Directions: Highlights to GM’s Historic Anniversary
General Motors, which celebrates its 100-year anniversary this month, has provided the country and the automotive industry a rich and diverse history. Many achievements and some growing pains have occurred during this industry giant’s life. Here are just a few of these many industry-changing accomplishments. The staff at Underhood Service wishes General Motors another 100
Directions: Healthy Attitudes are Contagious
I t seems wherever you look today in the news, someone is providing automotive service tips to help save drivers fuel. However, it seems that one of the biggest ways vehicle owners are reducing their fuel costs is by driving less. According to a report in late July from the Federal Highway Administration, Americans drove
Directions: The Roads are Full of Potential Customers
In June, a survey sponsored by CarMD.com Corp. and conducted by Harris Interactive, showed that 10% of U.S. drivers who drive a car, light truck, SUV or minivan model year 1981 to present are currently driving with their “Check Engine” light on. Add to the fact that there are about 240 million cars and light
Direction: Finger Pointing and Waving Magic Wands
With fuel prices hovering around $4 a gallon, Americans are driving less. In fact, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), figures released in May showed that in March of this year, the country saw its steepest decrease in driving ever recorded. When compared with March 2007, Americans drove an estimated 4.3% less — translating to 11
Directions: Gearing Up for a Career in Automotive Service
Through the years, you have heard over and over about the automotive technician shortage in the service and repair industry. Well, that subject has been dissected enough for now, so I won’t focus on that. However, I would like to talk about a side issue on the technician employment matter — steering the right people
Directions: Tech Briefs…
Do You Know These Technicians? Of the more than 850,000 automotive technicians working in the United States, 18 outstanding individuals have qualified for the AAIA World Class Technician Award, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) announced recently. Each of these professional technicians tested and obtained ASE certification in 22 specialty areas during the 2007 test
Directions: Unlocking Vehicle Key Codes for Independent Shops
There’s been some good news for the independent shops – the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) announced in February that the Secure Data Release Model (SDRM), which allows properly vetted technicians and security professionals to access automotive key codes, immobilizer PINs and other security-related information, has finally been released to the service repair industry.
Directions: You’ve Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers
There have been a number of on-line automotive repair sites popping up where consumers can ask “automotive experts” questions and receive automotive repair advice. These sites normally charge a fee to the person asking the questions (I’ve seen anywhere from $3 to $15 per question). One site touts its Q & A forum as a
Directions: What Dreams May Come
The new year gives the auto industry a new opportunity to deliver an exciting crop of vehicles. Many in the industry are hoping that next 12 months are better than 2007. This is especially the case for the Michigan-based automotive manufacturers, as the year 2007 seemed to be one endless stream of setbacks, bad news
Directions: Your Country is Counting on You
There’s an important count underway. It’s the Economic Census — taken every five years — and is now in progress for 2007. This month, more than 4 million American businesses, including 140,000 automotive repair and maintenance businesses like yours, will receive 2007 Economic Census forms. This tally of businesses is important — just like the
Directions: Trained Techs at Your Service
The issue of the number of technicians needed for our service and repair market is one that generates plenty of discussion. Some in our industry proclaim that there is a technician shortage of approximately 100,000. Others will argue that there is no shortage of techs at all. In his Mitch’s World column, our own Mitch
Directions: The Internet as a Shop Tool
Over the last few years, automotive aftermarket use of the Internet has continued to grow, making it a valuable business tool in automotive repair shops. Autologue CEO Jim Franco, who’s company provides automotive information system services, e-cataloging parts pricing and other electronic data services for the automotive distribution market, spoke recently in an “Executive Interview”