Success?
from Automotive Service Association
According to Ron Pyle, ASA president, government and free enterprise do not and should not mix. Ron comments on the reported "success" of the federal government's CARS program, better known as "Cash for Clunkers." More

Downturn Presents Opportunities to Repair Garages
from Ocala Business Journal
While Cash for Clunkers has provided a sweet boost for new car sales, there is still a substantial number of people driving older automobiles who can't afford the yoke of a car payment. That means to keep those cars running, they'll need maintenance, which is helping provide local repair shops with a stimulus package of their own. "I do hear from some members that it was a little slow last month (July), but overall more members are telling me they are seeing a slight increase or at least staying stable," said Angie Wilson, vice president of marketing and communications for the Bedford, Texas-based Automotive Service Association. More

Auto Recycling Study Reveals Myriad Uses for 'End of Life' Vehicles
from MotorAge
The world's airliners could fly nearly 100 million miles with the energy saved each year by reusing steel fenders instead of manufacturing them new, says a new study prepared for the United Recyclers Group by the University of Colorado. The study quantifies the benefits of automotive reuse and recycling by the nation's automotive recycling industry. The study specifically looks at reusing some common parts such as fenders and aluminum wheels, along with the reprocessing of motor oil extracted from 'end-of-life' vehicles. More

What's New in 2010 Models, Carmaker by Carmaker
from The Associated Press via Google
Auto company executives know that car buyers this recessionary year are serious about value, safety and improved fuel mileage. So it's no wonder that some retail prices on new, 2010 models — such as the Ford Taurus and Toyota Prius — have held steady from 2009 even though both cars have substantial changes. It's also not surprising that safety features continue to be added as standard — not optional — equipment on many new vehicles. More

Toyota Announces Safety Recall on Select Vehicles
from Toyota Motor Sales
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., will launch a voluntary Safety Recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration involving approximately 95,700 Toyota and Scion vehicles sold in the United States. On certain 2009 and 2010 model year Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, and 2008 and 2009 Scion xD vehicles all equipped with 1.8 liter engines, Toyota has determined that if the vehicle is operated in extremely low ambient temperatures, there is a possibility that condensed moisture from the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) port may seep into the brake system vacuum port and freeze. More

Oregon Shop Likes Being 'Green'
from AutoInc.
A lot of ASA shops are doing little things to "go green." Things like switching from incandescent to fluorescent lighting, shutting the lights off when possible, and using coffee mugs instead of paper cups. Hawthorne Auto Clinic Inc. in Portland, Ore., is doing all that and more ... More

Subcompact Vehicles to Surge
from The Detroit Free Press
Subcompact cars the size of the Chevrolet Aveo, known as B-sized cars, make up only 2 percent of the sales volume in North America today. But they will surge to 10 percent in the next decade, said Mike Jackson, director North American vehicle forecasts at CSM Worldwide. More

CARSTAR Celebrates 20th Anniversary at 2009 Annual Conference
from CARSTAR Nation
The CARSTAR Nation is set to gather in Denver to celebrate its 20th anniversary and kick off the next decade of business success at the 2009 CARSTAR National Conference held Sept. 19-22. Most of the franchisees of the nation’s largest collision repair company are expected to attend the annual event, where they have the opportunity to meet with CARSTAR’s senior leadership on the business operations and plans for the future, work with other store owners on key issues, attend educational sessions and participate in the annual awards celebration. More

ASE to Present Certification Test Study Programs at CARS, NACE
from ASRWnow.com
You've done the study work, now it's time to take the test. Don't miss your opportunity to strengthen your test-taking skills and better your chances for passing your upcoming ASE certification test.Register now for NACE and CARS! Early-bird discounts expire Sept. 17! More

S&P Raises Outlook on Auto Parts Supplier Tenneco
from The Associated Press via Forbes
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services on raised its outlook on the debt of Tenneco Inc., which makes pollution and ride control systems for cars, because of its relatively strong second-quarter results and improving prospects. The agency, which raised its outlook to "Positive" from "Negative" and affirmed its "B-" rating on Tenneco debt, said the Lake Forest, Ill., company's second-quarter results were better than expected. More

Auto Industry Posts Best U.S. Sales of Year
from CNN Money
The auto industry temporarily awoke from its slumber last month thanks to the U.S. government's "Cash for Clunkers" program, led by a 17 percent sales jump at Ford Motor Co. and higher sales from Japan auto makers Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. Sales were jolted in the U.S. and foreign markets from government incentive programs promoting fuel-efficient cars, but a number of auto makers, including General Motors Co., Chrysler Group LLC and Nissan Motor Co. still reported lower sales. More