NEW HAVEN, Conn.-Giovanni Ferrario, former managing director of Pirelli Group's tire manufacturing and sales company in Italy, joined Pirelli Armstrong Tire Corp. as its president and CEO June 15. Mr. Ferrario, 46, succeeds Paul Calvi, who will head Turk-Pirelli, Pirelli's tire and steel cord subsidiary in Istanbul, Turkey.
Born in Milan, Italy, Mr. Ferrario joined Pirelli's diversified products division in 1973 and later headed the firm's power transmission operating company in the U.S. before moving to the company's tire sector in Italy in 1992.
``Ferrario is a specialist in marketing and sales, and you'll probably see him focus on that direction,'' a spokesman said.
Meanwhile, the company said the move is neither a promotion nor demotion for Mr. Calvi.
``It's a lateral move for Calvi,'' the spokesman said. ``The company just wants to exercise the expertise of both men.''
Pep Boys reports lowered earnings
PHILADELPHIA-The Pep Boys-Many, Moe & Jack, hampered by unfavorable weather conditions in California and the Mid-Atlantic states coupled with the devaluation of the Mexican peso, reported a dip in earnings for this year's first quarter, ended April 29.
The company said sales rose to a record $361.2 million, 6.9 percent greater than the year earlier period. Earnings for the period declined 7.7 percent from the 1994 quarter to $16.2 million.
Pep Boys operates 436 stores in 32 states and said it plans to open approximately 48 Supercenters and 23 PARTS USA stores this year.
GM expands recall for defective wheels
DETROIT-General Motors Corp. is extending a 1994 recall to include an additional 38,163 vehicles that may have defective Kelsey Hayes steel wheels.
GM first issued a recall in May 1994 of about 164,000 1988-90 model Pontiac Grand Prix, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supremes and Buick Regals, and 1990 model Chevrolet Luminas that may experience wheel mounting surface cracks that could result in the wheel separating from the vehicle.
In the latest recall, GM dealers will examine the wheel assembly and replace it based on its date of manufacture.
ARA improves its liability program
LOUISVILLE, Ky.-The American Retreaders Association has improved its sponsored Products Liability Insurance Program by adding incentive-based discounts for members.
Effective July 1, retreaders or repairers who have operated loss-free for the past three years will benefit from a rate credit of 5 percent; those operating loss-free for five years will be eligible for a 10-percent discount.
NTDRA reunion part of anniversary
WASHINGTON-The National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association will host its ``Tire Industry Reunion Reception'' Oct. 12 at the New Orleans Marriott Hotel, prior to the association's 75th anniversary convention dinner, featuring retired General Norman Schwarzkopf.
Tickets for the reception are $20 and can be ordered through NTDRA's convention registration form or its Silver Club.
Dunlop opens Atlanta distribution center
BUFFALO, N.Y.-Dunlop Tire Corp. has opened a 168,000-sq.-ft. tire distribution center 15 miles south of Atlanta.
The new center will improve delivery and distribution and enable Dunlop to stock a greater number of tires in the southeast region, the company said.
The warehouse address is: 100 Business Center Drive, Stock-bridge, Ga. 30281; (404) 507-6990. Fax: (404) 507-6989.
Production resumes at U.G.'s Okla. plant
ARDMORE, Okla.-Tire production has resumed at Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Co.'s Ardmore plant less than five weeks after a tornado ripped through the facility May 7, causing $10 million to $12 million in damage.
The first tires rolled off the line June 5. Production has been building ever since and should reach normal levels by early August, the company said.
The plant produces Uniroyal and BFGoodrich brand passenger and light truck tires, mostly as original equipment for General Motors Corp.