Ask anyone to list the major keys to success in business, and you’re guaranteed to hear, among others, the term “communication.” Communication with the customer, communication within the shop, communication within the industry – it’s all vital to running a successful business.
Over a decade of service to the auto repair industry, the Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association (AMRA) and the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) have emphasized communication. MAP encourages communication with the consumer, which is vital to assessing problems in a timely manner, explaining a vehicle’s recommended maintenance requirements, promoting good will and increasing sales.
But communication is a two-way street. MAP has been listening and it has heard the industry’s call for the need for revisions in the program.
“MAP 2.0: Striding Forward” is the answer to that call. MAP 2.0: Striding Forward was introduced in January 2007 as an upgrade to the successful MAP program that had served the industry well for the previous 12 years. Most of the elements of the original program remain, but those no longer desired or warranted have been eliminated.
The major change is the replacement of the prior MAP Accreditation program, which was the major focus and cost center in the first version of MAP. With the new MAP Participation program, a portion of the revenue formerly received for accreditation will be replaced by a revision in the AMRA dues schedule.
With MAP 2.0: Striding Forward, participating service providers will receive the following benefits:
- MAP/AMRA staff acting as advocate for industry among regulators, consumer groups and the media;
- Maintenance Service guideline rationale/backup and updates;
- MAP website with information for consumers and media;
- Participating MAP facility decal;
- MAP e-Newsletter to all members’ personnel, as requested;
- News of legislative/regulatory activity, if any, in e-Newsletter;
- Legislative/Regulatory requirements by state;
- Education/training/testing curriculum for MAP shops;
- Inspection/Check Sheets (optional – generic) in electronic form;
- MAP UICS updates as developed and released/published;
- Spanish/English glossary of key automotive terms;
- MAP materials for use in promoting store/company;
- One set of MAP UICS in printed form (individual owner shops);
- Increased PR exposure in trade press;
- Participating stores listed on MAP website, if requested;
- Bi-annual release of MAP UICS in PDF form by download or CD;
- Updates to MAP UICS and AMRA/MAP Maintenance recommendations;
- Participation in UICS development and updating/revisions;
- Company participation in committees to shape the industry standard(s);
- VOTE to adopt UICS and Maintenance Service Recommendations; and
- Company/member listing on MAP & AMRA websites.
Stores currently accredited by MAP will retain many of the benefits under the original program. With their renewal, and when their current accreditation expires, these stores will be brought under the new MAP 2.0: Striding Forward program and will become Participating Facilities.
For more information about MAP 2.0: Striding Forward, contact AMRA/MAP President Larry Hecker at (301) 634-4954, or by e-mail at [email protected].