business groups aligned with Green and Peace of Mind, serving as a hub for strategic business and product development. Andrew Clemence will lead the Green Business Group, which will oversee efficiency-enabling technologies like thermal, electrification and motor solutions. Chuntao Ye will lead the Peace of Mind Business Group, which will lead advanced mobility technology development, including safety and connected solutions. In its Manufacturing sector, Shinichi Nakamizo will centralize responsibility for regional manufacturing operations in his continued role as Chief Manufacturing Officer.  DENSO also announced the following Executive Leadership Changes, in support of the evolution of its business group and central manufacturing efforts in North America: Shinichi Nakamizo as Chief Manufacturing Officer, Andrew Clemence as Green Business Group Leader, Pat Bassett as Function Head for Quality Engineering, Shinichiro Nakamura as Function Head for Research & Development, Chuntao Ye as President & Peace of Mind Business Leader, Mitsuru Ban as Business Unit Leader for Engine Injection Components, and Marty Deschenes as SSR Leader & President of DENSO in Athens. Shuichi Kamakura as North America Thermal Manufacturing Leader & President of DENSO’s Thermal Manufacturing Facility in Battle Creek. DENSO also named these site leaders, who will serve in the following roles: John Klassen as Manufacturing Leader and President of DENSO in Guelph, Donovan Pierce as Vice President of Operations in Athens, Jon Ruge as Vice President of Operations at DENSO’s Thermal Facility in Battle Creek, Chris Ramsey as Vice President of Operations at DENSO in Maryville, Mark Moses as Vice President of Electrification Systems at DENSO in Maryville, and Matt Briden as Vice President of North America Thermal Business Planning and DENSO’s Thermal Facility in Battle Creek.  Source:  Aftermarket News

Advance Announces Supply Chain Leadership Changes

Advance Auto Parts has announced that Reuben E. Slone, executive vice president, supply chain, will retire from the company and will be succeeded by Stephen J. Szilagyi. Szilagyi comes to Advance from MSC Industrial Supply Inc., where he served as senior vice president, customer solutions from 2018 to 2021 and senior vice president, supply chain from 2017 to 2018. Prior to that, Szilagyi spent 15 years with Lowe’s Companies Inc., in a variety of roles of increasing responsibility, including chief supply chain officer from 2013 to 2016. At both MSC and Lowe’s, Szilagyi’s leadership helped drive significant improvements in sales growth, safety, quality, service and productivity. Szilagyi will begin as Advance’s executive vice president, chief supply chain officer, and will join Advance’s leadership team on Jan. 9, 2023. “We are extremely grateful for the numerous contributions Reuben has made, first as a board member of Advance from 2016 to 2018 and then as a member of Advance’s senior executive team since October 2018,” said Tom Greco, Advance’s president and CEO. “With his wealth of experience and deep understanding of our business, under Reuben’s leadership, we have significantly improved our supply chain operations. Reuben also has built a much stronger team and culture within the supply chain organization, making it an optimum time to make a leadership transition.” Greco continued, “I’m excited to welcome Steve to the Advance family following an extensive search. As a seasoned and accomplished supply chain executive with more than 25 years of experience, Steve brings a deep understanding of both retail and professional business to business supply chain operations along with a proven track record of results, innovation and leadership. I look forward to working closely with him as we raise the bar on the execution of our strategy.” Szilagyi will report directly to Greco. Both Slone and Szilagyi will partner closely to ensure a smooth transition, while Slone works with the Advance team in an advisory role through April 2023.  Source:  Aftermarket News

