The state of auto repair service: Technician shortages, jobber training and new tech
Now that the festivities of the holidays have become memory, it’s time to look at a few of the changes we can expect to see in automotive service during 2010.
Advances in In-Car Automotive Electronics
Fifty years ago, the only in-car electronics available to most motorists was a radio. How things change!
Dorman Products released its 2009 Service Dealer Guide
Dorman Products released its 2009 Service Dealer Guide, Volume 2, featuring more than 50 formerly “dealer only” parts now available to the aftermarket. New in Volume 2 are European application parts and replacements for rust-prone parts. Look for the “Euro” and “Rust” icons throughout the guide, highlighting these “must have” but often hard-to-find parts. www.DormanSDG.com
Future Shock
Given that group technician programs have the ability to increase the profitability and viability of the average independent repair shop, what technical and marketing challenges do they face?
Maintenance vs. Repair: The Impact on Parts Sourcing
Knowing what maintenance parts your customers need will make their vehicles safer and more reliable — and your revenue greater.
The Complexities of Multiplexing
We can surely count on multiplexing to proliferate throughout all vehicle lines and become a common issue in future aftermarket parts distribution and service. But only time will tell how the aftermarket will adapt.
The Parts Proliferation-Consolidator Connection
As parts proliferation continues to create headaches for traditional aftermarket distributors, the addition of advancing technology is pushing some volume shops to look to consolidators for their parts purchases.
Annual Technical Training Seminars
Every April, Counterman presents the annual Technical Sales Seminars. This year’s seminar series provides the technical details on 12 essential product categories.
Product Training and Technology: More Like Rocket Science
Just when you think you have a handle on product training, something new is introduced to the market. Do you have the time, money and smarts to stay informed?
Top 10 News Stories of 2006
For the third year in a row, the editorial staffs of aftermarketNews and Counterman magazine take a look at the events that have had the most impact on the automotive aftermarket in the past year. News stories are presented in chronological order.