NEWS BRIEFS FOR
THE WEEK OF DEC. 21, 2006U.S. Hybrid Sales Rising WASHINGTON (Dec. 6, 2006) - GreenCarCongress.com reports that U.S. sales of hybrids in November rose to 18,283 units, up 13.8 percent from the 16,065 sold in November 2005. The tally does not yet include sales of GM's VUE Green Line Hybrid. Total light-duty vehicle sales in November in the United States increased 2.9 percent from the year prior, with sales of light trucks up 6.3 percent and sales of passenger cars down 1.1 percent year-on-year.
THE WEEK OF DEC. 21, 2006U.S. Hybrid Sales Rising WASHINGTON (Dec. 6, 2006) - GreenCarCongress.com reports that U.S. sales of hybrids in November rose to 18,283 units, up 13.8 percent from the 16,065 sold in November 2005. The tally does not yet include sales of GM's VUE Green Line Hybrid. Total light-duty vehicle sales in November in the United States increased 2.9 percent from the year prior, with sales of light trucks up 6.3 percent and sales of passenger cars down 1.1 percent year-on-year.
(Graphic: Green Car Congress) In November, hybrids represented 1.52 percent of the new car market - an increase from the 1.38 percent share in November 2005, but a slight decrease from the 1.54 percent share in October 2006.(Source: Green Car Congress)Guess the Corvette's Price, Win Cash NAPOLEON, OH (Dec. 6, 2006) - ProTeam Classic Corvette Collection and Sales knows the worth of its "Last" Corvette Sting Ray, but do you? ProTeam is sponsoring a promotion that challenges Corvette aficionados to guess what the infamous "Last" Corvette Sting Ray will sell for at the 2007 Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ, on Jan. 20. The car, and all related memorabilia, will be auctioned at "No Reserve" (lot #1285).
The "Last" Corvette goes up for
sale in Scottsdale, AZ at the Jan. 20, 2007 Barrett-Jackson auction.
(Photo: ProTeam) The "Last" is Number 186,981. Produced by General Motors, this car is documented as the last 1967 Corvette (VIN #22940) of the C2 series production. Also known as "the Caboose," it's widely regarded by collectors and enthusiasts as the greatest Corvette design. It is also the last factory 427 cid, mid-year big-block ever built. The Barrett-Jackson Auction and the sale of the "Last" Corvette Sting Ray will air live on SPEED, as a follow-up to its currently airing six-episode series, The Last Sting Ray. For more information, visit www.lastcorvette.com. The individual who guesses the final bid price, or comes closest to the final bid price, will win $25,000; multiple winning entries will be evenly divided. In addition to padding the pockets of the winner, a $5 entry fee (or $20 for five entries) will also benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Central Valley Inc. To enter, call the Ronald McDonald House at 559-447-6300. Checks should be made payable to Ronald McDonald House and mailed to P.O. Box 65011, Pinedale, CA, 93650. For additional information, including official rules, visit www.ronald-mcdonaldhouse.com. All entries must be accepted before the first bid on the "Last" is made on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007. The winner(s) will be notified by phone, registered mail, fax or e-mail the week of Jan. 29, 2007. (Source: ProTeam Classic Corvette Collection and Sales)Toyota Ranks Highest in
Buyer Retention WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA (Dec. 6, 2006) - Toyota leads the automotive industry in retaining the highest percentage of new-vehicle purchasers, according to the J.D. Power and Associates "2006 Customer Retention Study." Now in its fourth year, the study measures the percentage of new-vehicle buyers and lessees who replace a previously purchased new vehicle with another from the same nameplate. In the study, Toyota narrowly edged out Lexus in customer retention rankings. Toyota benefits from its reputation for exceeding customer expectations in terms of both short-term and long-term quality, which has helped to maintain the high resale value of its vehicles, as well as to expand its customer base. Honda retains its third-place ranking at 60.3 percent. BMW jumped six places to rank fourth, and according to the study, can be mostly attributed to improved customer service stemming from BMW's introduction of a free vehicle maintenance policy for new purchasers. As a whole, the industry registers a slight decline in customer retention, falling to 47.9 percent, from 49.6 percent in 2005. In addition, the study finds that of more than one-half of the brands included in the rankings have shown some decline in retention rates since the study's inception in 2003.(Source: J.D. Power and Associates)ASE Annual Meeting Honors
