NEWS BRIEFS FOR THE WEEK OF SEPT. 7, 2006What's the Value of Your Business? ATLANTA (Sept. 4, 2006) - Price and value do not necessarily go hand in hand, but with vision and foresight, the savvy business owner can maximize the sale price of a business by first enhancing its value. Value enhancement requires careful planning and continual assessment of the operation, structure and nuance of a business, says VERCOR, a business merger and acquisition company. Preparation for a business sale is a process rather than a procedure.
"Price is what
you pay. Value is what you get."
- Warren Buffet In other words, it requires time for a business' value enhancers to prove their worth; therefore, it's never too early to start sowing the seeds of value enhancement. The time to start valuing your business is now, even if selling the business is one, five, 10 or even 20 years down the road. Planning now and updating the plan regularly allows objectivity to fuel the valuation process rather than the emotion when the time to sell arrives - planned or unexpected. And, even if you expect to pass your business on to family, enhancing its value will enable a smoother transition to the next generation. VERCOR advises that it is never too early to establish the goal and destination for your business. To begin the process, the firm suggests that business owners ask themselves eight questions: * What's your business worth? Business valuations consist of a subjective side (e.g. business reputation and industry projections) and an objective side (e.g. revenue, gross profit and net profit). * What is the state of your financial records and tax statements? Financial records and tax statements are critical reference checkpoints for the objective component of a business valuation. * Can you document your adjustments? The itemization and determination of personal or non-recurring deductions that are included in business expenses (e.g. family medical insurance, vehicle expenses and travel) can be added back, increasing a business' valuation. * How is your company structured? Depending on the legal structure of your business, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) labels and taxes proceeds from the sale of a business differently. For instance, sale proceeds for S-corporations and sole proprietorships escape the corporate tax treatment; these are taxed at personal income level only. However, the IRS requires that a business be an S-corporation for a minimum of 10 years before sale proceeds qualify for this treatment. * Who is on your team? Every good manager should have a "mastermind," a "sounding board" and a team of consultants for sound advice as the company grows. The greatest benefit comes from a team that is complementary, enhancing, synergistic and honest. * Are you in a position to grow? Develop your infrastructure - facilities, equipment and personnel - to stay just ahead of growth, not the other way around. * Is the business too dependent on you? If your company cannot operate day-to-day without you or your family, think about developing a key management team that is positioned in a win-win infrastructure. Having experienced management in place during and after an acquisition will ensure easier transition and increases the value of the business. * Who are your customers and vendors? Maintain a quality customer and vendor mix. If one account moves from the company, your revenue and supply will not be significantly affected. (Source: VERCOR)DENSO Offers Technician Training LONG BEACH, CA (Sept. 3, 2006) - DENSO Sales in California has introduced five Technical Training seminars for automotive service professionals. The seminars cover three product areas: Air Conditioning (A/C), Electrical Systems and Engine Management System (EMS). The classroom-style seminars focus on "best practices" concerning service, diagnosis and repair for each of these product areas. Special tips to help reduce diagnostic time and increase first-time repair success are interwoven throughout the training. Training can be conducted in either an all-day format or two consecutive evenings, and total about eight hours of instruction. The five seminars offered include: * The A/C Service Essentials (ACSE) seminar helps technicians understand the principles of A/C systems and how the individual components operate, how to diagnose them properly and how to service the systems correctly. * Two electrical seminars, Electrical Circuit Testing (ECT) and Schematic-Based Electrical (SBE), train technicians in electrical theory, circuit operation and diagnostics using schematic diagrams, digital volt ohmmeters (DVOMs) and circuit simulators. * Two engine management seminars, Toyota/Lexus Engine Performance (TEP) and Emissions Theory and Diagnosis (ETD), focus on basic emissions theory and diagnosis with in-depth information on Toyota systems operation, components and diagnostics. In addition, the company offers free 90-minute A/C, starter and alternator clinics designed to illustrate basic system theory and product performance, features and benefits for the counterperson. For more information, contact your local warehouse distributor (WD). To find participating WDs, visit www.densoaftermarket.com.(Source: DENSO)Incentives Don't Drive Car Sales
National Research Center SurveyWhat is the most important consideration in purchasing a car over the
next 24 months?Do incentives influence the
