The Automotive Connection in New Britain, MA, does its best to stay on top of the ever-changing technology in the automotive aftermarket. In an interview with the New Britain Herald, shop owner Kenny Jones discusses purchasing the latest diagnostic equipment and making sure the technicians receive the training they need.
Below is the article as it appeared in the New Britain Herald website.
Automotive Connection a top repair shop on Newington Ave.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010 3:11 PM EDT
NEW BRITAIN — Kenny Jones and his wife Kristen can offer customers any kind of auto repair or service from oil changes to engine replacement at their long-time Newington Avenue business The Automotive Connection. And they will back up the work with an 18-month or 18,000 mile warranty.
“We’re one of the most technologically advanced shops in the area, Kenny Jones said. “We’re constantly purchasing more computers and test equipment to stay on top of things the cars are changing so fast.”
The couple has owned the shop for 15 years. Kristen runs the bookkeeping and paperwork end of the company from home while Kenny oversees the shop with three mechanics including himself.
Employees are expected to complete 40 hours a year of on-going educational experiences and have traveled throughout the country to attend training. They also attend training in this area and we take advantage of Webinars available on the computer, Kenny said.
The business can handle any type of auto repair or service except for body work.
They work on all types of cars and are well-versed in Bosch electronics, a company specializing in anti-lock brakes and electronic fuel injection. The Automotive Connection is one of two independent shops in the city that are AAA approved for repairs.
They offer customers free loaner cars while work is being done on their vehicles and are also offering area companies the chance to sign on for their new “Service For You” program which allows employees of participating businesses or organizations to receive free towing, low cost oil changes, a 6 percent discount on services and other perks.
“We’ve just started with a few companies and are hoping to expand to more,” Kenny said.
The business also provides service for companies with small vehicle fleets which do not have a fleet manager. “That’s one of our biggest assets,” Kenny said. “For some companies with small fleets that’s another job someone has to fill. We can fill that role for them.”
The shop is open Monday through Friday every day at 7 a.m. They try to leave by 5 p.m. to give employees family time, but can work with customers who may not be able to pick up their cars until after work, Kenny said.
“We are always willing to work with people and can find a way to do it,” he said.
For more information, call the Automotive Connection at (860) 223-3465 or check out their website at www.automotiveconnectionct.com.
To read this article on the New Britain Herald website, visit http://www.newbritainherald.com/articles/2010/03/17/business/doc4ba127e6b7043208716987.txt.
