Machining techniques are used widely in the automotive industry for manufacturing different automobile components such as outer body sheets, internal components, and windscreens. Automobiles are produced in an assembly line that requires the same type of components for producing them in large volumes. Different components are prefabricated using machining processes and transferred to the assembly line for final production.

One of the most common automotive machining techniques in use today is known as wire electrical discharge machining (EDM). Wire electric discharge machining (EDM) uses a wire electrode that travels through the conductive work piece. The electrically charged wire is monitored by a Computer Numerically Controlled system (CNC).

Wire EDM removes a material from the work piece by spark erosion. During this process, the wire never touches the conductive work piece. The electrically charged wire leaves a path on the work piece, which is slightly larger than the wire. Often a 0.010′ wire is used which creates a 0.013′ to 0.014′ gap. The wire electrode can just be passed once through the conductive work piece, and cannot be reused.

The gap between the wire and the work piece generates high voltage electrical pulses. The high voltage and the controlled spark melt and vaporize a small part of the work piece. Each spark produces a temperature of 10,000? C, where as the energy turned out by the power supply decides the size of the spark penetration into the material. With the improvement in the cutting speed, reliability, unattended operation, and accuracy, it is also becoming popular in many other industries such as the aerospace, defense, and electronics.

The multiple work pieces set up and unattended operation saves a lot of time of the operator, which can be fruitfully utilized on other job functions. The wire EDM system is very cost-effective and can be operated at around $4 per hour in normal cutting conditions.

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Nothing is more miserable or disgusting in a car than the dirty and smelly carpet. Have you ever spilled soda, milk, motor oil or even bleach on your vehicle’s carpet and though to yourself that it would be nice to just replace the whole thing instead of trying to clean it? Well, it’s actually possible to do just that, and the job isn’t as difficult as you would think. Many people find it more cost efficient to replace their auto carpet, as opposed to trying to clean the dirt or smell from a soiled carpet.

Aauto carpet can be purchased pre-molded to fit the form of your vehicle’s floor pan. So, you do not need to buy flat automotive carpet and try to fit it to the bumps and ridges of your car’s floor, but rather you can simple pull out the old carpet and drop in the new, pre-formed carpet. Buying this form of automotive carpet will make the job much easier and will eliminate most of the work. Sometimes, if you have a newer model of car, you can still buy carpet from the manufacturer, but in most cases the original OEM carpet will be 4 or 5 times more expensive than aftermarket auto carpet, and the quality of the carpet fibers can be inferior to the aftermarket carpet.

It is important to note that there are 2 types of automotive carpet backing. Most new cars, from the 90s and newer, have a type of backing/padding called Massback. It is a heavy foamlike rubber that is usually black. This type if backing is added to add heat and sound insulation as well as some padding under the carpet. Most aftermarket carpet is made with a thin, plastic backing that doesn’t add much in the way of padding or heat/sound insulation. Most aftermarket auto carpet manufacturers will add a 1/2 inch thick jute padding to this type of carpet backing to add some padding to the carpet. Some aftermarket carpet retail stores will sell you the same carpet with either type of backing.

The first thing you will need to do when replacing your auto carpet, is to purchase a carpet kit for your particular vehicle. It is important to point out that now would also be a good time to buy a matching set of floor mats from the same retail store where you buy your carpet. Most manufacturers cut your molded carpet and floor mats from the same roll of carpet and to ensure that you get the same exact die lot, you should order both at the same time.

Be sure to pull the new carpet out of the box as soon as it arrives, since it will be rolled up and crammed into the box. The carpet will need about 24-48 hours to “relax” and regain it’s shape. Sometimes, letting it sit in a warm room, or direct sunlight will help speed up this process.

Once the carpet has relaxed, you can begin the job of installing the new auto carpet. The first step will be to remove the existing carpet from the vehicle. You may need to remove the sill plates by the doors, the seats and seat tracks if they are holding down the carpet and the center console. Basically, anything that is holding down the carpet will need to be removed in order to get the carpet out. Be careful not to destroy the existing carpet, and certainly do not throw the carpet away or discard it, as you will need to use it in a few minutes. Just set the carpet aside for the time being.