timing of your vehicle purchase?Top-ranked incentives27% - Fuel economy18% - Coincided purchase with incentives.32% - Zero percent financing25% - Reliability69% - May purchase during an incentive period23% - Free extended warranty14% - Purchase price 8% - Slight influence in timing of purchase20% - Free fuel for a year12% - Safety features 5% - No influence14% - Cash rebate (Table source: Consumer Reports) Instead, respondents indicated that vehicle attributes were the primary driver. Just 5 percent of respondents ranked incentives as the most important factor in their purchases. That said, most shoppers indicated that they might time their vehicle purchase to coincide with incentive offerings. The surveyed consumers also said that incentives must be quite large in order to affect the choice of their next new vehicle. Almost 25 percent of respondents claimed it would take a combination of incentives of $5,000 or more to turn their heads; the media value indicated by respondents was $3,000, an increase in expectations from prior years. (Source: Consumers Union of U.S. Inc.)Become a Performance Insider MINNEAPOLIS (Sept. 4, 2006) - On the streets and in seductive ads you can see and hear America's passion for automotive performance. We're obsessed with horsepower, with looks, and with making our own personal statement. Consumers, enthusiasts and performance retailers alike are hungry for accurate performance information. Now, through relationships with top performance experts, the recently launched performanceINSIDER.com Web site connects members to engineers, product designers, instructors and drivers from organizations around the globe. Contributors include Michelin and BF Goodrich Tires, Brembo Brakes, Eibach Springs, BBS Wheels, Skip Barber Racing and a collection of accomplished racecar drivers. "As a weekend racer and gearhead myself, I find the amount of misinformation on the Web to be both scary and frustrating. That's why we are so pleased to support performanceINSIDER and serve performance enthusiasts everywhere," says Doug Brown, performance category manager at BF Goodrich. In addition to its articles, performanceINSIDER provides free online courses on performance upgrades and performance driving. The first of these, "Need For Speed," covers the basics of traction and handling; the series leads into advanced topics, such as finding the correct racing line in dry weather or rain. These courses are designed to connect members with people, places and information that they wouldn't have access to on their own. "Performance driving is a passion for thousands," says Terry Earwood, chief driving instructor for Skip Barber Racing. "It's exciting knowing that we can reach these people and thousands more with courses like Need For Speed." To celebrate the launch of the site, performanceINSIDER also unveiled a sweepstakes where a lucky member will get an insider experience at the final American Le Mans race this season at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, in Monterey, CA, this October. (Source: performanceINSIDER.com)Hydrogen Sequel to Premiere
in California
you pay. Value is what you get."
- Warren Buffet In other words, it requires time for a business' value enhancers to prove their worth; therefore, it's never too early to start sowing the seeds of value enhancement. The time to start valuing your business is now, even if selling the business is one, five, 10 or even 20 years down the road. Planning now and updating the plan regularly allows objectivity to fuel the valuation process rather than the emotion when the time to sell arrives - planned or unexpected. And, even if you expect to pass your business on to family, enhancing its value will enable a smoother transition to the next generation. VERCOR advises that it is never too early to establish the goal and destination for your business. To begin the process, the firm suggests that business owners ask themselves eight questions: * What's your business worth? Business valuations consist of a subjective side (e.g. business reputation and industry projections) and an objective side (e.g. revenue, gross profit and net profit). * What is the state of your financial records and tax statements? Financial records and tax statements are critical reference checkpoints for the objective component of a business valuation. * Can you document your adjustments? The itemization and determination of personal or non-recurring deductions that are included in business expenses (e.g. family medical insurance, vehicle expenses and travel) can be added back, increasing a business' valuation. * How is your company structured? Depending on the legal structure of your business, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) labels and taxes proceeds from the sale of a business differently. For instance, sale proceeds for S-corporations and sole proprietorships escape the corporate tax treatment; these are taxed at personal income level only. However, the IRS requires that a business be an S-corporation for a minimum of 10 years before sale proceeds qualify for this treatment. * Who is on your team? Every good manager should have a "mastermind," a "sounding board" and a team of consultants for sound advice as the company grows. The greatest benefit comes from a team that is complementary, enhancing, synergistic and honest. * Are you in a position to grow? Develop your infrastructure - facilities, equipment and personnel - to stay just ahead of growth, not the other way around. * Is the business too dependent on you? If your company cannot operate day-to-day without you or your family, think about developing a key management team that is positioned in a win-win infrastructure. Having experienced management in place during and after an acquisition will ensure easier transition and increases the value of the business. * Who are your customers and vendors? Maintain a quality customer and vendor mix. If one account moves from the company, your revenue and supply will not be significantly affected. (Source: VERCOR)DENSO Offers Technician Training LONG BEACH, CA (Sept. 3, 2006) - DENSO Sales in California has introduced five Technical Training seminars for automotive service professionals. The seminars cover three product areas: Air Conditioning (A/C), Electrical Systems and Engine Management System (EMS). The classroom-style seminars focus on "best practices" concerning service, diagnosis and repair for each of these product areas. Special tips to help reduce diagnostic time and increase first-time repair success are interwoven throughout the training. Training can be conducted in either an all-day format or two consecutive evenings, and total about eight hours of instruction. The five seminars offered include: * The A/C Service Essentials (ACSE) seminar helps technicians understand the principles of A/C systems and how the individual components operate, how to diagnose them properly and how to service the systems correctly. * Two electrical seminars, Electrical Circuit Testing (ECT) and Schematic-Based Electrical (SBE), train technicians in electrical theory, circuit operation and diagnostics using schematic diagrams, digital volt ohmmeters (DVOMs) and circuit simulators. * Two engine management seminars, Toyota/Lexus Engine Performance (TEP) and Emissions Theory and Diagnosis (ETD), focus on basic emissions theory and diagnosis with in-depth information on Toyota systems operation, components and diagnostics. In addition, the company offers free 90-minute A/C, starter and alternator clinics designed to illustrate basic system theory and product performance, features and benefits for the counterperson. For more information, contact your local warehouse distributor (WD). To find participating WDs, visit www.densoaftermarket.com.(Source: DENSO)Incentives Don't Drive Car Sales
YONKERS, NY (Aug. 23, 2006) - A recent survey by Consumer Reports' (CR) National Research Center finds that vehicle attributes - especially fuel economy and reliability - are more influential than advertised incentives. In addition, CR found that most consumers are confused about flashy promos and do not fully understand how incentives work.
Incentives have long been a persuasive tool used to jump-start sales on slow-selling product lines, invigorate slow markets and clear out end-of-the-year inventory. In recent years, frequent promotions have trained auto buyers to expect discounts, says CR. This year, however, the survey found consumers were far less influenced by incentives when making their buying decisions.
National Research Center SurveyWhat is the most important consideration in purchasing a car over the
next 24 months?Do incentives influence the
timing of your vehicle purchase?Top-ranked incentives27% - Fuel economy18% - Coincided purchase with incentives.32% - Zero percent financing25% - Reliability69% - May purchase during an incentive period23% - Free extended warranty14% - Purchase price 8% - Slight influence in timing of purchase20% - Free fuel for a year12% - Safety features 5% - No influence14% - Cash rebate (Table source: Consumer Reports) Instead, respondents indicated that vehicle attributes were the primary driver. Just 5 percent of respondents ranked incentives as the most important factor in their purchases. That said, most shoppers indicated that they might time their vehicle purchase to coincide with incentive offerings. The surveyed consumers also said that incentives must be quite large in order to affect the choice of their next new vehicle. Almost 25 percent of respondents claimed it would take a combination of incentives of $5,000 or more to turn their heads; the media value indicated by respondents was $3,000, an increase in expectations from prior years. (Source: Consumers Union of U.S. Inc.)Become a Performance Insider MINNEAPOLIS (Sept. 4, 2006) - On the streets and in seductive ads you can see and hear America's passion for automotive performance. We're obsessed with horsepower, with looks, and with making our own personal statement. Consumers, enthusiasts and performance retailers alike are hungry for accurate performance information. Now, through relationships with top performance experts, the recently launched performanceINSIDER.com Web site connects members to engineers, product designers, instructors and drivers from organizations around the globe. Contributors include Michelin and BF Goodrich Tires, Brembo Brakes, Eibach Springs, BBS Wheels, Skip Barber Racing and a collection of accomplished racecar drivers. "As a weekend racer and gearhead myself, I find the amount of misinformation on the Web to be both scary and frustrating. That's why we are so pleased to support performanceINSIDER and serve performance enthusiasts everywhere," says Doug Brown, performance category manager at BF Goodrich. In addition to its articles, performanceINSIDER provides free online courses on performance upgrades and performance driving. The first of these, "Need For Speed," covers the basics of traction and handling; the series leads into advanced topics, such as finding the correct racing line in dry weather or rain. These courses are designed to connect members with people, places and information that they wouldn't have access to on their own. "Performance driving is a passion for thousands," says Terry Earwood, chief driving instructor for Skip Barber Racing. "It's exciting knowing that we can reach these people and thousands more with courses like Need For Speed." To celebrate the launch of the site, performanceINSIDER also unveiled a sweepstakes where a lucky member will get an insider experience at the final American Le Mans race this season at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, in Monterey, CA, this October. (Source: performanceINSIDER.com)Hydrogen Sequel to Premiere
in California
Sequel Cutaway
(Photo: GM)
ANN ARBOR, MI (Aug. 31) - General Motors' (GM's) Rick Wagoner recently announced that the automaker now has a drivable version of the hydrogen fuel cell Sequel. He made the announcement at the Management Briefing Seminars hosted by the Center for Automotive Research Management.
