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Articles Written By Ed Attanasio:
APRA's 2008 International Big R Show focuses on 'mechatronics,' electronics, and sustainability (December 2008)
Automotive aftermarket must change to meet new challenges, UAP President Samuelson tells CAWA (December 2008)
Autotrend Diagnostics taps into newest tools and information to stay on cutting edge (December 2008)
Chevrolet's newest pride and joy, the 2010 Camaro, unveiled at SEMA Keynote Luncheon (December 2008)
Hybrid starter-generator learning booth new at this year's APRA Big R Show (December 2008)
Las Vegas -- An interactive hybrid starter-generator display called a learning booth was featured for the first time at the 2008 Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association's (APRA) Big R Show on Nov. 1-3 at the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Hosted by APRA's Electronics and Mechatronics division, the booth allowed remanufacturers a chance to learn about the latest innovations in automotive systems that combine mechanical and electrical components.Read Full Article
Pat's Garage/Green Gears finds greener pastures with hybrid plug-in conversions and repairs (December 2008)
San Francisco -- If you're talking about hybrids in Northern California, there's a very good chance that the name Pat Cadam will come up. That's because Cadam, owner of Pat's Garage and co-owner of Green Gears, both located in the Potrero Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, has been a Bay Area leader and innovator when it comes to working on hybrid vehicles, performing hybrid plug-in conversions, and operating a green shop.
Shop Consultant Cecil Bullard tells ASCCA members how to succeed in any economy (December 2008)
50 exhibitors and more than 200 collision professionals attend Trade Faire hosted by CAA's Santa Clara chapter (November 2008)
Going green can save auto dismantlers money and help strengthen their reputation, expert says (November 2008)
Northern California November People & Places (November 2008)
Rush Enterprises has been doing everything to trucks for more than 40 years (November 2008)
San Diego, Calif.-Being everything to all of its customers when it comes to heavy- and medium-duty trucks has been the formula for success at Rush Enterprises since day one, John DeMelo, parts manager at the Rush Truck Center in San Diego said. DeMelo, 52, has seen the heavy- and medium-duty truck market change dramatically since he started in the business back in 1978, he said.
SCADA members network, relax, and learn at 2008 auto dismantlers convention and trade show (November 2008)
Newport Beach, Calif.-Vehicle recyclers from throughout the state gathered at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach for the California dismantling industry's 2008 Convention and Trade Show on Sept. 11-14 presented by the State of California Auto Dismantlers Association (SCADA).
Shop owners from throughout California meet in San Diego at ASCCA 68th annual conference (November 2008)
Victory Automotive Machine thrives by diversifying and tapping into muscle-car market (November 2008)
San Jose, Calif.-Like many automotive repair businesses, the genesis of Victory Automotive Machine took place in a high school classroom and shortly thereafter in a residential garage, Victory Owner Victor "Vic" Anderson said. By working on his friends' vehicles at home and taking tech classes in high school, Anderson said he was able to build a decent clientele by the time he was 17 years old.
1,500 car enthusiasts attend Speed Warehouse/Vic Hubbard's Midnight Madness sale and car show (October 2008)
After 28-year rivalry, Kohlweiss Auto Parts takes over Reed Distributing (October 2008)
Allied Auto Stores' open house features car show, trade show, music, food (October 2008)
From Brink's armored cars to school buses to Lexuses, body shop has room for all (October 2008)
Sacramento--Just before the start of the school year, Bryan Rehorn was out in his shop applying new lettering to the last of 128 school buses that his business, Autobody Workshop, relettered last summer as a result of a school district merger. "That's really what's unique about us, the fact that we have big 16-foot doors and a 54-foot-long, 18-foot-high Nova Verta drive-through booth that allows us to work on buses, high-end RVs, and even construction equipment and oddball stuff," Rehorn said. "It's allowed us to maintain a real mix of business."
