Perspectives: 10+ Reasons to be Optimistic about the Aftermarket
While the headlines in the business section of your favorite news source are rarely uplifting and your service business is fluctuating from hot to cold on a daily and weekly basis, there is still an abundance of positive data to give you reason to be optimistic about the automotive aftermarket industry and your service and repair business.
Directions: Performance Powered – Chevrolet Celebrates 100 Years
For its first 40 years, Chevrolet seemed content designing, building and installing four- and six-cylinder engines in its
Directions: The Price of Neglect
While it’s good for independent repair shops that more than half of American drivers said they are holding onto their older vehicle because they do not want the financial burden of a new one, about 25% of car owners today admitted to neglecting repairs and maintenance on their vehicles in the past 12 months due to the economic climate.
Perspectives: How’s Business – Increased Bay Activity Reported in Summer Months
The latest report through July shows that business has been pretty good during May, June and July after hitting the lowest point of the year in April.
Viewpoint: Are Vehicle Service Contracts Worth the Trouble?
I would cringe when a customer would pull out a vehicle service contract or extended warranty contract when I was at the service counter. I could just feel a pain in my right ear flare up as I knew I would be on the phone for a long time getting approvals and dealing with representatives that did not know a dipstick from a donut.
Editor’s Notebook: Manage Company Assets to Boost Your Shop’s Revenue Potential
As we continue to face the most challenging economic times in recent history, your shop’s bottom line and return on investment are undoubtedly top of mind. And, while financial subjects are dry and usually at the bottom of a shop owner’s list of desirable activities, says Steve Louden, president of Louden Motorcar Services in Dallas, they typically are the number one reason for poor performance or failure.
Gonzo’s Tool Box: Some Much-Appreciated Fatherly Advice
Before my father passed away, we spent several years under the hoods of cars working together at my shop. He was an old-school repair guy who was always looking out for the customer, and wanting to do that little bit extra for them. You know, adjust that crooked license plate, grease the door hinges before they pulled away from the shop, that kind of thing.
Editor’s Notes: New CAFE Standard to Take Effect by 2025
On July 29, President Obama announced the next phase in the Administration’s program to increase fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas pollution for all new cars and trucks sold in the U.S. Automaker fleets will need to average 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025 – about 2 mpg less than the earlier fuel-economy target of 56.2 mpg.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: How ‘Bout Friday? What Happens When Customers Can’t Afford to Pick Up Their Vehicle
A rather slow week at the shop turned into a very interesting one. With the economy slowing things down to a crawl, it’s understandable that people can’t afford to have their cars in for repair like they should, and regular maintenance is usually not that high on the list of things to be concerned about.
Publisher’s Perspective: How’s Business? Get Ready for a Roller Coaster Ride
It looks like business might be similar to a roller coaster ride dependent on which direction gas prices are headed. Are you seeing swings in maintenance work that are inversely related to the price of gas?
Editor’s Notes: Invest in Your Tools, Invest in Your Future
The TechShop team has returned again from the Integrated Supply Network (ISN) annual trade show in Orlando, FL, with loads of new tool information to share. ISN is a supplier to wholesale distributors, mobile distributors and resellers, based out of Lakeland, FL. While ISN doesn’t sell directly to you the end-user, the show is for
Directions: New CAFE Standards Set for 2025
On July 29, President Obama announced the next phase in the Administration’s program to increase fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas pollution for all new cars and trucks sold in the United States. According to the White House, automaker fleets will now have to average 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.