Automotive News

Adhesion and Automotive Tape

2011-09-15T03:40:00.000-07:00

In looking at the specs for two types of 3M Automotive Tape, you'll see two different levels of adhesion. So, what is adhesion, and what does it mean to tape buyers?
First, adhesion (as in adhesive) refers to the degree of stickiness exhibited by tape. Consider, for example, the difference between a PostIt Note and duct tape. The first can easily be pulled away, while duct tape demands that you pull hard if you want to take it off. We would say, then, that the PostIt Notes exhibit low adhesion and duct tape exhibits high adhesion.
And since we have all kinds of uses for tape, and can have different time spans in mind, it makes sense to choose the adhesion level that works best for your purposes. If you're tacking a small piece of chrome onto your dash, you might use something like 3M Automotive Attachment tape. On the other hand, if you're sticking a fender back on your '57 Chevy, then you'll want 3M's VHB tape, which is strong enough to compare with light riveting or spot welding.
How can you tell which is which, when it comes to choosing a type of tape? Look in the technical specifications section and compare the numbers of the descriptive terms used. For example, 'good' adhesion refers to a lighter or less sticky tape, and 'high' or 'excellent' refers to a stickier tape, one that's harder to pull away from the surface to which it's attached.
This bonding strength isn't the only factor to consider in buying tape, but certainly ranks as critical. After all, if you can't get it to stick one thing to another, it does you no good.
Incidentally, do you know the difference between 'adhesion' and 'cohesion'? As Benjamin E. Russ is of the University of California at San Diego explains in Scientific American, "There are two fundamentally different components of tape's sticky nature; adhesion and cohesion. Adhesion is the binding force between two different materials, whereas cohesion is the binding force between two similar materials... Hence, the 'stickiness' of tape is caused by a combination of the molecular forces of the glue material sticking to itself as well as holding onto the substrate."
Take a moment next time you're shopping for 3M Automotive Tape, or any other type of tape, to consider the key role of that sticky stuff on one or both sides of your tape.

Here Are Five Best Automotive Technology Schools in the United States

2011-09-15T03:39:00.002-07:00

Automobile technology is ever changing and becoming increasingly complex. There is a growing need for educated mechanics that understand the technology and can determine the cause of mechanical problems. If you are mechanically inclined, you may want to consider attending an automotive school. The five best automotive technology schools in the United States are discussed below.
1. Universal Technical Institute (UTI) - UTI offers the basic classes, but also offers manufacturer specific electives that allow students to become experts in a specific make of car. Some examples include Audi, BMW, Daimler, and Mercedes-Benz.
2. NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI) - NASCAR and UTI have teamed up to open NTI. This allows for more highly skilled technicians that can work on the intricate engines in NASCAR vehicles. Students take a wide variety of classroom courses that qualify them to become and entry level technician. They can also take NASCAR and Ford specific electives to make them more specialized.
3. Nashville Auto Diesel College (NADC) - NADC has been around for over 80 years. They pride themselves on providing the upmost hands on training. In addition to the basic diesel curriculum, they also offer curriculum in collision repair and refinishing technology.
4. Lincoln Technical Institute - Lincoln offers many different certificate and diploma programs. Students can major in automotive mechanics, collision repair, diesel technology, and high performance automotives.
5. Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) - There are far too few motorcycle technicians in the country. MMI offers a 36 week program that teaches students the basic mechanics and everything they need to know about motorcycles. In addition to the core program, you can choose to specialize in Harley Davidson, BMW, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the automotive industry is expected to grow well into the next decade with a growth rate that is about 4% over the national average. Graduates from accredited programs typically work in dealerships, manufacturing facilities, and repair shops. Many even go on to open their own garage.
With the current amount of advanced technology and computers in automobiles, the days of backyard mechanics is almost gone. This is causing the need for skill mechanics to be at an all time high. It is important to note that even with a degree from an accredited automotive technology school, your education is not over. You will likely have to have continuing education courses on new technology that arises.

Automotive Repair Shop Software Review - For Repair Shop Owners

2011-09-15T03:39:00.000-07:00

Automotive repair shop software is a tool that is designed to reduce to the barest minimum of time you spend on administrative activities, so that you can actually concentrate on the job, improve business work flow and make more profits.
Advanced technology and knowledge has moved car shop management activities and control to a higher level where you can handle much more jobs, work faster, and net more profits.
You can actually move your shop from the traditional time wasting method of filing carbon copy forms, and doing everything manually to tracking all activities electronically.
Good automotive repair shop software will handle all your jobs from the beginning to the end, thus making your shop administration far less boring.
The following are the features that make this software indispensable for every car repair centers that want to really jerk up their productivity.
1. Appointment Scheduling: You can easily plan your appointments with customers ahead of the time, and get information about when customers are due to arrive for their jobs and the time you allow for them.
2. Track Work in Progress: With a simple color code you can track the status of each job and know how they are progressing.
3. Check Your Level of Profitability: You can easily determine when you are making profit or otherwise with the right color code.
4. Car Parts Sales: You can sell auto parts over the counters without the input of the full details of customers, a great time and money saver.
In the situation where you have a lot of customers to deal with, automotive repair shop software will show you who you sell what to, and all the details associated with it.
You can also get all the information you need about customers' histories, that will help you to quickly confirm and determine important issues like refund, recalls, etc.
5. Parts Management: The software can take care of issues like inventory control, price matrix, restock invoice tracking, etc, which will help you to have total control over parts movement and prices, and minimize losses altogether.
6. Marketing Management: A great marketing tool that will help you do follow up on customers by giving you information on them and helping you to send reminders, thank you cards, appointment scheduling time, etc.
Automotive repair shop software makes all your workshop activities a breeze. It turns every complexity into a simple process that will make your job less burdensome and more profitable.

Automotive Mechanic Job Description

2011-09-15T03:38:00.002-07:00

Automotive Mechanics are responsible for repairing and maintaining all types of motor vehicles, such as motorcycles, small passenger cars, large diesel buses and trucks or tractors. The automobile is made up of many parts that some mechanics so that some of them choose to specialize in specific repair works like auto body repair, engine work, or electronic systems. General automotive mechanics usually do preventive maintenance like rotating tires, changing oil filters, replenishing fluids, and diagnosing engine problems. They troubleshoot automobiles that don't run properly, following guidelines formulated by the manufacturers, diagnosing, repairing or replacing defective parts.
The job of automotive mechanics used to be simple but because of the high level of technology involved in modern transportation, their job has also evolved. Vehicles today use computers and integrated electronic systems to regulate almost all aspects of vehicle operations, from fuel supply system to climate control within the vehicle. Because of this, in addition to traditional skills and tools that they need to practice their profession, they now need to know how to use computers in computerized shops, working with the vehicles' electronic and computerized system. On board computers tell the automotive mechanics whether the vehicle is performing well or not. They use sophisticated diagnostic tools and equipment to tell them what is causing the problem and how to correct it, or replace the defective part when found. They follow a checklist of items to inspect to ensure that every part that is essential to the vehicle's operation is functioning properly. Parts include hoses, belts, plugs, and fuel and brake systems.
Automotive mechanics must undergo special certification process so they can learn new technologies in maintaining and repairing not only engines but every part of the automobile that can break down. There are mechanics who choose to be certified on specific brands or makes of vehicles.

