Motorists Want More Safety Features, Less Frill, Research Finds
Automotive manufacturers, while pushing hi-tech frills, are not meeting customers’ needs for safety related features, according to consumer opinion research.
Automotive Exterior Market Expected to Grow
The automotive exterior market is expected to grow by more than 10 percent by 2009, according to a report from consulting firm CSM Worldwide. The automotive exterior market is expected to grow by more than 10 percent by 2009, according to a report from consulting firm CSM Worldwide.
High-tech is Giving Drivers Another Set of Eyes on Highways
Advances in automotive technology are giving drivers another set of eyes. There is parking assistance that backs a car into a parking space, miniature cameras that help a driver see at night and in blinding sunlight, detection devices that sound an alert when a driver crosses into a lane without activating the turn signal or starts to get too close to a pedestrian.
Dana Today Celebrates 100 Years in Business
Today, Dana Corp. celebrates 100 years in business with its founding on April 1, 1904. On that day, an engineer named Clarence Spicer began producing his encased universal joint, which effectively replaced the sprocket-and-chain power transmission of the day.
Thomson Delmar Learning Re-Launched ASE Test Prep Web Site
With technicians across the country preparing to take ASE exams, educational resource firm, Thomas Delmar Learning has re-launched www.ATCChallenge.com, its online automotive ASE test prep course. Delmar Learning has made improvements to the site, updating it with the latest ASE task lists.
Dealers Turning to Independents for Service Contracts
Car dealers sell more optional service contracts (such as extended warranties and mechanical-breakdown protection) when they utilize independent providers as opposed to plans offered from their respective factories. According to a study released by J.D. Power and Associates, dealers that use independents have sales rates of 32 percent to new-car buyers and 40 percent to used-car buyers. In contrast, dealers who use factory plans report 28 percent and 33 percent respectively.
Experts Warn Industry’s Growth in South Carolina Will Be Flat at Best
South Carolina is chasing automotive manufacturing jobs even as the industry’s work force is slipping away from the U.S. Some experts warn South Carolina will lose its auto jobs too, as automakers and parts companies move jobs abroad or squeeze out jobs at home through efficiency gains. Some experts warn South Carolina will lose its auto jobs too, as automakers and parts companies move jobs abroad or squeeze out jobs at home through efficiency gains.
Sell-Out Inventory Management Seminar Shows Industry’s Interest in Topic
The University of the Aftermarket’s Inventory Management Seminar, held March 8-9, drew a sell-out crowd, revealing the topic’s high interest to the industry. The event was hosted by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the aftermarket segment association of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). The seminar gave participants a better understanding of the fundamentals of inventory control management and the purchasing process. Major areas of focus were distribution center inventory management, store inventory management and supply chain inventory management.
GOJO Industries Launches New Automotive Web Site
GOJO Industries, a longtime leader in skin care solutions for the automotive industry, has launched a new automotive Web site, featuring tools and resources to help shop supervisors recognize and help prevent costly skin problems. The site offers material safety data sheets as well as information about products, dispensers and contact information to receive assistance from a GOJO skin care expert.
Foreign Countries Try to Lure Auto Jobs
Luis Salazar’s booth is one of the largest at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress, with four columns, flags and several comfortable leather chairs. But with space that rivals General Motors Corp.’s and Ford Motor Co.’s exhibits, Salazar isn’t pushing cool 21st-century technology, sensors or car parts — he’s pushing Mexico. If you have jobs, the Mexican deputy trade commissioner has plenty of land, workers and a proven track record with the auto industry to offer.