Make Loyal Customers: Rewards Bring Rewards
As the slow-moving climb out of the Great Recession continues, it’s clear that consumer-spending patterns have altered – maybe not permanently, but at least for the foreseeable future. Many buyers have resorted to a lowest price mentality for goods and services – including tires and automotive service – that leaves repair shops in a challenging position when it comes to competing with chains, big boxers and online retailers.
Ten Presenters Bring OEMs And Independents Together At NASTF Fall General Meeting
The Fall 2013 General Meeting of the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) was held during the AAPEX/SEMA trade shows in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013. Sixty-five people attended the event live, and another 37 attended via the webcast. More than 300 viewed the recorded webcast within a week following the event.
AAPEX 2012 Opens And Closes On A High Note
The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) opened with a colorful splash of orange and ended on a similar celebratory note with an increase in the number of exhibitors and exhibits at the 2012 event. AAPEX was held Tuesday, Oct. 30 through Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nev.
ALI Launches Certified Lift Inspector Program
The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) kicked off the world’s first third-party vehicle lift inspector certification program on Oct. 31 with a two-day event at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. More than 300 industry professionals attended the ALI Lift Inspector Certification Program orientation.
Tax Court Ruling Benefits Small Business Owners
Owners of closely held businesses, including family owned and other small businesses, can now pass assets to heirs with minimal taxation thanks to a recent tax court ruling (Wandry v. Commissioner, U.S. Tax Court, March 26, 2012).
Mitchell 1 Launches New ProDemand Website
Mitchell 1 announces it has launched an informative new website for its ProDemand repair information software. The site features a wealth of information about the next generation of software from Mitchell 1 that will change the way that automotive technicians service vehicles, said the company.
Executive Interview: Mark Polke, Director, Service Workshop Concepts North America, Robert Bosch LLC
Mark Polke brings 32 years of experience in the automotive industry to the Bosch Service Network. Before joining Bosch, he was the Regional Marketing Manager for Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, and prior to that co-owner of three independent tire and service shops. In addition, he served as an Area Sales Manager, Operations Supervisor and Territory Manager with Bridgestone/Firestone Tire Operations. Mark started his career selling tires and service for an independent Firestone Tire & Service center.
Bosch Awards $25,000 To Local Schools To Further Science Education
Robert Bosch LLC recently awarded $25,000 in grants to Illinois Community Unit School District 200 (CUSD) as part of its Bosch Energy, Science and Technology (BEST) Program.
AAPEX Sees Growth In Participation From Target Buyers
Participation at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) 2011 in key target buyer categories – auto parts retailers, independent repair garages, program groups and warehouse distributors (WDs) – increased significantly compared to 2010, according to event owner associations Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).
MAP Board, Advisory Council For 2011-12 Introduced
The Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) recently introduced the five current members of its Board of Trustees for 2011-12 at the Annual Membership Meeting for MAP and the Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association (AMRA) at the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.