Automotive Advertising Agencies Don't Know What They Don't Know But Social Media Has The Answers

2011-09-15T03:38:00.000-07:00

Automotive advertising agencies are being asked to deliver more for less by a consolidating auto industry in response to reduced sales volume, profit margins and automotive advertising budgets. The solution, as is often the case, lies in the leveraged use of technology applied to a constant in the auto industry -- change. Another constant that can be found in the auto industry is human nature. These two constants, change and human nature, power the explosive growth of the use of social media by automotive advertising agencies. Unfortunately, the change is happening at warp speed on the Internet Super Highway and agencies don't know what they don't know when it comes to new technologies and applications being developed to monetize social media.
Attempts to provide a presence for automobile dealers on social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter fall short for the same reasons that these online communities of friends are so successful with consumers. People hate car dealers and they often turn to advice from like minded consumers on social networking sites to get away from them. Automotive advertising agencies that impose on these personal conversations with self serving sales messages are often ostracized and even virally attacked as an intruder. The potential damage to the online reputation of their auto dealer clients represents a risk to reward formula that has forced many agencies to abandon social media as a viable channel to deliver a retail sales or service message.
Fortunately, the same social media that teaches consumers how to buy a vehicle can provide automobile dealers with the information and the tools that they need to sell them one. Social networking portals developed by advertising professionals, automotive vendors and auto dealers allow their members to share best practices with the common philosophy that a rising tide floats all boats. Each online community boasts its own personality and rules of the road to keep members in their lane. The temptation to sell to each other is controlled by the same social pressures that exist on consumer facing social networks for those that forget why they are there -- to listen and learn so they can presume to teach their auto dealers how they can sell cars and service to their online friends.
In addition to sharing best practices, many automotive advertising agencies use social media to discover new technologies and vendor applications that have not yet been discovered by the mainstream auto industry. Recent discoveries that I can contribute to my searches on social media include an automated video production platform that produces scalable interactive videos from pictures using human voice to narrate them that are placed on the auto dealer's website and pushed through a dedicated API with YouTube onto the world wide web. An equally revolutionary discovery was a consumer centric inventory marketing platforms that offers auto dealers free listings and free leads with the ability to purchase real time market analytics and social networking profiles that empower the salesperson to answer the customer's questions even before they ask them. Each of these vendor applications were introduced to the market through automotive advertising social networking communities that enabled them to listen and learn from their members about how they can improve their products and services before they introduced them to the general market. My access to these automotive advertising solutions was only possible as a result of the time I invested on social media looking for them so that I could stay one step ahead of the competition.
Online blog talk radio stations hosted on automotive advertising networking portals provide a another social media forum for finding and reviewing new automotive advertising solutions. Regularly scheduled blog talk radio shows with live interviews of the developers of bleeding edge automotive advertising applications allow their online audience to ask vendors questions in an open forum. These open exchanges of ideas in a problem solution format help the vendors as much as the automotive advertising decision makers that follow the shows. A new mobile sales presentation platform with an integrated training component was recently discussed on a blog talk radio show to solicit feedback from the audience. Their insights were used to modify the platform before the vendor began their beta test it in the real world saving thousands of wasted dollars and man hours that would normally be required to mature their application.
The opportunity for automotive advertising agencies and auto dealers to listen, learn and contribute to social networking communities allows them to discover what they don't know while allowing them the opportunity to share what they do know. Auto dealers are people too/ The same efficiencies and extended resources that attract consumers to social media to research their next vehicle purchase is sourced by automotive advertising agencies who need to stay one step ahead of the competition in a consolidating auto industry that demands more for less. Automotive advertising agencies don't know what they don't know but they can definitely find out on auto industry focused social media. After all, what are friends for!

Get Advanced Automotive Locksmith Supplies To Provide Better Services

2011-09-15T03:37:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in becoming an automotive locksmith, you need to get the most advanced tools to decode and change the advanced remote keyless entry system. You will need equipment like key blanks, fobs, program software, decoding and key cutting device.
If you have licensed yourselves as automotive locksmith, the first thing you need to do is get yourselves the integrated tools to replace or make the new locks for vehicles. You can provide better services to your clients, if you are equipped with the efficient tools. The recent models of vehicles are enabled with the technologically advanced remote keyless systems, so you must have tools that you can use to cater to the requirements of your clients. Different equipment needed for replacing the transponder keys are key cutting machine, key blanks, remotes, software, picks and decoders.
Vehicles are equipped with the transponder keys that use radio waves transmission to communicate with the system installed in the vehicle. In order to provide better services, make sure you know everything about the transponder keys. There is a transponder that lies inside the head of the key and transmits radio signals to the system that is installed right behind the steering wheel in the car. This device works as a receiver and responds to the signals emitted by the key.
The micro chip residing inside the key comes with an encrypted code which is also assigned to the receiver. This code is defined to each key and its receiving system individually. When the transponder in the chip transmits the signals, the receiver identifies them and verifies the code of the key. When the code is matched with the receiver, the keyless entry system performs the given functions.
The keyless entry system has a remote, also known as fob, that comes with or without buttons. Some systems correspond only when the user presses the buttons whereas others detect the radio frequencies within the range and respond to them. The range of the radio waves vary for different models of the vehicles. The system that detects the radio signals itself has a relatively shorter range in comparison to the ones that have manually operated remote keys.
The automatic remote keyless entry system locks the car doors as soon as the keys pass the specified range limits. With the push buttons remote keys, the user has to press the buttons to lock the doors. Besides locking the doors, the keyless entry system starts the engine without inserting the keys into the lock. Some keys are programmed to activate/deactivate the car alarm, shut down/start up the fuel pump and open the trunk for the driver.
When an owner loses his transponder key, you will have to program a brand new key. For that you must have a stock of key blanks. Key blanks are the new keys that can be programmed to match with the system installed in the car. These blanks are laser cut to match with the ignition and then programmed in accordance with the system to enable it to operate the vehicle. To make key blanks work, you will have to get a key cutting machine and software to program them.
In addition to that you will need a range of automotive picks and decoder tools in order to open the vehicles without damaging the locking systems. If you search online, you will find a few companies that offer automotive locksmith supplies at affordable prices. These companies offer the latest locksmith tools for different makes and models of vehicles.

Marketing Strategies for Automotive Repair Shops

2011-09-15T03:36:00.001-07:00

If you own a business and you want to invest for something new, it is best to choose for automotive repair shop especially if your current business is connected with this kind of industry. However, before engaging with this kind of business, you must know the proper marketing strategies first so that you can be at peace that what you are planning to invest will turn into success.
Nowadays, the industry of automotive is one of the most established businesses globally. Since every person worldwide use cars and other vehicles in their everyday life, the business for repairing their autos can secure your future.
As mentioned above, you need to know the marketing about this kind of business. Do not worry because these strategies are very easy to follow and carry out. Some of the most useful marketing strategies for your automotive repair shop are the word of mouth, direct mail, creating website or blog and press release.
The second marketing strategy is through direct mail. You can send postcards and mails within your neighborhood and this can help you promote your business with the possible clients that will soon need your services.
The third marketing strategy in this business is to create website or blog. Since the Internet is a place where almost people go to search and look for several things, you can also use it to promote your business. There a lot of individuals surf the net just to look for repair shops that can fix their cars. You can even write detailed information with regard to automobiles and even some reviews about it. With this way you can promote your business in bigger audience.
The last marketing strategy is through the use of press release. You can do it either off-line or on-line. When you do it off-line all you have to do is to write a good press release with regard to your business and send it to any local newspapers. With online, you also do the same and post it on your website or blog.

Step Into the Field of Automotive Technology With Online Education

2011-09-15T03:35:00.002-07:00

Automotive Technology has revolutionized the human way of living since with the introduction of the first automobile in 1885. This area of study comes under the vocational field of education which has developed in a dramatic way mainly due to the ever-increasing purchasing of new and used automobiles.
According to a research passed on 2007 there were about 135,399,945 licensed automobiles present in the US alone. Hence the more automobiles you have the more skilled automotive personals you need. For those of you looking for an opportunity to seek automotive technology training online you can now become a professional in to time with the following certificate and degree programs.
Automotive Training (Online Certificate Program)
The certificate program provides students with technical and complex ability to deal with all kinds of car problems; it also provides you with skills which enable you to handle and fix all braking, electronics and engine problems.
If you prefer automotive technology training online then it will take you about six to eighteen months to complete the certificate program. The following coursework is included in the automotive training certificate program:
• Performance and Diagnosis
• Automotive Service Fundamentals
• Brake Systems
• Automotive Computer Systems
• Automatic and Manual Drive Trains
• Steering and Suspension
• Transmissions
• Electronic Systems
After you have completed your certificate program through online education you will be able to do all automotive technology services giving you access to work at repair shops, automobile retail shops and warehouses.
Career Outlook & Salary Info
Those who complete their automotive training certificate program can go on to pursue careers as auto technicians, parts specialists, CNG & LPG mechanics etc. Besides this you can also pursue various other courses through online education:
• Engine Repair Course
• Transmission Course
• Electrical Systems Course
• Heating & Cooling Course
• Brake Systems Course
The average salary income for an automotive technology expert is explained below:
In a Management positions you can earn about: $75,000 to $100,000 a year
If you are working as a High-level mechanic you will easily be able to earn: $55,500 - $65,600 a year
These are the figures for Mid-level mechanics who earn: $35,400 - $55,500 and Entry level mechanics whose average earnings are: $25,000 - $55,000 a year
Non-certified repair technicians also bag in: $18,000 a year

