Tougher business climate, advancements in technology push list of website winners to strive for excellence. This year’s list of AutoInc.’s Top 10 Websites could be described as the most diverse to date. That’s because while some websites excelled at pushing technology to its maximum limits with responsive web design (read “mobile-friendly” site), having up-to-date Google+ […]
Top 10 Winners Find Unique Branding That Works
ASA Welcomes New Affiliate in Pennsylvania
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) board of directors has approved an affiliation agreement naming ASA of PA as its 13th affiliate. “The ASA members in Pennsylvania are a dynamic group of professionals and we couldn’t be more pleased to develop a strong affiliate group in that area. Whether we’re joining forces representing repairers or providing […]
No-Start After Fender Bender
Circuit relay causes a mystery on ’96 Lexus. When the ’96 Lexus was dropped at our door, it came with a simple concern: “Vehicle stopped running following accident. Airbags have deployed.” A trip to the ES300 confirmed that both airbags had indeed “popped” (see Figure 1). With just over 100K on its odometer, and needing […]
Pellman’s Automotive Service: Numero Uno!
Leads list of Top 10 shops What do you get when you team a crackerjack technician with a marketing expert? A top-notch shop, that’s what! The best in the nation, according to Motor Age, which annually names what it thinks are the top 10 shops in the nation. It lists Pellman’s Automotive Service Inc. in […]
Generationally Speaking
February 2014
See what makes us different … and the same! About 90 percent of ASA member-shops are family-owned businesses, according to our 2013 “How’s Your Business?” survey results. Learn what different generations from the same shop are thinking and how they are relating in this competitive and customer-driven industry. In this month’s “Generationally Speaking” department, meet […]
Member’s Advantage February 2014
Put the ASA Marketplace to Work for You! Let ASA Help You Save on the Products, Services You’re Already Using ASA Members Save 20% on Annual and Monthly Subscriptions Eliminate Supplements. Simplify Airbag Repairs. Reduce Cycle Time. Airbag Solutions is an online pictorial database of OEM requirements for servicing airbag and restraint systems after deployment. […]

Transformation Starts at the Top
Can you imagine what your business needs to become, but just haven’t been able make it happen? Well, you’re not alone – not by a long shot! Because transforming businesses is like that for most people. Transitioning a business that was great at one time, into what it needs to become to stay great, is […]
Scan Tool Review: GM
GM’s Tech 1/Tech1A, Tech2 and GDS2 scan tools are assessed. In the world of OEM scan tools it would be hard to think of any manufacturer who has made it easier for the independent repairer to have factory-level diagnostic capability than General Motors. GM has basically used three scan tool platforms in the past 30-plus […]
ASA Encourages State Farm PartsTrader Action
ASA has been working with independent repairers and their state affiliate associations that have taken an active role in addressing the insurer parts procurement mandates on a state level. ASA anticipates that 2014 will see more legislative activity on parts procurement and other similar insurer mandates. In addition, ASA contacted state attorneys general and insurance […]
ACDelco Offers Free Online Training for Instructors, Students
To help groom the next generation of skilled automotive technicians, ACDelco is providing a limited number of free, web-based training courses to instructors and students enrolled in programs accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). As part of the ACDelco National Training Program, instructors can access more than 100 ACDelco web courses, while […]
Who’s Your Hero?
The more I think of it, the more heroes I have. Of course there are those who first come to mind, great leaders such as Abraham Lincoln. Then, the longer I think about it, there have been many who have helped form my perceptions in life and business. They’ve challenged and inspired me as I […]
The Secrets of Great Customer Sales and Service
There is no easy recipe for what makes up great customer sales and service, but focusing on the basics is a good start. Step 1: Hire great people. Step 2: Let them turn customers into raving referral fanatics. Step 3: Watch the reviews and the dollars roll in. It’s that easy, right? If customer service […]