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Federal-Mogul Says New ‘SmartChoice Mobile’ App For Shops Speeds Repair Process

Federal-Mogul has introduced a new, free mobile app designed to help automotive service providers increase operational efficiency, sales and customer satisfaction. The new "SmartChoice Mobile" app enables shop owners, service writers and professional technicians to use their iPhone or Android devices to instantly access the latest parts information for virtually any passenger car or light truck and communicate detailed inspection findings - including photos of worn or broken parts and a repair estimate - directly to the vehicle owner.
By Shop Owner Staff
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Federal-Mogul has introduced a new, free mobile app designed to help automotive service providers increase operational efficiency, sales and customer satisfaction. The new “SmartChoice Mobile” app enables shop owners, service writers and professional technicians to use their iPhone or Android devices to instantly access the latest parts information for virtually any passenger car or light truck and communicate detailed inspection findings – including photos of worn or broken parts and a repair estimate – directly to the vehicle owner.

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The SmartChoice Mobile app is available immediately through the Apple App Store and Google Play as well as Federal-Mogul’s new www.SmartChoiceApp.com website.

“SmartChoice Mobile is much more than a parts lookup tool – it helps speed the entire repair process by providing extensive parts and repair information and establishing a real-time connection with the vehicle owner,” said Brian Tarnacki, director, global market strategy, Federal-Mogul. “This free solution sets the bar for all automotive service apps and positions the shop as a technology leader committed to customer service excellence.”

The app includes VIN scanning technology that allows the user to instantly capture critical vehicle information and access all corresponding part and repair information via Federal-Mogul’s www.FMe-Cat.com applications database. The app also provides comprehensive lookup options such as specific part number/interchange search or traditional year, make and model.

The service professional can use the app’s “Send Inspection Results” feature to compose and send a shop-branded email – featuring inspection results, repair estimate and images of worn parts – to the vehicle owner. This customizable email summary also includes instant-reply and callback buttons to encourage the vehicle owner to ask questions and/or authorize the repair.

A “Chat with a Pro” feature automatically connects the shop professional with an ASE-certified technical specialist at the Federal-Mogul Technical Education Center (F-M TEC). The app also includes a link to Federal-Mogul’s growing library of technical information and latest news.

Users can customize the app to access parts information and other content for any or all of the following Federal-Mogul product lines: ANCO wipers; Carter fuel delivery products; Champion spark plugs; Fel-Pro gaskets; MOOG steering and suspension components; Sealed Power engine parts; Wagner brake products; and Wagner lighting components.

To learn more and to download this free business-building tool, simply search for “SmartChoice Mobile” in the Apple App Store or Android Market or visit www.SmartChoiceApp.com.

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When Your Shop Is Worth Much More Than You Thought

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.
Needless to say, delivering that kind of good news to a shop owner is a rewarding experience. Discovering that the sale of his business would result in his retirement nest-egg being substantially larger than he had ever thought was a fitting tribute to someone who had spent his entire working career as a busy automotive service shop owner.

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