Helpful Tips In Rooting Out The Cause Of Problematic Automotive Brakes

2011-09-15T03:35:00.000-07:00

Because it is very difficult to figure out what is wrong with the brakes just by simply listening to the noise, it is important to fix the car once the problem becomes evident. There are many different causes for noisy braking. Some of them are mundane, and can be left alone to resolve themselves. An example is dust. Dust often gets stuck in the brake pads, creating friction when the brakes are hit. That creates the annoying noises. Similarly, other small materials can do this, such as rubber dust, ground metal or metal shavings, and so on. If the problem is persistent, it can be removed by dismantling the brakes and putting it back together.
Contrarily, it can be a serious matter. In many cases, noisy braking are a sign for components beginning to weaken and break. After all, brakes are often subject to wearing conditions. Wear and tear is an ever-present company for brake pads. If that is the case, the damage could quickly become something very serious. It is only a matter of time before the brake parts give out and cause real trouble for the driver. In that sense, the noise should be taken as an indication that something must be done, and quickly, too. To solve such a problem, the mechanic can either repair the old component or replace it. Both of which would cost the driver, it would be a cost paid for safety, though.
Determining whether the tire needs immediate repair or it would be okay to wait for the noise to go away on its own is, for the lack of better word, difficult. The driver can never be fully sure that it is one thing or the other. That means he will be risking his own safety, and that of his passengers, as well, when he drive a car with noisy braking. Or, he could be wasting money by having it repaired for no just reason. One way to figure that out is through the age of the vehicle. New vehicle or those with newly installed braking systems are less likely to have problems. Though, this deduction is going to be far from accurate, so it is best avoided when there are other options.
It is more effective to see if the troubleshooting is accompanied by any number of things. For instance, sharp pulls on one side of the car when braking tell the driver that something is off. Similarly, advanced braking and late braking could be a sign that the brake pads are worn down and need immediate replacement. In other words, the car has to be brought to the mechanic as soon as you notice something is wrong with it. Not being able to brake properly can have devastating consequences, especially if you are driving on a busy highway.
Two very common causes of noisy brakes are dust and the substances used to make the brake pads. Dust and other contaminants can create friction and, therefore, create noise, when the pads are locked tight with the wheels. Substances can create the same effect.
The dust can get through to the brake pads no matter what the driver does to protect from it. The good thing is that it will go away on its own. The reason behind that is the dust will have nothing to hold on to in the brake pads, so they will just fall out. After a time, the dusts will go away, but will leave cumulative damage to the pads.
The brake pads will become less and less durable, especially if the dust gets in very often. The solution for this is to dampen the brake pads. Doing so will not only lubricate the pads, but it will reduce the chances that dust will stick on the pads.

Automotive Training

2011-09-15T03:34:00.000-07:00

If you are seeking automotive training, then a technical or vocational school may be the right place for you to get your start in an interesting and challenging career in automotive technology!
Whether you're interested in becoming an auto mechanic, technician, service advisor, manager, or auto parts worker, automotive training can be your key to obtaining an automotive education and professional certification in automotive know-how.
In the modern world, automobiles are operated by electronic systems and complex computers, measuring performance and efficiency as the machines move down the road. Students in automotive training schools must develop skills as technicians to become high-tech diagnosticians, using electronic equipment and computer-based reference materials. Diagnosing the sources of problems quickly and accurately can be the most challenging and most rewarding part of a good automotive training program.
Students who would like to enroll in vocational automotive training should have well-developed math skills and physical science acumen prior to enrollment. As with all educational courses, it is important to review the automotive training curriculum to be certain that your school will offer Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification training. Furthermore, potential automotive technicians should understand that most employers pay their service techs based on productivity. Upon graduation, you may wish to consider the option of becoming an independent business professional.
In addition to their initial vocational automotive training, students can return for continuing education courses and credits to remain updated on ever-changing computerized diagnostic systems, tools, and other automotive-related technologies. Training in automotive technology often leads to an interest in other related areas such as auto body repair or automotive and diesel repair. The job seeker will find that diesel mechanic training is particularly valued.
If you would like to know more about Vocational Automotive Training, or even Online Automotive Training, we urge you to search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

The Many Forms of Automotive Training

2011-09-15T03:33:00.002-07:00

With the ever-increasing complexity of vehicles today, there are a variety of kinds of automotive training offered in order to repair cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
High Schools
Some high schools offer a robust variety of courses that encompass a range of knowledge relating to auto repair. For example, a high school might offer classes in brakes, electrical electronic systems, engine performance, and suspension and steering. A high school can receive program certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). This indicates that the curriculum meets the national standards set forth by these nonprofit organizations.
Career, Technical, and Vocational Centers
Many career, technical, and vocational centers are secondary schools offering automotive training programs that are certified by ASE or NATEF. They may include brakes, electrical electronic systems, engine performance, engine repair, heating and air conditioning, and suspension and steering.
Community Colleges
Community colleges offer a broader range of certified programs, and often partner with vehicle manufacturers and local dealerships to include both classroom and on-the-job training. Their areas of certification may include those offered at secondary schools, plus such areas as automatic transmission and transaxle, manual drive trains and axles. Some post-secondary schools also offer certified courses in alternative fuels, such as CNG conversation and installation, CNG diagnosis and repair, CNG maintenance, LPG conversion and installation, LPG diagnosis and repair, and LPG maintenance, suspension and steering.
Specialty Schools
There are a number of specialty post-secondary schools around the country that provide intensive automotive training and that produce graduates who are fully educated and ready to enter the world of auto repair.
On the Job Training
Although auto repair today requires a tremendous amount of specialized knowledge, there are still scattered opportunities to receive on the job training. This is particularly true for those who decide to specialize and who do not need comprehensive automotive training. For example, someone who specializes in brake repair does not need to know how to rebuild an engine.
Continuing Education
Just as in many fields, the range of knowledge required to keep pace with the changes in automotive technology means that it's important for automotive service technicians to continue their education over time. There are a few ways to keep up with automotive training, some formal and others informal.
Among the formal continuing education choices is the Continuing Automotive Service Education, or CASE, which is sponsored by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE. Many technical schools and other training facilities offer a CASE program, which is auto training specifically designed for those who work in the field.
But keeping abreast of the developments in auto repair doesn't always mean going to class. There are a number of online communities made up of service technicians and those in automotive management jobs. These communities can provide everything from articles and downloads from professionals working in the automotive repair industry, to forums for assistance from other technicians, to classified ads for used engines and used automotive equipment, to job listings and the ability to post resumes.

