Cream of the crop
AutoInc.
As usual, we were overwhelmed by the number of entries we received this year for AutoInc.'s 12th annual Top 10 Automotive Repair Web Sites awards. But our judges persevered, though we heard quite a few "This is a lot harder than I thought it would be" comments. It's apparent that today's automotive repair shop owners have embraced the marketing power of the Internet.More

ASRW 2010 announces NACE, CARS event chairmen appointments
ASRW
The third annual Automotive Service & Repair Week – ASRW 2010 – proudly announces that Jerry Burns, president and owner of Automotive Impressions Inc., will return as the event chairman for the International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE); and Mitch Schneider, owner and operator of Schneider’s Automotive, will serve as the event chairman for the Congress of Automotive Repair & Service (CARS). More

Toyota suspends sales of eight models
CNN Money
Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc. said it is asking dealers to temporarily suspend sales of eight models. The company's sales suspension is part of a recall announced last week to correct a problem that could cause the accelerator pedal to stick.More

U.S. EPA asks for comment on new mobile air conditioning substitute
Automotive Service Association
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a regulation to allow the use of a new substitute for mobile air conditioning systems, HFO-1234yf. ASA is concerned that HFO-1234yf may have a potential ignition hazard and has asked the agency to assure that all purchasers of HFO-1234yf be certified with a new test that takes this new product into consideration. In addition, all purchasers should also have proof of proper equipment to handle this new substitute. ASA is urging repair professionals to participate in the EPA comment period and send letters in support of proof of certification and equipment. All comments must be received at the EPA by Feb. 1. Send your letter NOW!More

Study shows plug-in electric cars can lower global warming emissions and more
MotorAge
Increasing America's use of plug-in electric and plug in hybrid cars would dramatically reduce emissions that cause global warming and air pollution and would curb our dependence on oil, according to a new white paper released by Environment Texas. "America's current fleet of gasoline-powered cars and trucks leaves us dependent on oil, contributes to air pollution problems that threaten our health and produces large amounts of global warming pollution," says Texas State Rep. Rafael Anchia.More

Saab lives! Spyker signs a deal to buy the Swedish carmaker.
BusinessWeek
Saab, it must be said, has more lives than a dozen cats. General Motors said that it reached a deal with Spyker Cars NV to sell the Swedish carmaker. The deal is reportedly worth about $500 million. The sale comes after a year of trying to peddle Saab. One deal with Swedish sport car specialist Koenigsegg AB had already fallen through. More

Study shows new consumer mindset post-Cash for Clunkers
Aftermarket Business
Consensus is building that U.S. auto sales will rebound in 2010, but just which brands and models attract buyers will continue to evolve amid lingering economic pressures, according to the latest Automotive Consumer Dynamics study from Acxiom Corporation. The report gives manufacturers and dealers insights to win business in the post-Cash for Clunkers era.More

Voting continutes in 2010 ASA board elections
Automotive Service Association
Elections for the 2010 Automotive Service Association (ASA) national board of directors are being held now through Feb. 28. There are three candidates seeking election this year for two board positions. Running for general director are William E. "Eddie" Ehlert of MazdOnly Ltd. in Chamblee, Ga.; and Robert M. "Bob" Wills, AAM, of Wills Auto Service in Battle Creek, Mich. Running for mechanical division director is William P. "Bill" Moss, AAM, of Ferris Automotive Inc. in Warrenton, Va.More

SUV plans jumpstart Ford stock
Forbes
Ford Motor Co. shares jumped after the automaker announced this week it is investing nearly $400 million and adding 1,200 employees in Chicago to build a new, fuel-efficient version of its Explorer sport-utility vehicle amid climbing consumer confidence. Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas, said the investment "underscores Ford's commitment to building world-class, fuel-efficient vehicles in America and creating new jobs that will contribute to our nation’s economic recovery."More

Why $25,000 is magic for cars
The Wall Street Journal
How much car can you get for $25,000? More than you might think. From two-seat convertibles to sport-utility vehicles, family sedans and minivans, a wide range of new vehicles can be purchased for that price or less. Chevrolet's hot-selling 2010 Camaro LT muscle car costs $23,880. It comes with air conditioning, power-operated windows, locks and seats, a CD player and a 304-horsepower engine. It isn't the most powerful version of the car or the most luxurious, but it looks sharp and gets attention.More