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ASA Pushes Vehicle Safety Inspection Programs on Capitol Hill

Automotive Service Association (ASA) leaders met recently with key members of Congress and congressional staff to discuss the importance of vehicle safety inspection programs.
By Shop Owner Staff
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Automotive Service Association (ASA) leaders met recently with key members of Congress and congressional staff to discuss the importance of vehicle safety inspection programs.

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Less than half the states in the United States have any type of periodic motor vehicle safety inspection program. Of the states that have programs, several only require vehicle inspection when the vehicle is sold or transferred.

With current economic conditions, independent repair technicians have recognized an increased number of neglected repairs. This impacts the safety of the vehicle owner and passengers, as well as other highway users. In addition, it hurts the long-term value of the vehicle.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not been involved in periodic motor vehicle safety inspection programs for many years. A Government Accountability Office report on “State Periodic Inspection Programs” stated NHTSA should provide states with research and information to help them initiate and improve state vehicle inspection programs. NHTSA has not done so.

With Congress set to review highway safety issues and transportation programs, ASA requested that Congress support federal incentives for states to establish periodic motor vehicle safety inspection programs or enhance current state programs. A periodic motor vehicle safety inspection program would:
• Ensure the proper maintenance and safe use of older vehicles; and
• Provide for minimum inspection requirements of motor vehicles.

While meeting with congressional members and their staff on Capitol Hill last week, ASA members asked that Congress require NHTSA to conduct a national study of state periodic motor vehicle safety inspection programs, similar to the studies conducted by the states of Pennsylvania and Missouri, and evaluate the impact these programs have on preventing injuries and the loss of life and property.

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, TX.

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 website at www.TakingTheHill.com.

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Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.

By Art Blumenthal
Leveraging more than 30 years of experience as both an aftermarket business owner and aftermarket technology executive, Art Blumenthal LLC provides business intermediary and advisory services to both buyers and sellers of industry businesses of all sizes. Art is a member of IBBA (International Business Brokers Association, Inc.). For more information, or to initiate a no-obligation confidential consultation, visit www.art-blumenthal.com.
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Case Study: Owner of San Francisco-based Import Service Shop Delighted to Discover Just How Valuable His Business is to Qualified Buyers
I sometimes share case studies of the clients I have been able to assist in my role as an aftermarket business broker and provider of intermediary and advisory services. I do that when I think the story will provide a reader in similar circumstances with new insights or helpful information.
In the case of Cowden Automotive, Inc., I acted in a consulting capacity assisting the owner and his broker in valuing the business, creating a marketing plan, finding a qualified buyer, and arranging financing for the sale.
Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.
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