Automotive Advertising Agencies Must Promote Training To Help Them Sell More Cars And Services

2011-09-15T03:33:00.000-07:00

To train - or not to train - is not the question according to automotive advertising agencies who understand the importance of investing in the people part of the sales and service process by providing training before, during and after the sale. Training has often been considered as an afterthought by auto dealers who have enjoyed the luxury of having more customers than cars with a never ending supply of salespeople and service writers who earned a higher than average income for their efforts. Today's consolidating auto industry has changed the math for auto dealers who now have to deal with shrinking sales volumes, reduced profit margins and the resulting loss of a ready willing and able sales and service staff whose incomes have been reduced along with dealer profits.
Automotive advertising agencies have always been tied to their auto dealer clients bottom line - whether they knew it or not - and today's automotive advertising agencies are realizing that their areas of responsibility do not stop at the front door of the auto dealership. Automotive advertising plans geared for the Internet using digital marketing platforms coupled with internal sales and service processes powered by integrated technologies provide efficiencies that allow auto dealerships to operate with reduced budgets and support staff in sales and service.
Unfortunately, many auto dealers and automotive advertising agencies have been operating with the false sense of security that the people aren't as important as the technology and/or the processes that they have applied to replace them. That is as untrue today as it was yesterday. People still like to do business with people that they like and human nature has survived on the world wide web. The real solution for auto dealers forced to operate with fewer sales people and service writers is to train them in the use of the new technology, however, not at the expense of training them in understanding human nature and proven old school best practices to sell a car.
New technologies and automotive advertising applications include training solutions that offer efficiencies similar to other sales and service processes that have been applied to reduce expenses for auto dealers. However, even the best training system can't teach someone to be a nice person and/or to place their customer's interests ahead of their own. These applications must be coupled with people skills that are best hired vs. taught and they start before the sale or even the hiring of the sales person or service writer ever begins.
Internet based applications like Hire The Winners help human resource departments sort through applicants in the hiring process. Their focus is on personality traits and people skills surfaced in a series of videos posted on a site that is linked to help wanted ads. This screening process allows the auto dealer to determine how the applicant will react to various real world scenarios in the sales and service process. Applying this filter before investing in training and lost sales opportunities caused by a bad hire provide an R.O.I. that can be easily verified with improved employee retention, C.S.I. / S.S.I. scores for the dealership and incremental increases in sales and service productivity by a well screened employee.
Similar advantages in training during the sales and service process can be applied by applications like DealerMouth that allow sales and service staff to promote themselves through their own websites hosted - and monitored - by the auto dealer to promote best practices. This ongoing training by senior management compliments the desire by the automotive advertising agencies to extend the reach and frequency of their online automotive advertising messaging beyond the auto dealerships websites and or third party automotive advertising platforms. Training by example is a proven practice that can be applied on the internet super highway in the virtual showroom much like it used to be applied in brick and mortar facilities.
Newly developing applications focused on enhancing the sales process with integrated training components are also in development. Applications designed for kiosk, desk top and even mobile platforms promise to support sales and service staff before, during and after the buying and shopping experience for customers. Providing sales people and service writers with best practices and word tracks to enhance the customer experience during their sales and/or service presentation will empower the staff by offering them relevant information to help the customer make a buying decision. In addition to increasing their individual productivity on a real time basis, there is a residual benefit of training the sales and service writer who will be better able to apply and retain the information built into their more consistent presentations to their customers.
Automotive advertising agencies are tasked with evaluating new technologies and automotive advertising applications to provide more for less for their auto dealer clients. The presumption that these technologies can - or should - replace people in the process is misguided if it doesn't increase the productivity of the people that remain. Training will increase the R.O.I. that auto dealers receive from their staff. More importantly for automotive advertising agencies is that training will directly impact the auto dealers bottom line which is certainly part of the job description for automotive advertising agencies in today's challenging auto industry

Automotive Tools for Your Home Garage

2011-09-15T03:32:00.001-07:00

You can save hundreds of dollars on garage fees every year by carrying out minor servicing and maintenance jobs on your car yourself. Armed with a selection of widely available automotive tools, a garage manual for your car, and enough time and patience to get a job done properly, pretty much anyone can carry out the routine tasks needed to keep your car on the road and running smoothly.
One of the most satisfying aspects of carrying out maintenance tasks on your vehicle - aside from saving money on expensive garage bills - is that you are able to get an understanding of how the car works, and the more you understand about the vehicle, the easier it is to put things right in the event of a breakdown.
Any home garage requires a good selection of automotive tools to carry out work on a car. Some vehicles from certain manufacturers have non standard machining and sizes used throughout their construction, and you will need to get automotive specialty tools designed for the purpose of working on that particular car from a motor store. No home workshop is complete without a trolley jack and axle stands to allow you to get under the car and do things like oil changes and exhaust checks.
For most small jobs, such as changing the oil or replacing filters, changing the spark plugs and brake pads on your vehicle, general tools such as a wrench and a screwdriver are all that is required, and these are widely available in most hardware stores. It is a good idea to keep your automotive tools separate from other tools you may have, because if you begin a job and then discover that the tool you want to use is missing, it can cause major headaches.
Twenty years ago, cars were much simpler to maintain and understand than they are today. Computerised engine management systems and adjustable fuel injectors are now commonplace, and special automotive diagnostic tools are required in order to make adjustments to the engine timing and fuel air mix, whereas in the past, these jobs could be done quite simply.
Areas of the car that almost anyone can handle the regular maintenance of are the interior and exterior panels. Simple scratches and dents to the bodywork are easy to repair using a soft mallet for panel beating and abrasive paper, spray paint and filler for paintwork repairs.
If your car is well used, the interior is likely to start to look tired and dated and in need of a little tender loving care. Thankfully, there are many automotive upholstery tools available to help you to tidy up the interior of the car and bring it back to its sparkling best. You can repair small tears and burns on the seats by darning them or applying a repair patch over the affected area. The trim of the car can be brought back to life with a good buffing using a polisher, while using specialist tools it is possible to repair the carpets or even replace them.
Of course there is much more to owning and maintaining a car than just tightening nuts and sewing up split seams, and you may find that you want to add non-stock parts such as a more efficient air filter or new exhaust to improve performance, and once you understand the basics of automotive maintenance, upgrades and tuning will become more accessible, saving you even more money in the long term.
Doing small jobs yourself can save you plenty of money on garage bills, and having the right automotive tools to get the jobs done is an excellent idea that will save you time and effort in the long run. However, one of the most important things for any mechanic to know is when to pass over a job to an expert, and rather than potentially do more damage than good, to get a qualified mechanic to carry out work on a car.

Automotive Incentives To Boost Car Sales

2011-09-15T03:31:00.000-07:00

Auto companies are in a war to offer the best incentives and the winners are the consumers. Not only are there great deals to be had just before Christmas time, many auto companies are also introducing improved and redesigned models of their most popular vehicles.
Japanese companies are eager to boost up sales big time in the States. Production slowed down as a result of the earthquake in Japan and import of Japanese cars slowed down significantly. In order to make sure that sales will get back on track, plenty of incentives will be offered which mean a great deal of savings for consumers.
Before the disaster, around forty percent of all cars sold in America were Japanese. However, after the disaster sales dropped to around thirty percent. Factories are almost operating at full capacity and as a result plenty of cars will be imported to the states. Moreover, many Japanese auto makers plan to flood the U.S. with refreshed or redesigned models of their best selling cars including the 2012 Toyota Camry, the Honda CR-V and the Honda Civic.
There will be a lot of competition and rivalry between the companies; Japanese auto companies are coming with big American companies like Ford and Chevrolet and also with the Korean companies such as Kia and Hyundai.Analysts say the compact segment of the market, the segment in which the Camry, CR-V and Civic compete will also be welcoming a new refreshed or redesigned 2012 Ford Focus, a 2011 Hyundai Elantra, and the Chevrolet Cruze. The Cruze has actually been selling exceedingly well in the compact car segment. The Corolla is only ahead by around 1,000 more vehicles sold.
In order to be competitive on the market and dominate sales again, Japanese companies will offer very generous rebates and incentives to buyers. Let's take a look at some of the great deals currently being offered (September 2011). For example, many companies are offering 0 percent APR rates and better lease programs are being offered as car makers begin to increase their use of leasing as an alternative to buying.
Some really hot deals include one being offered by Cadillac which includes $7,000 cash back when you purchase the STS or DTS. These are some really excellent deals. Even luxury car brands aren't too good to play the game. Mercedes-Benz is offering $10,000 dealer incentives on the 2010 CL and the S Class models. These analysts are also pointing out some great discounted lease deals in the range of $300 a month or less. Many of these types of deals are coming from Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia and even some BMW models.
Needless to say, this should provide a much needed shot in the arm to the U.S. economy as a whole. So, as the fourth quarter of 2011 approaches, you should be able to find good deals on new cars and take advantage of incentive wars.

