News Briefs
BWD Automotive Creates Program
BWD Automotive Corp. has created a "check engine light" program to educate motorists that they have additional choices for vehicle repair when their "check engine" light goes on. Also, that the independent ASE-certified technician is more than qualified to service any "check engine" condition. Mike Fitzgerald, vice president product/brand marketing for Dana Engine Controls, said, "ASE-certified professional installers are a viable alternative for any motorists. By educating motorists, we will in turn be strengthening our installers' engine management business."
BWD has developed marketing materials such as point-of-purchase kits to convey this message to jobbers and installers. The materials encourage motorists to consider an independent professional installer when their vehicle's "check engine" light comes on. For more information, call BWD Automotive Corp. at (847) 455-3120 or visit its Web site at http://www.bwdautomotive.com..
I-CAR Named ASE-Certified Training Provider
The Inter-Industry Conference on Automotive Collision Repair (I-CAR) has been certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) as meeting the standards of Continuing Automotive Service Education (CASE). ASE's education foundation, the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), administers the CASE standards and evaluation process. To receive ASE certification under the CASE program, a training provider must complete an in-depth self-evaluation and application, receive a visit from an on-site evaluation team, and meet the industry-established standards.
"By meeting the standards established by the industry, I-CAR has demonstrated a commitment to developing and delivering high-quality training for working technicians," said Dr. Pat Lundquist, executive director of NATEF. She congratulated I-CAR for its hard work and dedication to the industry.
AAIW '99 Sets Attendance Record
More than 80,000 people attended Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) '99, according to Al Melillo, chairman of the 1999 AAIW show committee and president of Harold Schnair Sales Co.
Exhibitors at the 1999 show topped 1998's numbers with more than 3,000 displaying their products. Booth sales also rose over the 1998 show total, with more than 11,000 spaces sold. The show attracted 36,332 buyers, 8,173 of which were international.
ASE Announces Second, Third Tests For Truck Equipment Technicians
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has announced two new tests in the certification series for truck equipment technicians. Both will be offered for the first time May 2 during the spring 2000 test administration. The registration deadline is March 31.
E2, Electrical/Electronic Systems Installation and Repair Specialist, is the second test in the series. It is designed to measure technicians' knowledge of the installation, modification and repair skills related to the electrical/electronic systems supporting installed truck equipment.
E3, Auxiliary Power Systems Installation and Repair Specialist, is the third test in the series. It is designed to measure technicians' knowledge of the installation, modification and repair skills related to the auxiliary power systems supporting installed truck equipment.
Test questions were developed by a cross section of industry experts including representatives from major equipment and truck manufacturers.
Number of Domestic Cars Shrinking
The number of domestic cars on U.S. roads shrank by more than 11 million during the past 10 years, said James Lang, president of Lang Marketing Resources, Inc. From nearly 91 million at the beginning of 1989, the domestic car population shrank to just over 79 million as of Jan. 1, 1999. Lang Marketing maintains a database of vehicles in operation in the United States.
While the U.S. domestic car population declined 12 percent between 1989 and 1999, the total number of light vehicles increased nearly one-fifth. As a result, the shrinking number of domestic cars comprise a diminishing portion of total vehicles in operation. "At the beginning of 1989, domestic vehicles accounted for 54 percent of light vehicles in the United States," said Lang. "By 1991, domestic cars slipped to 50 percent of light vehicle share and 47 percent of cars and light trucks in 1993."
Lang said that over the past four years, domestic cars slumped from 44 percent of light vehicles in operation in 1995 to 40 percent in the beginning of 1999.
Lang reports two reasons for the decline: the sharp increase in light truck share of new domestic vehicle sales, as well as the strength of foreign passenger car sales. Predicting the trend will continue, Lang said, "By 2010, domestic cars will represent less than one-third of light vehicles on U.S. roads. This will have immense consequences for the types of aftermarket products consumed, where service is performed, and where aftermarket parts are purchased."
Federal and State Legislative Objectives || Profile on Parts || Adhering to Labor Laws || Creating an Effective Shop Web Site || Top 10 Automotive Web Sites || NACE '99 Post-Show Report || 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, January 2000
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