Wagoner said that despite other initiatives, including its E85 and hybrid-electric programs, fuel-cell technology is the best long-term solution for reducing dependence on imported oil. The GM Sequel, which premiered at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, has an operating range of 300 miles.
Sequel Exterior
(Photo: GM) "I'm pleased to share with you today that we've built the first drivable version of the Sequel, and we'll have a media ride-and-drive in Southern California next month so that the press can try it out," stated Wagoner. He also said that he expects to share more developments about GM's fuel-cell research and technology development program soon.(Source: GM)Hybrid, Electric Vehicle Owners
Launch Lobby Group WASHINGTON (Sept. 2, 2006) - The Civil Society Institute and 40mpg.org have launched a new project, The Hybrid Owners of America (HOA), with an associated Web site. The group says it will coordinate and work for the roughly 500,000 Americans who are driving hybrid cars and other electric vehicles. In addition to tracking federal, state, local and private sector incentives, HOA is encouraging owners to get involved by urging Congress and the White House to embrace a five-part agenda: * Lift the current cap on the federal tax break for hybrid purchases. * Create a new federal tax incentive for those consumers who convert their vehicles to plug-in hybrids. * Promote a new federal tax break for corporations that provide direct incentives to employees who buy hybrids. * Reward U.S. automakers that undertake more hybrid research and production by assisting them with health care and other high-cost issues. * Convert 30 percent of the federal car and truck fleet to hybrids over three years. "Everybody wins when there are more hybrid vehicles on the road," says Scott Stapf, project director for HOA. "The bottom line is that hybrid vehicle purchases should be encouraged because they empower typical Americans with a direct way to reduce our nation's addiction to Middle Eastern oil, save money at the gas pump and cut global warming pollution. By working together, hybrid owners can protect their own interests while also serving the greater good - promoting U.S. national security and protecting the environment."(Source: HOA) Infiniti G35 Boasts New V6 EnginesTOKYO (Aug. 22, 2006) - Nissan Motor Co. has developed two new-generation six-cylinder V-type engines for its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicles. The 3.5L VQ35HR and 2.5L VQ25HR engines will be built at Nissan's Iwaki Plant in Fukushima Prefecture and will be equipped in the Infiniti G35. Featuring newly designed engine blocks and other key components, the engines achieve a 10 percent improvement in fuel efficiency compared to vehicles equipped with the existing VQ engine, says Nissan. Some of the other specifications of the VQ35HR and VQ25HR engines include: * Reduction of weight and friction through adoption of asymmetrical piston skirt configuration. * Adoption of continuously variable valve timing control (CVTC) for the intake side and electromagnetic valve timing control (e-VTC) for the exhaust side. * Adoption of an isometric exhaust manifold and perfectly symmetrical exhaust system. * Reduction of friction through adoption of world's first hydrogen-free, diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating.(Source: Nissan)Schumacher Purchases
Midtronics' Battery Charger Line WILLOWBROOK, IL (Aug. 30, 2006) - Midtronics Inc. has completed the sale of its professional battery charger product line to Schumacher Electric Corp. The product line includes handheld/portable and bench-top chargers, as well as wheel-based units designed for use in the professional service environment. The chargers are currently distributed under the Midtronics ChargeXpress brand and as private label brands for major transportation market suppliers. Midtronics' line of technology-based and diagnostic chargers are not included in this transaction. "This agreement is truly a win for all involved," says Midtronics CEO Steve McShane. "Midtronics will focus entirely on our core business of providing technology-based products for battery management applications... while Schumacher Electric gains a key product and market segment for its thriving battery charger business." "This acquisition just plain made good business sense," says Schumacher Electric CEO Don Schumacher. "We have the proven capabilities to continue delivering reliable products to these new customers. Likewise, we can introduce those customers to our entire line of battery chargers, inverters and portable power products."(Sources: Schumacher Electric, Midtronics)Updated BCCA Kit Ready for