Automotive Internet Marketing Solutions

2011-09-15T03:19:00.001-07:00

The internet has created a tremendous marketing tool for local business owners and one industry that is grabbing the internet by the horns is the automotive industry.
It is no secret these days that more and more people are starting their search for a new car with the click of a mouse. Automotive internet marketing can reach a far bigger audience than traditional marketing methods while lower marketing costs and providing a much bigger ROI or return on investment.
The first step to successfully marketing your automotive business online is to have a website that tell the visitor exactly what and who you are and how to contact you if needed. Then you need to make sure your potential customers can find your website and see what cars you have to offer.
Automotive Internet Marketing Solutions - Getting Visitors
Now you have your website up you now need to market your website and position it on the web so your customers can find you. The two main ways we are going to look at in this article is paid advertising and search engine optimization methods.
Paid Advertising - Possible the most popular and very effective way to market your automotive business on the internet is thought Pay-Per-Click advertising, Google has a service called AdWords. PPC or Pay-Per-Click is advertising where you only pay when someone clicks on your ad, this is very different from traditional marketing methods as you only pay for your advertising when it works.
Search Engine Optimization or SEO - When people want to find information on the internet most people will go to a search engine like Google, Yahoo or Bing. SEO is the art of getting your website to show up in the top search results when someone types in a specific keyword or phrase like - automotive shop in Sydney.
Both of these methods work great, PPC can get you results fast, but you have to pay for it and SEO is more or a longer term strategy however it can last a long time giving you free traffic once you are in the top search results
Automotive Internet Marketing Solutions - Summary
If you have not started marketing your automotive business online then now is the time to start. In this article I only spoke about 2 methods for getting traffic to your website however there

Automotive Advertising Agencies Use Internal Marketing Vs Conventional Or Digital Advertising Plans

2011-09-15T03:18:00.000-07:00

Today's automotive advertising agencies must be increasingly resourceful to provide more for less in a struggling economy. The dictate from their auto dealer clients is to sell more new or used vehicles and it isn't limited to any particular media or creative message. In order to survive the consolidation in the auto industry automotive advertising agencies must acknowledge that automotive advertising is not limited to conventional media -- like Radio, TV, Newspaper, Direct Mail, email campaigns or even Internet SEO/SEM marketing plans. It starts with the fact that we have to do business with our friends because our enemies will never call us!
Internal marketing efforts include networking to preferred vendors and area businesses -- especially their employees in need of transportation and their company vehicles in need of service and or replacement. Also, point of purchase merchandising between departments designed to cross market to existing customers is more cost effective than conventional or digital advertising investments targeting strangers. Service sells cars, and vice-versa, so showroom boards offering inter-department promotions in all departments and areas of customer contact -- like the cashier -- is a staple of any internal automotive advertising plan.
In addition, incoming inquiries -- specifically emails -- and how they can be most effectively used as part of the auto dealer's extended automotive advertising plan should also be considered by any full service automotive advertising agency who wants to earn their fees. Every contact should lead to the second, and of course to the eventual sale. Internet shoppers are looking for enough information to make a buying decision, much like showroom visitors. Human nature survives intact on the virtual showroom and it must be woven into the fabric of all communications, online or in person. A good salesperson recognizes that he can't sell anything. The real goal of a professional salesperson is, or should be, to share enough information to help their customer's make a buying decision.
Here are a few tools or best practices that I use to allow my dealer's clients to discover additional information through their email replies:
1) Start with information overload in your initial reply. Avoid auto-responders and customize your first reply to answer not only the question that was asked, but also an offer to provide questions and answers that should have been asked. For example; Would you also like to look at a vehicle with more or less equipment and a certified pre-owned, (or new vehicle if they started with used), along with suggested down payments and various payment plans to fit your budget? Asking where they plan to service their vehicle and some value added service information is also good information; service sells cars!
2) Attach or embed video messages in your email reply featuring available product demonstrations, copies of your relevant advertisements, links to dedicated micro-sites or landing pages within your website, chat dialogues or click to call software applications, (yes, they are available to be added to your email as a link) and other conversion tools to elevate the email to a personal contact or appointment to gather additional information. A pen pal is nice, but the sooner you elevate the relationship to a person and a voice -- online or in your showroom -- the better your chances are to cut through the clutter of the two or three other dealers that your email pen pal is dealing with.
Building in a pro-active conversion tool to your emails, like Argistics AutoTransaXion that offers a two way video customer chat program, will help to direct your website visitors -- who often initiate the email -- to a more productive initial inquiry with more controlled results leading to a sale.
3) Initiate an automatic system to follow up all inquiries in a timely manner -- usually less than five minutes to keep up with today's fast paced Internet shopper. Do not use auto-responders! Initiate a contact that integrates into your CRM application -- I assume that you have one if you are still in the auto business and reading this article -- that will follow up with additional information that you just thought of or even an elevated email from the manager asking if they got all of the information that they were looking for.
4) Obviously, I believe in providing as much information as possible in my client's email responses and price is an issue that should not be avoided. People like to do business with people that they like and if they recognize that you are trying to help them by answering their obvious and anticipated question regarding price -- before you start pressing to sell them a car -- they will be more likely to like you! Customers have unlimited access to pricing information on the World Wide Web and auto dealers must accept that they are not the only source for this information. Automotive advertising vendors like FirstLook, vAuto, eCarList and AAX offer applications that allow auto dealers to resource the Internet along with their customers in real time to insure that their initial quote is competitive so there is no excuse for the auto dealer to not go first.
In addition, new third party inventory based websites -- like ronsmap scheduled to launch their platform in 2010 -- will be offering auto dealers Internet leads that include comparative models and competitive pricing information that the customer has found on the Internet before they approached the dealer for a quote. These Intelli-Leads sourced from equally intelligent applications offered by ronsmap including their SellersVantage and vBack products exemplify the fact that price is not a problem for the educated auto dealer willing to do business with the newly empowered customer shopping on the Internet Super Highway.
Automotive advertising agencies that accept their new job descriptions and areas of responsibility to sell cars in a down market must turn to internal marketing plans integrated into comprehensive selling systems and processes that will maximize the R.O.I. for their auto dealer clients' automotive advertising dollars. It is no longer enough for automotive advertising agencies to stop at the front door of the dealership. They must take responsibility to do whatever it takes to sell a vehicle and that includes their participation in developing selling processes that integrate their auto dealer client's virtual online showroom with their brick and mortar facility. One way to accomplish that goal is through the use of new Internet based technologies that link the dealer's existing customer data base to their ongoing marketing efforts.

