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The average length of ownership of new vehicles continues to increase, according to a recent analysis from Polk. Consumers are now holding on to a new vehicle, on average, for 63.9 months based on second quarter 2010 data, up 4.5 months from the same time last year, according to Polk.

Federated Car Care Center member Dave Cook, owner of Dave’s Towing in West Middlesex, PA, received an early holiday present when he was named the grand prize winner of the Federated “Surf or Turf Sweepstakes.” Cook will receive his choice of a Triton boat or a Chevy Colorado pickup truck as his grand prize.

During National Tire Safety Week, retailers nationwide will work to educate motorists about proper tire care and maintenance. RMA provides tire retailers, auto dealers and automotive repair shops with free “Be Tire Smart” brochures and other materials.

Rotary Lift’s award-winning Y-Lift is now available as a general service model (Y12) to improve productivity and profitability throughout the shop. The Y-Lift is a drive-on lift that uses a patented design and unique Y-shaped legs to provide faster rise/descent speeds and better vehicle access than traditional scissor or four-post lifts.

The Raybestos GTO-R will be given away to one lucky professional mechanic or do-it-yourselfer Raybestos customer as part of an upcoming summer 2011 North American sales promotion, and the build process will be chronicled in national television, magazines, social media and exclusive content on the company’s RaybestosGarage.com micro-site.

Jimmy Fennig, crew chief for Matt Kenseth and the #17 Crown Royal Black Ford, was named Federal-Mogul Corporation’s MOOG “Problem Solver of the Race” at Texas Motor Speedway after Kenseth nearly came all the way back from a lap down to win Sunday’s AAA Texas 500 Sprint Cup race.

The national Bosch ICON advertising campaign features storm chaser Reed Timmer and his armored SUV, “Dominator” equipped with ICON blades to “clear the way,” as he tangles with tornados to gather data and gain insight on these destructive twisters.

A news story on KJRH-TV Channel 2 in Tulsa, OK, profiled a local driver who experienced a loss of brakes that was attributed to a rusted brake line that snapped. A local ASE-certified technician told the reporter that he is seeing more and more vehicles with rusted brake lines. Are you seeing this same trend at your shop? Let us know.

Technicians at C.A.R.S. Auto Repair Jenison, MI, ran to safety as a parts delivery truck came crashing through a service door and hit four or five vehicles before crashing through the back wall. Police at the scene believe the driver had passed out and his foot hit the accelerator.

Vin Paladini of Great Falls, VA, considered himself “the luckiest man in Las Vegas” this week, as he was publicly announced as the winner of the Raybestos ’32 Roadster Pickup from the summer 2010 national promotion. Paladini’s name was drawn as winner from more than 45,000 entries received.

Waukegan Tire & Supply Co. Inc. has learned to adapt. The company did not just accept change because there was no other choice; it embraced change, and is thriving as a result. From adopting social media to keeping pace with shifting demographics, the company has found ways to grow a sense of community. As a family-run business, it is naturally focused on personal relationships, and has chosen to see not only customers, but also the entire community as its extended family.

The resounding message echoed among panel members was that the economic reset that resulted from the recent recession has prompted an industry reset that will position the aftermarket for growth, but they cautioned that we should not forget the lessons we learned the past year.