OPINION — Copper in Brake Pads: The New Asbestos, But for Fish; Great Idea, Bad Tax
I applaud the spirit of these new laws lowering copper levels in brake pads. Chances are that with the wide time horizons and aftermarket participation, all automakers and brake pad manufacturers will be able to meet the standards of the new laws without an impact to vehicle performance or consumer safety. The biggest issue bothering me is the lack of enforcement mechanism for the new law in Washington.
Herman Trend Alert: Money is King in 2010 and Beyond?
Forty-six percent of CFOs surveyed said bonuses were the most effective way to acknowledge a job well done; only 21 said time off was the best way.
Herman Trend Alert: Global Hiring Revisited
According to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Surveys, the U.S. will have a year-over-year increase of about 5 percent with a record-tying 73 percent of employers keeping staff levels stable.
Guest Commentary: Raybestos District Sales Manager Chris Hudson Chimes in on the Rotor Resurfacing Issue
In today’s Guest Commentary, Chris Hudson, district sales manager for Raybestos Brake and Chassis, part of the Affinia Under Vehicle Group, responds to a recent column by Brake & Front End Editor Andrew Markel regarding rotor resurfacing and the recent settlement of the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) case against former Midas franchisee Mike Glad.
The Green Movement Continues the Day After St. Patrick’s Day
Everyone thinks of green on St. Patrick’s Day, but the day after is an important opportunity to celebrate biodiesel’s green benefits in America, according to the National Biodiesel Board.
Herman Trend Alert: Caregivers Cost Companies Billions
According to the MetLife Study of Working Caregivers and Employer Health Care Costs, employees in the United States who care for older relatives are more likely to report health problems. These health problems, including depression, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, cost employers an estimated average additional healthcare cost of 8 percent or $13.4 billion annually.
OPINION: Rotors, Resurfacing and the Law: How the Glad/Midas Lawsuit Will Change How You Sell Brakes
In my opinion, this lawsuit has been a black eye for all shops. The true victims in this case are not the consumers, but the honest independent shops and Midas franchisees who now have to face an even more skeptical public.
Carley’s Corner: The Pitfalls of Extended Warranties
New car warranties keep getting longer and longer, much to the dismay of the aftermarket.
Herman Trend Alert: Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Expect innovation to become increasingly important, as the nations of the world look for answers.
Herman Trend Alert: Our Growing Global Workforce
The most encouraging statistic is that worldwide, 81 percent of CEOs are confident of their 2010 prospects (up from 64 percent) and only 18 percent remain pessimistic (down from 35 percent).
Guest Commentary: Scott Luckett, AAIA Vice President of Technology and Standards, Translates the Language of ACES and PIES
Luckett, regarded as the champion of ACES and PIES, has kindly offered to give us a simplified recipe for this rather complicated alphabet soup.
AAIA Technology Standards Get Updated for 2010
New versions of ACES, PIES and SIS available immediately.