NGK Spark Plugs Taps Jeffrey Schlenker as GM of Purchasing

NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.), Inc. announced Jeffrey Schlenker has joined the company as General Manager of Purchasing. “I am pleased to announce that Jeffrey Schlenker has accepted the position of General Manager,” said NGK vice president of supply chain management, Clair Stewart. “Jeffrey joins us with extensive experience creating strategies and roadmaps to align with Corporate objectives and ensure cost savings are met. We are excited to have someone of his caliber join the NGK team.”  Schlenker will serve as a leadership team member and be responsible for the efficacy of all sourcing activities across the organization.  Schlenker earned a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University in Supply Chain Management. He has over 20 years of experience in purchasing, holding positions of increasing responsibility.  “NGK’s reputation for quality, value, and service are already outstanding,” said Schlenker. “It is a pleasure to be able to join this great team, learning from them as well as sharing my expertise and best practices. Together, we will ensure process achievements and continue to exceed our customer’s expectations.”  Source:  Aftermarket News

Chris Douglas Named President, CEO of Edelbrock Group

Edelbrock Group announced that Chris Douglas has been named president and chief executive officer. Douglas, who was most recently chief commercial officer for the Olive Branch, Mississippi-based company, also has served in various capacities with the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), including on its Board of Directors, Edelbrock says. Prior to Edelbrock, Douglas held a number of executive positions at COMP Performance Group from 2009 to 2020, including vice president of marketing, chief operating officer, and finally president. The Edelbrock Group was established in 2020 with the merger of performance aftermarket businesses Edelbrock LLC and COMP Performance Group. It is owned by private equity firm Industrial Opportunity Partners (IOP).  Source:  Aftermarket News

Benjamin Lyon Appointed Aptiv SVP and Chief Technology Officer

Aptiv PLC, global technology company focused on making mobility safer, greener and more connected, announced Benjamin Lyon was appointed senior vice president and chief technology officer. Benjamin succeeds Glen De Vos, who is transitioning to the role of senior vice president, transformation and special programs. As Aptiv’s chief technology officer, Benjamin will drive the company’s long-term technology roadmap and guide Aptiv’s global engineering organization to strengthen its tools and processes, enhance its skills, and recruit and develop world-class engineering talent, the company says. Benjamin joins Aptiv, having served in a variety of senior engineering roles where he led the development and commercialization of numerous disruptive technologies, Aptiv says. At Apple, he spent over two decades developing and productizing sensors, displays, high performance compute, and safety / security critical technologies for scale. While at Apple, he cofounded their autonomous systems effort. Most recently, at Astra Space, Inc. (“Astra”), he and his team deployed 22 satellites to low Earth orbit and successfully launched the Astra Space Engine Hall-Effect thruster product line. “Benjamin has been a driving force behind several breakthrough technologies, said Kevin Clark, chairman and chief executive officer. “His experience and expertise will help ensure that Aptiv continues to win in the marketplace, with emerging and disruptive technology that shapes market trends and sets new standards of innovation in mobility. Benjamin’s talent and commitment will advance our ability to execute Aptiv’s mission to enable a safer, greener, and more connected future of mobility.”  Source:  Aftermarket News

Canadian supplier Magna to buy Veoneer Active Safety for $1.53 billion

Canadian supplier Magna International Inc. said on Tuesday it agreed to buy Veoneer Active Safety from investment firm SSW Partners for $1.53 billion in cash to bolster its portfolio of self-driving technology. The deal is expected to add to Magna’s sensor and full systems capabilities, including radar, camera and driver monitoring, and add 2,200 engineers for systems, software and sensor development. Veoneer Active Safety sales are projected to be about $1.1 billion in 2022 and increase to about $1.9 billion in 2024. The deal is expected to close near mid-year 2023, Magna said in a statement. The sale of the business is not a surprise. SSW acquired the unit in a $4.5 billion transaction in October 2021 that included Qualcomm’s purchase of Veoneer’s Arriver automated driving software unit. At the time, Magna also was bidding on the same Veoneer assets, but Qualcomm and SSW won the business after they topped Magna’s offer by 18 percent. There was immediate speculation last year that Magna would eventually bid on the Veoneer active safety business lines that Qualcomm didn’t want. “We plan to accelerate innovation by building on both organizations’ strengths, including customers, suppliers, technology partners and employees,” Magna CEO Swamy Kotagiri said in a statement. The company scheduled a morning press conference to discuss the acquisition. Carmakers and suppliers have been fine-tuning their approach to self-driving and driver-assistance systems after struggling to deliver meaningful progress on deploying robotaxi on public roads. Volkswagen Group and Ford Motor Co. last month pulled their support from self-driving firm Argo, after pouring billions into the startup. Other carmakers like Tesla Inc. have also fallen short on self-driving goals. Shares in Magna rose 3.2 percent to $58.90 in premarket trading. Magna ranks No. 4 on the Automotive News list of the top 100 global suppliers with worldwide sales to automakers of $36.2 billion in 2021.  Source:  Automotive News

