Experience isn’t a problem at Gentile’s Collision in Shelby Township, Mich. “We are four generations strong,” said Mark Gentile Jr., whose family has owned the business for nearly eight decades. “We have three technicians who have been with us more…
During the 1970s, concern about the impact of ozone depleting substances reached a feverish pitch. Although there was much interest in those substances that likely depleted the ozone, the use of the chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-12, used at the time in motor…
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) are here, not a lot of them, but they have arrived. In 1999 there were 23 hybrids sold in the USA. Now, we have millions. FCEVs are sold or leased mostly in California, but if…
No matter which business performance number you’re looking to improve – productivity, cycle time or profitability – all roads lead through your paint department.
There’s roughly a four-to-one ratio, men-to-women in employment in the automotive industry. Our industry has over the past four to five years begun to see more clearly the value of having not just women, but women in leadership, and influential…
Vehicle repairers have watched a slow hemorrhage of state vehicle safety inspection programs for a number of years. These programs go back to 1926 beginning with a voluntary program in Massachusetts, and increased to 31 states plus the District of…
Cybersecurity continues to occupy much attention in the automotive world. We are soon going to have millions of connected land, sea and air vehicles traveling the globe. Those vehicles, connected businesses and other users will all require and rely on…
Choosing and correctly installing the right part is no simple task these days.
For many shops, hiring women is about putting forward an atmosphere of friendliness and trustworthiness, particularly to women customers, who, as we all know, account for 85 percent of all purchase decisions. It turns out that hiring women involves more…
I’ve been experimenting with specials to be used in direct mail, boosted Facebook posts and other such advertising mediums. One such special is a summer kickoff special, which is an air conditioning inspection and service for only $139. The wording…
"They” say new car dealers are feeling aggressive and confident. Car dealerships are also looking at aggressive methods to keep the purchasers of their used cars in their bays. Dealerships want the lucrative aftermarket business, they are going after it,…
A multi-store shop owner sends in the following situation: We recently had a 2015 Ford F150 V8 with 46,000 miles brought into one of my shops with a check engine light on, as well as a drivability problem. My technician…
RENO, Nevada - It all started with them holding a flashlight for their father. Now, years later, brothers Vinnie and Anthony Lucido have turned what they learned as youngsters into an extremely successful auto repair shop – CoAuto – in…
I just couldn’t resist. It was just the detective in me. “Yes, I will take a look at it,” I said to a new customer when she said her car would stall but only occasionally. Why would I do such…
ASA’s new members-only Facebook Group debuted May 31 on ASA’s 67th aniversary. Join with other shop owners/managers in discussions of business management topics designed to help you run a more successful shop. ASA-member shops are known nationwide for their commitment…