Now you should do a little prep work on the floor of your car to get ready to install the new carpet. At this time you can remove the old carpet padding, if any was left behind, but be sure not to remove any body insulation from the floor. You can install heat or sound insulation such as Dynamat at this time and patch or repair any holes in the floor of the vehicle. And it should go without saying, but sweep and clean up and dirt or loose matter from the floor of the vehicle.

Now, most aftermarket auto carpet kits will come slightly oversized and without the pre-cut holes. So, there will be a little work to get the new carpet into the car. There are 2 methods of cutting and trimming your carpet to get it into the vehicle; you can choose which will work best for you. Your first option is to place the new carpet over your old carpet, trim the edges and cut the holes. If you chose this option, you will need to be very careful not to over cut the holes or cut too much from the edges, since you are using the old carpet instead of the vehicle itself. The 2nd option is to work the new carpet into the contours of the car and trim the carpet as you go. This method will give you more accurate results, but may be a little more difficult. Either way, it is important not to cut and trim too much with any one cut. It is best to work slowly, making small cuts and double check that the carpet as not shifted after each cut.

A little secret for making the small holes for things such as the seat bolts is to make a small “X” cut with a knife blade where the hole was in original carpet. You can then simply push the bolt through the carpet. There is usually no need to try to cut a complete hole in your new carpet.

Occasionally you will find that a small section of the auto carpet wants to lift up off the floor, or tries to create a small wrinkle. This can easily be fixed with a small shot of spray adhesive. It is not recommended to spray the entire floor of the car, since the molded carpet should be held in place with the seats and trim pieces that were holding the original carpet in place.

Once the carpet is in place, and trimmed to fit, now you can begin to replace the pieces that were holding the original carpet in place. If you removed the seats, sill plates and trim pieces, then all of these pieces will need to go back into the vehicle.

Once all of pieces are back in place, your job is complete. You will be amazed at how much difference a little work can make to the appearance of your vehicle, not to mention removing that horrible smell that some things like milk can leave behind!

About the Author

Stock Interiors sells top quality custom molded automotive carpet to the aftermarket indistry. Todd has been in the automotive restoration industry for several years and has an extensive background in automotive interior restoration.

In automotive sales training lectures about relationship building and how vital it is to the life of a successful car dealership abound. But how many salespeople actually remember or apply what they’ve learned? Over and over again, it’s been proven that the level of understanding and application of relationship building basics will separate the successful salespeople from those who are just okay at what they do.

Most successful salespeople don’t reinvent the wheel. Instead, they study the examples of others who were successful, and simply duplicate their techniques. This saves time and allows them to move toward their goal.

Are you ready to transform your sales from mediocre to magnificent by using relationship-building techniques? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

You don’t have to sacrifice the customer’s benefit to make a sale. For example, listening is the basic building block of any long-lasting and profitable relationship. If a customer doesn’t think you are listening, they will be less likely to want to spend time with you, and less likely to buy from you as a result. You have to show the customer that you understand what an emotional decision they’re making and earn their trust over time.

Be proud of what you do. Take advantage of every opportunity to show the customer how much you know about the industry and its products. Present yourself not so much as someone who wants the sale, but as an expert in your field; someone the customer can feel comfortable coming to at any time.

Once you’ve built a relationship, it’s time to complete the 5 steps that will move you closer to achieving the sale, also known as the AIDA principle:

1. You must somehow get the prospective customer’s attention 2. You must pique the prospective customer’s interest by showing the product in an appealing light 3. You must create a desire in the prospective customer’s mind for the product 4. You must back up the positive points of the product with some form of evidence 5. You must inspire the prospective customer to take action and buy the product

Even if your techniques haven’t worked immediately, you will have planted a seed that the customer will find difficult to ignore. But don’t let it germinate for too long! Keep in regular contact with the customer, making yourself completely accessible via cell phone, email, or the dealership. Encourage them to make an appointment with you. Not doing so could send them right into the arms of your competitor.

