Directions: Put the Aftermarket First
A plan to help the economy, the industry and the motoring public.
Directions: Continuing Our Look into the Health of the Automotive Repair Market
Last month, we opened the discussion on the nation’s economic conditions and how it relates to the automotive service and repair industry. The following are more comments from shop owners on their take on the state of the repair industry. Don Seyfer, owner of Seyfer Automotive, Inc., in Wheat Ridge, CO, is one who seems
Directions: Which Customer is Coming into Your Shop?
Different mindsets in a tough economy produce different service options. In this nationwide economic slump, we are hearing that technicians and counter people are seeing increases in traffic and parts sales as cost-conscious consumers keep aging cars on the road. And, in these tough economic times, many shops are finding that the age-old mantra aimed
Directions: Dealerships in Decline?
A new report released in October from a business advisory organization forecasts as many as 3,800 U.S. car dealerships could fail this fall and into 2009. Paul Melville, a partner with Grant Thornton LLP, which issued the report, suggests that nearly one in five dealerships will close because of weak sales, increased operational costs and
Directions: The Tin Lizzy
Still Looking Great After 100 Years When Henry Ford debuted his groundbreaking Model T on Sept. 27, 1908, he probably never imagined that the spindly little car would remain in production for 19 years. Nor could Ford have foreseen that his company would eventually build more than 15 million Tin Lizzies, making him a billionaire
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
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