VW shuffles top purchasing posts amid supply chain disruption

Volkswagen Group is restructuring leadership of its procurement functions to better cope with supply chain disruption. Audi’s procurement and IT boss, Dirk Grosse-Loheide, is promoted to head of group procurement. He also will take over from Murat Aksel as procurement chief for the VW passenger cars brand. Aksel will join the management board of VW’s MAN Truck & Bus subsidiary, taking over from Stefan Gramse, who will move to a group function at VW, the automaker said in a statement on Tuesday. At Audi, Große-Loheide will continue to oversee procurement functions and IT until his successor is appointed. VW Group CEO Oliver Blume said Große-Loheide’s task will be to further stabilize the group’s supply chains in close collaboration with suppliers. One of the key tasks assigned to Aksel at MAN will be to further stabilize the company’s supply chains, which continue to be strained during the continuing ramp-up of truck production for heavy commercial vehicles, Blume added. Aksel, a former BMW executive, has been VW’s chief purchasing officer since January 2021. The changes will come into effect on Jan. 1, VW said. Like most automakers, VW has suffered delivery bottlenecks and production stops because of shortages of semiconductors and other components. Earlier this month, VW brand chief Thomas Schaefer said the company’s Wolfsburg plant is building well under 400,000 cars a year, less than half its capacity, because of “flat-out chaos” in the supply chain.  Source:  Automotive News

Personnel Changes Announced at Robert Bosch GmbH

With the new year, the following personnel changes will take effect on the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH. Rolf Najork will step down from the Bosch Group board of management effective Dec. 31, 2022, and leave the company. As chairman of the executive board of Bosch Rexroth AG, Najork joined the Bosch Group in 2016, and has been a member of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH since 2019. In this role, he bore responsibility for the Industrial Technology business sector, with its Drive and Control Technology division and ATMO – Manufacturing Tools and Services. This responsibility will now be assumed by Dr. Markus Forschner, in addition to his other duties as chief financial officer. Dr. Tanja Rückert, currently the Bosch Group’s chief digital officer (CDO), will join the board of management effective Jan. 1, 2023. As board member, she will be responsible for digital business and services. The chemistry PhD has been with the Bosch Group since mid-2018, and began her Bosch career as president of the Building Technologies division. The supervisory board, board of management, and shareholders wish Tanja Rückert and Markus Forschner every success in their new roles, and look forward to continuing to work with them. At the same time, they thank Rolf Najork for his successful work in the company: “In his time as member of the Bosch board of management, Rolf Najork has ensured sustained and profitable growth in the Industrial Technology business sector and guided the sector safely through the pandemic period,” said Dr. Stefan Hartung, the chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH. “He has rigorously brought Industrial Technology into line with the social and technological challenges of our age. Today’s Industrial Technology stands out in the market with its sustainable and efficient solutions, which help mitigate resource scarcity, climate change, and labor shortages.” Prof. Stefan Asenkerschbaumer, the managing partner of Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG and chairman of the supervisory board of Robert Bosch GmbH, added: “Rolf Najork is a dyed-in-the-wool entrepreneur with courage, creativity, and drive. He has turned his vision of the factory of the future into reality. Rolf Najork was also the driving force behind efforts to make the Industrial Technology business sector technologically and regionally better balanced, most recently by preparing for the acquisition of the U.S. company HydraForce. We would like to thank him for that.” Reshuffling of responsibilities effective January 1, 2023 In addition to his function as chairman of the Bosch board of management, Stefan Hartung will assume from Rolf Najork corporate responsibility for technology and manufacturing as well as quality management. Tanja Rückert , while maintaining her CDO-related responsibilities, will assume responsibility for the Global Service Solutions division. At the same time, she will assume from Rolf Najork responsibility for the Bosch Connected Industry business unit, and from Markus Forschner responsibility for Global Business Services. Rückert will also be responsible for the business in North and South America, Australia, Japan, and Korea, as well as in the “Europe 2” region, which includes Benelux, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain, and Switzerland.  Source:  Aftermarket News