Before the appointment, you should do your homework and be ready to address the customer’s needs. Allow them to communicate, and never ever rush a sale. Instead, ask questions that will help you to serve them better. Uncover their motivations for wanting a better car. If time or money is the issue, reschedule the appointment. This will ensure that they don’t feel pressured into buying something right away, and will give you time to think about how you’re going to close the sale.

No matter what else happens, you have to make 100% sure that your customer understands absolutely every single benefit of the vehicle you are trying to sell them. This may be a given for many salespeople, but you’d be surprised at how many more actually miss it!

If you make a promise to the customer, keep it. Following through is vital, and will go a long way to showing them you care. Don’t assume that a customer will get over it if you don’t call or give them a heads-up about something; they won’t. When your customer is ready, go with your gut; by now, you should be comfortable enough with your customer to know how they would best respond to any given closing technique.

Finally, if a problem arises, opt for explaining to the customer why the problem has occurred rather than giving them an excuse as to why you can’t meet their needs. This way, you’ll help the customer to understand more about the problem, which may reduce some of their frustration.

Following these basics of relationship building can help to ensure you are getting the most from your automotive sales training, and that your customers are getting the most from you. Click now automotive sales training to learn how you can acquire the skills to stay ahead in this game!

About the Author

Tim Davis is the Marketing Director for Breiter Strom, an international marketing company based out of Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Tim has been a major contributor to the newest Breiter Strom product “AutomatorPlus,” the product that has more dealerships buzzing than imaginable, because when it comes to car sales training, Tim Davis is the go-to guy. -

Selling automotive detailing products or car wash supplies and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) carwash kits can be a tough row to hoe. There are the big corporations who have such kits like the Mr. Clean brand and twenty or so dealer networks which sell products in major markets and deliver in vans. Still there must be hundreds of Online Internet Sellers out there promoting their products in the same way.

Of course this is not an easy business to jump into. Just developing a website and putting products up online for sale is not easy at all. Many such businesses do somewhat poorly state many start-up Internet Entrepreneurs.

Indeed, I agree that the issues on the Internet are not so easy. It is almost as if you need to get with another online “Everything” catalog Internet clearing house that sells many different online products, if one exists in the automotive domain, then that would even be better you see? It is hard to rank high in the search engines if you are a new website with few pages and it takes time to develop a following. And there is a ton of competition out there in cyberspace. For instance this company; www.strike3homecarwash.com .

How about working deals and getting links from Muscle Cars Online or Barrett Jackson Auto Auction in Scottsdale. I agree that if you were on a website for lets say AutoTrader online recently bought out by another company, or Hemmings.com or The Robb Report or Dupont Registry.

The fact is that small business sales on the Internet are a lot like networking in your local community. That is to say you need to work with others to succeed. Perhaps this article might be of interest to your online business and I hope this propels thought in 2007.

Every mishandled prospective customer in an automobile showroom represents a lost opportunity which translates into lost revenue. For steadily increasing revenue it is imperative to turn showroom traffic into real customers. Increased sales and profit generated thus, will improve the bottom-line.

To achieve this goal every automobile company needs a comprehensive training program that has specific sales training objectives. The training program should be tailored in a manner that specific sales performance concerns are addressed adequately. For this to happen the sales training program of an automotive company needs to be evaluated thoroughly for any possibilities of incorporating changes that will lead to optimization of resources and consequently to optimal sales.

Automotive secret shoppers provide an invaluable performance measurement tool that is sought after by many of the top automotive organizations. Successful secret shopping in the automotive marketplace demands a detailed knowledge of the industry. So, agencies either employ experienced shoppers or train new recruits for the automotive industry. As a result several customer service and customer experience programs in new and used vehicle sales, service and parts for a variety of automotive industry clients have been developed. As per the demands of a particular company appropriate programs are chosen and tailored to fit.

Automotive secret shoppers give feedback about what kind of information is revealed during a used car sales pitch. Though withholding negative information from a client is not ethically right, it needs to be couched in euphemisms and delivered in a convincing manner. It is up to the customer to decide for or against the vehicle.

A typical report by an automotive secret shopper may include personal details about a sales person like his like greeting and opening remarks, appearance and attitude, and needs analysis and probing skills. Technical evaluation may include information about product knowledge and demonstration skills, sales presentation skills, negotiation techniques and closing skills. Reports about the facility in general will include feedback on the cleanliness of the facility, showroom and parking lot.

