ASA Testifies in Opposition to Florida Super Warranties

Charlie Elder, AAM, owner of Ray Gordon Brake Service in Tallahassee, Fla., and immediate past chairman of the Automotive Service Association (ASA) board of directors, testified during a December 2007 workshop held by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The workshop provided an opportunity for interested parties to provide comments on the proposed rule development of greenhouse gas emissions reduction and the potential adoption of California motor vehicle emissions standards in the state of Florida.

Elder expressed concern on behalf of ASA and its Florida members over the proposed expanded super warranty provision included in the California emissions standards being considered by the Florida DEP. He proposed that the super warranty is the greatest long-term threat to the automotive repair industry. ASA believes independent repairers would lose both vehicle repairs that are covered by this proposed super warranty and likely the customer's other repairs, possibly losing the customer permanently. Consumers would also be hurt because, with a super warranty, they would have less choice in where to have their car repaired.

While ASA supports clean car programs that improve air quality, it believes they can exist and prosper in states without expanding or extending warranties at the expense of independent repair facilities.

Senate Committee Approves Global Warming Bill

The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved a global warming bill Dec. 5, 2007, after eliminating amendments that would likely have caused problems in the Senate. The Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act, Senate Bill 2191, would cap emissions of greenhouse gases and hold government auctions for polluters to buy or sell emissions allowances.

Senate Republicans proposed several unsuccessful amendments to the bill. Even without the amendments, the bill is expected to face challenges once it reaches the floor.

News Analysis: How Energy Bill Becomes Law

Here's a quick summary of How the Energy Bill Becomes Law: On Dec. 19, 2007, President George W. Bush signed H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act, into law. With the passage of H.R. 6, there will be an increase in fuel efficiency standards for the first time since 1975. H.R. 6 requires cars and light trucks sold in the United States to achieve a fleetwide average of 35 miles per gallon by 2020. The current standard is 27.5 miles per gallon for cars and 22.2 miles per gallon for light trucks.

The passage of H.R. 6 was a culmination of much compromise between Democrats and Republicans in both houses of Congress, which President Bush praised. What were those compromises and how does the bill affect the automotive service industry? In this news analysis, Caroline Holland, ASA's Washington, D.C., legislative assistant, explores the details of the passage of this important bill.

MOST ACCESSED ARTICLES Fuel Injection Service, Not Just Cleaning The Art of Extraction EGR Systems: Operation and Diagnosis Proactive Target Marketing:_Rethinking Your Business Strategy Engine Performance: HO2S Diagnostics MOST E-MAILED ARTICLES Developing Employee Potential How Critical Thinking Can Help Your Business How to Diagnose the Ford Glow Plug What to Look for When Shopping for the Right Shop Management Software Putting a Price Tag on Complaints

AutoInc. Web Site | ASA Web Site | EPA Finalizes Auto Refinishing Regulation | Keeping an Eye on PSI: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems, Part 2 | Blending Within Panel | News Analysis: Energy Bill Becomes Law | Hiring and Recruiting Winners | How Do You Measure Success? | Guest Editorial | Tech to Tech | Tech Tips | News Briefs | Taking the Hill | Around ASA | Shop Profile | Net Worth | Stat Corner | Chairman's Message