Management: What will the ‘Dog Days’ of Summer Bring?
ImportCar Advisory Board members speak out about their businesses and the state of the economy, and also talk about specific actions they are taking to see their shops through these tough economic times.
Shop Licensing Bill Introduced in North Carolina
Representatives in the North Carolina House of Representatives have introduced House Bill 1285, the Motor Vehicle Repair Shops and Collision Repairs Licensure Act. H.B. 1285 has been assigned to the House Committee on Commerce, Small Business and Entrepreneurship. If the bill is favored, it will be referred to the Finance Committee.
ASA Launches PR Kit for Members
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has launched its new PR Kit to help members promote their business as well as their affiliation with ASA. The kit contains an array of pre-written press releases, photography tips, print- and Web-based advertising samples and suggestions, and an audio clip ready for use on members’ websites.
Delphi Offers New Specialized Training for Technicians
Gone are the days when a technician could “look and listen” to a vehicle to diagnose and repair a vehicle problem with not much more than a wrench, a little elbow grease and a shop towel. It’s no wonder that today’s vehicles, with their maze of electronic/electrical intricacies, require sophisticated diagnostics equipment manned by highly trained technicians to properly pinpoint any needed services or parts.
Bosch 2009 Oxygen Sensor Catalog Features 99.9 Percent OE-Fit Coverage
The new, updated 2009 Bosch Premium Oxygen Sensor Catalog (# 221139) includes more comprehensive oxygen sensor listings providing 99.9 percent OE fit and coverage – the highest available in the aftermarket. Bosch OE-fit sensors are available for 226 million vehicles in operation (VIO), and features extensive coverage through 2008 model year applications.
O’Reilly Auto Parts Introduces ‘Buy Online, Pick-Up In Store’
O’Reilly Auto Parts said this week it is proud to be the only national auto parts retailer to offer its customers the option to buy products online and pick up in store. This new feature pairs the convenience of browsing and shopping online at OReillyAuto.com, with the benefit of quick, efficient access to the parts ordered via any one of O’Reilly’s more than 3,200 stores in 38 states.
Katech Performance Launches Online Store
Katech Performance announces a new online store offering more than 170 products for purchase. Katech’s online store presents a variety of products for sale, including adjustable belt tensioners, blocks and block parts, body parts, brakes, camshafts, coil relocation brackets, crankshafts, connecting rods, cylinder cases, cylinder heads, engines, exhaust systems, fuel rail spacers, intake systems, pistons, retainers, shifters, suspension, throttle bodies, valve covers, valve springs and wheels.
Top 5 Tools: Will Porter, Porter’s Garage
Will Porter, owner/technician Porter’s Garage McBee, SC Snap-on Solus Pro — Easy to navigate and lots of information. Snap-on Vantage Pro — Lots of useful information. iATN — The most useful tool in the shop. A great network of good people dedicated to the automotive repair industry. Power Probe 3 Snap-on Tech Wrench Torque Wrenches
Point of View: How’s Business?
Seems like I’ve heard that question and answered that question about 327,512 times since the beginning of the year. Late last year and early into 2009, “business is OK” had become the new “business is flat, but we’re hanging in there, hoping it gets better.” Not a very comforting response. But, from my current view,
ToolTopia.com Launches Lauren’s Daily Deals
ToolTopia.com recently announced its launch of Lauren’s Daily Deals in an effort to provide even greater savings opportunities to professional automotive technicians. At 8 a.m. each day, ToolTopia.com will feature great deals on a different group of tools from various manufacturers.