2006 Underhood Service Repair Market Industry Profile
Welcome to the 2006 Underhood Service Repair Market Industry Profile, our in-depth report of the independent automotive repair market. This profile highlights many of the elements of doing business in today’s repair shops. The information presented is a good indicator to make short-term predictions about these shops. It’s also a fair yardstick to see how
Carley’s Corner: More New Models, More Repair Opportunities
According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, 2007 will see more new model introductions than any year in recent history. The 2007 model year will bring 61 new models to market, which is almost double the number of new models that typically appear each new model year. These new models represent about 24%
Top Five Tools
Gary Farber, president Debra Farber, vice president All Brand Auto Service Kensington, MD Snap-on MODIS — A powerful tool for a broad range of diagnostics and applications. Identifix — A world of information on one website. By checking www.identifix.com before starting a technical job, diagnostic time is saved because the answer is usually right there.
Tech Tip: Top-Notch Design is Key When Selecting New Filters
Veteran auto mechanics will remember the days of oil-bath air filters, cartridge-type oil filters and sediment-bowl fuel filters. While these early-design filters would work well under a narrow range of circumstances, most were woefully inefficient and inadequate in the long term. All were subject to careless installation and dirt contamination during servicing.
Mitchell 1 Adds Record Repair Content In Third Quarter
Mitchell 1 recently announced that it added an industry-record amount of new information to its OnDemand5 repair content database in the third quarter of 2006, making it the largest release of new material in a single quarter in the history of the company.
Montana Autocare Center Owner Named 2007 NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year
NAPA Auto Parts and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) have named Kit Johnson of East Helena, MT, the 2007 NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year.
KYB to launch ‘Feeling is Believing’
This fall, KYB is helping more people to experience the KYB difference by introducing its "Feeling is Believing" promotion. Service providers will earn certificates valid for $10 off future KYB purchases for every set of two KYB shocks or struts purchased and installed between September 15th and November 15th.
Ingersoll Rand Launches Cordless Website
Ingersoll Rand announces the launch of a new website in advance of the release of its best-in-class IQv Series cordless tools.
Mitch Schneider: Experiencing One of those ‘Brunswick Days’
I call them "Brunswick Days." You know, those days where accomplishing anything feels as if it would be easier to go to the local bowling alley, pick out a ball, tuck it under your arm, head for the closest hardware store, pick up a 25′ roll of garden hose, head back to the shop and then proceed to blow the ball through the hose until it exits at the other end.
Perspectives: Can Your Shop Handle More Cars?
Recently, I received an e-mail with a subject line that read, “Automotive Repair Crisis Grows as Number of Vehicles Per Service Bay Reaches Record High in 2006.” According to the Aftermarket Annual 2006/2007, a study from Lang Marketing Resources, Inc. (www.langmarketing.com) the number of cars and light trucks on U.S. roads has increased by more