CAT

There are some nice big, and small, facts and figures to consider when you think about Corteco and look into the history of its parent company, Freudenberg.

The newly-created Bilstein Group has had its public unveiling at Automechanika in Frankfurt. A year and a half on from buying ADL and thus becoming the sole owners of the Blue Print brand, the group has officially launched itself at the show.

Six automotive technicians have been selected as finalists for the UK Master Fitter competition. Following seven regional heats the group has been selected to take part in the competition’s final phase at the National Skills Show in November.

Fantastic. On the eve of my first visit to the gargantuan Automechanika show in Frankfurt, Lufthansa cabin crew have decided to go on strike. And, of course, I'm flying Lufthansa.

TMD Friction and Hella have announced their intentions to combine and establish a new joint venture. The new business, in which each partner will have a 50 percent stake, will be named Hella Pagid and will become a global aftermarket brand.Headquartered in Germany the brand will enter into business on 1st January 2013, subject to approval from the competition authorities.

Members of the Automechanika organisation team have issued an open letter to Lufthansa, asking them to consider their "economic responsibility" when deciding whether to strike. If the planned action happens, it could affect visitors to the show.

An unspecified number of counterfeit V-ribbed ContiTech belts have been seized in Casablanca, Morocco by local authorities. A retailer was preparing to sell the fake belts when a tip-off from ContiTech led to the discovery and seizure of the belts which have since been destroyed.

The IMI has announced the appointment of Steve Nash as its new CEO. Taking over from January next year, Nash, who is currently After Sales Director for BMW, will bring over 40 years of experience to his new role. Since graduating in 1977 Nash has worked in the motor industry in both retail and manufacturing.