38 Members LEESBURG, VA (Dec. 7, 2006) - Thirty-eight automotive professionals were recognized on Nov. 17, 2006 at the Fall board meeting of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) held at the Omni La Mansion Del Rio in San Antonio, TX. The annual awards banquet spotlights top scorers on the ASE certification tests. Twenty-four different companies from both OEM and aftermarket segments sponsored the individual technician recognition awards in the Auto, Truck, Collision and Parts categories. In addition to looking for top scores on ASE tests, award sponsors examine on-the-job excellence, community service and other factors when selecting honorees. "These awards recognize some of the best in the automotive industry," says Ron Weiner, ASE president. "ASE is proud to partner with our many industry sponsors in saluting these talented individuals who serve as outstanding role models. Although hailing from different parts of this great nation, they all share a commitment to excellence that distinguishes them as true professionals."(Source: ASE)MACS Convention to Provide
Spanish Translation LANSDALE, PA (Dec. 6, 2006) - The Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide will present a simultaneous English-to-Spanish translation during the automotive programming at its 27th Annual Convention and Trade Show, Repair Round-UP! in Phoenix, which will be held Feb. 1 through 3, 2007. Convention attendees wishing to listen to the automotive mobile air conditioning program in Spanish may pick up a headset at the back of the meeting room. "In an effort to better serve the Spanish-speaking aftermarket mobile air conditioning technician, and in consultation with our Arizona membership, MACS has made this effort to set up simultaneous translation of our automotive mobile air conditioning technical programming," says Elvis L. Hoffpauir, MACS president and chief operating officer.(Source: MACS)Make the Choice to Avoid Road Rage MERIDEN, CT (Dec. 7, 2006) - The "National Driving Habits" survey, conducted by Response Insurance, demonstrated that one-half of drivers who are subjected to aggressive driving behavior on the road respond with aggression of their own, thus risking a more serious confrontation. The survey revealed: * When a driver gets the finger, is cut off or tailgated, 50 percent of the victims respond with horn honking, yelling, cutting-off and obscene gestures of their own. Of those who said they responded, 34 percent of drivers say they honk their horn at the aggressor, 27 percent yell, 19 percent give the finger back, 17 percent flash their headlights, 7 percent mimic the initial aggressive driving behavior and 2 percent of drivers admit to trying to run the aggressor off the road.* Men are more likely than women to do so (54 percent versus 46 percent).* Drivers ages 18 to 24 are more likely to respond aggressively than drivers 65 and older (67 percent versus 30 percent). * Drivers with children are more likely to respond aggressively than those without children (57 percent versus 45 percent).* Cell phone users indicated they were more likely to react than those who do not use a cell phone while driving (59 percent versus 39 percent). "Road rage is a two-way street," says Ray Palermo, director of public relations for Response Insurance. "It takes two people to fight. So, if you are subjected to aggressive driving, often the best way to ensure it does not get any worse is to just ignore it."(Source: Response Insurance)Schlanger Named ASA Top Recruiter BEDFORD, TX (Nov. 21, 2006) - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) presented its Chairman's Club Award to Bob Schlanger, owner of British Car Service, Tucson, AZ. The award honors ASA members who recruited or provided leads for prospective shops to become members of the association. Schlanger recruited 10 new members to ASA in 2006. He said the difficult part of recruiting is simply that people who own independent shops are just that - independent. To show the value of membership in ASA, he invites shop owners to visit one of the chapter's dinner meetings to network with peers. "Being self-reliant has served them well. I think it's the ability to network with their peers - and realize that they are not alone out there - is what turns a non-member into an ASA member," says Schlanger. "The benefits are just frosting on the cake." The ASA Chairman's Club is an integral part of ASA's membership recruitment program. "I believe the best way to build an organization is through current members finding new members, and I encouraged all of our members to sign up at least one new member in the coming year," says ASA Chairman Charlie Elder.