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By the year 2000, there were about 217 million vehicles on the road in the U.S., traveling 2.5 trillion miles, and consuming 160 billion gallons of gasoline. In light of these figures from the Center for Automotive Research, how could you not consider a career in the ever-expanding automotive industry?

Need more convincing? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, automotive service technicians held about 803,000 jobs in 2004, and demand for technicians will only increase as the number of multi-car families continues its upward trend.

And, median hourly earnings of automotive service technicians, including commission, are $15.60 (the highest 10 percent earn more than $26.22 per hour). In addition, many experienced technicians receive a commission related to the labor cost, and employers often guarantee commissioned technicians a minimum weekly salary.

So the growth of the automotive service profession is not surprising — today’s technicians are high-tech professionals, working on complex vehicles with global positioning systems, Internet access, and alternate-fuel systems. Their work goes beyond traditional repairs and involves inspecting, maintaining, and repairing automobiles with electronic as well as traditional hand tools. Since cars are more computer-controlled than ever before (according to the Center for Automotive Research, the average vehicle contains between 40 and 50 microprocessors), automotive service technicians need the intensive career preparation offered by automotive service technician schools.

The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certify a number of automotive service technician schools, which may offer general education courses as well as employable skills such as customer service and stress management.

Certification is the next step after completing coursework at automotive service technician schools. Voluntary certification by ASE is the standard credential in the automotive industry. You can get certified in one or more of eight areas of automotive service, including electrical systems, engine repair, brake systems, suspension and steering, and heating and air-conditioning. If you want to become certified as a master automobile technician, you need to be certified in all eight areas.

Job opportunities are expected to be excellent for those who graduate from automotive service technician schools and become certified. Even through downturns in the economy, the effects on the automotive industry are minimal.

Rev up your high-tech career with hands-on training from automotive service technician schools.

Brake systems in automotives have seen a lot of improvements since the emergence of the first car in automotive history. Now, almost three centuries after, automotive brake systems have evolved much since the traditional drum brakes of the early 1900’s. These brakes were of considerable popularity up to the end of the 1970’s, when disc brakes began to be widely accepted and circulated for mass production. Although there are fewer drum brakes now, a number of modern cars like the Toyota Prius still rely on drum brakes. These days, though, the type of automotive brake systems often seen in cars employ disc brakes. Frederick William Lanchester in Birmmingham, England, was actually the first person to patent the first ever disc brakes for automotive use, but it took a long time before the potential and reliability of these disc brakes were recognized. Initially, this brake system was confined to sports cars. Over time, when improved performance of this innovation steadily became apparent, disc brakes were put to use by many automotive companies, and thus, became a common feature of contemporary passenger cars as well. Disc brakes also include brake pads, rotor as well as calipers and support.

Other parts of the modern automotive brakes also include the master cylinder. This is typically located in front of the driver’s seat, in the engine compartment. This cylinder is usually made up of two, with each one connected to a pair of wheels. In this manner, if either of the cylinders suddenly suffers from corruption or component collapse and malfunctions, the other still remains to enable you to brake effectively. Another automotive brake system element is the brake fluid. This is enclosed in a container positioned on top of the master cylinder. Remember that when you are changing your brake fluid, you should take care to replace the cap or lid on it immediately. Because brake fluid corrupts after a certain period of use–as do all things–when it’s time to pour in a new batch, most people forget that the air that gets into the hydraulic fluid contaminates it, lowering its boiling point while raising its freezing point, in addition to adversely affecting its anti-corrosives. Then there are also the brake lines. This is the path that the brake fluid takes that allows it to circulate from the master cylinder to the wheels. Last, there are also the power brake booster and anti-lock brakes.

For most people, brake system care and maintenance do not necessarily enter into their run of daily thoughts and worries. As long as the car gets them where they are going and stops when they press on the pedal, they relegate these issues to the backburner, remembering them only when they find themselves confronted with a spongy brake pedal or, much worse, with brake failure. So, if you do not fancy the thought of finding yourself falling back into childhood prayers while you hang tight to the steering wheel, do yourself a favor and learn more about your brake system. Knowing more always leads to better automotive protection.

