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SPECIAL EDITION -- Manufacturers working to assess impact of explosion at part supplier's plant
April 30, 2012

SPECIAL EDITION -- Manufacturers working to assess impact of explosion at part supplier's plant A recent explosion at a German chemical plant owned by Evonik Industries AG is expected to impact the global production of a plastic that is used for brake and fuel systems in many vehicle models. Evonik makes a chemical called CDT, which is critical to the production of a plastic resin – known as PA-12 or nylon-12 – that is used to make the brake lines, fuel lines and other components of vehicles produced by the auto manufacturers. As a result of the explosion, Evonik was forced to shut down its plant in Marl, Germany indefinitely. The company said this week that it does not expect to reopen the plant for at least three months, and cautioned that it may not resume full production until the beginning of winter. At this point, it is unclear exactly what impact the plant shutdown will have on vehicle production. Automakers have told Wheels that they are continuing to monitor the situation and their supply bases, and none have announced any production cuts so far. In addition, approximately 200 automotive industry leaders, including representatives from the automakers, gathered Tuesday near Detroit to forecast the industry-wide implications of the Evonik plant shutdown and discuss possible next steps. After the meeting, some automakers expressed optimism that the plastic resin shortage can be mitigated by tapping into alternative supply options, while other industry sources said the situation will likely have a significant effect on global auto production. Wheels remains in constant contact with the manufacturers, and we are following the progress of the situation very closely. We will continue to keep clients apprised of any major developments that arise as manufacturers work to assess and mitigate the impact of the Evonik plant shutdown

Wheels named to Companies that Care Honor Roll
March 13, 2012

Des Plaines, Ill., March 13, 2012 – Wheels, Inc., a leader in the multi-billion-dollar fleet leasing industry, has again been named to the Companies That Care Honor Roll. The Center for Companies That Care is a national, non-profit association aimed at promoting strong intra-company environments, as well as positive relationships between companies and their surrounding communities.

Wheels, Inc. Account Management Program Wins Gold at American Business Awards for Sales and Customer Service
February 28, 2012

Des Plaines, Ill., February 28, 2012 – Wheels, Inc., a leader in the multi-billion-dollar fleet leasing industry, earned a top prize at the 2012 American Business Awards (a.k.a. “The Stevies”) for Sales and Customer Service. Wheels’ Account Management program was presented with the Gold Stevie Award for “Front Line Customer Service Team of the Year” last night at an awards gala in Las Vegas. It was one of three awards Wheels received over the course of the evening.

Wheels, Inc. named as finalist in three categories for the American Business Awards for Sales and Customer Service
January 26, 2012

Wheels, Inc. named as finalist in three categories for the American Business Awards for Sales and Customer Service. Wheels account management program, driver call center and HR/quality service training initiatives honored by judges. Des Plaines, Ill., January 26, 2012 – Wheels, Inc., a leader in the multi-billion-dollar fleet leasing industry, has been named a finalist in three categories for the 2012 American Business Awards (a.k.a. “The Stevies”) for Sales and Customer Service.

Wheels, Inc. Named to Chicago Tribune Top Workplaces for 2011
November 15, 2011

Des Plaines, Ill., November 15, 2011 – Wheels, Inc., a leader in the multi-billion-dollar fleet leasing industry, was recently named one of the Chicago Tribune’s Top Workplaces for 2011. Wheels ranked 14th overall in the midsize company segment.

Supply Chain Update: October 27th
October 27, 2011

Hourly workers represented by the United Auto Workers union (UAW) have ratified a new four-year national labor contract with Chrysler. The union and the automaker had reached a tentative agreement on October 12. The UAW’s ratification of the Chrysler deal means that all three domestic manufacturers now have finalized agreements in place with the union.

Supply Chain Update: October 20th
October 20, 2011

UAW workers approve labor contract with Ford, work to finalize Chrysler deal Hourly workers represented by the United Auto Workers union (UAW) have ratified a new four-year national labor contract with Ford. Ford and the UAW had reached a tentative agreement two weeks ago, and thanks to a successful lobbying campaign by UAW leaders, the deal was ultimately ratified with about 63 percent of Ford workers voting in its favor. Chrysler remains the only domestic manufacturer without a finalized agreement in place with the UAW. The automaker and the union reached a tentative deal last week, and workers and local union leaders are expected to complete a ratification vote sometime in the next 10 days. Vehicle production has continued at all manufacturers throughout the contract processes. Wheels remains in constant contact with the manufacturers, and will continue to keep clients apprised of any major developments.

Supply Chain Updates: October 14th
October 14, 2011

UAW reaches tentative deal with Chrysler as some Ford plants reject contract

Supply Chain Updates: October 6th
October 06, 2011

UAW reaches tentative deal with Ford

Supply Chain Update: September 29th
September 29, 2011

Ford, Toyota identify models affected by carpeting and floor mat shortage