AVI Releases ASE G1 Test Prep Program: Auto Maintenance And Light Repair
AVI has expanded its ASE Test Prep product line with the introduction of the G1 Test Prep Program, which covers preventive maintenance and light repair services. “Industry research indicates that approximately 70% of all service work is maintenance-based,” says Katie Hallnan, AVI’s training coordinator. “Our ASE G1 Test Prep program is ideal for technicians performing scheduled maintenance and light repair.”
ALI Schedules First ‘All-in-One’ Inspector Certification Event To Be Held In Conjunction With SEMA Show
The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) has scheduled its first “all-in-one” session to provide Lift Inspector Certification Program participants with a rare opportunity to complete multiple key program requirements in a single location over a three-day period. The event will be held Nov. 6-8 in Las Vegas in conjunction with the SEMA Show. Interested participants must register by Sept. 20.
New ‘TechTalk By Federated Auto Parts’ Tech Tips Now Airing On ‘Two Guys Garage’
Kevin Byrd and Willie B., the hosts of “Two Guys Garage,” are talking education and training in new “TechTalk by Federated Auto Parts” segments. The tech tips are now airing during new “Two Guys Garage” episodes on Great American Country Network (GAC).
Executive Interview: Rusty Bishop, CEO, Federated Auto Parts Distributors
Rusty Bishop began his career in the automotive aftermarket more than 40 years ago when he joined Fisher Auto Parts where he held a number of positions in warehouse and jobber store management and also served as a director of the company. In 1985, Bishop co-founded Federated Auto Parts Distributors, a program marketing group for major warehouse distributors headquartered in Staunton, VA. Through the years, Bishop’s leadership allowed Federated to grow to become one of the leading program groups in the industry.
What’s Your Competitive Advantage?
Creating a list of your competitive advantages will help every shop owner position their business in the market. It is an advantage that enables you to survive against competition over a long period of time. In today’s era of hyper-competition, shop owners are better able to capture the customers they are looking for if they plan to create and focus on what sets them apart.
New Car Sales Are Up! Prepare Or Beware?
As the economy recovers, new car sales will increase. The aging U.S. fleet, which was predicted to be a boom for repair shops, never really materialized as we thought it would. As an industry, independent repair shops survived and some fared quite well; just not to the extent that many of us predicted. That’s not to say we did not have opportunity, we did. However, as we painfully found out, when people are out of work, feel poor, and when consumer confidence is low, it makes our job a lot more difficult.
Summer Performance Incentives Drive Up Sales And Profits
For most of you, summertime is when you can skyrocket productivity. So rather than telling your techs that you’ll provide them with a bonus if they reach certain productivity goals, give them the bonus up front, with the understanding that it is theirs to lose.
The Trend In New Vehicle Sales And The Impact On You
Here in the states, you don’t have to look very hard to find Hyundai and Kia vehicles. They are not only becoming quite popular, but in the first half of this year their combined U.S. market share was 9%; putting them ahead of Nissan, and right behind Honda. I am mentioning this to you because it wasn’t very long ago when these two brands were unknown in the U.S., and because I feel this increase offers a peek into the future.
ACDelco Introduces Brake Pipe Kits For GM Trucks, SUVs
In an effort to make certain hydraulic brake pipe repairs easier, ACDelco has released 66 part numbers for kits that can be used to service 1999-2007 GM full-size pickup trucks and SUVs. The kits – available through authorized ACDelco distributors – are designed for use in situations when the entire brake pipe assembly must be replaced due to corrosion or wear.
EPA Reduces Regulatory Burden Of Wipe Use
Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) modified the hazardous waste management regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) to exclude solvent-contaminated wipes from the EPA’s hazardous waste regulations, under condition that businesses clean or dispose of wipes properly.
New Raybestos Brand Brake Pads And Rotors Added For Late Model Foreign And Domestic Applications
Raybestos brand brake parts – a member of Brake Parts Inc. (BPI) – has begun adding listings for the 2014 model year, with coverage for nine makes and 13 2014 models.
Federated Member Motown Automotive Announces Amie Litzinger Endowed Scholarship Fund
Federated member Motown Automotive announces the creation of the Amie J. Litzinger M.D. Class of 2013 Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of Toledo. The scholarship is named in memory of the daughter of Tom Litzinger, the company’s longtime director of sales and marketing. Amie Litzinger passed away on January 1 of this year at the age of 27 due to complications from a genetic heart disease known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.