ASA Steps Up to Social Networking

BEDFORD, Texas – Fans of social networking can now follow the Automotive Service Association (ASA) on Facebook and Twitter. ASA’s presence on these social networking sites will allow users to keep up with all that ASA is doing on behalf of its members, business partners and the industry as a whole. To access ASA’s Facebook and Twitter pages, search “Automotive Service Association” on the following Web sites: www.facebook.com and www.twitter.com. Or use the links located on ASA’s home page at www.ASAshop.org.

Connecting on these sites is just one more way ASA is creating an online community of its members and consumers to build awareness for the ASA brand and to drive more motorists to ASA shops, says the association. A recent Web traffic report indicates usage of ASA’s online shop locator increased 50 percent during the months of January through April 2009 when compared to the same months from the previous year. ASA’s shop locator is found on the home page of www.ASAshop.org, and helps motorists find their nearest ASA shop location.

“We believe our current and future members expect us to be electronically fluent and competent in using the numerous emerging social networking technologies. ASA is learning how best to leverage every relevant method of electronic communication to deliver real value to each member,” said Ron Pyle, ASA president and chief staff executive.

ASA Web site traffic statistics also indicated 2.6 million unique visitors to the site in 2008 with an average of 7,500 daily visitors and total page views of more than 6.2 million.

ASA’s presence on various social networking sites also provides members with another avenue for networking with peers who understand the day-to-day operations of an independent automotive service and repair business.

“We have worked hard to not only maintain the association’s standing as the information source for the automotive service and repair industry, but also to enhance it as needed,” said Angie Wilson, ASA’s vice president of marketing and communications. “From association news that helps our members on a daily basis, to statistics and nationwide reports, ASA continues to expand its reach to the industry, our members and the consumers they serve.”

Despite a tough commercial tire market in 2023 due to overstock and the effects of a rubber-banding supply chain, some tire manufacturers are expressing a cautious optimism for stabilization and gradual recovery through the rest of 2024 and into 2025.

"The economy is not showing signs that it’s going to slow down, but I don’t think the situation’s going to improve dramatically by the end of this year. It’s more likely next year," said Pierluigi Cumo, Vice President of B2B products, at Michelin North America. "We can see the light because the beginning of 2023 was very bad. I think now we’ve found the bottom, and I don’t think we’re going to get much further from the bottom in 2024."