(Source: ASA)MAHLE Buys Clevite STUTTGART, GERMANY (Dec.4, 2006) - The MAHLE Group announced that it has entered into a stock and asset purchase agreement with Dana Corp. for the acquisition of Dana's engine hard parts business. The agreement includes the acquisition of all worldwide units of Dana's engine hard parts business by MAHLE, including the Clevite aftermarket unit. The sale is subject to the approval of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The engine hard parts business of Dana consists of 39 locations in 10 countries, with approximately 5,000 employees. The business had sales of approximately $670 million in 2005. The main products of the engine hard parts business are piston rings, engine bearings, cylinder liners and camshafts manufactured and sold under the Perfect Circle, Clevite and Glacier Vandervell brands. In connection with the transaction, the parties will enter into ancillary agreements, including an agreement granting MAHLE exclusive distribution rights to Dana's retained Victor Reinz-branded products in the independent aftermarket in the United States and Canada. (Source: MAHLE Group)Tenneco, Woodward Governor
Partner on DPF Technology ROCKFORD, IL (Dec. 12, 2006) - Tenneco Inc. and the Woodward Governor Co. have announced a joint agreement to develop a range of low-emission aftertreatment burner systems, employing Woodward SmartFire combustion control systems for regeneration of diesel particulate filters (DPFs).
(Photo: ProTeam) The "Last" is Number 186,981. Produced by General Motors, this car is documented as the last 1967 Corvette (VIN #22940) of the C2 series production. Also known as "the Caboose," it's widely regarded by collectors and enthusiasts as the greatest Corvette design. It is also the last factory 427 cid, mid-year big-block ever built. The Barrett-Jackson Auction and the sale of the "Last" Corvette Sting Ray will air live on SPEED, as a follow-up to its currently airing six-episode series, The Last Sting Ray. For more information, visit www.lastcorvette.com. The individual who guesses the final bid price, or comes closest to the final bid price, will win $25,000; multiple winning entries will be evenly divided. In addition to padding the pockets of the winner, a $5 entry fee (or $20 for five entries) will also benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Central Valley Inc. To enter, call the Ronald McDonald House at 559-447-6300. Checks should be made payable to Ronald McDonald House and mailed to P.O. Box 65011, Pinedale, CA, 93650. For additional information, including official rules, visit www.ronald-mcdonaldhouse.com. All entries must be accepted before the first bid on the "Last" is made on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007. The winner(s) will be notified by phone, registered mail, fax or e-mail the week of Jan. 29, 2007. (Source: ProTeam Classic Corvette Collection and Sales)Toyota Ranks Highest in
Buyer Retention WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA (Dec. 6, 2006) - Toyota leads the automotive industry in retaining the highest percentage of new-vehicle purchasers, according to the J.D. Power and Associates "2006 Customer Retention Study." Now in its fourth year, the study measures the percentage of new-vehicle buyers and lessees who replace a previously purchased new vehicle with another from the same nameplate. In the study, Toyota narrowly edged out Lexus in customer retention rankings. Toyota benefits from its reputation for exceeding customer expectations in terms of both short-term and long-term quality, which has helped to maintain the high resale value of its vehicles, as well as to expand its customer base. Honda retains its third-place ranking at 60.3 percent. BMW jumped six places to rank fourth, and according to the study, can be mostly attributed to improved customer service stemming from BMW's introduction of a free vehicle maintenance policy for new purchasers. As a whole, the industry registers a slight decline in customer retention, falling to 47.9 percent, from 49.6 percent in 2005. In addition, the study finds that of more than one-half of the brands included in the rankings have shown some decline in retention rates since the study's inception in 2003.(Source: J.D. Power and Associates)ASE Annual Meeting Honors