Automobile Dealerships - Out of Trust Situations - Tips For the Dealer

2011-09-15T03:17:00.001-07:00

Almost every financial organization has a workout department. Their names are as varied as Problem Loan Administration; Central Loan Department; or Special Assets Department. A dealer may be assigned to one of these special departments, or a member of the department may start appearing at meeting with the dealer's regular bank officer.
The courts have consistently upheld the rights of lenders to have workout teams and to have those teams, within broad parameters, take affirmative actions to protect the lenders' interests.
Matching the average dealer's experience with work-outs, to that of the lender's experience, would be equivalent to matching a high school football team against a professional team. The professionals have played the game hundreds of times. They have seen and heard hundreds of presentations, arguments, excuses and reasons for a dealership's problems, while the dealer, lacking experience, is encountering the trauma for the first time. Realizing the dealer will probably be a neophyte, with respect to workouts, the following rules are provided the dealer, as a plumb line, to be followed throughout the workout procedure:
1. Do Not Confuse Friendship with Business. Factories and lenders have seen and heard most of the workout plans any dealer could suggest. The have probably seen versions of each plan which have been refined over generations by some of the best minds in the business. Their experience, however, cannot help the dealer get the best benefits for the dealer.
Employees of the factory/lender have an obligation to their corporation and in turn to its shareholders, to get the best contract for their corporation. There is nothing wrong with that; they have a legal duty to their shareholders and creditors to protect them, not you.
They will, however, indicate whether or not you workout plan is "acceptable" or "unacceptable" to them. If the proposed plan is "unacceptable", one of two things can happen. The dealer can keep proposing plans, until one is accepted, or the factory/lender might suggest an acceptable alternative.
If the factory/lender suggests a plan acceptable to them, it means just that: the workout plan is acceptable to the factory/lender. It does not mean, and should not mean, the factory/lender will not approve some other plan, which may be more beneficial to the dealer, if the dealer knows what to request and how to structure it.
2. Do Not Confuse Optimism with Confidence. Optimism means expecting a plan will work. Confidence means knowing what to do if it does not. Never act without confidence.
3. Do Not Value a Dealership by the "SOT + Assets" Formula. The odds against that plan working are about the same as the odds against winning the lottery, except the ante is higher.
4. Do Not Say "SOT". Sometimes a dealer talks in terms of SOT (Sold Out of Trust) or OT (Out of Trust) with the factory or lender, when the dealer actually has SAU (Sold and Unpaid) units. Once the dealer refers to an out of trust situation, it puts the factory/lender in a precarious position. All sorts of rules then come into play, both legal rules and company rules, which would not have had to take effect if the dealer used the phrase SAU. The factory/lender can't read minds to know the dealer really meant SAU, instead of SOT. From the moment the phrase SOT is used, the only thing the listener knows for certain is, if there is a law suit and the listener were asked if the dealer said he or she were SOT on such and such a date, the listener would have to answer "yes." Don't put them in that position.
5. Do Not Lie. Don't lie to yourself; don't lie to the factory; don't lie to the lender.
Dealers, who lie to themselves about their problems, how they got there, or their ability to solve them, base their entire solution upon a lie and, without exception, compound and complicate the original problems.
A lie to the factory/lender will alienate the only entities which have both the ability to help and the most to gain, besides the dealer and the dealer's family, in finding a workable solution. When in doubt, remember what Mark Twain said: "I never got hurt by anything I didn't say." He also said that when he was ninety, he recollected he had worried about a lot of things in life, most of which never happened.
6. Do Not Panic. There are many challenges in business, and being short of cash is but one of them. Numerous dealers have been there before and numerous dealers have survived.
Analyze the problem as if it were someone else's problem, and compose a short letter as if you were giving advice to another dealer. The advice should be to get professional help. A storm at sea, calls for seasoned sailors. No one would want a crew with little experience in storms, unfamiliar with navigation, no charts, no radar and no one to call upon for advice. A dealer with a SOT problem is in a big storm, except it won't go away with time. Without help, the dealer's family, friends and employees will all be affected. The dealer has to make tough decisions, or time will make them-and the dealer will not like the decisions time makes.
At the time the lender has the second meeting, referred to above, wherein the lender wants the dealer to sign the work-out agreement, the dealer should be prepared to structuring of the work-out plan, the handling of a keeper, the method of repayment and such.
As soon as you know you are OT, your first call should be to us (or someone as experienced as us) and your second call (after visiting with us, your attorney and accountant) should be to the credit company. Telling the credit company you have sold and unpaid units before they tell you, is vital to establishing a foundation upon which to build a work-out plan. At the same time, Automotive Advisors' experience is vital to the dealer and the dealer's attorney and accountant, in providing constructive suggestions and in planning and recognizing realistic options.

John Pico is the managing partner of Advising Automobile Dealers LLC. Mr. Pico served as a court appointed "Consultant to Debtor" in bankruptcy cases, a "Court Appointed Mediator" in automotive disputes, the "Court Appointed Arbitrator / Appraiser" in partnership disputes, a "Court Approved Consultant to Receiver" in a check-kiting case, as a "Superior Court Mediator" in dealership/lender litigation and has been recognized as an expert witness on both State and Federal levels.

Create a Car Garage Plan With Automotive Theme

2011-09-15T03:15:00.003-07:00

The construction of your automotive theme car garage plan doesn't end with painting or choosing and laying the tiles. The grand finale of the construction process is the putting up of wall hangings. A majority of the garages come with large banners, standard photographs, race flags, and other items that usually form part of the theme. Customized wall hangings that focus on your car can enhance the uniqueness of your garage or office, making it your pride and the envy of your friends and colleagues.
Usually, people who adopt a themed car garage plan do not spend a lot of time in planning the more minute details of its construction as they do for their cars or houses. When you plan your themed garage, you must pay attention to more details than just the colour of floor tiles, the shade of paints, corvette telephones, and so on. To help you with planning, imagine your garage to be an exotic museum to exhibit your vehicle.
The interior of a Mustang owner's garage usually has a themed banner of a Mustang of Ford, which gives no clue whatsoever to the owner's unique personality. Similarly, a Harley owner sticks a Harley logo on his or her garage walls. This is the most common, expected way to adorn your garage walls. If you have made an attempt to make your garage look unique by carefully selecting the colour and pattern of your floor tiles, the design of your cabinets, and so on, it is not sufficient. The best idea to make your garage look grand is the use of custom photography.
Let your imagination run wild for a few minutes to give you an idea of how to make your car garage plan a unique plan. Instead of a production poster from a car manufacturer, why don't you use a customized wall poster? For example, displaying a portable board that tells your visitors everything possibly known about your car is a great idea. Exercise your creative power and the ideas will pour into your mind. Imagine the reaction of those who enter your garage and see what you have there. They will be amazed to find that your garage reflects your unique personality is not just something picked off a shelf.
Creating custom art is not really that difficult. You have modern technology such as digital photography and computer-generated graphics to help you out. You can also enlist the aid of companies that specialize in custom art. Many companies can convert the ordinary photographs of your car into great custom art.
Let me give you some great ideas... You could get a picture of your car engine compartment overlapping that of your car. Alternatively, you can try the gas cap of your vehicle instead of the engine compartment. The art of graphics can magically transform your ordinary photographs and make them impressive works of custom art.
Customize the tiniest possible available space and make your car garage plan unique.

Auto Payment Protection Plans - GM Total Confidence Vs Ford Advantage Vs Hyundai Assurance

2011-09-15T03:15:00.001-07:00

Something about the current race for the best recession-proof, throw caution to the wind, go out and buy a new car with our guarantee program feels very much like the $99 all included (or so you thought) cell-phone plan competition from last year. Not to say that the consumer isn't getting significant benefit, just that everyone seems to be jumping on board and the fine print is important. Each payment protection program offers similar protections and allowances but in different flavors. Lets take a look at each one:
GM Total Confidence
General Motors is offering 24 months of both loan and lease protection, during which, if you lose your job, the company will make up to 9 payments at a maximum payoff of $500 per month. A 5 year/100,000 mile (whichever comes first) transferable power train limited warranty comes standard along with roadside assistance and courtesy transportation. You also get 1 free year of the OnStar 'Safety and Security' Package with Automatic Crash Response. Finally, a 'Vehicle Value Protection' is now in force which helps keep the value of your car from tanking during the first two years of ownership (if you opt to purchase a new GM vehicle). Basically, you get negative equity assistance if your outstanding loan balance is more than book value (based on NADA Clean Retail Value) when you go for a trade-in.
Ford Advantage Plan
Ford will offer up to 12 payments with a max of $700 per month on any new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle if the customer loses his/her income. They are also offering 0% financing on select models through Ford Motor Credit. If you still aren't convinced and need to feel warm and fuzzy, they are creating a charity "element" as part of this plan to help local organizations. The details of this are pretty hazy at this point.
Hyundai Assurance Program
Hyundai is offering their program on all new vehicles, either financed or leased, but from a different angle. You get 12 months of complimentary coverage which provides up to $7,500 in negative equity insurance and the ability to return the vehicle nice and clean. This basically means that if you are fired, experience a physical disability, lose your driver's license due to medical issues, are transferred internationally, experience bankruptcy or are the victim of an accidental death you can file a request for benefit coverage. (If you are no longer living, this may be a task best performed by someone else.) You must have made at least 2 payments and be current to apply. If accepted, you drop off your ride at the dealer, pay any additional balances above the $7,500 benefit and wipe your hands clean. Smooth...
Conclusion
So, what does this all mean? Let's explore this further by making it even more confusing. With Ford you get 0% percent financing through June 1st, while Hyundai and GM just offer some good wholesome deals. Hyundai gives up $7,500 in negative equity protection while GM offers situation specific coverage with Ford looking the other way. With Hyundai you can give your ride back, while GM and Ford want you to stick it out. GM is willing to offer 9 payments up to $500 a month while Ford antes 12 months of payments up to $700. For extended power train warranties, GM is providing 5 yr/100,000 mile coverage compared with Hyundai's 10yr/100,000 mile guarantee and Ford's 5yr/60,000 mile promise. But even though Hyundai has "America's Best Warranty" both GM and Ford now have access to Obama's new "Warranty Commitment Program" that backs up the manufacturer's obligations with the full force and might of US tax payer dollars.
Advantage: Toyota -- for not playing this game (yet!)