Wes Wise Joins AACF Board of Trustees

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has announced the election of Wes Wise to its board of trustees. Wise is vice president, professional sales for O’Reilly Auto Parts. Wise joined O’Reilly in 1991 as a merchandising specialist at store 4039-Springfield, Missouri. He held many different management positions within the organization and after completing his master’s degree he relocated to O’Reilly corporate headquarters and was promoted to his present position in January 2022. “Wes has many years of experience from the store level up and is well connected in the automotive aftermarket,” said Larry Magee, president of AACF. “He is passionate about helping people and will bring another strong voice to our growing board of directors. AACF is very fortunate to have Wes contributing his time and talent to the growth of the foundation.” Wise added, “To be a part of an organization that truly makes significant impacts to families in the automotive aftermarket is truly an honor.”  Source:  Aftermarket News

Genesis COO Mike Song elevated to brand’s global head

Mike Song will oversee the luxury marque’s global presence, lead its transition to an all-EV brand and develop growth and market opportunities. Hyundai Motor Group elevated Genesis global COO Mike Song to executive vice president and global head of the Genesis business division. As global head, he will oversee the luxury marque’s global presence, lead its transition to an all-electric brand and develop growth and market opportunities. “I am honored to be part of Genesis’ growing momentum around the world,” Song said. “Genesis is a recognized luxury car brand at the forefront of design and technology in the rapidly evolving electrification era.” Song steps into a role held by Jay Chang, who will remain CEO and president of Hyundai Motor Co. Genesis expects Song’s leadership to spur “significant gains in profitability through a clearer brand vision that places greater emphasis on customer experiences,” the company said in a statement. Song will remain global COO, responsible for leading global operations and positioning the brand as a top player in the luxury automotive space. Hyundai Motor Group said Song already has contributed to “enhancing the profitability of the Genesis brand and strengthening its global brand perception.” His expanded role is effective Jan. 1. Song joined Hyundai Motor Co. in 1993 and has held key positions in North America and worked as head of Hyundai Motor Middle East and Africa. He was appointed Genesis global COO in September 2021.  Source:  Automotive News

