Contact:	Angie Wilson (800) 272-7467, ext. 216 angie@asashop.org
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin ASA-67 October 30, 2008

New ASA Benefit Powered by Mitchell 1 to Launch at ASRW

Key performance indicators available 24/7 to ASA members

BEDFORD, TEXAS, October 30, 2008 - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced a new member benefit that places key performance indicator (KPI) data at the fingertips of today's shop owner. Powered by Mitchell 1, ASA's newest Web-based member benefit - ShopMeter(tm) - provides national and regional averages on a number of data sets, including average repair order dollars, top 10 repair jobs, average parts sales and the most frequently serviced vehicles.

"ShopMeter will prove to be a 'must have' tool for shops who recognize the importance of measuring and improving their productivity and financial performance," said Ron Pyle, ASA president and chief staff executive.

The ability for ASA members to compare and contrast their shop data to regional and national averages will provide them with an immediate benchmark that can be used to assess their business plans and better determine their future.

"Key performance indicators are important to today's shop owner because they are the cornerstone of understanding your business," said Jon Vance, PMP, project manager, Mitchell 1. "Knowing the numbers from your shop, and the shops in your region and state - and using those numbers to compare your business with the national averages - lets you see in an instant where you stand and whether you are beating or bucking the trend. This knowledge helps you target your business toward those jobs that produce the most value."

KPIs are presented by geographic region, by year/make/model (YMM), or by month-to-month comparisons. Proper use of the data provided in Mitchell 1 ShopMeter allows ASA members to gauge their shop performance against that of their competition, providing a competitive edge over businesses that are not monitoring KPI data.

Designed to help today's shop owners and managers easily access the core data necessary to assess shop volume, sales and maximize profits, ShopMeter can be accessed online through the ASA Web site, www.ASAshop.org, in the Members Only section. This product is free to all ASA regular members in good standing. Members may access the product using their six-digit member number.

To learn more about ASA's newest benefit powered by Mitchell 1, or for more information about ASA's other money-saving benefits, call (800) 272-7467, ext. 295; or access the electronic benefits portfolio within ASA OnDemand, which can be downloaded from www.ASAOnDemand.com.

About Mitchell 1:

Headquartered in Poway, California, Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry for 90 years. The Mitchell 1 family of products includes a complete line of integrated software tools designed to improve repair shop productivity. Mitchell 1's OnDemand5 and Manager now serve as the industry standard for innovative repair, estimating and management software. Mitchell 1 Business Performance Services gives shop owners automated marketing solutions to improve bottom line profits. Mitchell 1 is a recipient of the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence award. For more information on Mitchell 1 products and services, automotive professionals can log onto the company's Web site at www.mitchell1.com.

About ASA:

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA serves an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from both the mechanical and collision repair segments of the automotive service industry. ASA's headquarters is in Bedford, Texas.

ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to www.ASAshop.org, or visit ASA's legislative Web site at www.TakingTheHill.com.

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