By SEMA News Editors
MAHLE Starts Series Production of Battery Cooling Plates in Spain
Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of its launch and its 25 years as part of the global automotive supplier, the MAHLE plant in Montblanc, Tarragona, Spain, has commenced series production of a new project: a battery cooling plate for electric vehicles. The cooling plates are designed to ensure temperatures below 104°F and uniform heat distribution across battery cells for electric vehicles, supporting the performance, fast-charging capability and longevity of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles.
The site has received an investment to upgrade and transform its operations in an effort to produce up to 15,000 units per week with a total workforce of 750 employees, MAHLE stated in a release.
"The launch of this project has required a transformation of the plant, which we have successfully executed in record time. Within one year, we were ready for production... and we are ready to further expand the site should demand require it," said Roger Gombau, plant manager of MAHLE Montblanc.
Despite appearing to be a straightforward component, the battery cooling plate demands a highly automated process with minimal manual handling due to stringent requirements regarding corrosion resistance, surface quality and cleanliness.
MAHLE also said new technologies were integrated into the production line, such as the cathodic dip coating process (e-coating), which is an automated immersion coating method that provides strong corrosion protection, excellent adhesion and uniform coverage.
In addition, MAHLE is working with the Conca de Barberà Regional Council to connect the plant with students and educators, in an effort to foster interest in technical careers and explore vocational training and dual education programs aligned with industrial needs.
For the complete details, read the MAHLE announcement.
AACF Appoints Graham Rouse to Board
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has announced the appointment of Graham Rouse, vice president of marketing for North America at Valvoline Global Operations, to its board of trustees. Rouse will also serve on AACF's development committee.
Rouse brings more than a decade of experience in brand management and marketing leadership. At Valvoline, he leads strategic brand and growth initiatives across the North American automotive aftermarket. He has also held leadership roles at Procter & Gamble, where he helped drive commercial strategy and growth initiatives for billion-dollar global brands.
"We're pleased to welcome Graham to the AACF board of trustees," said John Kairys, executive director of AACF. "His marketing expertise, strategic perspective and proven ability to help leading brands grow will be a tremendous asset to the Foundation. We look forward to the ideas and leadership he will bring as we continue building awareness of AACF and reaching more people throughout the aftermarket."
For more information, visit aftermarketcharity.org.
Dutch Auto Auctions Launches Reverse-Auction Marketplace for Collector Vehicle
A new online marketplace for enthusiast and collector vehicles has entered the market with the launch of Dutch Auto Auctions.
The platform introduces a reverse auction model that differs from traditional online vehicle auctions: Rather than placing progressively higher bids, buyers monitor a vehicle's declining price and choose when to complete a purchase.
According to the company, the marketplace focuses primarily on collector cars, classic vehicles and specialty automotive assets rather than daily-driver or fleet vehicle liquidations. The platform includes AI-assisted vehicle listings, seller-controlled pricing parameters and shorter auction durations.
Users can create accounts, browse current and upcoming listings, save favorite vehicles and receive real-time auction updates. Additional features include price prediction tools and live auction activity intended to increase engagement throughout each sale.
Dutch Auto Auctions' release shared that its goal is to provide an alternative online marketplace that emphasizes pricing transparency and a simplified buying and selling process for collectors and automotive enthusiasts.
For more information, visit dutchautoauctions.com.
BorgWarner Appoints Rajesh Kalathur to Board of Directors
BorgWarner has announced that Rajesh Kalathur has been appointed to its board of directors.
"Raj's extensive global leadership experience across finance, information technology, operations and sales will be invaluable to our Board," said Alexis P. Michas, non-executive chairman of the Board of BorgWarner.
Kalathur most recently served as president of John Deere Financial and chief information officer of Deere & Company, which produces agricultural, construction, forestry, turf and power systems and other solutions. He joined Deere & Company in 1996 and retired in 2026.
For more information, visit borgwarner.com.
AutoZone Names Sharpley Senior VP of Finance
AutoZone has announced that Grace Sharpley, vice president, merchandising pricing and analysis, has been promoted to senior vice president, finance. She joins the company's executive committee and reports to Jamere Jackson, chief financial officer.
Sharpley is a 12-year veteran of the company. During her AutoZone career, she has held several leadership roles in audit and finance, including vice president, strategy, plus vice president, merchandising pricing and analysis.
"We are very pleased to announce Grace's promotion and addition to the Executive Committee. Her leadership, expertise and consistent delivery of strong results position her well to help us drive continued growth at AutoZone," said Phil Daniele, president and CEO.
For more information, visit autozone.com.
Valvoline Names Two New Board Members
Valvoline has announced the election of Katherine Fogertey, former CFO of Shake Shack, and Scott Mezvinsky, CEO of the KFC Division of Yum! Brands, to its board of directors.
The board appointed Fogertey to serve as a member of the board's Audit Committee and Mezvinsky to serve as a member of the board's Governance and Nominating Committee.
"Katie's deep financial expertise, capital markets and investor insights, and successful track record using data analytics and driving operational excellence align seamlessly with our long-term strategic vision. Likewise, Scott's extensive experience leading global consumer brands, scaling both U.S. and international franchise networks, and executing large-scale growth strategies will provide invaluable insight to our board and guidance to our executive team. Together, their combined expertise brings fresh, vital perspectives to our board that will be instrumental in creating long-term shareholder value," said Richard J. Freeland, chairman of the board.
For more information, visit valvoline.com.
