AAA warns motorists of the dangers of disregarding needed auto repairs
Reuters
Disregarding maintenance on your vehicle can definitely result in costly repairs. However, AAA reminds motorists that ignoring their vehicle's upkeep also can put them, their passengers and others on the road in danger. "Some motorists have cut back on maintenance or put off needed vehicle repairs due to tight budgets in this tough economy – especially if the vehicle remains drivable," said John Nielsen, director, AAA Approved Auto Repair and Buying Services. "But, delaying certain repairs can be a dangerous gamble for motorists as some conditions can make their vehicles unsafe and at greater risk for a crash, a fire or a roadside breakdown."More

U.S. EPA to conduct educational seminars, auto refinishing presentations at NACE

The EPA is attending NACE to promote the "Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating Operations: National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants" rule. Representatives will be making compliance information available as well as their DVD on rule requirements and management practices featuring Jeff Gordon.More

High-tech vehicle systems bring high-tech safety
Aftermarket Business
New vehicle technologies can be equal parts science and fiction, but in the category of safety systems, every new advancement exponentially increases the well being of drivers and passengers. And these developments can translate into a greater bottom line if you can educate your wholesale and retail customers to the advantages of high-tech driver safety. With adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance systems, the car can adjust to changes in speed and traffic pattern before the driver’s even aware of these circumstances.More

Ford moves up in Consumer Reports  reliability rankings
Los Angeles Times
Asian automakers once again dominate the upper ranks of Consumer Reports' annual vehicle-reliability survey, although Ford Motor Co. is making strides in improving the dependability of its cars and light trucks. Ford's sustained production of vehicles that are as dependable as - or better than - some of the industry's best models dispels the notion that only Japanese manufacturers make reliable cars, the consumer magazine reported.More

Live ASRW updates via Facebook and Twitter!
Automotive Service Association
Good news for all of ASA's "mobile" members and fans – live updates from the ASRW showroom floor will be available on ASA's Facebook and Twitter pages. Follow ASA "Tweets" and "Facebook Updates" from the convenience of your cell phone while at the show, or at work or home from your computer. Click here to become an ASA Facebook Fan and click here to follow ASA on Twitter.More

Nissan working on next-generation battery that is lighter, less expensive
Automotive News via Auto Week
A year before it launches U.S. sales of its first electric family car, Nissan Motor Co. is developing a next-generation battery that will be lighter and less expensive. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn that the new electric-vehicle battery is a few years off but will be smaller, lighter and less expensive than the lithium ion battery that will power the five-passenger Nissan Leaf when the car debuts late next year. The Leaf battery will deliver about 100 miles on a complete charge.More

Support a full repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act
Automotive Service Association
The U.S. Congress is considering a partial repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act that will apply only to health insurers. ASA is urging everyone to contact their U.S. representative and senators in Congress and ask that they seek a full repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act that will include property and casualty insurers. For more information, click here.

Click here NOW to send a message to Congress.More

GMAC may get third helping of aid
The Detroit Free Press
GMAC, the financial lifeline for General Motors Co., Chrysler Group LLC and their dealer networks, is asking the U.S. Treasury for more federal aid beyond the $12.5 billion it's already received because it remains billions of dollars short of a capital reserve requirement all bank holding companies must meet. The request, which is subject to ongoing negotiations, comes as GMAC is caught in a financial game of chicken with Chrysler Financial that could drive some large Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers out of business or force them to sell their operations.More

How does 'Cash for Clunkers' affect your shop?
AutoInc.
Results are now available for vehicles sold under the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), which ended Aug. 25, 2009. The program resulted in $2.87 billion in vehicle rebate applications, just under the $3 billion provided by Congress to run the program, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. A total of 690,114 cars were replaced by more fuel-efficient vehicles.More

Ford: China's Geely is the preferred bidder for Volvo
The Associated Press via USA Today
A group led by China's Geely Group is the preferred bidder for Ford's Volvo Cars unit, Ford said. Ford says the selection signals that it is conducting "more detailed and focused negotiations" with Zhejiang Geely Group Holding about selling the Swedish automotive business.More

Auto technician discovers inner Picasso, trading gears for gourds
Wall Street Journal
Sean Fitzpatrick loved to draw but never thought he could make money from art. So after graduating from high school in 1984, he got a job pumping gas. He taught himself auto mechanics so he'd have more to do at the station. A year later, he moved to a Ford dealership in nearby Saugus, Mass., apprenticing for a year in the service department before becoming a certified Ford mechanic. It was the sort of job that allowed him to problem-solve and exercise creativity about how to conduct repairs. It also paid well enough to support his family comfortably.More