38 Members LEESBURG, VA (Dec. 7, 2006) - Thirty-eight automotive professionals were recognized on Nov. 17, 2006 at the Fall board meeting of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) held at the Omni La Mansion Del Rio in San Antonio, TX. The annual awards banquet spotlights top scorers on the ASE certification tests. Twenty-four different companies from both OEM and aftermarket segments sponsored the individual technician recognition awards in the Auto, Truck, Collision and Parts categories. In addition to looking for top scores on ASE tests, award sponsors examine on-the-job excellence, community service and other factors when selecting honorees. "These awards recognize some of the best in the automotive industry," says Ron Weiner, ASE president. "ASE is proud to partner with our many industry sponsors in saluting these talented individuals who serve as outstanding role models. Although hailing from different parts of this great nation, they all share a commitment to excellence that distinguishes them as true professionals."(Source: ASE)MACS Convention to Provide
Spanish Translation LANSDALE, PA (Dec. 6, 2006) - The Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide will present a simultaneous English-to-Spanish translation during the automotive programming at its 27th Annual Convention and Trade Show, Repair Round-UP! in Phoenix, which will be held Feb. 1 through 3, 2007. Convention attendees wishing to listen to the automotive mobile air conditioning program in Spanish may pick up a headset at the back of the meeting room. "In an effort to better serve the Spanish-speaking aftermarket mobile air conditioning technician, and in consultation with our Arizona membership, MACS has made this effort to set up simultaneous translation of our automotive mobile air conditioning technical programming," says Elvis L. Hoffpauir, MACS president and chief operating officer.(Source: MACS)Make the Choice to Avoid Road Rage MERIDEN, CT (Dec. 7, 2006) - The "National Driving Habits" survey, conducted by Response Insurance, demonstrated that one-half of drivers who are subjected to aggressive driving behavior on the road respond with aggression of their own, thus risking a more serious confrontation. The survey revealed: * When a driver gets the finger, is cut off or tailgated, 50 percent of the victims respond with horn honking, yelling, cutting-off and obscene gestures of their own. Of those who said they responded, 34 percent of drivers say they honk their horn at the aggressor, 27 percent yell, 19 percent give the finger back, 17 percent flash their headlights, 7 percent mimic the initial aggressive driving behavior and 2 percent of drivers admit to trying to run the aggressor off the road.* Men are more likely than women to do so (54 percent versus 46 percent).* Drivers ages 18 to 24 are more likely to respond aggressively than drivers 65 and older (67 percent versus 30 percent). * Drivers with children are more likely to respond aggressively than those without children (57 percent versus 45 percent).* Cell phone users indicated they were more likely to react than those who do not use a cell phone while driving (59 percent versus 39 percent). "Road rage is a two-way street," says Ray Palermo, director of public relations for Response Insurance. "It takes two people to fight. So, if you are subjected to aggressive driving, often the best way to ensure it does not get any worse is to just ignore it."(Source: Response Insurance)Schlanger Named ASA Top Recruiter BEDFORD, TX (Nov. 21, 2006) - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) presented its Chairman's Club Award to Bob Schlanger, owner of British Car Service, Tucson, AZ. The award honors ASA members who recruited or provided leads for prospective shops to become members of the association. Schlanger recruited 10 new members to ASA in 2006. He said the difficult part of recruiting is simply that people who own independent shops are just that - independent. To show the value of membership in ASA, he invites shop owners to visit one of the chapter's dinner meetings to network with peers. "Being self-reliant has served them well. I think it's the ability to network with their peers - and realize that they are not alone out there - is what turns a non-member into an ASA member," says Schlanger. "The benefits are just frosting on the cake." The ASA Chairman's Club is an integral part of ASA's membership recruitment program. "I believe the best way to build an organization is through current members finding new members, and I encouraged all of our members to sign up at least one new member in the coming year," says ASA Chairman Charlie Elder.(Source: ASA)MAHLE Buys Clevite STUTTGART, GERMANY (Dec.4, 2006) - The MAHLE Group announced that it has entered into a stock and asset purchase agreement with Dana Corp. for the acquisition of Dana's engine hard parts business. The agreement includes the acquisition of all worldwide units of Dana's engine hard parts business by MAHLE, including the Clevite aftermarket unit. The sale is subject to the approval of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The engine hard parts business of Dana consists of 39 locations in 10 countries, with approximately 5,000 employees. The business had sales of approximately $670 million in 2005. The main products of the engine hard parts business are piston rings, engine bearings, cylinder liners and camshafts manufactured and sold under the Perfect Circle, Clevite and Glacier Vandervell brands. In connection with the transaction, the parties will enter into ancillary agreements, including an agreement granting MAHLE exclusive distribution rights to Dana's retained Victor Reinz-branded products in the independent aftermarket in the United States and Canada. (Source: MAHLE Group)Tenneco, Woodward Governor
