Dealer Fixed Operations

GM gets inquiries about Saab amid plans to shut unit

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EDT

General Motors Co. said it received inquiries from several parties regarding its Saab unit after announcing it would close the Swedish automaker following the collapse of talks to sell the division, Bloomberg News reports. One approach was from Spyker Cars , which said it submitted a revised bid that will expire today at 5 p.m. in New York. Some asked about assets such as machinery, tooling or the factory at Trollhaettan, Sweden, where Saab is based, said a person familiar with the matter. The end of talks with Spyker last week led to Detroit-based GM's decision to wind down Saab. The fresh Spyker bid and the other inquiries may revive hopes that money-losing Saab can continue to produce cars. Some 3,500 jobs are at risk, along with thousands of jobs among suppliers to the automotive industry in Sweden. Two attempts to sell the 72-year-old brand have failed over the last month.

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Fri, 11 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

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Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Thieves are targeting catalytic converters

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Here's a reminder, and a sign of the times, out of Beverly, MA. Criminals have been stealing catalytic converters from cars parked at repair shops and businesses in recent months for the precious metals inside, the Salem News reported recently. Since Nov. 1, Beverly has seen three converter thefts. "(They) contain platinum, and there's a secondary market for that," said Patrolman John McCarthy, the department spokesman. McCarthy said there's possibly a market for used converters. The converters, which are part of the car's exhaust system, can be sold at scrap metal yards for quick cash. Catalytic converters have been used on vehicles since the 1970s. "They lower emissions of a vehicle to provide cleaner air going through the exhaust pipe," said Dennis Medina of Hillcrest Chevrolet of Salem. "(A converter) lowers emissions and oxide of nitrogen — it's a harmful gas the motor creates." While it may be worth about $100 as scrap metal, installing a new one can cost more than 10 times that amount. Jay Collins, co-owner of North Shore Auto Clinic of Salem, said a repair bill for a new converter, with all-new equipment, could cost as much as $1,100 to $1,200 for some models. For older and after-market converters, the price is half that amount.

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Frost & Sullivan cites Interstate Batteries at technicians' choice

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Frost & Sullivan recently named Interstate Batteries the 2009 U.S. Automotive Technicians' Choice: Overall Best Brand of Automotive Batteries award winner. An emerging leader in this category, Interstate Batteries tested high among U.S. automotive technicians based on Frost and Sullivan's independent research.

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EDT

Congressional support for Right to Repair reaches 51

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Congressional support of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2057) has reached 51, it was announced today by Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

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Fri, 09 Jun 2006 00:00:00 EDT

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