AutoInc.'s 2006 "How's Your Business?" survey asked ASA members what issues most impact their businesses and the automotive service and repair industry.

OEM parts dependability (73 percent) and vocational training program availability (54 percent) topped Collision Division members' responses as having a positive impact for individual businesses and the industry as a whole. Forty-nine percent of survey respondents indicated integrated estimating systems is a constructive part of their operations.

Eighty-three percent of Collision Division respondents rate business health care costs as having the most negative impact on individual businesses and the industry. Eighty-one percent of respondents indicated airbag costs on totaled vehicles negatively impact collision businesses and the industry. And 74 percent of respondents said labor time allowances negatively impact collision shops and the industry.

Seventy-nine percent of Mechanical Division respondents indicated marketing to consumers had the most positive impact on their businesses and the industry. Seventy-two percent of respondents cited service information availability and 68 percent of respondents pointed to technician training as presenting positive results for their businesses and the industry.

Eighty-one percent of Mechanical Division respondents indicated health care costs negatively impact their shops and the industry. Sixty-seven percent of respondents indicated extended warranties from original equipment manufacturers negatively impact their businesses and the industry. Sixty-two percent of respondents said super warranties that include 15-year/150,000 mile coverage are detrimental to their businesses and the industry. Seventy-eight percent of ASA members indicate they service vehicles covered by extended warranty plans.

Stat Corner is written by Karin White, ASA's research and project specialist. She can be reached at (800) 272-7467, ext. 252, or by e-mail at karinw@asashop.org.

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