ASA requests NHTSA use authority to regulate aftermarket crash parts
Automotive Service Association
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has written a letter to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) administrator David L. Strickland asking him to review why NHTSA does not regulate aftermarket crash parts and to begin an aftermarket crash parts regulatory program as soon as feasible.More

House-Senate differences present challenges for health care reform
AutoInc.
As of this writing, the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate have both passed their versions of health care reform, H.R. 3962 and H.R. 3590, respectively. Differences would typically be addressed by House- and Senate-appointed conferees in a formal conference committee. So far, this has not been the process for health care reform. Democratic House and Senate leaders as well as the Obama Administration are working together to develop a package that will pass both the House and Senate.More

Business struggling? Fix it now … Guaranteed!
Automotive Management Institute
Led by AMI instructor Robert "Bob" O'Connor, this two-day session on March 3-4, will demonstrate PROVEN methods to increase earnings, improve finances, maximize production from staff, and establish and achieve benchmarking goals. Featuring live interaction with the instructor, the course will earn you eight credits toward your AAM designation. The course is offered at the special price of $99. To register, call (800) 272-7467, ext. 241, or download the registration form and fax it in.More

Save stamps, time and money: Automobile dealers can now submit Zurich's F&I product contracts electronically
Zurich
Zurich is helping automobile dealers streamline the remittance process for all their Zurich finance and insurance (F&I) products by adding electronic consumer contracts (eContracts) and electronic contract submission to its already advanced, Web-enabled sales and contract management process system – F&I Rate Track.More

Insulated rubber gloves and high voltage batteries
I-CAR
Ever since the requirement of wearing insulated rubber gloves, or lineman's gloves, when working on hybrid electric vehicles was introduced in vehicle service information, there have been questions. Are these really the same gloves worn by those who work with high-voltage power lines? Are these gloves necessary or are they overkill? Are these gloves only used for disabling and enabling the high-voltage? What does the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) say about the use of these gloves?More

Automotive Service Professionals Week is June 7-13
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has declared June 7-13, as National Automotive Service Professionals Week. This year marks the fifth anniversary of National Automotive Service Professional's Week, created to honor the commitment and dedication of automotive, truck and collision technicians, along with parts specialists and other support professionals who serve the motoring public.More

Cities prepare for life with the electric car
The New York Times
If electric cars have any future in the United States, San Francisco may be the city where they arrive first. The city's building code will soon be revised to require that new structures be wired for car chargers. Across the street from city hall, some drivers are already plugging converted hybrids into a row of charging stations. In nearby Silicon Valley, companies are ordering workplace charging stations.More

Toyota, Nissan recall trucks, SUVs
The Toronto Star
Toyota Canada and Nissan Canada have recalled more than 2,100 pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles to check for cracks in drive shafts. But Ford, which has similar components, doesn't plan to follow suit. A Ford official said the automaker won't be sending notices for inspections and possible repairs in this country because the company doesn't consider the part in question a safety issue.More

Ford to lay off 900 workers
The Detroit Free Press
Ford said it plans to cut 900 workers at the Michigan plant that makes the Mustang, after slow sales last year because of the tough economy and competition from the new Chevrolet Camaro. Ford will reduce shifts from two to one July 12 at the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock. The plant, owned with Mazda, also makes the Mazda6 midsize sedan.More

Keystone announces initial test results on aftermarket bumper reinforcement
Motor Age
Keystone Automotive, a subsidiary of LKQ Corporation, said it has completed the first phase of its testing of aftermarket reinforcement bars. The company says the tested aftermarket reinforcement bar satisfied Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 (FMVSS 208) in a 35 mph frontal impact test.More