Popular Aftermarket Columnist Mitch Schneider Joins Babcox Publications
Akron, OH — Mitch Schneider, nationally recognized automotive service professional, author and lecturer, has joined Babcox Publications as a senior contributing editor.
Beginning in July, Schneider’s popular commentary will appear monthly in Babcox’s Tech Group publications, including Brake & Front End, ImportCar and Underhood Service. In addition to frequent exclusives on aftermarketNews.com and Autocarepronews.com, another column written specifically for store professionals will appear regularly in Counterman magazine. “We are thrilled to have Mitch on the Babcox team,” said Bill Babcox, president and CEO. “We think he will be a great asset to our organization and will add a new dimension to our publications.”
Schneider has 40 years of experience in the automotive service industry. He’s an ASE-certified master automotive repair technician and a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers. A longtime contributor to several automotive industry publications, Schneider has developed a strong industry following for his lively and frank writing style. He has won several awards for excellence in journalism.
“I’m very excited about this move. Everything about this feels right,” said Schneider. “The magazines Babcox produces are excellent. I’ve been reading them for years. I’ve always been impressed with Babcox’s agility, how it responds to conditions in the marketplace. As a service dealer, as a professional in the industry, that means a lot. Since I started writing, my goal has always been to leave the aftermarket a little better than how I found it. I believe we not only have a responsibility to report what goes on in the industry, but also to move it forward.”
Schneider will write for Babcox from his home in California, where he continues to run his business, Schneider’s Automotive Repair, Inc., located in Simi Valley.
Mitchell Celebrates 60th Anniversary
San Diego, CA — Mitchell International has announced 2006 as a year of celebration, marking six decades meeting the diverse needs of their industry and business partners.
“We’re very grateful for the loyalty of our valued customers and their continued confidence in our solutions, and for the support we’ve received from the industry over the last 60 years,” said Jim Lindner, CEO and chairman at Mitchell. “We are determined to always remain worthy of that loyalty and support by continuing to listen to our clients, and delivering ever-better solutions to their evolving business needs.”
Originally successful for its publication of comprehensive Collision Estimating & Reference Guides, the Mitchell organization has evolved into a world-class provider of information and technology solutions and continues to address emerging technologies and trends.
Recent examples include Mitchell’s introduction of ABS Enterprise, a web-based, business management solution for large and multi-location shops, CR AutoScheduler for advanced job scheduling and Estimate Review, helping shops manage the requirements of multiple DRP and other programs.
Innovation has played a central role in Mitchell’s success since it was founded in 1946 in San Diego by Glenn Mitchell. As the parts manager for a local car dealership, Glenn had the idea to compile detailed lists of auto part numbers, descriptions and prices so his countermen could serve customers more quickly and efficiently. He had developed and delivered a rudimentary information solution — and it worked. Soon other dealerships, shop technicians and insurance adjusters began asking for copies of his parts lists. It was the quiet beginning of a revolution that transformed the collision industry and established the role of the impartial information provider as a critical point of connectivity between diverse industry participants.
“Sixty years helping shops and insurers to be more successful — and we’re just getting started,” Lindner closed.
| Driving issues: A growing number of Americans think, “it is patriotic to drive a more fuel-efficient vehicle since it requires less fuel to run, and therefore, can help to reduce U.S. dependency on Middle Eastern oil.” According to a survey from the Civil Society Institute (CSI), 71% of Americans today agree with that statement, including 66% of conservatives. When the same question was posed by CSI in a survey released on March 17, 2005, about two-thirds of Americans had agreed with the statement, including 57% of conservatives.
For more information on fuel-related surveys and issues, visit www.40mpg.org. |
ACDelco Professional 6YR and 7YR Batteries with Free Replacement
Limited Warranty
Grand Bland, MI — ACDelco announced recently it is extending the warranty period on its Professional Series 6YR and 7YR batteries. The free replacement limited warranty period for ACDelco 6YR and 72-month Maintenance Free (MF) batteries, previously 18 months, is now 30 months. And, the free replacement limited warranty period for ACDelco 7YR and 84-month MF batteries, previously 24 months, is now 50 months.
“ACDelco knows the free replacement limited warranty period is an important consideration when selecting a battery, so we’ve extended the terms on our Professional batteries to meet, or exceed, our customers’ expectations,” said Doug Bidgood, ACDelco Maintenance & Repair Portfolio Manager – Batteries.
