Health Insurance in 2007BEDFORD, TX (Nov. 3, 2006) - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) announced a new health insurance trust plan for members that will provide access to a number of different health plans. Called the Automotive Industry Health Insurance Trust (A-HIT), this new benefit will be launched in early 2007 and will include a regional rollout to offer the program nationwide by the end of 2007. A-HIT will include a number of group benefits, including medical and dental plans, a premium-only plan (POP), flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs). To learn more about ASA's new health insurance trust, call the ASA membership department at (800) 272-7467, ext. 295.Editor's Note: Look for further coverage on this new ASA benefit in an upcoming edition of The Scoop.(Source: ASA) GM Extends Service Info Subscriptions GRAND BLANC, MI - ACDelco has announced a new, extended subscription length and less-expensive pricing for General Motors Service Information (GM SI). A new $20, three-day subscription replaces the former one- and five-day subscriptions, which were $20 and $45, respectively. Available to any independent service center, the new pricing structure is: * $20 for a three-day subscription. * $150 for a one-month subscription. * $1,200 for a one-year subscription. GM SI is an Internet-based subscription service that ACDelco makes available to its Total Service Support (TSS) program participants, as well as independent service centers. At the Web site, users can find online information including: * Vehicle diagnostic and service repair manuals for GM vehicles from 1998 to present. * Campaigns, service bulletins and preliminary information for GM vehicles from 1980 to present. * GM owner's manuals and glove box supplements from 2003 to present. This information can help technicians quickly identify vehicle-specific issues, which may not yet be published in bulletin form, and can help them service even the latest model GM vehicles. For more information or to subscribe, log on to www.gmtechinfo.com and click on the "GM Tech Info" icon.(Source: ACDelco)ASME Adopts
Welding Process Standard TROY, MI (Oct. 23, 2006) - The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has approved Delphi Corp's Deformation Resistance Welding (DRW) as a manufacturing process standard for heat exchanger tube-to-tube sheet welding. The result of this certification is the establishment of DRW as an industry-endorsed welding process for heat exchangers and other similar applications, which can significantly reduce cost, increase throughput and optimize material performance, says Delphi. What makes DRW unique is its formation of a near instantaneous, full-strength, leak-tight weld by heating metal surfaces only to the point of softening followed by rapid, engineered compression of the joint. The process automatically bonds metals and creates solid-state joints without filler-welding material through the heating and deformation of mating surfaces. DRW allows the joining of not only similar, but dissimilar materials (specifically metals), giving designers the ability to create lean structural assemblies by using tubular components. Delphi is working with the Taylor-Winfield Corp., a developer of custom-built, high-performance resistance welders with expertise in the design and manufacture of prototype DRW systems.(Source: Delphi)IC to Debut Diesel Hybrid Buses CONWAY, AR - IC Corp., a subsidiary of Navistar International Group, will begin manufacturing a new line of mid-size, diesel-hybrid commercial buses, built in partnership with Enova Systems. Typical uses will include school, community transit, shuttle and small tour buses. The hybrid bus features Enova's post-transmission 80-kilowatt Hybrid Drive System and was tested and evaluated at IC's research and technology facility in Fort Wayne, IN. The initial powertrain for the hybrid school bus will couple an International VT365 V8 diesel engine with the 80-kilowatt hybrid-electric powertrain, incorporating a transmission, batteries and an electric motor. The system is based on a parallel architecture, allowing it to use both diesel and electric power. Capable of using new ultralow sulfur diesel (ULSD), emissions will be reduced. Regenerative braking will recover kinetic energy to provide additional power for acceleration from a stop - ideal for vehicles that make frequent stops and starts during their routes. IC Corp. expects the diesel-hybrid bus to attain a 40 percent increase in fuel efficiency. (Source: IC Corp.)Touch Screen Integrates
Interior Control Functions
