TROY, Mich., – Tom Gosnell, president of ArvinMeritor’s Commercial Vehicle Systems (CVS) business, is retiring after 27 years at the truck component and aftermarket supplier. He is being replaced Carsten J. Reinhardt, who was previously CEO and president of Detroit Diesel Corp., a subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler.

But Gosnell’s days working at ArvinMeritor aren’t entirely over, says the company’s chairman and CEO Chip McClure.

“Tom will continue to be a consultant to me and to Carsten and the whole team,” McClure said in an interview with TodaysTrucking.com this morning. “Tom’s been an important part of this company for a long time.”

Former DD boss Carsten Reinhardt has
“a long runway” at ArvinMeritor

As for the future of the new CVS boss, McClure said Reinhardt “has a long runway ahead of him.”

“I feel very fortunate to find someone like him,” McClure said. “Most important is that he’s a truck guy. The second thing I was looking for was international scope, and Carsten certainly has that being born in Germany and educated there and in England. Having a production background was important too.”

Reinhardt will be responsible for the overall strategic management of the company’s global commercial vehicle components and customer-focused services — both for OE production and the aftermarket.

“Carsten’s track record for focusing on operational excellence, improving financial performance and executing growth initiatives will be a tremendous asset to maintaining and enhancing an already strong organization,” said McClure earlier in a press release. “We remain steadfast in our determination to continue controlling costs and to provide outstanding customer service, and we are confident Carsten has the skills and business acumen to drive continued growth in this segment.”

Meanwhile, the company also announced the creation of a new Emissions Technology Group. ArvinMeritor has been making strong gains lately in the diesel particulate filter (DPF) business — a technology required to help meet EPA diesel engine emission standards.

Heading that group as president is H.H. “Buddy” Wacaser. He will be responsible for overall strategic management. Wacaser most recently served as president and CEO of Meridian Automotive Systems, Inc.

Also, Philip R. Martens has been named senior vice-president and president of the company’s Light Vehicle Systems (LVS) business. He most recently served as president and COO of Plastech Engineered Products.

Marten, who is succeeding the retiring Juan De La Riva, will be responsible for the overall strategic and operational management of the company’s passenger vehicle components, modules and systems business, including the aperture and undercarriage businesses.