News Briefs
Toyota Offers Phone-Based Technical Assistance
Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. now offers phone-based technical assistance to independent repair shops through its network of Toyota STAR dealers. As part of its commitment to the Support To Aftermarket Repair (STAR) program, each STAR dealer maintains a dedicated phone and fax line to serve its wholesale parts customers.
To aid independent shops, each Toyota STAR dealer provides a shop foreman or master technician to answer technical questions from its wholesale parts customers. In addition, the STAR dealer can provide diagrams, schematics and additional information via fax for those hard-to-solve problems.
For more information about Toyota's STAR program, call (800) 537-6033 ext. 2202.
ASIA, APAA Announce Consolidation Intention
Two automotive aftermarket industry associations, the Automotive Service Industry Assoc-iation (ASIA) and the Automotive Parts and Accessories Association (APAA), intend to consolidate into a new association, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).
The resulting organization would be a stronger association, better positioned to do business in the ever-changing automotive aftermarket industry. Its members would include manufacturers, distributors, jobbers, retailers, manufacturers' representatives and associate members.
I-CAR Education Foundation's Team USA Prepares For IYSC
Team USA geared up for the 1999 International Youth Skills Competition (IYSC) by participating in a skills demonstration at the International Auto Body Congress and Exposition (NACE) this past December. The Automotive Service Association (ASA), along with PPG Industries Inc., Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Corp., Snap-on Tools, VICA and the I-CAR Education Foundation were sponsors of the event.
Although the event was not a "competition," Team USA members, Eric Stark of Largo, Fla., and Caleb Burnison of Wichita, Kan., were able to test their skills against six collision repair students from the Southwest region. The eight participants impressed spectators and judges with their skill, competitiveness and workmanship. Four of the participants, including one female, demonstrated their abilities in "structural repair" while the other four displayed their talents in "automotive refinishing." This was the first time the event had a female participant.
Team USA was established to provide U.S. competitors with the additional training and support necessary to make them contenders at international competitions. IYSC takes place every two years in a different country. In November 1999, Team USA will compete at the IYSC in Montreal, Quebec.
NORA, NIPCA Combine to Form Recycling Industry Association
The National Oil Recyclers Association (NORA) of Cleveland, Ohio, has merged with the National Independent Parts Cleaners Association (NIPCA) of Canby, Ore. The merger and transfer of responsibility were officially completed Feb. 18, 1999.
The two associations jointly sponsored an international conference in Orlando, Fla., and have also worked together on regulatory issues. The merger creates a membership of almost 200.
While NORA will remain the new association's name for the time being, parts cleaning members will actually form the association's largest work group - the Parts Cleaning Council. According to Steven Spencer, the first chairman of the PCC, "The council will work to organize the parts cleaning members; establish regulatory positions for the association; improve the science of and data about the industry; and create broad coalitions of interested parties to positively influence government decision-makers."
Study Finds Consumers Shop for Fuel Efficiency
Even though gas prices are at all-time lows, a recent national survey shows that more than half of all consumers still say fuel efficiency plays a significant role in their automobile purchase decisions.
MORPACE International surveyed 1,200 automobile drivers about their attitudes on fuel economy. Survey results showed that 53 percent of consumers rate fuel economy as an important factor in their car-buying decisions. On average, automobile owners expect 26 miles per gallon for cars and 20 miles per gallon for trucks.
Light Trucks Comprise Nearly 40 Percent of Vehicles on U.S. Roads
Light trucks - defined as vans, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and light trucks - comprised 38 percent of vehicles on U.S. roads in 1997, according to Automotive Industry Status Report, a comprehensive report produced by the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA).
Titling Debate Heightens in Congress || Tools of Success || For Your Information || 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.XIVII, May 1999
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