Partner on DPF Technology ROCKFORD, IL (Dec. 12, 2006) - Tenneco Inc. and the Woodward Governor Co. have announced a joint agreement to develop a range of low-emission aftertreatment burner systems, employing Woodward SmartFire combustion control systems for regeneration of diesel particulate filters (DPFs).
SmartFire unit.
(Photo: Woodward Governor Co.) The global market for active DPF regeneration systems is expected to grow significantly by 2012 as new emissions regulations become effective, first in Japan, followed by North America and Europe. There are significant opportunities for on-road, medium-duty diesel vehicles (Class 3 and above) and also within the diesel retrofit market, where regeneration on urban vehicles is difficult to achieve with today's current technology. The diesel aftertreatment system will enable original equipment manufacturers to meet current and future global emissions requirements, while also maintaining engine performance. It will be designed to raise exhaust gas temperatures to the necessary levels for the diesel particulate filter to burn off built-up particulate matter. The goal is to develop the technology for situations where engines don't run long enough or at hot enough temperatures to regenerate a diesel particulate filter with conventional technology. The system will independently monitor the DPF condition and start the regeneration process by igniting built-up particulates under any engine condition. The temperature will be carefully controlled to rise and maintain at the regeneration temperature until the DPF has fully regenerated. "We're very happy to be working with Woodward on a next-generation diesel particulate filter regeneration technology that will fill a gap in the marketplace and will further enhance Tenneco's leadership in diesel aftertreatment systems," says Lois Boyd, vice president and general manager, commercial vehicle segment. (Source: Woodward Governor Co.)EPA: Diesel Fuel Getting Cleaner WASHINGTON (Dec. 8, 2006) - New, cleaner ultralow sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel is producing cleaner air, according to preliminary surveys and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Surveys of retail stations since mid-October 2006 show that about 85 percent of the highway diesel fuel sold meet ULSD standards, exceeding the 80 percent regulatory mandate. By 2010, 100 percent of highway diesel fuel must meet the ULSD standards. ULSD fuel has 97 percent less sulfur than diesel fuel produced in previous years. Although almost all pumps contain ULSD, preliminary data indicates that some retail stations have not properly labeled their diesel pumps yet. Proper labeling is critical for consumers to know that they are using the correct fuel for new clean-diesel cars and light trucks coming on the market. The Agency is working with the Clean Diesel Fuel Alliance to help provide additional public information and raise awareness of the importance of proper labeling. For more information on the Alliance, visit www.clean-diesel.org.(Source: EPA)EPA Revises MPG Formula WASHINGTON (Dec. 11, 2006) - To provide American consumers with improved information when shopping for cars and trucks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing new methods to determine the miles per gallon (mpg) estimates that appear on new-vehicle window stickers. Currently, the Agency relies on data from two laboratory tests to determine the city and highway fuel economy estimates. The test methods for calculating these estimates were last revised in 1984. The new standards will take effect for model-year 2008 vehicles, which may be available for sale as soon as next month. EPA says that MPG estimates will now be closer to consumers' actual fuel use by including factors such as high speeds, aggressive accelerations, air conditioning use and driving in cold temperatures. To more clearly convey fuel economy information to consumers, the EPA is also enhancing the design and content of the window sticker. In addition, EPA also will require fuel economy labeling of medium-duty vehicles, which are between 8,500 and 10,000 pounds, including large sport-utility vehicles and vans. Manufacturers will be required to post fuel economy labels on these vehicles beginning with the 2011 model year. A graphic and more information on the new EPA label can be viewed at www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/label.htm. (Source: EPA)
