Touching the Future
from AutoInc.
Many owe a debt of gratitude to the automotive industry for providing them with careers that have been successful, rewarding and fulfilling. It's not only a great way to provide for our families, it's also something most of us enjoy very much. In my experience, I found a job I love, and by doing that I've never worked a day in my life. More

In Recession, Many Fix Old Autos Instead of Trading In

More motorists are fixing their old cars instead of buying new ones, in hopes their jalopies will survive a long recession. Some 60 percent of the independent shop owners and technicians responding to a survey by the Automotive Service Association (ASA)reported sales up last year over the previous year. Only 14 percent reported a decline. In the same survey, 76 percent of ASA members said they expect more work in 2009. ASA s hop owners say, "It's common these days to hear from motorists, 'I don't want to buy a new car right now so … should I spend the money and fix this one?' " says ASA spokeswoman Angie Wilson. More

Stimulus Plan Goes to Conference Committee
from Automotive Service Association
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, proposed by the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, has passed on the Senate floor. The bill will now be negotiated in a House-Senate Conference Committee. Included in the $838 billion plan is tax assistance to encourage new vehicle purchases. Automotive Service Association (ASA) collision members have followed closely new car purchase provisions originally offered by Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md. Insurers are generally less likely to total new vehicles after an accident than older vehicles. The legislation, as of this writing, includes language offered by Mikulski that will provide a tax credit of approximately $1,553 for a $25,000 vehicle. More

Ford, GM Execs See Auto Industry Sales Stabilizing

Auto industry executives are seeing signs that the nation's automobile industry is beginning to stabilize, after months of free-falling sales that have threatened the viability of some of the sector's biggest players. Jim Farley, Ford Motor Co.'s global marketing chief, said that seasonally adjusted retail sales demand has held steady for the past four months. Meanwhile, the country's used car market has come "roaring back" since January. More

Cintas Expands ASA Benefit with First Aid & Safety Program
from Automotive Service Association
The Automotive Service Association announces a new benefit through Cintas and its First Aid & Safety Division. The money-saving program will allow ASA members to keep their staff safe, productive and on the job; help maintain OSHA compliance through properly stocked first aid kits and cabinets, personal protective equipment and training programs; and reduce injuries and lower workers' compensation costs. ASA member-businesses that may already use Cintas as their first aid and safety vendor will begin to see an increased savings over their current agreements. More

Study: Biofuels Can Provide Viable, Sustainable Solution to Reducing Petroleum Dependence

An in-depth study by Sandia National Laboratories and General Motors Corp. has found that plant and forestry waste and dedicated energy crops could sustainably replace nearly a third of gasoline use by the year 2030. The goal of the "90-Billion Gallon Biofuel Deployment Study" was to assess whether and how a large volume of cellulosic biofuel could be sustainably produced, assuming technical and scientific progress continues at expected rates. The study was conducted over a period of nine months. More

ASA Announces Annual Convention Keynote Speaker Meagan Johnson to Address Multi-Generational Issues
from Automotive Service Association
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced that Meagan Johnson will be the keynote speaker for the 2009 ASA Annual Convention. Johnson, whose humoristic and professional style has earned her the Certified Speaking Professional designation - a designation held by only 10 percent of professional speakers - is slated to appear during the Annual Convention keynote luncheon May 2. Click here for the full story or to register. More

Eco-Friendly Cash Guzzlers? Study Details Higher Repair Costs of Hybrid Vehicles

It's been written many times that selling a gas-powered car to get a hybrid can take years to recoup the cost in gas, even when the gas-powered car is a guzzler. Though fuel costs may go down, the initial price of a hybrid is higher, and as it turns out, so are the repair costs. Now, a study by a collision-repair trade magazine can tell you how much more repairing a hybrid will cost and why. More

Schaeffler is Said to Consider Debt-for-Equity Swap

Schaeffler Group, the bearings maker strained by 11 billion euros ($14 billion) in debt from buying Continental AG, may consider a debt-for-equity swap if it fails to get German government aid or other fresh capital, people close to the talks said. The banks may be reluctant to take control of Schaeffler because they will struggle to find buyers for its assets amid a slump in the auto market. Talks are continuing and Schaeffler wants to convince the banks that better options are available as it lobbies the government and seeks investors, the people said. More

New BMW 7 Series Features Unique Aluminum Technology
from PR Newswire
The new BMW 7 Series sedan, which made its debut in November 2008 with a host of "world firsts," cruises out of showrooms with lightweight door components made from a unique aluminum product called Novelis Fusion. This is the first automotive application of this innovative, multi-layered product, which Novelis has dubbed "The new aluminum." More