Fall Car Care Month BETHESDA, MD (Aug. 25, 2006) - The recently updated "Be Car Care Aware" (BCCA) point-of-sale kits are available now for Fall Car Care Month in October. The kits, which include a copy of the new Car Care Guide and a pack of 25 vehicle inspection forms, can be ordered at www.carcare.org. "The Car Care Council frequently modifies the starter kit in response to requests from aftermarket businesses," says Rich White, executive director. "We also try to turn around orders the next day, especially with Fall Car Care Month fast approaching." The kits contain Fall Car Care Month materials that can be used each October, as well as "Be Car Care Aware" signage, consumer education materials and a comprehensive Service Interval Schedule. The schedule helps consumers track regular vehicle servicing by taking the guesswork out of what vehicle systems need to be routinely inspected and when service or repair should be performed. As a bonus, repair shops and parts stores that purchase the kits will be included in the Find-A-Shop and Find-A-Store locators on the www.carcare.org Web site, which receives more than 150,000 hits per month, says the Car Care Council. (Source: Car Care Council)ACDelco, Dale Carnegie Expand Relationship Globally GRAND BLANC, MI (Aug. 30, 2006) - ACDelco has announced it has expanded its relationship with Dale Carnegie, a provider of performance-based training. Independent Service Centers that participate in ACDelco's Total Service Support (TSS) program in the United States already receive a discounted rate on Dale Carnegie training classes. Now, ACDelco affiliated Service Centers around the globe will receive this same benefit. "ACDelco TSS program participants have long known the benefits the Dale Carnegie program offers in helping to take their professional businesses and personal lives to the next level of performance," says Myron E. Lick, manager for ACDelco International Support & Services. "Through this new agreement with Dale Carnegie, ACDelco affiliated Service Centers now can reap those same rewards from many locations around the world." The training is designed to teach participants how to manage customers, co-workers and their own families and friends better while keeping pace with fast-changing workplace conditions. According to Nichols, participants are better equipped to perform as persuasive communicators, creative problem-solvers and intelligent risk-takers. "In today's competitive environment, shop owners, technicians and service writers alike are looking for any benefit that will give them a strategic edge," says Lick. "By making discounted Dale Carnegie training available to our ACDelco affiliated Service Centers, we're offering our customers an opportunity to help grow our mutual business."(Source: ACDelco)NASCAR Raises Awareness, Perception of Aftermarket
(Photo: GM) "I'm pleased to share with you today that we've built the first drivable version of the Sequel, and we'll have a media ride-and-drive in Southern California next month so that the press can try it out," stated Wagoner. He also said that he expects to share more developments about GM's fuel-cell research and technology development program soon.(Source: GM)Hybrid, Electric Vehicle Owners
Launch Lobby Group WASHINGTON (Sept. 2, 2006) - The Civil Society Institute and 40mpg.org have launched a new project, The Hybrid Owners of America (HOA), with an associated Web site. The group says it will coordinate and work for the roughly 500,000 Americans who are driving hybrid cars and other electric vehicles. In addition to tracking federal, state, local and private sector incentives, HOA is encouraging owners to get involved by urging Congress and the White House to embrace a five-part agenda: * Lift the current cap on the federal tax break for hybrid purchases. * Create a new federal tax incentive for those consumers who convert their vehicles to plug-in hybrids. * Promote a new federal tax break for corporations that provide direct incentives to employees who buy hybrids. * Reward U.S. automakers that undertake more hybrid research and production by assisting them with health care and other high-cost issues. * Convert 30 percent of the federal car and truck fleet to hybrids over three years. "Everybody wins when there are more hybrid vehicles on the road," says Scott Stapf, project director for HOA. "The bottom line is that hybrid vehicle purchases should be encouraged because they empower typical Americans with a direct way to reduce our nation's addiction to Middle Eastern oil, save money at the gas pump and cut global warming pollution. By working together, hybrid owners can protect their own interests while also serving the greater good - promoting U.S. national security and protecting the environment."