WORLDPAC Hosts Second Supplier & Training Expo
Demonstrating its passion for customer training, WORLDPAC held its second Supplier & Training EXPO (STX) 2012 at the Marriott Anaheim Hotel in California. With a vested interest in its customers’ success, WORLDPAC continues to raise the bar for training, doubling the turnout of its first-ever such event in 2009.
Editor’s Notebook: Cash-Strapped Consumers Fuel Unperformed Vehicle Maintenance Trend
For those who fix cars daily and are responsible for keeping America rolling, it’s disheartening to learn that not everyone has such an allegiance. A recent Consumer Reports poll may have you shaking your head, or, better yet, nodding in agreement on the amount of unperformed maintenance that’s there for the taking.
Editor’s Notebook: Customer Retention Greatly Hinges on First Impressions, Shop Image
Continuing last month’s discussion with ImportCar shop owner readers offering advice on shop visibility and customer retention, John Volz, co-owner, Volz Bros., Grass Valley, CA, says he focuses on shop upgrades, image, marketing efforts and community outreach because he knows well that first impressions run deep in attracting and keeping customers.
Editor’s Notebook: Shop Owners Offer Input On Shop Visibility and Profitability in 2012
As you get ready to close the book on another year, it’s not uncommon to think about strategies that will boost your bottom line and garner a bigger market share in 2012.
Managing Company Assets, Part 2
In this space last month, Steve Louden, president of Louden Motorcar Services in Dallas, shared his insights on ways to significantly boost your shop’s revenue potential by analyzing HOW you manage your company assets. Lack of attention in these key areas are oftentimes the number one reason for a shop’s poor performance or failure, advises
Editor’s Notebook: Manage Company Assets to Boost Your Shop’s Revenue Potential
As we continue to face the most challenging economic times in recent history, your shop’s bottom line and return on investment are undoubtedly top of mind. And, while financial subjects are dry and usually at the bottom of a shop owner’s list of desirable activities, says Steve Louden, president of Louden Motorcar Services in Dallas, they typically are the number one reason for poor performance or failure.
Editor’s Notes: New CAFE Standard to Take Effect by 2025
On July 29, President Obama announced the next phase in the Administration’s program to increase fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas pollution for all new cars and trucks sold in the U.S. Automaker fleets will need to average 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025 – about 2 mpg less than the earlier fuel-economy target of 56.2 mpg.
Editor’s Notebook: Learning Starts at the Top
This industry has top talent all around it. From the manufacturer/supplier ranks, to the parts distribution system, to the service and repair specialists who collectively keep America’s vehicles running, we have so many to applaud.
Editor’s Notebook: Got Top Techs? We Want To Know Who They Are
Calling all best techs! Do you make your customers’ vehicles charge ahead, run like a champ and cross the finish line first?
Brand-Building Efforts: Pay Multiple Dividends For Your Shop
With the gas price spike a daunting reality, and no down-tick in sight, there’s no telling what measures consumers will take to keep their vehicles on the road. At press time, the national fuel price average was up 29.2 cents a gallon, a $1.01 surge per gallon over year-ago prices.
Editor’s Notebook: Gender May Influence Vehicle Selection
A report released earlier in the year by CarGurus shows that “guy” car and “girl” car stereotypes hold true, confirming the “love affair” that consumers have long had with their vehicles lives on, but also validating the influence of gender on vehicle preferences.
Editor’s Notebook: Vehicle Service Should Not Trump Customer Service
With passion for their vehicles running so deep, your customers’ expectations for a pleasant vehicle repair experience may run as high as having their vehicles fixed expertly and efficiently, especially among your female customers. Weighing in on this topic is Frank Scandura, owner of Frank’s Mercedes Service, with locations in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV. His multi-bay locations specialize in Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Jaguar and VW service and repair, with an emphasis on driveability.