New Website Launch For CCAR

Charlie Ayers, president of the Coordinating Committee for Automotive Repair (CCAR), recently announced the launch of a new website for the group. CCAR currently serves hundreds of affiliates and thousands of users worldwide, and administers millions of automotive safety and hazmat tests each year. In this past fiscal year alone, which ended in September 2011, CCAR saw in excess of 4 million tests passed.

U.S. Consumers Hold On To New Vehicles Nearly Six Years, An All-Time High, According To Polk

Based on an analysis of U.S. vehicle registrations by Polk, a leading global market intelligence firm, the average length of ownership of vehicles that were purchased new has risen to a record 71.4 months, or nearly six years.

Federated Expands ‘Two Guys Garage’ Sponsorship

Federated Auto Parts will continue its sponsorship of the popular television show “Two Guys Garage” on SPEED in 2012. As part of the new agreement, Federated will sponsor a regular segment entitled “TechTalk by Federated Auto Parts.” In addition, “Break Room” segments will highlight the innovative and high-quality parts supplied by Federated’s manufacturing partners.

Get Straight Talk About Auto Service And Repair

A new video from the non-profit Car Care Council entitled “Auto Service and Repair: What to Expect,” takes the guesswork out of auto service by giving consumers a behind-the-scenes look at the repair shop experience.

AVI OnDemand All Access Pass Now Available

Keep your diagnostic skills sharp with the NEW All Access Pass for the ability to access the information you need instantly for on-the-job reference and training.

New Raybestos Alignment Parts Catalog Being Released

Affinia has announced that a new Alignment Parts Catalog for Raybestos brand Brakes will be released in mid-March. The new catalog includes alignment parts coverage for domestic, import, passenger car, light-duty trucks, SUVs and hybrids, with model coverage as late as 2012.

Money Still On The Table For Aftermarket Students

The Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship committee reminds the industry that scholarship funds are still available to students pursuing a career in the aftermarket. Industry members with sons or daughters in need of financial assistance to support their aftermarket education efforts are encouraged to have their children apply now.

Bosch Awards $25,000 To Local Schools To Further Science Education

Robert Bosch LLC recently awarded $25,000 in grants to Illinois Community Unit School District 200 (CUSD) as part of its Bosch Energy, Science and Technology (BEST) Program.

Brake Manufacturers Point Out They Are Part Of The Solution To Reducing Copper In U.S. Watersheds

The Brake Manufacturers Council (BMC) of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) recently issued a statement in response to recent media reports and PR regarding the negative impact of the use of copper in brake friction products as it affects U.S. waterways.

Car Care Council Launches All New Website Featuring Interactive, Customized Functionality

The Car Care Council has launched its new website featuring expanded consumer information and unique functionality to allow visitors to customize their vehicle service schedules.

Bosch Diagnostics Named 2011 ‘NAPA Tools And Equipment Supplier Of The Year’

Bosch Diagnostics has been named the ‘NAPA Tools and Equipment Supplier of the Year’ for 2011. The prestigious award was presented to the Bosch Diagnostics Business Unit at the NAPA Tools & Equipment Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Feb. 4.

Handling Angry Customers

Usually the reason your customers get angry is because they feel they’ve been taken advantage of, or they’ve made the wrong decision in choosing you. That’s also when, just like you and I, they’ll begin to feel either stupid or foolish, and their emotions of fear and anger will begin to take over.