New Industry Impact Sessions to Highlight ASA’s 2009 Annual Convention
from Automotive Service Association
ASA's 2009 Annual Convention will offer nine Industry Impact sessions focusing on a variety of relevant and significant automotive service and collision repair industry issues. Scheduled for Saturday, May 2, the sessions will allow attendees to map out a program that best suits their business needs. Featured topics include Advanced Technology Powertrains; Waterborne Paint; Telematics; and SEO and Internet Marketing. Early-Bird Registration deadline ends Tuesday, March 31. More

Detroit Governor: Auto Assistance is Near

Gov. Jennifer Granholm said she expects President Barack Obama's task force on the auto industry to act "fairly soon" to rescue Detroit automakers and parts suppliers from imminent collapse. Chrysler has said it needs $5 billion before the end of the month to survive, while GM says it needs at least $2 billion by then and up to an additional $14.6 billion over the next couple of years. More

Value of ASA Membership
from AutoInc.
Why belong to the Automotive Service Association? You may be a nonmember reading this and trying to decide whether you should invest the dues amount into joining when things may be a little tight. Or you may be a member reading this and trying to decide why you should renew. ASA underscores the value of its membership and how joining the largest not-for-profit trade association of independent shop owners and managers can help you be more successful. More

February Auto Sales Seen Hovering at 27-Year Lows

Auto sales likely hovered around 27-year lows in February as consumers mostly stayed away from buying big-ticket items, spooked by job losses, the deep recession and tight credit. More

Car Repair Industry Sees 16 Percent Growth in 2008

One industry that hasn’t suffered with consumers looking to cut costs in many directions is automotive repair, as a new survey by the Automotive Service Association showed 60 percent of repair shops saw increased business in 2008. The survey was conducted in August, and found that the average increase in sales of 8,000 repair shops was 16 percent. More

Honeywell Turbo Technology Boosts Power, Fuel Efficiency

Honeywell has launched a groundbreaking turbo technology that is enabling the new Jaguar XF 3.0L V6 Diesel to reduce fuel consumption by 12 percent and CO2 emissions by 10 percent compared to its predecessor. In addition, this new boosting system allows the V6 engine to achieve performance levels of current V8 diesel engines. More

Committee Reviews Options for Small Business Retirement Funding
from Automotive Service Association
The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Businesses held a hearing last week to discuss the "Drop in Retirement Savings: The Challenges Small Business Face Funding and Maintaining Retirement Plans in a Struggling Economy." Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez, D-N.Y., chairwoman, stated in her opening remarks: "As the economic downturn hits retirement funds, small businesses that provide these benefits are finding it even harder to stay afloat." More

Fiat Aims to Cut Fuel Use Up to 25 Percent with New Technology

On the eve of Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne’s meeting with the presidential automotive task force to discuss his company’s proposed alliance with Chrysler, the Italian automaker unveiled a new engine technology it says can reduce fuel consumption as much as 25 percent. The system is expected to be available to all Fiat’s current and future partners, including Chrysler, Fiat powertrain chief Alfredo Altavilla said at Geneva's annual auto show. The first engine using the system goes on sale in the Alfa Romeo MiTo sporty compact in Europe later this year. More

I-CAR Launches New Waterborne Training Program

I-CAR has launched its new Waterborne Products, Systems, and Application live training program for repairers and insurers interested in waterborne refinish systems. "Nearly 200 classes are scheduled across the U.S. and Canada," says Jeff Peevy, I-CAR director of field operations, North America. "Over the past few days, the excitement around this class has been demonstrated by an 80 percent increase in registration during the first week of its availability alone." More

China Gears Up for Auto Industry Shakeup

The auto industry is set for a complete overhaul. General Motors recently announced plans to eliminate several lines including its Saturn brand. European carmakers are in the same boat. Here in Asia, Japanese automakers are in much better shape. However, given the global downturn, companies such as Toyota, Honda and Nissan have enforced production holidays. More