Directions
by Randy Pickering Web Ways
Computer surfers, take note: An association of automakers and suppliers plans to judge Internet service providers (ISPs) against a set of performance standards.Although the results are intended primarily to benefit the estimated 8,000 companies whose products go into automobiles, the Automotive Industry Action Group believes the ratings could find a broader audience among other businesses and consumers.
Currently, consumers have no standardized means of comparing one ISP’s access, cost, reliability, speed and customer service against another.
Automotive companies have been frustrated by faulty connections, delayed transmissions and lost data, concerns mirrored by the Web community.
Also of interest to surfers, AutoInc. Online will provide highlights of the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE). If you are unable to attend NACE ’96, be sure to check ASA’s home page (http://www.asashop.org) for daily updates. American consumers and businesses saved an estimated half a billion dollars last year by repairing, rather than replacing, damaged windshields, according to Richard D. Inman, CEO of NOVUS Windshield Repair. More than three million car windshields were repaired in 1995, compared with 500,000 in 1990. This trend should continue as the economy forces further belt-tightening among families, industries and insurance companies. The average windshield replacement costs $250 or more while the typical repair runs $50.
The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) has created a guidance manual to help the automotive recycling industry comply with federal and state storm water regulations. The manual provides detailed instructions on how to create a storm water pollution prevention plan, a state and federal requirement. Critical forms and checklists are included to make complying with storm water regulations less burdensome.
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is driving into the automotive aftermarket by developing an exclusive line of endorsed products that range from fluids and filters to ignitions and driveline components. The NASCAR product line will be produced in association with leading automotive aftermarket manufacturers. Branding agency studies indicate that there has not been a nationally recognized symbol for the automotive aftermarket consumer that signals a high-quality product. NASCAR believes its racing experience and popularity will translate into consumer awareness and loyalty.
American consumers and businesses saved an estimated half a billion dollars last year by repairing, rather than replacing, damaged windshields, according to Richard D. Inman, CEO of NOVUS Windshield Repair. More than three million car windshields were repaired in 1995, compared with 500,000 in 1990. This trend should continue as the economy forces further belt-tightening among families, industries and insurance companies. The average windshield replacement costs $250 or more while the typical repair runs $50.
Cars Are The No. 1 Recycled Product
The automobile is North America’s top recycled product, surpassing aluminum beverage cans, newspapers, steel cans and glass, according to the American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA).The existing recycling system relies primarily on two components: automobile dismantlers and automobile shredders. The dismantler removes usable parts and equipment for re-use or remanufacture. Undamaged selected parts are removed from the vehicle, cleaned, tested, inventoried and stored until sold. The remainder, called the "hulk," is flattened and sent to a shredder.
The automobile shredder uses a machine that reduces the car to small fragments within minutes. These fragments are sorted magnetically into three metal types: ferrous metal, non-ferrous metal and automotive shredder residue (ASR). Although ASR is not currently recycled, it accounts for less than 1.5 percent, by weight, of the nation’s landfills, compared to 40 percent for paper and 20 percent for yard waste.
Your Turn
"How does technician time tracking help you as a business owner?""By having your technicians time punch in and out on a vehicle, it gives you solid information to work with. It identifies productivity and efficiency per job, per day, per week or per month. Knowing this information allows you to measure your ability to give technicians enough work and their ability to complete the task. It also allows you to pinpoint workflow problems, such as not enough work, low car count or a slow technician."
Randy Pickering, AAM, owner, Pickering’s Automotive, Inc., Lakewood, Colo.
ASA Main Page || AutoInc. Main Page
NACE Pre-Show Coverage
Keeping Up With Industry Trends
Colin Powell – Soldier, Leader ... Automotive Technician?
NACE Show Specials
How's Your Business? || Taking Your Scan Tool To The Next Level
Cruising Instead Of Abusing || Putting The Brakes On Payroll Headaches
What’s Ahead For The Collision Industry?
Guest Editorial -- The Mouse That Roared
Tech To Tech || TechTips || Stat Corner || News Briefs
Taking The Hill || Directions || Chairman's Message
AutoInc. Magazine ®, Vol. XLIV No. 11, November 1996