Greasing Fixed Operations by learning the nuts and bolts of e-Commerce
Five key e-Commerce elements to survive and thrive in fixed operations
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Do your customers love you?
A dealership concierge approach on how to retain your customers in these tumultuous times
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Polk study sees opportunity in number of older vehicles
Aftermarket report
R. L. Polk & Co. has issued a new study, the "Impact of Declining New Vehicle Sales on the Aftermarket." Highlights from the market study: From 2008 to 2010, the total number of aftermarket parts and repairs is expected to grow by just .04%; older vehicles mean opportunity in some sectors; some sales channels do better than others; and where to expect growth to occur. Download the complete report
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Parts dealership uses GPS and push-to-talk services to stay competitive
Route 23 Ford, the largest wholesale parts dealer in the greater New York area ranked 12th in nationwide Ford parts sales, is reporting a dramatic increase in driver productivity and accountability through the use of TeleNav Track, a cell phone-based GPS navigation and tracking service. The company says it is also using Nextel Direct Connect and wireless devices from Sprint for instant communication between drivers and headquarters employees.
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ASE introduces new A9 Auto Series test
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has introduced an addition to the Automobile Technician certification test series-the Light Vehicle Diesel Engines Test (A9). The new A9 test comes as a response to industry interest in having ASE provide a certification path for technicians working on light diesel engines, which many vehicle manufacturers are planning to incorporate in existing production automobiles and light trucks in order to enhance their lineup. The first A9 tests will be offered in the May 2009 ASE Test Administration.
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Autodata, Insignia join on accessories sales effort
Autodata Solutions, Inc., a provider of technology and professional services to North American automotive manufacturers, today announced an exclusive distributor and integration alliance with Insignia Group, a provider of dealership accessories sales and management systems. As part of the initiative, Insignia Group will provide accessory images, descriptions, and compatibility rules through its proprietary software for use in Autodata's platform of automotive software technologies and tools. Insignia brings its proprietary visual accessorization capability to the Autodata platform, allowing Autodata's tools to dynamically change vehicle images as users select accessory options, the companies said.
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Buick, Jaguar rated most dependable by J.D. Power
Buick tied Jaguar as the most dependable vehicle brands in an influential study released today by J.D. Power and Associates, The Detroit News reports. Lexus, Toyota and Mercury brands also ranked in the top five of the 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study, which measures problems experienced by owners of 2006 model year vehicles. Ford Motor Co. netted high marks with all three of its brands ranking above the industry average. Its Mercury Grand Marquis was the most dependable large car, and two Lincoln vehicles were top-rated in their segments, according to the study. Chrysler LLC, however, only had its namesake brand score above the industry average while Buick and Cadillac were alone among GM's eight brands to score better than the average of 170 problems per 100 vehicles. Buick, which improved from a sixth-place ranking last year, had 122 problems per 100 vehicles.
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Amerigon introduces heated and cooled cup holder
Amerigon Incorporated, which develops and markets products based on advanced thermoelectric technologies (TE), today announced that it has been awarded a contract to manufacture a heated and cooled cup holder for the automotive market based on its advanced TE technology. The cup holder is expected to be launched in a full-size sedan by a major automotive manufacturer in the fall of 2010, the company said.
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Parts suppliers praise administration for industry aid
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association issued a statement praising the Obama Administration for taking quick action to assist motor vehicle parts suppliers, the nation's largest manufacturing sector. Reacting to the U.S. Department of the Treasury announcement of the creation of the Auto Supplier Support Program, which will provide up to $5 billion in financing, MEMA President Bob McKenna said, "This is a tremendous step toward stabilizing the supply base, which will benefit the domestic automotive manufacturing industry."
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Audatex offers collision repair online data service
Audatex North America, Inc., a provider of software and services for the automotive claims processing industry, has introduced AudaUpdate, an automated online data delivery service that aims to help insurers and collision repairers save time and ensure the accuracy of collision repair estimates.
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AkzoNobel tapped to provide Sikkens Autowave
AkzoNobel today announces that Classic Chevrolet of Grapevine, Texas has selected the Sikkens Autowave waterborne paint system for all of their collision repair centers in the greater Dallas Fort Worth metro area. Classic Chevrolet is the Nation’s number 1 volume Chevrolet dealer, a distinction held for three consecutive years. Classic Chevrolet is owned by Tom Durant who owns seven other dealerships in the DFW area. Durant has also recently opened two new Chevrolet dealerships in Tampa, Florida, and in Sugar Land, Texas.
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The importance of service in today’s economy
Why it pays to go the extra mile to help your customers on the rough road ahead
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Internet driven accessories sales – Strategies and best practices for success in a down economy
Tips and practices to generate additional profits with Internet driven accessories sales
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How to endure, survive and even thrive in tumultuous times
Is that what you and your store(s) need at this very moment? The knowledge of how to endure in these tumultuous times? The ability to survive in these tumultuous times? And can you imagine…a plan to even thrive in these tumultuous times?
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and collision repair facilities can fulfill EPA requirements by taking the Hazardous Airborne Pollutant Reduction (HAP01) I-CAR online training program. EPA standards require that all existing collision repair facilities receive training on hazardous air pollutant reduction. Facilities have up to three years to meet the new rule and the EPA requires that training be completed every five years. New facilities must meet the requirements within 180 days of opening. Jason Bartanen, technical director for I-CAR said, “This is a perfect example of an effort between the paint companies, I-CAR, other training organizations, and the EPA to collaborate on providing training as the industry does its part to reduce the hazardous effects of pollutants on the environment.” In addition to staying in compliance with the new rule, those who complete this program will learn how to use less refinishing material; reduce the amount of waste during the refinishing and clean-up processes; increase the life of spray booth filters with less overspray; do their part to be a “good steward” of the environment; and increase credibility with environmentally-conscious customers. 
