News Briefs
Car Care Council Good Source for Newsletter Material
Shop owners who run dry of ideas for their customer newsletters can access the Car Care Council's Web site (www.carcarecouncil.org) for numerous articles that are theirs for the taking.
For more information, write Car Care Council, 42 Park Drive, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452. Or, call (800) 466-5343.
Register for ASE Certification Tests
From the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) comes a reminder that March 31 is the deadline for registering for the spring 2000 ASE certification tests. The tests will be offered May 2, 4 and 9, at more than 800 locations. ASE offers certification tests in 10 different categories twice a year, in May and November.
There are tests for auto technicians, engine machinists, school bus technicians, truck equipment installation and repair specialists, medium/heavy vehicle electronic diesel engine diagnosis specialists, medium/heavy truck technicians, collision repair/refinish technicians, auto advanced engine performance, parts specialists, and alternate fuels technicians.
NABC Partners with Habitat for Humanity
The National Auto Body Council (NABC) is partnering with Habitat for Humanity to erect the first "House That Pride Built" in Kansas City, Mo., during the week of April 3. The council is requesting the assistance of individuals and groups within the collision repair industry to support the effort. NABC has committed to raising a minimum of $50,000 for materials and provide a significant portion of the labor, which will be supervised by Habitat representatives. For more information, contact Mark Claypool, NABC executive director, at (888) 66-PRIDE.
Jiffy Lube No. 1 in Oil Change Centers
Jiffy Lube, while maintaining its position as No. 1 in oil change centers, has gone from being ranked No. 61 this past year to No. 5 this year among all franchises in the world. The ranking is by Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 list. The magazine evaluates each franchise based on the number of years a company has been in business, growth rate, current size, length of time it has been franchising, start-up costs, litigation history, percentage of franchise termination, financial strength and stability, and whether the company provides financing.
Web Site Name Sells for $2.2 Million
HitDomains.com has announced the sale of the easy-to-remember domain name Autos.com for $2.2 million to CarsDirect.com.
The sale was conducted privately, in advance of an anticipated auction for the domain name.
AAA Evaluates 200 New Cars, Trucks; Names 12 Best, Including "Cool Car"
After evaluating 200 different vehicles for its New Car & Truck Buying Guide, the American Automobile Association (AAA)- the nation's largest organization for motorists- selected 12 top cars for 2000. AAA's automotive experts rated 11 vehicles as best in their price category and, for the first time, named a "cool car" because of its unique characteristics.
Top cars, by price category, are Ford Focus (under $15,000), Mitsubishi Galant ($15,000-$20,000), Buick LeSabre ($20,000-$25,000), Acura 3.2 TL ($25,000-$30,000), Lincoln LS ($30,000-$35,000), Cadillac DeVille ($35,000-$40,000), Lexus GS 400 ($40,000-$50,000), Mercedes-Benz S500 ($50,000+), Dodge Grand Caravan (minivan, all prices), Nissan Xterra (SUV under $25,000), and Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon (SUV $25,000+). The experts chose the Audi TT Quattro as the "cool car" because it is fun to drive and eye-catching.
AAA's annual New Car & Truck Buying Guide evaluates model-year 2000 cars, trucks, minivans, SUVs and trucks based on such criteria as ride and handling, safety, acceleration and braking, fuel economy, comfort and convenience, storage space and value. Editor Dave Van Sickle and his team of automotive experts test drove each vehicle listed in the book to see how it handled in real-world situations, on streets and highways, with passengers and cargo.
Mitchell Seeks Authors for Management Publication
Mitchell International is seeking industry veterans who would like to be published in its second edition of "Managing Your Body Shop Business- an Industry Guide to Success." The manual will provide shop owners with proven business methods and practical
applications for improving their bottom line. Collision repair professionals who would like to have their materials considered for publication may submit either articles,
electronic presentations or training materials to Mitchell. For more information, contact Tyler Riddell at (858) 578-6550, extension 6193.
OSHA Releases Midnight Ergonomics Proposal || The Multifunctional Multimeter || Paint the New Century Faster and Easier || Today's Female Customer || Guest Editorial || Tech to Tech || Tech Tips || News Briefs || Taking the Hill || Around ASA || Net Worth || Stat Corner || Shop Profile || Chairman's Message
AutoInc. Magazine ® Vol.XIVIII, February 2000
E-mail: info@autoinc.org,
Web Site: http://www.autoinc.org
Copyright © 2000 Automotive Service Association (ASA). All rights reserved.