ACDelco Professional 6YR and 7YR batteries provide comprehensive coverage. They are available for a wide variety of applications, from small passenger vehicles to SUVs. The entire ACDelco Professional Battery lineup is built using calcium/calcium technology, the hallmark of maintenance-free technology. And, it is 100% pressure-tested to help ensure seal of the battery cover, 100% electrical-short tested and 100% current tested to help ensure internal welds.
“Starting April 1, all consumer purchases of ACDelco Professional Series 6YR and 7YR batteries qualify for the extended free replacement limited warranty period,” said Bidgood.
See the limited warranty on the battery for complete details. Or, log on to www.acdelco.com/parts/ battery/battery-warranty.htm.
AAA Survey Cites Top Five Car Troubles for 2005, NAPA Offers Solutions
Atlanta — Tire pressure was the No. 1 vehicle issue identified during nationwide clinics conducted by AAA and its affiliated repair facilities during 2005 AAA Car Care Month. Results are based on inspections conducted on nearly 6,500 vehicles by 20 different AAA clubs. As a leading automotive solutions source, NAPA has partnered with AAA to offer answers to the most common vehicle challenges.
“Drivers should check tire pressure at least once a month to assure tires are not under or over-inflated,” said Mike Lavoie, the 2006 NAPA Technician of the Year and owner of Lavoie’s NAPA AutoCare Center in Haverhill, NH. “Low pressure in the tires can increase wear and fuel consumption, while having too much pressure may reduce traction. Keeping tires properly aligned will also help assure longer tire life and improve fuel economy.”
During the AAA events, inspectors discovered the following:
* Engine oil that was low or needed changing;
* Clogged air filters;
* Low windshield washer fluid; and
* Insufficient or dirty engine coolant.
Other areas cited as needing attention during the inspections included battery cables/clamps/terminals, antifreeze protection (for a minimum of -25° F), wiper blades, tire tread (should have a minimum depth of 3/32”) and transmission fluid.
“The results of our AAA Car Care Month inspections show that many drivers are not taking good basic care of their vehicle, which can lead to increased wear, breakdowns or even accidents,” said John Nielsen, director of Repair, Auto Acquisition and Consumer Information at AAA. “The vehicles they drive are often consumers’ second largest investment — next to their homes,” said Lavoie. “To keep automobiles operating as efficiently as possible, it is important for consumers to take a proactive approach to vehicle care and know specific areas to watch for during the coming year.”
CRP Industries Opens Canadian Operation
Mississauga, Ontario — CRP Industries Inc., a major supplier of automotive products and longtime partner with Continental AG as an importer of ContiTech branded belts in North America, has announced the opening of its new office in Toronto to better serve a growing customer base in the Canadian automotive aftermarket.
The opening of CRP’s Canadian office is part of CRP’s NAFTA market business strategy. “We are seeing growth opportunities for our products in Canada and Mexico,” said Dan Schildge, COO of CRP. CRP Canada’s office will allow CRP customers across Canada to have an open channel of communication with their representatives and will also expedite the resolution of any service needs.
CRP Canada will offer a program of timing belts, timing belt kits and serpentine belts covering a complete line of automotive makes and models for the Canadian market. This inventory will be stocked in Canada and serviced out of a Toronto sales office. CRP Canada’s Toronto office can be contacted at 905-569-9186 or via e-mail at [email protected].
Tom B. Babcox Memorial Scholarship Accepting Applications
Bedford, TX — Applications are being accepted for the 2006 Tom B. Babcox Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually to an automotive service professional who works in an Automotive Service Association (ASA) Mechanical Division member shop and who displays a desire to improve their business skills through management education.
The $1,000 scholarship will be applied toward expenses to attend the 2006 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) in Las Vegas, Nov. 2-4, 2006. Expenses include airfare, hotel room at The Mirage and CARS registration.
The Babcox scholarship is made possible through Babcox Publications, LLC., working with the ASA Mechanical Division and the Automotive Management Institute (AMI). Scholarship applications must be received at ASA headquarters no later than August 16. The winner will be notified by AMI on or before Sept. 15.
Applicants can complete the application online through the Members Only section at www.asashop.org. To receive an application by fax or mail, contact the ASA Mechanical Division at 800-272-7467 or e-mail: [email protected].