(Photo: Johnson Controls)BURSCHEID, GERMANY (Oct. 25, 2006) - Johnson Controls has developed a monochrome touch screen display that reduces the complexity of managing vehicle interior controls. The growing number of car functions and accompanying control elements mean designers and ergonomic consultants are being confronted with an increasingly difficult task - managing these functions in a user-friendly, intuitively operated, yet cost-effective manner. While these comfort, information and entertainment features are seen as opportunities for adding value and individual character to vehicle interiors, there is a limited amount of installation space available within easy reach of the driver and front-seat passenger. The company's new touch screen uses an advanced version of the classic liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, which allows a sensor mechanism to be incorporated directly into the glass. The special layout of the LCD has several sensitive areas where finger positions can be detected by capacitive effect. As the first application example of the new technology, which is already available for monochrome displays, Johnson Controls has developed an air conditioning control panel requiring only a very small amount of installation space. The touch screen of this unit supports all conventional operating functions and eliminates about 20 mechanical knobs and buttons. Comprehensive tests and validation trials of the prototype have confirmed the effectiveness of the technology, even in the thermally demanding environment of a vehicle interior. The company expects the touch screen will be available in vehicles by 2009. (Source: Johnson
Controls) Bosch, DENSO Work Together
on DPFs STUTTGART, GERMANY (Oct. 26, 2006) - Robert Bosch GmbH and DENSO Corp. have announced a joint venture to develop and manufacture diesel particulate filters (DPFs), which are an essential diesel system component for today's and future emissions regulations. The companies plan to develop and market competitive cordierite DPFs by leveraging the best of their respective diesel system technologies. From 2009 onward, the partners plan to manufacture high-performance and cost-effective DPFs made of cordierite and to market them separately. As a result of the Euro 5 emission standard for cars, DENSO and Bosch expect that DPFs will become standard equipment for all new diesel-powered cars in Europe. Compared to filters made of other materials, the companies maintain, cordierite DPFs are lighter and provide lower pressure drop of exhaust gas, resulting in high engine performance and efficient purification. DENSO has been producing and supplying its cordierite DPFs since 2003. The technologies and experiences will be used in the joint venture. (Sources: Robert Bosch
GmbH, DENSO)Mo-Pod.com Features
Shared Experiences CENTER LINE, MI (Oct. 29, 2006) - Mopar enthusiasts are seizing their chance to grab the spotlight and showcase their passion in front of a worldwide audience. The recently launched
Mo-Pod.com Web site encourages video submissions from enthusiasts and offers fans the chance to show exactly what makes them dedicated members of the "Mopar Nation." Videos of cool cars, decked-out garages, car club events, and professional and grassroots racing are available and can be downloaded free-of-charge to desktop computers and iPods. Videos are divided into six categories: Racing, Mopar Life, MoRides, Xtreme, Spotlight and Heritage. Enthusiasts whose submissions are chosen will receive a free one-year subscription to Mopar magazine. Mopar enthusiasts who would like to submit their videos for consideration should visit
www.mo-pod.com for submission details and instructions. (Source: DaimlerChrsler) Will Modified Driving Patterns Impact Automotive Service and Repair? LAS VEGAS, NV (Nov. 2, 2006) - Automotive products and services companies are hoping that falling gas prices will lead to increased driving, according to David Portalatin, director of industry analysis for the NPD Group. Portalatin says that consumers base their automotive maintenance intervals on mileage, and that fewer consumers expect to perform automotive maintenance and repair this year versus last year. The increases in miles driven in 2006 are the smallest in more than 25 years, indicating that automotive maintenance and repair activities may suffer in 2007. Eighty percent of Americans base their automotive maintenance intervals on mileage, with the average oil change interval occurring at 3,840 miles. Driving fewer miles could mean there would be fewer maintenance intervals each year. NPD reports that only 9 percent of consumers expect to perform more maintenance and repair this year versus last year, while 10 percent believe they will perform less maintenance and repair. In order to weather the storm, Portalatin suggests that manufacturers, retailers and service providers become more active in their consumer education efforts, including the need for regular maintenance. While consumers do not appear to be enthusiastic about repair and maintenance, 12 percent report they will spend more this year on vehicle appearance; only 5 percent will spend