(Source: HOA) Infiniti G35 Boasts New V6 EnginesTOKYO (Aug. 22, 2006) - Nissan Motor Co. has developed two new-generation six-cylinder V-type engines for its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicles. The 3.5L VQ35HR and 2.5L VQ25HR engines will be built at Nissan's Iwaki Plant in Fukushima Prefecture and will be equipped in the Infiniti G35. Featuring newly designed engine blocks and other key components, the engines achieve a 10 percent improvement in fuel efficiency compared to vehicles equipped with the existing VQ engine, says Nissan. Some of the other specifications of the VQ35HR and VQ25HR engines include: * Reduction of weight and friction through adoption of asymmetrical piston skirt configuration. * Adoption of continuously variable valve timing control (CVTC) for the intake side and electromagnetic valve timing control (e-VTC) for the exhaust side. * Adoption of an isometric exhaust manifold and perfectly symmetrical exhaust system. * Reduction of friction through adoption of world's first hydrogen-free, diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating.(Source: Nissan)Schumacher Purchases
Midtronics' Battery Charger Line WILLOWBROOK, IL (Aug. 30, 2006) - Midtronics Inc. has completed the sale of its professional battery charger product line to Schumacher Electric Corp. The product line includes handheld/portable and bench-top chargers, as well as wheel-based units designed for use in the professional service environment. The chargers are currently distributed under the Midtronics ChargeXpress brand and as private label brands for major transportation market suppliers. Midtronics' line of technology-based and diagnostic chargers are not included in this transaction. "This agreement is truly a win for all involved," says Midtronics CEO Steve McShane. "Midtronics will focus entirely on our core business of providing technology-based products for battery management applications... while Schumacher Electric gains a key product and market segment for its thriving battery charger business." "This acquisition just plain made good business sense," says Schumacher Electric CEO Don Schumacher. "We have the proven capabilities to continue delivering reliable products to these new customers. Likewise, we can introduce those customers to our entire line of battery chargers, inverters and portable power products."(Sources: Schumacher Electric, Midtronics)Updated BCCA Kit Ready for
Fall Car Care Month BETHESDA, MD (Aug. 25, 2006) - The recently updated "Be Car Care Aware" (BCCA) point-of-sale kits are available now for Fall Car Care Month in October. The kits, which include a copy of the new Car Care Guide and a pack of 25 vehicle inspection forms, can be ordered at www.carcare.org. "The Car Care Council frequently modifies the starter kit in response to requests from aftermarket businesses," says Rich White, executive director. "We also try to turn around orders the next day, especially with Fall Car Care Month fast approaching." The kits contain Fall Car Care Month materials that can be used each October, as well as "Be Car Care Aware" signage, consumer education materials and a comprehensive Service Interval Schedule. The schedule helps consumers track regular vehicle servicing by taking the guesswork out of what vehicle systems need to be routinely inspected and when service or repair should be performed. As a bonus, repair shops and parts stores that purchase the kits will be included in the Find-A-Shop and Find-A-Store locators on the www.carcare.org Web site, which receives more than 150,000 hits per month, says the Car Care Council. (Source: Car Care Council)ACDelco, Dale Carnegie Expand Relationship Globally GRAND BLANC, MI (Aug. 30, 2006) - ACDelco has announced it has expanded its relationship with Dale Carnegie, a provider of performance-based training. Independent Service Centers that participate in ACDelco's Total Service Support (TSS) program in the United States already receive a discounted rate on Dale Carnegie training classes. Now, ACDelco affiliated Service Centers around the globe will receive this same benefit. "ACDelco TSS program participants have long known the benefits the Dale Carnegie program offers in helping to take their professional businesses and personal lives to the next level of performance," says Myron E. Lick, manager for ACDelco International Support & Services. "Through this new agreement with Dale Carnegie, ACDelco affiliated Service Centers now can reap those same rewards from many locations around the world." The training is designed to teach participants how to manage customers, co-workers and their own families and friends better while keeping pace with fast-changing workplace conditions. According to Nichols, participants are better equipped to perform as persuasive communicators, creative problem-solvers and intelligent risk-takers. "In today's competitive environment, shop owners, technicians and service writers alike are looking for any benefit that will give them a strategic edge," says Lick. "By making discounted Dale Carnegie training available to our ACDelco affiliated Service Centers, we're offering our customers an opportunity to help grow our mutual business."