Standard Motor Products Announces Director Changes

Standard Motor Products (SMP) has announced changes in the composition of its board of directors. Effective at the end of their current terms, in May of 2023, Lawrence I. Sills, chairman of the board, and William H. Turner, presiding independent director, will each assume the role of director emeritus. Concurrently, Eric P. Sills, CEO and president, will succeed Lawrence I. Sills as chairman of the board, Alisa C. Norris, currently chair of the compensation and management development committee, will succeed Turner as presiding independent director. In addition, Pamela S. Puryear, PhD, will succeed Norris as chair of that committee. Finally, effective Dec. 15, James J. Burke will join the board of directors while remaining in his current position of chief operating officer. To accommodate these changes, the board of directors has voted to temporarily increase the size of the board from nine to 10, effective Dec. 15, 2022, and to reduce it from 10 to eight in May 2023 upon the move of Sills and Turner to directors emeritus. At that point, the board will consist of six independent and two non-independent directors. Lawrence Sills stated, “We are very pleased to announce these changes which will result in a smooth and seamless succession. The new board will be as strong as any I have experienced in my many years with the company—young, diverse, energetic and bringing a wide range of talent and experience. “Eric has served as a director and our CEO since March 2016, as our president since February 2015 and in various senior leadership positions across our company over the course of his 30-plus year career. “Alisa joined our board in October 2012, and has served as chair of the compensation and management development committee since May 2021.  Over the course of her tenure, she has proven to be a strong, independent voice, and we look forward to her ongoing leadership, providing independent oversight of management and ensuring effective corporate governance. “Jim Burke has extensive experience both with SMP and with the industry as a whole for over 43 years. Jim has been with SMP since 1986, during which he served as CFO between 1999 and 2019, and chief operating officer since 2019.  Jim is extremely well respected inside our company, throughout our industry, and within the financial community. “Bill Turner and I have worked together for over 30 years. During that time, we have seen SMP grow from a relatively small company, to a multi-national organization, with a broad range of products, and locations all around the world. We are proud of what the company has accomplished during our tenure, and are confident that this new board, led by Eric and Alisa, will achieve similar success.”  Source:  Aftermarket News

Sylvain Abergel Named Chairman of AMERIGO International

Sylvain Abergel was appointed chairman of AMERIGO International. He takes over from Olivier van Ruymbeke, the trading group’s founder, who has held the presidency since its creation in 2018. AMERIGO INTERNATIONAL is an international service provider that brings together the skills of distributors who have an equity stake in the project, and suppliers seeking to expand in emerging markets. At the end of the extraordinary general meeting held on Dec. 19, Abergel, AMERIGO Group’s managing director, was appointed by the shareholders as chairman of the trading group. By appointing Abergel as chairman, the shareholders of AMERIGO International want to pursue and amplify the development of the group, which now has 30 shareholders and 80 members in 35 countries. “I am pleased that the shareholders have designated Sylvain Abergel to lead the company. He knows our suppliers as well as international distribution,” said van Ruymbeke. “Under his leadership, AMERIGO International will be able to embark on a new phase of growth, on the solid foundations established during the five years of its young history.” Abergel commented, “I would like to thank Olivier van Ruymbeke and the shareholders of AMERIGO International for their confidence. I look forward to working with our members and Emile Boucton, deputy director of AMERIGO International, on the ambitious goals we have set together.” Abergel will take over on Jan. 1, 2023, as chairman of the Group where he started his career in 1989. He also held international responsibilities within Valeo Export for five years. Sylvain has a master’s degree in International Trade and a master’s degree in International Business Development from ESSEC.  Source:  Aftermarket News

Mullen Automotive Names Vice President of Commercial Sales

Mullen Automotive, Inc. has announced the hiring of Donald Borthwick as its vice president of commercial sales. Borthwick, with over 25 years leading commercial vehicle sales for Ford, will spearhead Mullen’s commercial vehicle sales for the U.S.  His previous accomplishments with Ford include: Grew west region commercial vehicle sales 18% (2008 – 2021), achieving regional volume and margin leadership annually; acquired and developed strategic relationships with key, high-volume accounts across consumer retail, food service and package delivery; secured primary vehicle supplier relationship with leading last mile delivery company, growing account to be Ford’s second largest commercial customer; and cultivated early EV adopter customers which resulted in strategic early-stage EV system-fill orders (2022). “Don is a highly skilled and respected sales leader and will play a key role in establishing Mullen as a leader in the commercial EV category,” said David Michery, CEO and chairman of Mullen Automotive. Borthwick will be established out of the recently opened Mullen Tech Center, located in Troy, Michigan. “Don’s impressive track record and success in partnering with large commercial customers make him a perfect selection to lead our commercial sales team,” said John Schwegman, Chief Commercial Officer for Mullen Automotive.  Source:  Aftermarket News