Carley’s Corner: Good China, Bad China?
A relative of mine recently purchased a Chinese motor scooter to save gas. The 150 cc scooter looks sharp, runs nice (so far) and gets almost 100 mpg. Best of all, it only cost him $1,140. But here’s the catch. It’s a no-name, barebones product. There is no dealer network, no customer service number to
News: SPX Acquires Chinese Diagnostic Tool and Equipment Maker
From aftermarketNews Staff & Wire Reports Shanghai, China — SPX Corp.’s Service Solutions business unit has completed its acquisition of AUTOBOSS Tech Inc., a Shenzhen, China-based manufacturer of diagnostic tools and equipment. “This investment further underscores our commitment to accelerate growth and expand our business in strategic markets, China in particular,” said David Wilson, president
Joseph F. Myers, Myers for Tires
Joseph F. Myers, owner Myers for Tires Gladwin, MI www.myersfortires.com In 1930, veterinarian Dr. Floyd Myers opened the doors of his first service station in downtown Gladwin, MI. He treated his animals next door and also served as mayor and Gladwin County sheriff. From the mid 1930s to 1978, Ralph Myers operated the automotive business,
Tech Feature: Servicing Jeep and Ford Feedback Carburetors
Lately, it seems, more people are "going retro" by rehabilitating older cars and trucks. Perhaps it’s the longing for the simplicity of a bygone era or perhaps it’s the sentimental attachment to a particular vehicle that’s driving the retro movement. Although in the Rustbelt East, the survival rate of these vehicles is probably very low, their survival rate is very high in the arid West ….
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
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Servicing Jeep and Ford Feedback Carburetors
Lately, it seems, more people are “going retro” by rehabilitating older cars and trucks. Perhaps it’s the longing for the simplicity of a bygone era or perhaps it’s the sentimental attachment to a particular vehicle that’s driving the retro movement. Although in the Rustbelt East, the survival rate of these vehicles is probably very low,
Management: Is There a Profitability Crisis in the Independent Repair Business?
All year-round, a part of my job is to meet and discuss business conditions with industry experts. These experts cross all lines in the aftermarket, from shop owners to manufacturers, to distributors, to repair technicians. Earlier this year, one of our industry’s top suppliers held its own "business conditions" discussion with more than 500 shop owners, and shared their results with me. Please review this and ….
Carley’s Corner: Training Is Not a Dirty Word
When some technicians hear the word “training,” it doesn’t interest them in the least. They think it means giving up an evening or a Saturday to sit through a long, boring lecture that may or may not teach them anything new. Maybe they’ve been duped into attending a “training clinic” that turned out to be
Point of View: Is There a Profitability Crisis in the Independent Repair Business?
All year-round, a part of my job is to meet and discuss business conditions with industry experts. These experts cross all lines in the aftermarket, from shop owners to manufacturers, to distributors, to repair technicians. Earlier this year, one of our industry’s top suppliers held its own “business conditions” discussion with more than 500 shop
Tire Tech: Tire Changer Q&A
We recently spoke to Pete Liebetreu, tire changer product manager of Hunter Engineering, on the future of the market and how shops can get the most out of this vital piece of equipment for most undercar shops ….