A Personal Marketing Plan for Automotive Professionals

2011-09-15T03:14:00.001-07:00

My travels across the country discussing sales process and precision marketing for special finance take me to all kinds of dealerships. At the majority of the dealerships, salesperson after salesperson waits by the "point" or the window for the next "UP" to arrive. A small number of sales folks exist to whom this does not apply (like a salesman in South Florida that I met who does 30+ units a month on his own!), but all too often this is the way it is. There is a better way! You can increase your sales - the Mystery of Productivity follows.
The training I received from my first GM, Chuck Palmer (now owner of his own dealership in Georgia) and Gary Hensley (now semi-retired working for a wholesaler in the Carolinas) revealed the key to the mystery of productivity. They trained me to own and grow the business personally.
We were not permitted to take a "Lot-Up" until we made 50 calls to either past customers, their neighbors, or people on our own prospect list. This is not another version of an "I walked 3 miles in the snow, uphill, into the wind, barefoot to school" story but an illustration of what is possible if properly envisioned.
What if each sales person and manager could roll three (3) units per month from their own efforts?
It does not take much thought to see how this would benefit the salesperson, the desk and the dealership, significantly!
Gary Hensley (a 45 year automobile veteran), offers an insightful comment, "We have forgotten how to prospect in this business. Dealers continue to pay full commission for a percentage of the job." We are aware dealers are utilizing various packs etc., but Gary's point is we can "incentivise" the reps to bring in their own business to add to the monthly gross and units.
After contemplating Gary's comments I felt compelled to see what 3 sales a month per rep would impact the average dealership.
3 sales X 10 reps = 30 Sales 30 sales X $2,000 = $ 60,000 / month $60,000 X 12 = $ 720,000 / year
These results also don't account for the additional revenue that these three customers per month can add to Service & Parts as well as additional referrals from this business!
How can this be done? This is a great question! For the sake of space let's look at two steps toward building a personal marketing plan.
What are the necessary steps to build a Personal Marketing Plan?
First, you must subscribe to the fact that people buy from people they trust. To take that a step further we have to be positioned to take our relationships from Salesperson to Trusted Advisor and Resource. There are many steps needed to take a "new relationship" from Salesperson to Trusted Advisor and Resource. However if you have existing relationships with people from church, Little Leagues, Civic Organizations, school groups, etc., it is not such a big leap.
Some sales reps have naturally built-in relational markets from past experiences (sports, fraternity/sorority, schools they attended) and it would be a wasted opportunity not to tap these relationships and take full advantage of the network.
Computer savvy reps can utilize social networking sites (Linked IN, RYZE, Facebook, and Xing), to name a few. These sites can be quite useful if approached properly.
A second key step is:
Simply learning how to ask a provocative question
Who do you know who...
o Just had a baby and needs a minivan?
o Has a small expanding business that may need vehicles?
o Just had an accident and needs to replace a vehicle?
As an industry we have promoted the culture in many places that does not challenge our Sales Staff to participate in marketing themselves. If we focus some time in this area, it will prove PROFITABLE!
This is not an exhaustive list, but hopefully the idea is clear - we need to reach out to our network and ask the questions! There are additional tools I'd be glad to provide you. Please email me (bob.blackburn@autolendingnetwork.net) for a complimentary copy of : Personal Marketing Plan for Sales Reps: How to PUMP up your Sales!,
Remember the mystery of productive sales is no longer a mystery! Set your successful Personal Marketing Plan in motion.... Take INITIATIVE!

Bob Blackburn is the Vice President of Sales for Great Direct Concepts, LLC, a Marketing& Consulting firm. He has recruited, trained and coached over 1000 salespeople in three different industries. He is a straight-forward no nonsense former United States Marine, and is a strong believer in Enter-Trainment! His writing is conversational and designed to challenge business people to think differently.

Getting the Right Automotive Insurance Plan

2011-09-15T03:13:00.001-07:00

Finding the right automotive insurance plan can be a daunting task. It doesn't have to be though. There are ways you can find a plan that meets your needs, as well as your budget.
First off, auto insurance is required by law to operate a vehicle. Driving without insurance is a big no no, and in some states can constitute a felony charge.
When you are looking to purchase a plan, it's best to comparison shop. Each insurance provider uses different methods to calculate your plan premiums. Some offer discounts and rewards for qualified customers. Comparison shopping will give you a wider variety of plan options and prices.
Picking the right coverage is all about knowing what you need. A general recommendation is, if your vehicle is valued around at least four thousand dollars, you should have comprehensive and collision coverage.
Auto insurance is meant to protect you against the financial loss of something happening to your vehicle. Don't skimp on coverage now, it could end up costing you more in the long run. I personally believe you are better safe than sorry.
Companies that provide health, home, or life insurance products will usually offer discounts if you purchase more than one product with them. Long-time and preferred customers will continue to get great deals, and spend less on their premiums.
Look for plans with lower deductibles, keeping in mind that 250 to 500 is average. Make sure you use a name you can trust, or at least one you can get some background information. You can also search online to check out an insurance provider's financial strength.
Once you find a plan that suits your needs, you can keep costs down by driving carefully. Avoiding bad driving habits like texting while driving will prevent you from having accidents/disasters that could've easily been avoided. It will also reduce the chances of you putting yourself and others at risk for serious danger.

Travel in Style in a Limo

2011-09-15T03:12:00.001-07:00

Imagine traveling in style to your next concert or big party in a limo. As soon as you and your entourage enter the limo, the party truly begins. You can celebrate with fizzy drinks, hot music and a limo full of your closest friends. Take a tour of the city as you make your way to the show or big event of the evening. It will have you feeling like rock stars by the time you arrive.
Traveling by limo is a surefire way to have all eyes on you and really be the envy of everyone at the party. Limo rides are an excellent idea for prom dates and even a high school reunion. Reunion members can pull up in a luxurious limo, announcing their presence and showing others how they have succeeded throughout the years. Those in high school can live it up for a night with the limo ride and arriving in style in front of other classmates. It's a wonderful way to celebrate the moment and make memories that will last a lifetime.
You and your friends deserve to have a fun, stress-free evening for once. All the hard work you've put into your job, home and family life is deserving of a night off.
Best of all, if you and several friends all pitch in for the limo, you can walk away with a very affordable, yet awesome experience in return. Pamper yourself before your next concert or big party by truly traveling in style. Go all out and let us do the driving while you concentrate on having a great time.

Roslyn Munden is a SEO and journalist from Australia. She writes for several newspapers about topics such as parties, personal limo hire and several others which attract attention of many readers.