(Source: ACDelco)NASCAR Raises Awareness, Perception of Aftermarket
NEW YORK (Aug. 27, 2006) - In a recent interview with The New York Times, Odis Lloyd, NASCAR's managing director for the automotive aftermarket, discusses NASCAR's licensing division - specifically, the auto repair-focused NASCAR Performance Network (NPN): "It's one of the most relevant categories in NASCAR." He adds that because racing is about cars, it was a natural progression for NASCAR to license products and services, such as NPN. The network grew out of a desire to improve marketing of auto parts and suppliers, Lloyd says. Companies such as Moog, which produces chassis parts that are used by race teams, also sells its products to shops but not directly to consumers. NASCAR becomes the link, helping shops add customers to aid in the sale of products that support the series. Presently, Midas and Goodyear have more than 1,500 shops in the network, and Automotive Service Association (ASA) members have participated since May 2003. Network memberships are available for a $1,000 annual subscription; however, shops must also meet several criteria, such as maintaining a specific level of expertise and service. In return, shops can display NASCAR branded signage. Visitors to NASCAR's Web site - www.nascar.com - can locate service shops participating in the network, as well as read auto care tips. Lloyd says there is as much as $60 billion worth of automobile maintenance that is not performed each year. The NPN is focused on that market, working with the "Be Car Care Aware" program. In addition, the upcoming television series, NASCAR Angels, is aimed at improving the public perception of the repair industry's caring and professionalism. (Sources: NY Times,
NASCAR)"Witch" Shock Do You Want? MONROE, MI (Aug. 17, 2006) - The Monroe "Witch Shock" promotion - offering consumers up to $60 in future automotive services when they replace worn shocks and struts - is working its spell throughout the United States and Canada from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, 2006.
The fall program, building on the brand's popular "Shocktober" and "Count Shockula" promotions, gives consumers discounts on future automotive services when they purchase qualifying Monroe shocks and/or struts or Rancho performance shocks through a participating business location.
"Monroe's fall promotions continue to set the standard for value and creativity within the automotive service category," says Sheryl Bomia, program manager, Tenneco. "Replacing worn ride control components helps preserve a vehicle's steering, stopping and stability characteristics. We're offering valuable rewards for completing this vital repair before the winter driving season."
Consumers purchasing four premium Monroe Sensa-Trac, Reflex or Gas-Magnum shock absorbers or Rancho RS5000 or RSX performance shocks will qualify for a $20 certificate. Through the purchase of two Monroe Reflex or Sensa-Trac shocks or struts, Monroe Quick-Strut assemblies or four Rancho RS9000X Pro Series or RS9000X shocks, consumers will receive a $40 certificate.
To receive a $60 certificate, consumers must purchase four Monroe Reflex or Sensa-Trac struts. Purchases must be made at participating dealers during the promotion period. Certificates are good for future automotive services at the same location within 90 days.
In addition, Monroe Reflex shocks and struts, Sensa-Trac shocks and struts and Gas-Magnum shocks are backed by the company's exclusive "Safe & Sound Guarantee," which allows consumers to try qualifying Monroe products and return the products within 90 days for a full refund of the product's purchase price, plus labor expenses of up to $50 per axle, if they are not satisfied.
For more information on the Monroe "Witch Shock" promotion and Monroe ride control products, visit
www.monroe.com or contact your Monroe supplier.
(Source: Tenneco
Inc.)
Latest in Operations
Latest in Operations
Courtesy of Bennett Toyota
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