(Photo: Woodward Governor Co.) The global market for active DPF regeneration systems is expected to grow significantly by 2012 as new emissions regulations become effective, first in Japan, followed by North America and Europe. There are significant opportunities for on-road, medium-duty diesel vehicles (Class 3 and above) and also within the diesel retrofit market, where regeneration on urban vehicles is difficult to achieve with today's current technology. The diesel aftertreatment system will enable original equipment manufacturers to meet current and future global emissions requirements, while also maintaining engine performance. It will be designed to raise exhaust gas temperatures to the necessary levels for the diesel particulate filter to burn off built-up particulate matter. The goal is to develop the technology for situations where engines don't run long enough or at hot enough temperatures to regenerate a diesel particulate filter with conventional technology. The system will independently monitor the DPF condition and start the regeneration process by igniting built-up particulates under any engine condition. The temperature will be carefully controlled to rise and maintain at the regeneration temperature until the DPF has fully regenerated. "We're very happy to be working with Woodward on a next-generation diesel particulate filter regeneration technology that will fill a gap in the marketplace and will further enhance Tenneco's leadership in diesel aftertreatment systems," says Lois Boyd, vice president and general manager, commercial vehicle segment. (Source: Woodward Governor Co.)EPA: Diesel Fuel Getting Cleaner WASHINGTON (Dec. 8, 2006) - New, cleaner ultralow sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel is producing cleaner air, according to preliminary surveys and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Surveys of retail stations since mid-October 2006 show that about 85 percent of the highway diesel fuel sold meet ULSD standards, exceeding the 80 percent regulatory mandate. By 2010, 100 percent of highway diesel fuel must meet the ULSD standards. ULSD fuel has 97 percent less sulfur than diesel fuel produced in previous years. Although almost all pumps contain ULSD, preliminary data indicates that some retail stations have not properly labeled their diesel pumps yet. Proper labeling is critical for consumers to know that they are using the correct fuel for new clean-diesel cars and light trucks coming on the market. The Agency is working with the Clean Diesel Fuel Alliance to help provide additional public information and raise awareness of the importance of proper labeling. For more information on the Alliance, visit www.clean-diesel.org.(Source: EPA)EPA Revises MPG Formula WASHINGTON (Dec. 11, 2006) - To provide American consumers with improved information when shopping for cars and trucks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing new methods to determine the miles per gallon (mpg) estimates that appear on new-vehicle window stickers. Currently, the Agency relies on data from two laboratory tests to determine the city and highway fuel economy estimates. The test methods for calculating these estimates were last revised in 1984. The new standards will take effect for model-year 2008 vehicles, which may be available for sale as soon as next month. EPA says that MPG estimates will now be closer to consumers' actual fuel use by including factors such as high speeds, aggressive accelerations, air conditioning use and driving in cold temperatures. To more clearly convey fuel economy information to consumers, the EPA is also enhancing the design and content of the window sticker. In addition, EPA also will require fuel economy labeling of medium-duty vehicles, which are between 8,500 and 10,000 pounds, including large sport-utility vehicles and vans. Manufacturers will be required to post fuel economy labels on these vehicles beginning with the 2011 model year. A graphic and more information on the new EPA label can be viewed at www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/label.htm. (Source: EPA)
Latest in Operations
Latest in Operations
Courtesy of Bennett Toyota
Adobe Stock 311060425
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