Friday, May 30, 2008

What Companies Can Do to Control the Constant Rising Gas Prices


Tony Cristello, Senior V.P., BB&T Capital Markets, says rising gas prices may be a constant, not a trend. Business owners need to embrace this reality and make adjustments such as tighter controls on building and vehicle heating and cooling and better monitoring of idling trucks, etc., to offset the costs.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Manufacturing Sector Thrives While Consumers Suffer in a Weak Economy


Bill Strauss, senior economist/economic advisor of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, says we are skirting a recession during times of a sluggish economy in the US. Areas such as the manufacturing sector and energy related businesses are thriving, while consumer sectors are very weak.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Gas Prices are Relative - Not as Big an Issue - as Thought by Consumers


David Carracci, GAAS chairman, discusses the need to educate consumers about preventive maintenance. Regularly scheduled tune ups, oil changes, etc. will help offset the concern over rising fuel prices - which he says are not as high as they seem in relative comparison to the economy.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Consumers Can Benefit From a Better Understanding of Independent Repair: better fuel economy and better savings


Ron Pyle, president, Automotive Service Association, sees a need for improving communication to consumers and helping them understand the value of independent repair shops and why there are often better solutions than to take it back to the dealer. At the moment some of the messages are leading to confusion for the general public, says Pyle. Aftermarket manufacturers need to do a better job of communicating their value to consumers.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Some Automotive Aftermarket Retailers Expect Tough Economic Times Ahead


Joe Catalano, COO Autobacs Strauss, in the automotive environment, talks about the need for passage of Right to Repair legislation in order to keep vehicle information flowing to the independent repair bays. He expects a tough economic year ahead, and says solutions that help people save money and gas are vital for survival.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Emerging Asian Markets Will Affect US Automotive Landscape


Neil De Koker, president and CEO of OESA, expects to see tremendous shifts in how and where cars are manufactured as emerging markets develop in Asia and other continents.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Consumers Ultimate Auto Repair Fear: Getting Ripped Off in the Repair Bays


Rob Gross with Monro Muffler Brake says customers surveyed by his company are overwhelmingly afraid of one thing – getting ripped off at the service repair bays. His company, therefore, focuses on strong relationships with consumers and making them feel at ease in his shops.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Auto Repair Shops Face Changes Ahead in Technology, Training and Tooling


George Witt, owner of George Witt Service, sees huge changes taking place in the automotive industry, especially as they pertain to technology, training and tooling. Those who harness the technology will separate themselves from the others, he adds.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Reaching Out to Troubled Youth - ASA Champions Auto Repair Education Program For At-Risk Teens


Terry Legan, president of non-profit group Auto Mission, was on-hand at the 2008 Automotive Service Association's (ASA) annual convention to explain the group's mission. The non-profit helps reach out to at-risk teenage boys within the Texas prison and court system to help teach them auto-related skills and better their lives. One particular young man is now an engineering student at college and working at AutoZone, says Legan, who adds more than 300 cars have been donated since the group's inception, some which have been passed on to people of need.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Standard Motor Products: Auto Repair Eating the Cost of Installer


Larry Sills with Standard Motor Products has seen warranty returns increase as a result of vehicle complexity. He estimates more than 50 percent of those returns are the result of installer error. How does the industry deal with that? Most of the time the suppliers eat the cost.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Oil Prices Compel Lubricant Manufacturers to Seek Alternatives


Prices of raw materials like elastomers and polymers, based on the price of oil, have shot up dramatically, says Lyle Otremba, from Cooper-Standard Automotive. This, he adds, has forced the company to consider alternative raw materials. Otremba spoke at the recent Global Automotive Conference in Lexington, Ky.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Plasma Cutting Tools: What to Know Before You Buy


Bob Fernicola, Business Manager of Plasma Cutting Equipment for ESAB, explains that most shops will need a 30-40 amp plasma cutter for most of their needs. A machine this size offers convenience and can easily handle the 1/4-inch thick steel shops typically see.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Odyssey Batteries - Technical Breakthroughs and Superior Performance


Bruce Essig explains the technology built into each Odyssey Battery and how this technology gives the power and packaging needed for modern specialty vehicles. Go to http://www.odysseyfactory.com to learn more about Odyssey Batteries.