Shortage of Technology-Oriented Mechanics May Lead to Higher Repair Costs
Motorists, already facing soaring gas prices, can expect higher repair costs in the future because of a lack of qualified mechanics. Even as today’s cars and trucks become more technologically advanced, there are fewer students who can read well enough to understand manuals that explain how to repair them, mechanics and automotive instructors say.
Service Providers: Educate Decision Makers Using Car Care Clinics for Women
Nearly nine of ten female motorists are at least somewhat involved in the decision making process for their household’s vehicle maintenance and repair, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association. To help service providers better educate female consumers about vehicle maintenance and repair, the Car Care Council Women’s Board and Be Car Care Aware campaign have developed the “Service Provider’s Guide to Hosting a Successful Women’s Car Care Clinic.”
Auto Pride Convention Focuses on EDI Initiatives
On the sun-drenched shore of Florida’s southern Atlantic coast, IWD (Independent Warehouse Distributors) Auto Pride/Truck Pride held its 19th Annual Membership Meeting on April 28 through May 2. The event included participation from 117 members and their families, as well as 137 manufacturers/suppliers in attendance. While the members participated in more than 10 strategy and program sessions, the manufacturers hosted a booth show during the second day of the event.
New Study Analyzes Role of Females in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
Nearly nine of ten female motorists are at least somewhat involved in the decision making process for their household’s vehicle maintenance and repair, according to a new study released by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). “Vehicle Maintenance & The Female Motorist,” is an analysis of the attitudes and perceptions that drive women’s behavior regarding vehicle maintenance and repair.
Gessford Machine Inc. Named 2004
George Anderson, owner of Gessford Machine in Hastings, Neb., has been named the 2004 “Machine Shop of the Year” award by Engine Builder magazine and the Engine Rebuilders Association (AERA). AERA is a not-for-profit trade association, serving the engine rebuilder/remanufacturing industry, machine shops, equipment, parts and services suppliers since 1922.
iATN Heads to Southern Cal for 2004 Convention
The International Automotive Technicians’ Network (iATN) will hold its 2004 convention Sept. 24-26, at the Coast Anaheim Hotel, in Anaheim, Calif. Traditionally a casual event, the convention will offer several technical and business management sessions, in addition to networking opportunities. The convention will also feature “TechNight Live: iATN West Coast Diagnostic Challenge.” There will also be a special luncheon address, as well as a dinner and reception for attendees.
New Import Parts Specialist Certification Tests Available
Aftermarket firms can begin the new year with a competitive edge by encouraging employees and customers to take the newly updated Auto International Association (AIA) Import Parts Specialist and Master Import Parts Specialist certification tests. Better-trained counter personnel and service technicians are vital to ensuring quality repairs and satisfying import nameplate customers. These tests address the pressing need for professionals with knowledge and training to help drive improved sales and provide the best customer service to import nameplate owners.
U.S. Steel Production May Be Hampered by Damage
U.S. Steel Corp. confirmed that it might not be able to produce about 50,000 tons of steel for its automotive customers at its Great Lakes plant in Ecorse after one of its huge steelmaking containers was damaged Friday. John Armstrong, a U.S. Steel spokesman, said the container, used to melt down scrap metal and iron ore, was shut down after liquefied metal began leaking through the container’s interior. No one was injured, and the company is investigating.
BWD Automotive Announces Vehicle Service Professional Rewards Program
BWD Automotive has launched a new Vehicle Service Professional (VSP) Rewards program, designed to foster, preserve and enhance the relationship among automotive repair technicians, distribution customers and BWD Automotive. The goal of VSP Rewards is to provide today’s professional automotive technician with up-to-date educational and reference tools required by an increasingly complex automotive repair industry.
CBS Segment Featuring ASA’s Ron Pyle Sparks Criticism from Insurers, Repairers
The Automotive Service Association’s (ASA’s) Chief Staff Executive Ron Pyle was recently featured in two CBS programs that addressed the issue of insurer-owned body shops. A number of insurers and repairers responded negatively to the segment, including the National Auto Body Council (NABC), which sent a stern letter to CBS News stating that the segment didn’t live up to its sensationalized billing, when Dan Rather told the viewing audience to stay tuned to see how consumers are possibly being ripped off by collision repair shops.