Adventure Travel Websites - Get Some Top Destinations

2011-09-15T03:11:00.001-07:00

Adventure is something which is not everyone's cup of tea. There are very less who are brave and courageous to perform some adventurous sports and travel to few of the most adventurous places across the globe. But those who like trill and adventure always seek some or the other website's help to plan a travel to some most adventurous place on earth. They do not want to leave any chance to travel across the world. Adventure travel websites are those sites which are planned to present some helpful planning tips and illustrate real experiences regarding diverse adventure destinations around the world.
If you are planning to some adventurous tour in a span of few days or a week as well as your in dire requirement of a travel reservations! You surely do not wish to cram the tour. Thus, you'll want to do the necessary and proper planning to avoid yourself from facing those reservations problem at the end minute. Last time problem of reservation irritates a lot when you actually a travel man. Nowadays you will mark that a strict competition is popping up in the travel field as well as there is strong rivalry among adventure travel websites in order to seek the attention of first time travelers who are going on a adventure trip or travel aficionados.
This battle among websites is very beneficial to adventure travelers, since travelers get more choices and are offered ample selection and tour packages to choose from. These websites provide reliable services and discount tour packages at the end time. Through a modest Internet research, one can now set their things easily as well as can indulge in services and economical fares. this automotive blog reviews help you find the best travel.
There are unusual adventure travel sites. They have information content of their own. Among them there is Adventure's World that emphasizes mostly on South American areas such as Venezuela, Peru and Costa Rica, as well as the Caribbean. A directory of adventurous travel content posted there via Washington Post. Apart from this, Walkabouts informs audience about travel and interactive journeys. In the meantime, many websites not only provide commercial sites, but also offers information for self-determining adventure travelers.

There are many blog reviews [http://www.vailresources.com/] that will take you to the best website of adventure travels. Automotive blog reviews [http://www.vailresources.com/category/automotive] provides travel and tourism information with highlight on individual travels as well as adventures. You can find the best website through these blog reviews on travel. You can easily search various adventure travel destinations across the world. Adventure can never be fun before! You can get the name of the websites through blog reviews.

Automotive Emergency Preparedness - What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down While Traveling

2011-09-15T03:09:00.000-07:00

Summer vacations are an American past time. Families plan and save all year to be able to travel to popular destinations across the country in the summer months. With the economy struggling to recover from the worst recession in recent memory however, many vacationers scale their travel plans back, opting to take the family automobile out on the open road to arrive at their favorite vacation spots. By driving themselves, travelers can save money they would have spent on airfare, and invest it in things like hotel accommodations or extra spending money at their final destination. There are dangers, however, in choosing this course of action. Most notably, as travelers take to our nation's highways in droves, they need to be aware of the very real possibility of car breakdowns and roadside emergencies. This article details the unfortunate possibilities and offers some valuable advise on how to deal with (and avoid) the worst automotive problems.
Preventing Emergencies Before They Happen
The most effective means of preventing roadside emergencies is properly caring for your car before you take to the road. If you are going on a long trip in the family roadster, you may want to get that tuneup that you have been putting off. At the very least, you should have the oil checked and your car examined by a qualified professional. Finding fluid leaks or old, worn belts and dealing with them prior to your trip can be the difference between a safe trip and a lengthy, dangerous roadside emergency.
Checking your tires is also very important. Not only should they be looked at for substantial wear to determine if they need to be replaced, but the tire pressure should also be checked using the appropriate tools. Don't forget to check your spare and make sure that you have all of the necessary tools to change a tire should the need arise (spare, jack, tire iron, etc...).
Once you've checked the mechanical state of the vehicle, it's time to tend to the smaller things that can be overlooked. You'll want to check the lights and blinkers to make sure they all are functioning properly. Check your windshield wipers as well, because you never know when you may run into inclement weather while on the highway.
The old saying, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" certainly applies to automotive emergencies. By insuring that your car is in tip top shape before you take the road, you are limiting the chances of having a breakdown or being involved in a serious emergency like a car accident.
Emergency Roadside Safety Tips
Despite your best efforts to prevent them, roadside emergencies are going to occur. They happen every day all over the country and chances are if you have driven for any real amount of time, they will happen to you too. The #1 rule for any type of mishap, regardless of the specifics, is to REMAIN CALM. A level head and steady hands will go a long way to helping you survive your emergency situation unscathed. The most important factor to consider is the safety of yourself, your passengers, and the other individuals you share the road with. By keeping these guidelines in mind, you will be dealing with little more than an inconvenience, one that can easily be solved by phoning The Automobile Association of America's Emergency Roadside Assistance or a local towing service.
In instances where your car has broken down on the highway, you should take immediate action to get your car to the side of the road, where you will be out of the flow of traffic. If you suffer a tire blowout or your car engine stalls while you are driving DO NOT JAM ON YOUR BRAKES! This is a common error. Your best course of action is to remove your foot from the accelerator and let the car slow down naturally.
Other roadside safety tips:

Pull all the way to the right side of the highway whenever possible, while doing your best to stay on the pavement.
If you have a flat tire, try and pull over to a level surface so you'll be able to safely install your spare. As soon as it is safe to do so, turn your emergency hazard lights on to alert other motorists that your car is in distress.
DO NOT BRAKE SUDDENLY! Small mechanical errors can turn into serious wrecks with this type of behavior. Coast to a stop if it is at all possible.
If it is safe to do so, remove pets or children from the car and move them to a safe distance. If you are on a busy highway, it may be safer and more advisable to remain in the car until help arrives.
Exit the car using the door that is farthest from oncoming traffic.
If you have emergency flares or cones, be sure to use them prior to attempting to service your vehicle.

One of the most difficult decisions to make in a emergency roadside situation is whether or not it is safe for you and your family to get out of the car. If you are on a busy highway with speeding cars or find yourself unable to get to the side of the road, STAY IN YOUR CAR! One of the best tools you can have in these situations is your cell phone. You can use it to call the authorities like the California Highway Patrol ( http://www.chp.ca.gov/ ) or even a 24 hour Los Angeles Towing Service for immediate assistance.
By adhering to some simple rules and using a little bit of foresight, you can eliminate the danger that comes with automotive emergencies. It is important to remember that we are all sharing our roads and are trying to get to where we are going quickly and safely. By taking responsibility for your vehicle and your behavior during emergency situations, you can help make sure that everyone arrives at their destinations safe and sound.

Remember To Remain Calm And Use Common Sense
Automotive emergencies happen all the time. What is most important is to remain calm and consider your safety and the safety of others at all times. If you are in a situation where it is unsafe to service your vehicle, contact a qualified local towing service for assistance. A qualified technician will know what measures to take to get you back on the road as soon as possible. Even more importantly, if you are in an unsafe situation a tow truck service can move your vehicle off of the highway and out of danger, allowing it to be serviced safely.

How to Choose the Automotive GPS Navigation For Your Travel Needs

2011-09-15T03:08:00.001-07:00

There are so many choices for types of GPS units these days that it can make it very hard to find the one that will help you the most with your travel needs. Choosing the right automotive GPS navigation is important so you know you will never get lost when you use it.
There are some important things that you need to look for when searching for the right GPS device for your vehicle. Below are some of the important factors you need to consider when choosing your own GPS.
One: Price - There are many different units available these days and they all cost different prices. You have to take time to look at the prices in order to find one that is in your budget.
Don't ever assume that you can't afford a GPS without first looking because the prices have become more reasonable these days for everyone. Always know the price you can afford before starting your search because this will save you from wasting your time looking at units that you can't afford.
Two: Manufacturer - There are three main manufacturers of GPS these days and these include:
- Garmin
- Tom Tom
- Magellan
Each of these manufacturers makes good units that will work to get anyone where they need to go. You just need to look at each of the manufacturers for yourself to determine which one you like the best. It is basically about your personal preference and traveling needs.
By doing your research on the different manufacturers you will be able to determine the small differences for yourself to help you make up your mind about the manufacturer you like for your GPS unit.
Three: Features - You need to decide what features you want. There are many different features that you will have to pay extra for and others that will come standard on any GPS device. Just remember that the price will go up for each feature that you add to your GPD unit.
The standard features include:
- Touch screen views - 2D or 3D
- Size of the touch screen
- Points of interest
The features that will cost you extra include:
- GPS saying the names of the streets
- Extra maps of Canada, Mexico or Europe
- Bluetooth
- Real time traffic and weather
- Larger Points of interest database
These are the main factors that you need to keep in mind when searching for the right automotive GPS navigation for you. If you take time and do your research it won't be as hard as you may think to find the right GPS navigation for your traveling needs.