By SEMA News Editors
MAHLE to Sell U.S. Engineering Services Business
MAHLE has entered an agreement to sell its MAHLE Powertrain (MPT) US engineering services business, MAHLE Powertrain LLC, to the Dumarey Group.
Both parties have signed a contract to this effect at the end of 2024. The transaction includes the MPT facilities in Plymouth, Michigan, with currently around 70 employees.
The engineering services subsidiary of the MAHLE Group provides engineering and consultancy services for the design, testing, development, calibration and integration of electrified powertrain systems and hybridized internal combustion engines.
The Dumarey Group (formerly known as PUNCH Group) is a Belgium-based independent supplier for the development, integration and manufacture of competitive powertrain solutions.
For more information, visit mahle.com.
Race Winning Brands Announces Changes to Transmission Business Unit
Race Winning Brands (RWB), a manufacturer of high-performance components for the automotive and powersports markets, has announced changes to its transmission business unit, including the RevMax Torque Converters (RevMax) and Transmission Specialties (TSI) brands.
This announcement comes on the heels of Craig Stark joining the RWB family as vice president of its transmission business unit and further solidifies RWB's commitment to targeting new growth and innovation for both RevMax and Transmission Specialties, the company said.
As part of the changes, the company will move Transmission Specialties' operations from its current Aston, Pennsylvania, location to what is currently the RevMax facility in Charlotte, North Carolina. This move will better allow TSI to serve its customers of all levels, streamlining processes in manufacturing, research and development, quality, inventory and shipping, the company said, with the aim to improve the experience for TSI's partners, from jobbers and builders to end users.
Additionally, Tom Hauser has been promoted to director, business development and Fran Leverick has been promoted to manager, business development, both for RWB's transmission business unit. Hauser will oversee sales, product management, customer service and more with support from Leverick and his team focusing on both inside and outside sales.
"By leveraging collaboration, innovation and a relentless focus on quality and continuous improvement, we're streamlining operations and expanding our team to deliver industry-leading products and exceptional customer service," said Stark, VP of RWB's transmission business unit.
For more information, visit racewinningbrands.com.
GM Design Chief Michael Simcoe to Retire After 42 Years
Michael Simcoe (left) is retiring as senior vice president, GM Global Design, effective July 1, and will be succeeded by Bryan Nesbitt (right).
General Motors (GM) announced that Michael Simcoe, senior vice president, GM Global Design, will retire after a 42-year career with the company, effective July 1, 2025.
Simcoe will be succeeded by Bryan Nesbitt, currently executive director, Global Cadillac Design. Nesbitt will lead GM Global Design, effective July 1--becoming just the eighth GM Design chief.
Under Simcoe, GM's design studios have executed numerous award-winning products, including the Cadillac LYRIQ, GMC HUMMER EV and Chevrolet Equinox EV.
Simcoe also championed the inception and execution of GM's flagship Design West studio campus, located on GM's Global Technical Center campus in Warren, Michigan.
Additionally, Nesbitt led the design of Cadillac's latest concept vehicles--Opulent Velocity and SOLLEI.
For more information, visit gm.com.
Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Promotes JC Washbish to President and CEO
The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance has promoted JC Washbish, who was named as president in 2024, to the role of president and CEO, effective January 1.
In his new role, Washbish will continue to collaborate with the group's shareholders and channel partners. All Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance executive leadership teams will continue to report to Washbish.
For more information, visit alliance1.com.
Elgin Industries Announces New COO, CFO
Elgin Industries, the Elgin, Illinois-based manufacturer of engine, steering and suspension components, has named Chris Anderson chief operating officer (COO) and appointed Susan Liddi chief financial officer (CFO).
Anderson, who joined Elgin in 2000, will retain his duties as corporate executive vice president while assuming the responsibilities COO. He previously was executive vice president of the company's Elgin World Trade operating unit.
Liddi, who joined Elgin in early 2024, had been the company's controller.
In her new role, she will be responsible for a full range of financial, risk management, Capex, compliance and other responsibilities for the 106-year-old company.
For more information, visit elginind.com.