less. "Spending on vehicle appearance could be a real bright spot in the market in 2007," says Portalatin. "Companies might consider offering product bundles and/or service packages that cross-promote appearance and maintenance items to make the most of the appearance-oriented consumer purchase occasion. Another option could be to ensure when consumers visit a retailer or service outlet for repairs, that they are also cross-sold maintenance products/services to capture more unperformed maintenance." (Source: The NPD Group) Modest Growth Predicted for Light-Duty Aftermarket SANTE FE, NM (Oct. 28, 2006) - The Automotive Market Research Council (AMRC) has released the details of its annual Light Duty Aftermarket Study during the organization's Fall 2006 Conference. The study was prepared with and completed by TLG Research. The study forecasts modest but positive U.S. sales growth of just under 1 percent per year from 2006 to 2009. It covers 11 main product groups, representing more than $40.5 billion in annual net sales at the warehouse distributor level. The new forecast summarizes survey data from AMRC member and non-member companies that manufacture parts for the light-duty aftermarket. Light Duty Aftermarket
Estimated Growth By SegmentProduct Group2006 to 2009 Annual Change
(estimated average)Body & appearance parts+ 1.1% / yearUndercar & wheel end (steering, suspension, shocks, brakes) + 0.6% / year Chemicals (motor oil and antifreeze)+ 1.4% / yearOther maintenance (filters, wipers)+ 1.7% / year Heating & cooling+ 0.9% / yearElectrical- 2.3% / yearTires+ 1.7% / year(Source: AMRC) Product line results of the survey were summarized in 11 different categories, including body and appearance parts, undercar products (steering, suspension, shocks, brakes, exhaust and driveline), underhood products (engine parts, electrical, fuel system, heating/cooling and ignition), chemical products, accessories and tires. Leading market factors reflect key market drivers, including technology changes, particularly the use of longer-life components and modular systems in electrical components; rising fuel prices that reduce miles driven and parts wear; and continued consolidation among retailers and manufacturers. All of these forces will combine to keep overall market growth modest, says AMRC. (Source: AMRC) NAPA Announces Tech of the Year ATLANTA - NAPA Auto Parts and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) have named Kit Johnson the 2007 NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year. Johnson's shop, J4 Automotive Inc. in East Helena, MT, has a long record of award-winning customer service. In addition, Johnson's technical skills and his contributions to both the local and automotive service communities helped him earn the NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year award. The judging panel included four trade journalists, three previous award winners and representatives from ASE. From hundreds of entries submitted, 25 were chosen by NAPA officials as finalists. The list of requirements is detailed, and this year the margin of victory was slim. In the end, however, it was Johnson's dedication to his customers and to ongoing technical training for himself and his employees that gave the judges what they needed to declare a winner. "The most important customer we have is our employees, and we constantly strive to acknowledge their efforts and dedication," Johnson says. NAPA President Bob Susor cites Johnson's superior technical skills, years of dedication to the automotive industry and ongoing service to his customers. "It is with great pride we present this award to him," Susor says. ASE President Ron Weiner notes the importance of this competition and award as examples to others in the industry. "ASE is proud to be part of the NAPA Technician of the Year competition since its inception," he says. "The outstanding quality of all of the finalists makes each one a role model for technicians everywhere. We salute this year's winner and all of the competitors who, once again, represent some of the best the industry has to offer." Johnson has more than 30 years of experience in the automotive service industry. After taking a break to serve with the U.S. Marine Corps, which included a combat tour in the Persian Gulf, he returned to the industry to open his shop in 1994. Upon learning of his award, Johnson said, "After opening the store more than 10 years ago, my co-workers and I [pride] ourselves on providing excellent customer service, a long-lasting dedication to continual learning and the value of being an important part of our community. It is an honor to receive such a highly regarded award in a demanding and changing industry." The NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year award was presented to Johnson at the NAPA Annual Managers' Meeting in Atlanta in October. (Source: NAPA)