About the Author

Michael Kingston is a freelance writer from Albany, New York. He enjoys online games and is passionate about cars as well. He’s specifically fond of how automotive brakes work. -

Today’s cars, light trucks, and sport-utility vehicles are high-tech marvels with digital dashboards, oxygen sensors, electronic computers, unibody construction, and more. They run better, longer, and more efficiently than models of years past.

But when it comes to repairs, some things stay the same. Whatever type of repair facility you patronize–dealership, service station, independent garage, specialty shop, or a national franchise–good communications between customer and shop is vital.

The following tips should help you along the way:

Do your homework before taking your vehicle in for repairs or service.

Today’s technician must understand thousands of pages of technical text. Fortunately, your required reading is much less.

* Read the owner’s manual to learn about the vehicle’s systems and components.

* Follow the recommended service schedules. Keep a log of all repairs and service.

When you think about it, you know your car better than anyone else. You drive it every day and know how it feels and sounds when everything is right. So don’t ignore its warning signals.

Use all of your senses to inspect your car frequently. Check for:

* Unusual sounds, odors, drips, leaks, smoke, warning lights, gauge readings.

* Changes in acceleration, engine performance, gas mileage, fluid levels.

* Worn tires, belts, hoses.

* Problems in handling, braking, steering, vibrations.

Note when the problem occurs.

* Is it constant or periodic?

* When the vehicle is cold or after the engine has warmed up?

* At all speeds? Only under acceleration? During braking? When shifting?

* When did the problem first start?

Professionally run repair establishments have always recognized the importance of communications in automotive repairs.

Once you are at the repair establishment, communicate your findings.

* Be prepared to describe the symptoms. (In larger shops you’ll probably speak with a service writer/service manager rather than with the technician directly.)

* Carry a written list of the symptoms that you can give to the technician or service manager.

* Resist the temptation to suggest a specific course of repair. Just as you would with your physician, tell where it hurts and how long it’s been that way, but let the technician diagnose and recommend a remedy.

Stay involved… Ask questions.

* Ask as many questions as you need. Do not be embarrassed to request lay definitions.

* Don’t rush the service writer or technician to make an on-the-spot diagnosis. Ask to be called and apprised of the problem, course of action, and costs before work begins.

* Before you leave, be sure you understand all shop policies regarding labor rates, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment.

About the Author

Location:NSW Aust. Age: 43 yrs. Interests:reading,writing,horses,working on my website. Occupation: Student in library services. www.ezestore.info

Brake systems in automotives have seen a lot of improvements since the emergence of the first car in automotive history. Now, almost three centuries after, automotive brake systems have evolved much since the traditional drum brakes of the early 1900’s. These brakes were of considerable popularity up to the end of the 1970’s, when disc brakes began to be widely accepted and circulated for mass production. Although there are fewer drum brakes now, a number of modern cars like the Toyota Prius still rely on drum brakes. These days, though, the type of automotive brake systems often seen in cars employ disc brakes. Frederick William Lanchester in Birmmingham, England, was actually the first person to patent the first ever disc brakes for automotive use, but it took a long time before the potential and reliability of these disc brakes were recognized. Initially, this brake system was confined to sports cars. Over time, when improved performance of this innovation steadily became apparent, disc brakes were put to use by many automotive companies, and thus, became a common feature of contemporary passenger cars as well. Disc brakes also include brake pads, rotor as well as calipers and support.

Other parts of the modern automotive brakes also include the master cylinder. This is typically located in front of the driver’s seat, in the engine compartment. This cylinder is usually made up of two, with each one connected to a pair of wheels. In this manner, if either of the cylinders suddenly suffers from corruption or component collapse and malfunctions, the other still remains to enable you to brake effectively. Another automotive brake system element is the brake fluid. This is enclosed in a container positioned on top of the master cylinder. Remember that when you are changing your brake fluid, you should take care to replace the cap or lid on it immediately. Because brake fluid corrupts after a certain period of use–as do all things–when it’s time to pour in a new batch, most people forget that the air that gets into the hydraulic fluid contaminates it, lowering its boiling point while raising its freezing point, in addition to adversely affecting its anti-corrosives. Then there are also the brake lines. This is the path that the brake fluid takes that allows it to circulate from the master cylinder to the wheels. Last, there are also the power brake booster and anti-lock brakes.

