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"Do you focus much attention on what your competitors are doing?"
"I believe that it is necessary to be aware of what the competition is doing and use that information when making your own business decisions and marketing plans, but I do not change every time the competition does something different. It’s best to stick with your own game plan and modify it when necessary."
Bob Fischer, AAM, owner
Fischer Auto Service, Inc.
Inver Grove Heights, Minn.Future Question:
How do you handle customers who are "no-shows" for appointments?
To respond call (800) 272-7467, ext. 219, or send e-mail to:angiep@asa.dataorg.com (no period at end).Advanced Frame Concept
A consortium of at least 30 of the world’s leading steel companies are investing $20 million in the Ultralight Steel Auto Body (ULSAB) research and development project with the hopes of interesting automakers in the concept. The ULSAB Phase 1 model is a hybrid unibody design that makes use of existing technology such as tubular hydroforming, laser welding, spot welding, tailor welded blanking and roll forming. The model promises to reduce body structure weight by up to 35 percent, lower cost by $154 per vehicle and improve torsional rigidity by 69 percent compared to current vehicles in the four-door, mid-size class.The Florida House Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Services approved to amend legislation that seeks to establish requirements for the use of genuine and aftermarket crash parts. In testimony submitted to the Florida House committee, the Automotive Service Association (ASA) urged the panel to approve the original legislation, which would have required the use of genuine crash parts in the first three years of a vehicle’s life, unless the owner consented in writing at the time of the repair to the use of aftermarket crash parts. The amended version would drop the requirement to use genuine crash parts on the newer vehicles and weaken disclaimer language regarding the possible loss of carmaker warranties. The committee will consider the legislation again in the near future.
Fel-Pro Incorporated is distributing material safety data sheets (MSDSs) in an innovative new way--through the company’s web site (http://www.fel-pro.com). The company has also announced a fax service for MSDSs.
State Farm has announced the areas of the country where it will begin the national rollout of its "Service First" claims handling program. The company expects to begin offering the program at selected locations in Missouri, Pennsylvania and South Texas sometime after April 1. Implementation in chosen locations nationwide and in Canada will take about 12 to 18 months. The program will continue in the pilot areas of Atlanta, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver and the Illinois cities of Champaign, Urbana, Peoria, Pekin and Rockford. Claims management people in each of State Farm’s 28 regions will decide when and where to implement Service First. The program won’t necessarily be available everywhere; in some states, legal restrictions may limit or prevent its use.
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More Info About AutoInc. || Tech To Tech || News Briefs Extra
A Look at Collision Repair In The North-Central Region || Tech Tips
Chairman's Message || Issues Along The Way || The Top 45 Tips For Success
Guest Editorial || The Changing Parts Market -- And How It Affects Shop Owners
Collision Estimating Times: Are They Shrinking? || Have You Heard About OBD III?
AutoInc. Magazine ®, Vol. XLIV No. 5, May 1996