Rift Harming Auto Industry
The tense relationship between Detroit’s automakers and their suppliers was on display Wednesday as executives from both camps spoke about cooperating and collaborating while taking subtle or direct swipes at each other.
Companies Develop World’s First Mercury-Free High-Intensity Discharge Headlamp System
Together, KOITO Manufacturing Co., DENSO Corp., Toyota Motor Corp. and Royal Philips Electronics have developed the world’s first mercury-free high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamp system. This system completely eliminates mercury from discharge lamps (bulbs). The HID headlamp system is installed on the Toyota Porte, launched this month in Japan.
Executive Interview with Tom Ward, President, Snap-on Diagnostics
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Tom Ward, president of Snap-on Diagnostics, a global business focused on improving technician and workshop productivity around the world. Join us as Ward gives us an inside look at Snap-on Diagnostics, including information on some recently launched products. Ward also talks about the trends and challenges in automotive diagnostics and repair and how the division works to address these issues.
Soy-Based Products Show Potential Under The Hood
As soy biodiesel continues to gain acceptance at the pump, soy-based lubricants are also fueling the automotive industry. Engine oil and hydraulic power steering fluid are two soy-based products showing potential “under the hood.”
Equipment and Tool Institute Opens Access to I/M Overview
The Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI) has announced it will give unrestricted access to its annual “Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Overview” available on the ETI Web site. This will be the first time the document is made available to any interested party free of charge, regardless of ETI membership. The “I/M Overview” is a comprehensive listing of all automotive inspection and maintenance programs in the U.S. and Canada. It details everything from the program’s EPA designation and start date to test types, frequency, fees and volume. ETI has also added the “OBDII Generic Communication Protocols by Manufacturer” listing and the “ODB CAN Equipped Vehicles” list at the end of the report.
R. L. Polk & Co. Introduces Polk Used Truck MarketView
R. L. Polk & Co. has launched its latest information solutions product. The Polk Used Truck MarketView provides commercial OEMs, fleet and leasing companies, dealers and aftermarket component manufacturers with comprehensive reports on used commercial vehicle information. The new product is accessible via Polk’s TIP Net Web-based commercial vehicle market intelligence system or available in report form on a subscription basis, and can be used to accurately analyze the commercial used vehicle market; plan inventory and sales strategy; identify new market opportunities; and take advantage of market conditions according to Polk.
Much of Coastal U.S. May Follow California on Car Emissions
California’s plan for sharp cuts in automotive emissions of global warming gases could eventually lead much of the coastal United States to turn to vehicles that are substantially cleaner, and by extension more fuel efficient, than those in the rest of the nation.
DST Asks: How Do You View the Industry and Your Career?
Every automobile in every dealer’s showroom in America displays an EPA fuel economy ratings sticker. The ratings are estimates developed by the automakers after testing a limited number of pre-production vehicles. The EPA then verifies the results on roughly 10 to 15 percent of the vehicles produced for that year. The tests, repeated the same way each time in a controlled environment, are the same for all autos and are supposed to simulate city and highway driving conditions. They can’t – and don’t – reflect the conditions under which every vehicle is driven; nor do they reflect the maintenance condition, type of fuel used, or – perhaps most importantly-the variety of driving styles that we all see everyday on the streets. What do mileage ratings and driving styles have to do with your aftermarket career? Plenty.
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.
Using The Internet As A Tool To Promote Your Shop
For many people the Internet has become the primary medium for finding information, addresses, products and services — including auto repair. If your business does not yet have its own Web site, you’re missing a great opportunity to tell people who you are and what you can do for them.