For most people, brake system care and maintenance do not necessarily enter into their run of daily thoughts and worries. As long as the car gets them where they are going and stops when they press on the pedal, they relegate these issues to the backburner, remembering them only when they find themselves confronted with a spongy brake pedal or, much worse, with brake failure. So, if you do not fancy the thought of finding yourself falling back into childhood prayers while you hang tight to the steering wheel, do yourself a favor and learn more about your brake system. Knowing more always leads to better automotive protection.

About the Author

Michael Kingston is a freelance writer from Albany, New York. He enjoys online games and is passionate about cars as well. He’s specifically fond of how automotive brakes work. -

Navigation systems have proven to be quite useful for many drivers. This is primarily because navigation systems for vehicles has the capacity to provide drivers with the most recent and updated information on the various roads and the various traffic conditions. And in that way, cars and vehicles can simply steer clear of roads that are heavily congested with traffic. In the process, car navigation systems help drivers save on time and on gas.

Now, there is yet another new car navigation device sent out to the market. This one is from Clarion and it is an in-car navigation device which runs on Windows Automotive. Windows Automotive is actually based on the Windows CE 5.0. This new in-car navigation system is named the NAX963HD. It has got a 30 GB hard drive to provide you with ample map data. It is not bulky for it just around an inch thick giving you more space. You see, you can simply stash this device just right beneath your seat.

If you are planning on purchasing this device along with some Volvo Universal parts, you might want to think about it first. You see, you still would have to import this device straight from Europe for it is still not yet for sale in the United States. And it also holds a tag price of around US$3,200 at that. Plus shipping and handling of course. However, if you think that this is just worth that much, then of course, go right ahead.

Anyhow, according to Clarion, this device is actually capable of connecting to any vehicle’s audio or video entertainment system display. In fact, Clarion further states that this new navigation device could be used with the MAX668RVD which is also from the company. You see, a combination of these new devices, the driver would be able to receive verbal instructions straight right out of them. The navigation unit also has a GPS receiver that is able to support twelve channels. However, if you are thinking about the specifications and the memory of the device, this has yet to be disclosed by the company.

About the Author

Kenneth McKinley is a 35-year old marketing specialist of voparts.com, a leading Volvo parts dealer in the country today. Working in the car parts industry for a long time now and being a car enthusiast himself gives him a wealth of knowledge on anything automotive.

Automotive service technician training is perfect for people who enjoy solving problems and don’t mind getting their hands dirty. The automotive repair professional of today is more than just an auto mechanic; modern auto service technicians are well-trained experts with extensive experience and solid training in automotive service and repair.

Automotive service technician training will teach you much more than the essentials of car maintenance and auto repair. You will learn the uses for specialized electronic diagnostic equipment, computer-based technical reference materials, diagnostic computers and compression gauges. You will learn how to quickly find the source of engine or electrical problem(s) in cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles, and accurately determine the type of repairs that may be necessary.

After you have made the correct diagnosis, you will learn to perform maintenance and repairs with traditional hand tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches. You will also learn to work with power tools, specialized computers and hydraulic equipment. A thorough automotive service technician course should touch upon communications and business practices, which will be especially helpful should you decide to go into business for yourself.

To reach automotive service technician certification level can take up to a year of study and experience. Your school may also offer an advanced two-year associate degree program, which would be well-regarded by any employer. Automotive service technicians are subject to regular review and recertification, so many schools offer refresher courses and periodically update their curriculums to keep abreast of emerging technologies.

So, are you ready to begin your automotive service repair training? The first step is to be sure that your chosen school offers Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. That will be your assurance that the education you receive will be comprehensive and of high quality. Certified automotive service technician training is offered in trade schools, vocational schools and community colleges across the country.

