I was recently contacted by the CT. Better Business Bureau. They do monthly BBB ‘Trust Talks’ to build awareness around different industries and guide consumers. Yes, there are bad apples in every industry that we need to be made aware…
Matt Ebert, Founder & CEO of Crash Champions, will serve as emcee for the 2023 MSO Symposium, which will take place Monday, Oct. 30, at The Mirage Convention Center in Las Vegas. “Throughout its…
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) applauds the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for excluding collision repair facilities from its proposal to increase required reporting under a revised Air Emissions Reporting Requirements (AERR) regulation. Without this exclusion, this rule would…
As I contemplated what I wanted to write for this article, I was thinking of myself, 20 years ago, as a new shop owner and what piece of advice I would benefit the most from. A lot of things came…
It’s conference season and many owners are getting ready for it. There's lots you can do to make the most out of an industry conference or training for the best R.O.I. (return on investment) and the best R.O.E. (return on…
In this ASA podcast episode, Scott Benavidez, AMAM, sits down with ASA Legislative Associate Ben Sharp on the sidelines of the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) in Indianapolis to discuss ASA’s new policy position statement on compensation for time spend researching…
MSO Symposium advisory board members have met several times over the past few months to discuss plans for the 12th annual MSO Symposium. This unique program provides executive-level information on current trends in the collision repair industry along with micro-…
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, July 27, 2023 – The Automotive Service Association (ASA) announced changes to its Board of Directors following its Annual Business Meeting July 17 at the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites in Indianapolis, IN. ASA Chairman Scott…
You either started your business from scratch or purchased an existing business. Remember the excitement and drive mixed with uncertainty and doubt? The early years are full of grit and drive. Let’s face it, that’s what it takes to learn…
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 18, 2023 – This morning, Automotive Service Association (ASA) Board of Directors Chairman Scott Benavidez, AMAM, testified before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet. During the hearing, titled “Is There…
Landmark agreement guarantees consumer choice in automotive repair Ability to have vehicles serviced in well-equipped shops by well-trained technicians: “anytime, anywhere, anyplace” Includes thousands of independent auto repair professionals and the manufacturers producing most vehicles sold in U.S. Applies to…
WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service is sending a special follow-up mailing to taxpayers in several states affected by disasters to let them know that they have additional time to pay their taxes. The IRS is taking this special step…
TECH TIP (courtesy from ALLDATA) Vehicle: 2011 Jeep Compass, 2WD, L4-2.4L, Automatic transmission/transaxle Mileage: 148,990 Problem: The Jeep was in the shop because of an intermittent starting problem and the malfunction indicator light (MIL) was on. Case Details: The technician…
All the Training you can handle in one place … Daytona Speedway Saturday, Nov. 10-12, 2023 • Training & Trade Expo Join us for the Collision, Mechanical, EV, Hybrid Training Showcase THE Premier Southeast Training Event & Trade Show Early…
As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity, it is crucial for automotive retail businesses to understand and cater to diverse consumer segments. In recent years, women have emerged as a significant force in the EV market. Today, we’ll explore…
Nearly two dozen major automakers on Tuesday were told not to comply with Massachusetts’ Right to Repair law, which was approved by 75% of voters Washington, D.C.—The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) told nearly two dozen major automakers on…
When speaking to owners and managers they tell me they have lots of work. The challenge is getting the work out because they don’t have enough help. They want to grow their team and they can’t find people. Common Issues…
Whether you are looking to increase car count with new acquisition marketing or to beef up your retention marketing strategy to retain as many loyal customers as possible, which is of course critical to growing your shop, there is a…
Sanford, NC—CIECA has announced its speakers for the annual CONNEX 2023 Conference. The event is being held in Bloomington, IL, Sept. 12-13, 2023. In addition to a line-up of insightful thought leaders, there will be networking opportunities, a vehicle gifting…
Leesburg, Virginia – The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has designated June as Automotive Service Professionals Month (ASPM), the ideal time to recognize skilled automotive professionals and the valuable service they provide from coast to coast. Today’s motor…
Years ago, when Tony and I opened our transmission shop, I wanted to learn more about the industry. I grew up respecting and admiring the good people in the skilled trades industry. My grandfather, then dad and brother had a…
Leesburg, VA – The National Institute for Automotive Service (ASE) has announced the creation of Electric Vehicle Technician/Shop Personnel Electrical Safety Standards. The purpose of the standards is to provide guidance, document, and establish electrical safety requirements, standards, procedures, and…
As part of National Small Business Week, April 30 to May 6, the Internal Revenue Service wants small business taxpayers to know they will soon see changes to help them better interact with the Internal Revenue Service in ways that…
As a repair shop owner, you may be confident in your abilities to fix cars, but have you ever considered the importance of first impressions? It only takes a few seconds for a potential customer to form an opinion about…
