Editor’s Notebook: Well-Informed Consumers
New car sales figures are in the news a lot these days, especially in light of the Big 3’s poor performance and as analysts try to predict total vehicle sales, import vs. domestic new car sales figures, and whether Toyota will outpace GM in new car sales this year. Kelly Blue Book’s website has put
Editor’s Notebook: Quality & Courtesy Make the Sale
As companies fight for market share, the airwaves, print and digital media, and the internet are laden with messages that employ a variety of selling tactics to target certain consumer demographics. Some sales pitches are subtle, others are blatant; some play on consumer emotions, while others play on fears; and some make promises, while others
Editor’s Notebook: 2007: Make Resolutions That Will Leverage Your Expertise
As another year closes in, we’ll all read and hear lots of messages about making resolutions for the new year and beginning 2007 with a fresh slate. Some of us will buy into this mindset and others won’t. But for those who do, they will likely have a sense of urgency to achieve some of
Editor’s Notebook: Doing Things a Little Better than the Next Guy
Looking at the business marketplace beyond our industry can provide some good perspective. Take the aviation industry, for example. A recent newspaper article stated that Continental Airlines could be the airline of the future. It went on to say that Continental runs the best business class of any U.S. airline on foreign routes and the
Editor’s Notebook: Well-Defining Your Value Statement Helps You Win The “Customers For Life” Battle
Last month was a busy one for automotive press conferences, and while the companies whose events I attended manufacture vastly different product lines, the theme of their presentations was very similar — providing value and the highest-quality products to customers. They accomplish this by relying on their OE heritage, technological innovation, vast research and development
Editor’s Notebook: Technicians Represent the Fabric of Automotive Repair Excellence
Finding and keeping good technicians tops the “main concerns” list of most automotive service providers today. Not only are technicians responsible for servicing and repairing a growing import car parc, but they play a crucial role in a shop’s overall customer service experience, so they are your most valued resources. Think about your technicians’ credentials.
Editor’s Notebook: Imports Make Headlines
You may have noticed that imports have been in the news a lot lately. Last month, Automotive News reported that “foreign-based” auto brands surpassed domestic brands in U.S. retail sales. Through May, 52.9% of new vehicles registered by purchasers were import brands, up from 49.0% a year earlier. Big news! If this trend continues, it
Editor’s Notebook: Imports Top Vehicle Quality List
Increased Popularity Means More Maintenance Opportunities
Editor’s Notebook: Common Sense Equals Dollars & Cents
Today’s soaring gas prices should be reason enough to encourage your customers to take better care of their vehicles, but maybe they don’t understand the link between preventive maintenance and fuel economy. That’s where your role as their vehicle service provider comes into play. It’s your prime opportunity to educate them on the benefits of
Editor’s Notebook: Creative Motivation…Linking Fitness and Productivity
I recently read an article in my local newspaper about an area bank that was taking major steps to provide huge incentives to its employees for getting on the fitness bandwagon and/or quitting smoking. And, it’s to the tune of cold, hard cash. While numerous companies nationwide emphasize good health, it’s uncommon that they dangle
Editor’s Notebook: The Chinese are Coming
Chinese auto makers, Chery and Geely, will likely have a presence in the U.S., but the question is when? News reports in February indicated that both companies hit snags — Chery due to a lack of money and Geely because of the inability to pass trial runs of U.S. emissions and side-crash tests. In the
Editor’s Notebook: Deflating a Growing Crime
If you think air bag theft is a bunch of hot air, think again. Insurance and auto industry reports indicate that vehicle air bags can fetch hefty sums on the black market and are becoming increasingly attractive to thieves. There’s even a growing Internet market for air bags. Insurance industry statistics show that approximately 50,000