To learn more about Automotive Service Technician Training, or even online automotive training, visit our website and submit a request to a few schools today. You will soon have all the information you need to make a decision that could greatly improve your future.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on our website.

Copyright 2007 - All rights reserved by Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.

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Most know the most glaring auto repair pricing abuses: Service centers overcharging $100?s even $1000?s for repairs, or charging for repairs that were never done at all.

To be sure, this still happens every day. However, there are many other techniques which involve flying just low enough to avoid detection.

The savvy service centers increase the price so as not to set off any alarms. It has become so common that it?s not just an accepted industry practice, but even service customers have accepted paying higher prices.

Knowing how ingrained price-gouging is within the automotive service industry, it?s shocking (although understandable) that even service customers have succumbed to excessive car repair prices. I frequently hear service customers? state:

?Yeah, I know I was ripped off, but my car?s fixed now.? Or, ?I know they charge too much, but they?re convenient.?

This is insane! To accept auto repair price-gouging is to allow its continuation. The difficult part, of course, is how to stop it. Given that the automotive service industry is so big and powerful (and so frightfully necessary) how does one battle such a force?

Perhaps the first thing to understand is the degree to which this type of stealth-like price-gouging occurs. A two-decade undercover investigation has revealed that 98% of all repair shops (dealerships, local shops, and franchises) are price-gouging their customers in one form or another.

The following exchange, between a service manager and service advisor, provides an idea of the ?scope of scamming? below the radar.

A service advisor asked his manager how to bill more hours per month, which is another way of asking how the advisor can make more money. The service manager casually stated:

?Simply add an additional two tenths to every ticket you write.?

In other words, every customer this service advisor ?helps,? he was instructed by a superior to add a ?little? extra. So if the labor rate is $100 per hour two tenths would equal $20. Rather than pay $100 per hour, the service customer would actually pay $120.

$20 doesn?t sound like much compared to the gross injustices we all know. However, whether it?s an overcharge of two cents or $20, it?s too much.

If you visit a shop practicing this strategy alone (there are hundreds of strategies, many applied simultaneously), you may end up paying over a $100 or more by year?s end.

What?s really shocking is that being ripped off $100 over a year?s time is actually minor!

Try $500-$5000

About the Author:

Theodore P. Olson (Ted) holds extensive certifications from Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, GM, and ASE. He is the author of eight books and numerous articles on the automotive service industry. Auto Repair Cost Estimates

If you?re a driver who is aging, it doesn?t mean you are a driver who is facing a lack of automotive insurance. Quite the contrary, if you are a driver who is aging, you could very well be facing discounts in automotive insurance.

Depending on the automotive insurance company through which you are insured, you may be eligible for various discounts. For example, many insurance companies that specialize in more than one kind of insurance will offer discounts to policyholders who purchase more than one insurance policy from them. Many people choose to purchase both their automotive insurance policies and their homeowner?s insurance policies through the same insurance company, which results in a discount in premiums.

Some insurance companies also offer discounts to aging drivers who have good driving records, and for various reasons. Drivers certain ages, usually 50 years of age and older, who have been driving for many years, are viewed as being less of a risk than new drivers ? especially if they have good driving records. Aging drivers are seen as more responsible. Plus, aging drivers are less likely to go ?joy riding? like younger drivers are, which puts them at less risk for traffic accidents and violations.

Aging drivers who are looking for discounts should follow the same tips as any other driver. Drive a safe car, park it in a safe location, and make sure it has anti-theft safety components. Keep traffic violations and accidents to a minimum, if not nonexistent, and try not to drive a significant number of miles more than necessary a year.

Some automotive insurance companies even offer discounts for aging drivers who participate in driving programs that the insurance companies provide, or participate in with another company. These driving programs are designed to refresh and sharpen driving skills, as well as restore defensive driving tactics.

So, the next time you worry about automotive insurance because you?re an aging driver, stop!

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CRM software is only one component of Information Technology.

Information Technology (IT) should comprise all hardware and software data solutions; marketing and communication systems; and most importantly the design, testing, application and refinement of the methods of implementation.

