Carley’s Corner: Which Is Better, a Diesel or a Hybrid?
I received a call the other day from someone who wanted to know if I thought they should buy a Toyota Prius hybrid or a diesel-powered VW. Which is best? I said drive both cars, then buy the one you like the best. Hybrids and diesels are getting a lot of buzz these days as
2006 Underhood Service Repair Market Industry Profile
Welcome to the 2006 Underhood Service Repair Market Industry Profile, our in-depth report of the independent automotive repair market. This profile highlights many of the elements of doing business in today’s repair shops. The information presented is a good indicator to make short-term predictions about these shops. It’s also a fair yardstick to see how
Automotive Training Managers Council Sets Fall Conference Agenda
The field seminar, "The Entry-Level Pathway for the International Technician" from International Truck and Engine, a tour of Universal Technical Institute (UTI), and keynote speaker Mac Fulfer are just a handful of the highlights at the Automotive Training Mangers Council (ATMC) Fall 2006 Conference and Business Meeting to be held September 10-12 at the Sheraton Four Points – Chicago O’Hare, in Schiller Park.
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
Carley’s Corner: Gas Pains
gasoline in the Chicago metro area is averaging $3.19 a gallon. It makes the $2 a gallon gas we were all whining about two years ago sound cheap by comparison. So what can you do about it? Drive less? Americans depend on their vehicles for absolutely everything: going to work, school, church, shopping, doctor visits,
The Future Of Climate Control
What Role Will Alternative Refrigerants Play? There has been a lot of discussion lately about the future of automotive refrigerants and their impact on the environment. Ozone depletion is no longer the main concern. Now it’s global warming. Last year was the warmest year on record. Average temperatures all across the globe are on the
Management: Getting a Charge Out of New Engine Technology
One of the great things about the automotive industry is the hundreds of technological improvements we have seen since the birth of the automobile – from safety, to design, to engine efficiency to entertainment modules and even racing.
Directions: Getting a Charge Out of New Engine Technology
One of the great things about the automotive industry is the hundreds of the technological improvements we have seen since the birth of the automobile — from safety, to design, to engine efficiency to entertainment modules and even racing. And one of the great things about this nation is the entrepreneurial spirit that comes from
A/C Update: Global Warming…Cooling Customers
There has been a lot of discussion lately about the future of automotive refrigerants and their impact on the environment. Ozone depletion is no longer the main concern. Now it’s global warming. Last year was the warmest year on record. Average temperatures all across the globe are on the rise as are ocean temperatures. Arctic
Carley’s Corner: Hybrid Hazards
Is E85 motor fuel a corny way to reduce American’s dependence on foreign oil? E85 is being touted as an eco-friendly, alternative fuel that can provide a home-grown solution to reducing our need for imported oil. E85 is a mixture of 85% ethanol alcohol and 15% gasoline. The alcohol is made primarily from corn, but