Train your entire team for one price. One low 12-month subscription. ROI you can count on. We are proudly offering this special to shop owners everywhere. This limited time offer is $400 per month for 12 months. Log In at…
As of January 1, 2023, Elite Worldwide is under new ownership. Bob and Karen Cooper have decided that they are ready to pass the torch to former VP of Operations Darrin Barney, who is…
When speaking or coaching business owners, a common challenge comes up. They are frustrated by the many misconceptions of the industry. Today anyone who can do a search online thinks they’re an expert. These misconceptions pop up when working with…
The automotive repair shop industry is a challenging and demanding field, and paying off credit card processing fees can be another obstacle when you’re trying to run your business. Automotive shops can bring in thousands of dollars per transaction; however,…
As the air conditioning season approaches, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) reminds service technicians that they must be trained and certified through an EPA-approved organization, such as ASE, to service mobile air conditioning systems. The credential from…
If your shop is not generating the sales you need, you may want to take advantage of this easy-to-use Elite checklist to see where you may be losing sales before you start pumping more of your hard-earned money into your…
When I think back to when Tony and I opened our shop in 1999, There were the obvious things we knew we had to do to be successful. We had to be committed to our business and we were willing…
Women are significant vehicle owners and drivers in North America, and their participation in the automotive market has been steadily increasing over the years. According to a 2021 report by the Women's Bureau of the U.S. Department of Labor, 75%…
So many shop owners suffer from a killer management mistake: micromanaging. You don’t typically realize you are doing it until the damage is done. So let’s break it down. Micromanaging is a style of management where you, the shop owner…
ASA Colorado hosted the 2023 Summit at Lincoln Tech in Denver, offering courses throughout the day for technicians, service advisors, and shop owners. There was good food, lots of training, networking, and fun. Learn more about ASA Colorado at https://asacolorado.org/…
Vehicle: 2003 Ford Explorer, 2WD, V8-4.6L, VIN W, Automatic transmission/transaxle Mileage: 196,459 Problem: After the owner tried replacing the #5 coil, to repair a P0305 misfire diagnostic trouble code (DTC), this Explorer ended up at the shop with a hard…
Among more than 87 auto insurance companies graded by collision repairers in terms of how well they work to ensure quality repairs and customer service, 29 received a “B” or higher to earn a spot the “Honor Roll” in the…
Connected Car, Connected Industry Sanford, NC—CIECA announced that its 15th annual conference, CONNEX 2023, will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton, in Bloomington, IL, September 12-13. The event will include a full lineup of business and technical speakers,…
When I think back to when Tony and I opened our automotive shop or my dad had his construction business, we all started with a DIY (Do It Yourself) strategy model and traded time and effort for money. I find it's the…
A flat tire is a guaranteed way to deflate your day. Luckily, we live in a world with gadgets designed to help pump up your tires, so you can be on your way in no time flat. [caption id="attachment_12673" align="alignright"…
Did you know that the success of leadership star performers is largely attributed to emotional intelligence (EQ) skills, not IQ? Talent Smart, a company that studied EQ in over 1000 people notes that up to 90% of the success is…
Ladies and gentlemen, gather ‘round and listen up! Have you ever been frustrated with your team? Do they take too many bathroom breaks? Do they spend more time chatting than working? Have no fear because I have the solution to…
IR-2023-14, Jan. 25, 2023 WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that businesses can now file Form 1099 series information returns using a new online portal, available free from the IRS. Known as the Information Returns Intake System (IRIS),…
We all know that these incredibly challenging times are impacting businesses and people all around the world. To help maximize your shop’s sales and profits in the face of these difficulties, here are 3 simple and cost-free tips that you…
These days the automotive industry is changing so rapidly, it’s hard to stay on top of what innovations will come next. The pressure for independent workshops to upgrade their technology is increasing due to the need to accommodate more technologically…
Fort Wayne, Ind.—The number of vehicles in operation (VIO) does not necessarily determine aftermarket sales. More often, the key drivers of aftermarket sales are the types of vehicles in operation and their mileage. And while the U.S. VIO has been…
Troy, Mich.—J.D. Power has announced the introduction of the J.D. Power EV Index, an analytics tool to track the growing EV market in the United States. Each month, the index will arrive at one number (on a 100-point scale) to…
Tom Piippo's One Eye in the Mirror I ran across a story the other day that I feel I just have to share. This story may be 100 years old or more but is still relevant today. I would give…
I enjoy goal setting. I have a lot going on in my businesses and my personal life, so it's important to make the most of my time and effort. sI'm looking forward to a new year, its opportunities, and possibilities.…
Source: AftermarketMatters.com Fort Wayne, Ind.—Parts and labor volume of the Do-It-For-Me (DIFM) light vehicle market increased by $30 billion during 2021 and 2022, at user-price, following the 2020 pandemic of COVID-19. This rebound was not evenly distributed among the seven…
These days, it’s more important than ever to ensure your auto shop can stand out from the competition. A whopping 75% of all aftermarket auto repairs are handled by independent shops, meaning your customers have more than a few options…
