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Varta Offers UK Distributors Online Support
With access restricted to the Denham-based company's nationwide network of first tier wholesalers and distributors, the agent exclusive site - extranet.automotive.varta.com/uk - is being launched alongside Varta's UK specific web site - www.varta.co.uk. As well as online ordering, Varta says that web services offered via the site will include a bulletin board, download options for useful documents and contact and response mechanisms for the company's support team. The site is accessed via a user name and password allocated to the account-holding first tier trade customer. GKN Automotive Wins Quest for Excellence Award GKN Automotive Inc. has received Automotive Industries magazine's "Quest for Excellence" Award as one of the auto industry's top suppliers. The award is based on a survey of automotive manufacturers which ranks suppliers on customer service and responsiveness. GKN was honoured in the Chassis/Suspension Systems category. GKN has also recently been presented with a Recognition of Achievement Award from Ford Motor Company for its warranty reduction programme. A1 Motor Stores Builds £200,000 Stand for Motor Show 2000 A1 Motor Stores has built a motor accessories retail park within Motor Show 2000. The independent retailer claims its $200,000 stand will display the latest products available in the automotive aftermarket. The stand at the NEC will involve 34 suppliers plus Fast Car Magazine and Coventry-based radio station Kix 96. Exide Changes Name After New Acquisition The Exide Corporation, parent company of Exide Europe, is to be known as Exide Technologies following its acquisition of GNB, the US and Pacific Rim manufacturer of automotive and industrial batteries. The company says that the new name reflects its determination to be the definitive leader in the stored electrical energy industry by 2003.
GKN AutoStructures claims that the launch of the new Ford 350 EL Transit confirms its status as a full module and systems integrator to the Ford Motor Company. The automotive supplier is responsible for building and supplying the extension module at its co-located facility in Genk, Belgium, and has taken full responsibility for the engineering development of the 350 EL. GKN AutoStructures and GKN Automotive Driveline Division supply the new Transit underbody pressed structure's suspension components, identified in this picture by their orange colour.
European Automotive Trade Show Goes Online Aftermarket exhibition, the European Automotive Trade Show, has launched its own dedicated website. Designed to let exhibitors and visitors know what will happen when the Show opens next April at the NEC, Birmingham, www.euroats.com includes the latest news and views plus exhibitor information. The website will be constantly updated and, as well as Show news, will contain details of what's on in Birmingham, where to stay, and what to expect from a visit to the Show. Visitors can also register for their free entrance tickets online. The European Automotive Trade Show runs from 29th April until 2nd May 2001, alongside InterTyre 2001, also at the NEC. Although running separately, visitors will be able to move freely between the shows without having to re-register. GKN Strengthens Position in Brazilian Automotive Market GKN has announced that a former Brazilian joint venture has now become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group. This follows the acquisition of the remaining 35% shareholding that Dana Albarus S.A. held in Albarus Transmissões Homocinéticas Ltda (ATH). The acquisition was completed on September 28th. This transaction was part of a larger, strategic agreement between GKN's Automotive Driveline Division and Dana Corporation, implemented in January of this year. Under this deal GKN sold its European medium and heavy propeller shaft business to Dana. In return, GKN acquired Dana's shareholding in ATH and Dana's Constant Velocity Joint (CVJ) facility in the USA. According to GKN the ATH acquisition is part of a strategy to develop its CVJ technology and provide better support to its global customers and their subsidiaries in Brazil. The strategic agreement with Dana will allow both companies to collaborate in a strategic alliance to design and market advanced driveline systems for all-wheel and four wheel drive passenger cars, sports utility vehicles and light trucks. The two organisations will also collaborate to develop modular driveline assemblies containing CVJ for vehicle applications worldwide. |
Battery
manufacturer, Varta has developed an extranet site to enhance its
marketing service for trade accounts. 
GKN
AutoStructures