In other words, IT is not just software and hardware, it is the central philosophy and methodology underlying the coordinated application of technological assets in the search for efficient growth.

IT Objectives:

Maximize capitalization of internet prospects Maximize capitalization of global corporate data Minimize Internet and/or BDC departmental overhead Reduce third-party lead referral costs Increase captive lead frequency Strengthen ancillary revenue streams - parts, service and merchandise Exploit horizontal market opportunities

As such, a CRM platform cannot not be considered - in itself - an efficient vehicle for growth. Rather, the coordination of CRM with all other IT assets, in concert with a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy - across all franchises (and beyond) - remains the key to attaining and sustaining a superior level of efficient growth.

With this in mind, the evaluation of any piece of hardware or software should include it’s ability to:

Work properly Accommodate strategic goals and processes “Talk” to other systems Adapt Be easy to use and understand Work quickly Work securely and privately

With regard to personnel, the ideal IT manager should not only possess a reasonable knowledge of hardware and software systems, but also a strong grasp of the retail marketplace, in addition to marketing and communications strategies. The IT manager will consolidate all technological assets and (working in conjunction with the principal(s)) develop new strategies facilitated via this nascent consolidation of datasources and communications systems.

Moreover, the IT manager is the most important piece of the puzzle; for it is through this key employee that all data and communications pass, all systems unite; and the successful, efficient utilization of this amalgamation via strategic marketing initiatives is dependent. No other single employee has the potential to control so much, and through doing so contribute so much.

In closing: Where most have welcomed and quickly capitalized upon technological advances in communication, the automotive retail industry - obstinate and myopic - has barely capitulated. Hence, the opportunities just over the horizon may be considerable for those who endeavor.

About the Author

Fabien Vegas is founder and president of www.fabienvegas.com, a CRM solution provider and applications development company.

There is a real challenge out there as the Automotive Industry ?globalises? ? experts in a number of disciplines from Sales to Design, Engineering to Manufacturing are having to talk to each other across continents. This brings so many challenges, both for the business and the individual. Companies like Nissan and Renault have important alliances in place, and most automotive manufacturers are present in China, working with local industries.

The Challenge

English is the global language of the Automotive Industry

There are ever increasing demands on Automotive executives:

International Travel
International Companies & Alliances
Shared, Time-pressured Development programmes
International Meetings ? face to face, on the phone, even on TV
International Communications ? e-mails, letters, video conferencing
Global Experts in Design, Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance who have challenges when trying to get their expertise across.

The Personal Challenge

Imaging the difficulties posed by the following examples:

1. ?He?s wrong!? ? but how do I tell him that politely?

2. ?That?s not the best way? ? but how do I tell them what is the best way in terms that they will understand and without offending them?

3. ?I?m thirsty? ? but how do I ask for a drink around here?

4. ?I?d really like to see the way that he calculated that? ? but how do I ask him?

5. ?I don?t want to eat here, I?ve heard it?s no good!? ? but how do I let them know?

6. ?That?s a lousy deal!? ? but how do we discuss this in the kind of detail I want to go into??

7. ?I really want to understand what makes this colleague / customer ?tick? ? it would make this project / negotiation much easier? ? but I?m stuck for words! English is too difficult!

The Solution

The Automotive giants and their suppliers need to get their experts ?up to speed?, NOW. International alliances and cooperation means more travel, more meetings and more and more shared projects and platforms. There are various options available to employers to enhance their employees’ skills in English, especially to those in Japan, Korea and China. The best option has to be one-to-one tuition in the UK, Australia or the US. Good training (which can also be carried out in-house, or in a language school either ‘at home’ or abroad) enables international experts to communicate easily and with confidence, so that a car-makers’ ideas and agenda are definitely put forward.

Too often during my career in the industry I have watched Japanese colleagues struggling to communicate their point of view (and therefore that of their employers!) to people from very foreign cultures. My favourite example of this is sitting in a car in the UK, next to a Turkish gentleman, and hearing one half of a conversation he was having with a Vietnamese gentleman who was speaking from his desk in France where he works for a German company ? all about a project for a French customer for parts that would be manufactured in Turkey for a Romanian factory! All of this was in ENGLISH!

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