Blog Archives




 
First « Previous 1 2 3 Last

  • Consumers driving less? Research isn’t conclusive and aftermarket prospects remain strong
    By Elliot Maras - Wednesday May 15, 2013
    Americans may be driving less, as noted by a recent report in today’s PTEN newsletter, but that doesn’t mean the demand for aftermarket services won’t continue its upward trend. The U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) released a report yesterday that has garnered a lot of attention in the automotive industry since it highlights several trends contributing to a decline in driving. ( Read the report .) The most important trend being that the millennial generation drives less than older consumers. The purpose of this PIRG report is to encourage the government to stop spending aggressively on new construction while the existing infrastructure crumbles. PIRG, an organization that claims to support the interest of the consumer...

  • San Mateo limousine fire a sober reminder for the auto industry
    By Elliot Maras - Tuesday May 7, 2013
    The invigorating spring weather has finally arrived. But unfortunately, the limousine fire that killed five women this past weekend on the San Mateo bridge ruined it, especially for those of us who concern ourselves with auto safety on a daily basis. At this writing, the California Highway Patrol was still investigating the limousine fire. Because the accident remains under investigation, not a lot can be assumed about its cause. People are naturally anxious to speculate what caused the accident and what could have been done to save the victims once the limousine caught fire; news stories about the accident on the Internet have drawn a lot of comments from readers. This tragedy serves as an important reminder of the role the...

  • Carfax lawsuit proves service reports’ rising role in auto aftermarket
    By Elliot Maras - Monday April 29, 2013
    Last week’s announcement that more than 120 auto dealerships are suing Carfax for antitrust violations points to the important role that vehicle service reports are playing in the automotive aftermarket. The lawsuit claims that Carfax, the leading provider of vehicle service reports, has excluded competition and results in higher used car prices for dealers who furnish the reports to customers, and for consumers who purchase the reports on their own. The dealers are seeking $50 million in damages. It will be interesting to see how the court rules in this case. But in the meantime, no one can question that vehicle service reports are playing a bigger role in the automotive aftermarket, and independent repair shops have to understand that...

  • J.C. Penney’s failed gamble with Apple CEO; a lesson for the automotive aftermarket?
    By Elliot Maras - Tuesday April 16, 2013
    All of us are living in challenging times, and if you feel frustrated by your inability to master the diverse skills needed in what was once a fairly cut and dried business like automotive repair, take solace in knowing you are not alone. Last week, J.C. Penney dismissed its CEO, Ron Johnson, whom it lured away from Apple in 2011 with the hope that he could do for the general merchandise giant what he did for the specialty retailer. If you haven’t been following this story, the long and short of it is that a management superstar was clearly unable his replicate success in another marketplace. In fairness to J.C. Penney, board members at the time noted that Apple’s model wouldn't translate completely to J.C. Penney's stores, but they...

  • Car connectivity, the next big thing, challenges the aftermarket
    By Elliot Maras - Friday April 5, 2013
    Global Information Inc., a research firm, recently released a report claiming that the connected car will be the "next big thing" for the automotive industry. Future generations of cars and devices will rely more on cloud-based, back-end systems for content, information, and services, turning the car as we know it into a huge data repository, opening new avenues of business opportunities for service industries and content providers. (To access this report, click here .) The research notes that network carriers like AT&T have identified the automotive market as the next growth area, given the penetration of smart phones. AT&T recently signed an agreement to provide connectivity across most of the 2015 fleets for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC...

  • Toyota dealer held liable for damages: Aftermarket must recognize changing car use habits
    By Elliot Maras - Friday March 29, 2013
    This week’s news that a Toyota dealer was ordered to pay $15.7 million in damages to an accident victim for poor maintenance drew record interest among VehicleServicePros readers. The ruling, which was announced five years after the accident occurred, demonstrates the critical public safety role that the automotive aftermarket plays in society. In this situation, an automotive dealer was held responsible for the safety of the vehicle. The automotive aftermarket has a good track record for maintaining vehicle safety. Given the sheer number of aftermarket repair shops in the country, the fact that these incidents are so rare speaks to the aftermarket industry’s high level of competence. But one issue that the aftermarket must pay...

  • Owners’ manual language underscores need for better OEM/independent aftermarket relations; Organizations are doing their part; Are you?
    By Elliot Maras - Friday March 22, 2013
    Automakers are recognizing the need to support the independent aftermarket, given the inability of their own dealer networks to handle aftermarket demands as cars are made better and consumers are holding onto them longer. But there’s still a long way to go. Last week, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and three other aftermarket groups (the Automotive Oil Change Association, the Tire Industry Association and the Service Station Dealer of America and Allied Trades) filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) claiming the MINI Cooper’s owner’s manual violates federal warranty law. The complaint claims the manual requires that only MINI dealers are to perform oil changes as a condition of warranty...

  • As technology raises the bar for the aftermarket, professionalism must evolve in how we speak about each other
    By Elliot Maras - Thursday March 7, 2013
    Advanced automotive technology is giving aftermarket professionals an opportunity to achieve a higher public image. Computer diagnostics, telematics, start/stop functionality and other advances are making true professionals out of technicians and shop owners. The space between the professional and the DIYer is greater than ever. But aftermarket specialists have to act like professionals. There has long been a tendency towards informality in the aftermarket, for better and for worse. For better, the camaraderie among shop owners and technicians has boosted morale and pride in what we do. But for worse, it has fostered a tendency among some individuals to badmouth one another at will. The aftermarket trade has to assume a stronger sense...

  • Government technician licensing? The existing ASE certification program would be hard to beat
    By Elliot Maras - Wednesday February 27, 2013
    Assistant Editor Craig Truglia recently made a case for technician licensing in his blog, “Mandatory technician licensing: it’s a matter of public safety.” Craig, who is an ASE-certified technician and a shop owner, argues that the importance of the auto technician’s role calls for mandatory licensing. Craig correctly notes that auto technicians, because they service automobiles, play a big role in supporting public safety. I know how strongly he feels, and I agree with Craig that technician training is important, not just for the benefit of the automotive trade, but to the public at large. Where I take a different view is what the government’s role should be in verifying a technician’s competence. The automotive...

  • Automotive aftermarket research: What’s in it for you? Plenty.
    By Elliot Maras - Friday February 1, 2013
    If you’re like me, you probably don’t have time to participate in surveys. Whether they are online, written, or over the phone. But if the survey has something to do with my own well being, be it personal or business, I  try to make time. Surveys allow researchers to develop reports that allow us to make better decisions. Financial research has been available for a fee to the aftermarket for some time. But as more research is being done, there are more opportunities for shops to participate in surveys and have access to the results. The research addresses how the overall industry is faring. Some research indicates what areas shops are investing in – tools, personnel, marketing, training, etc. If a survey happens to come your...

Events

More