Luscious Garage gains national attention for being all-green, all-female, and all-hybrid (October 2008)
San Francisco, Calif.-"Green and Clean" is their motto and hybrids is all they work on, but that's just the beginning of the story at Luscious Garage in San Francisco. By focusing on providing a different type of experience for their customers, Luscious has been getting extensive attention from both local and national media and has gained a reputation in just one year for being unlike any other repair shop on the planet.
Northern California October People & Places (October 2008)
River Valley Region October Mechanical Repair Training Schedule (October 2008)
Skip's Tire and Auto Centers grows to six locations by being hands-on and buying direct (October 2008)
Advanced Truck Accessories helps dealerships sell more trucks through customization (September 2008)
Gilroy, Calif.-By offering creative accessory solutions for trucks of all kinds, Advanced Truck Accessories in Gilroy helps dealerships throughout North America increase their sales and profit margins and attract truck enthusiasts to their locations, said Chris Schueller, Advanced's director of sales and marketing.
Advanced Truck Accessories helps dealerships sell more trucks through customization (September 2008)
Gilroy, Calif.-By offering creative accessory solutions for trucks of all kinds, Advanced Truck Accessories in Gilroy helps dealerships throughout North America increase their sales and profit margins and attract truck enthusiasts to their locations, said Chris Schueller, Advanced's director of sales and marketing.
"Dealers park our customized trucks in the front of their lots," Schueller said. "They help draw in customers and get the dialog going. We assist them by improving the salability of their inventory, diversifying the look and feel of their product, enhancing what we call their 'cool factor,' and increasing their walk-in traffic."
Hansel Ford Lincoln Mercury taps into new revenue streams for parts and service departments (September 2008)
Mossy Nissan's parts and service departments reach goals by fostering team approach (September 2008)
National City, Calif. -- Running a service department at a car dealership is a lot different than managing its parts department. They are two completely different beasts, although both require many of the same skills and techniques. Just ask Henry Hernandez, the parts and service director at Mossy Nissan in National City.
Northern California September People & Places (September 2008)
Smythe European stresses training and product knowledge to build parts sales and top-notch service (September 2008)
Three generations build stellar reputation for service at Hutchins Auto Repair (September 2008)
WORLDPAC Training Institute coming soon to Pacific Northwest (September 2008)
WORLDPAC Training Institute Performance Group coming soon to Northern California (September 2008)
Kenny's Kar Klinic credits successful 28-year track record to superior customer service (August 2008)
Vista, Calif.-When Owner Terry Flynn took over Kenny's Kar Klinic in Vista in 1980, she said she realized it wouldn't be an easy task running a busy collision repair shop. But by building strong relationships with insurance companies and establishing a solid reputation within the surrounding community, Flynn said she has been able to thrive for almost 30 years.
LKQ and Keystone host open houses at Stockton locations (August 2008)
M&M Cylinder Heads alters business model to survive volatile times for machine shops (August 2008)
Mike's Transmissions owner reaps the rewards of working clean and doing it himself (August 2008)
Northern California August People & Places (August 2008)
Standard Auto Care's owner says you can never get enough training and expert advice (August 2008)
Sacramento--By adapting to changes in the local business climate and by continually focusing on making his shop better, Tom Hipp, owner of Standard Auto Care, said he has been able to flourish in Sacramento for more than a decade.
Bert Williams & Sons diversifies to stay healthy during tough economic times (July 2008)
CCOC Custom and Classic Car Show raises money for occupational center's SkillsUSA Club (July 2008)
Cecil Bullard 'fixes shops' by stressing long-range planning, goal setting and systems development (July 2008)
D&D Enterprises shows shop owners how to save money with paint booth service and maintenance (July 2008)
NAPA Auto Parts explores new store locations in Kentucky and Illinois (July 2008)
NAPA Auto Parts explores new store locations in Midwest (July 2008)
NAPA Auto Parts explores new store locations in northern and central California (July 2008)
NAPA Auto Parts explores new store locations in the Pacific Northwest (July 2008)
NAPA Auto Parts in Temecula sees increased sales as both region and reputation grow (July 2008)
Temecula, Calif. -- The population of Temecula has quadrupled within the last two decades to more than 100,000 residents today. Through hard work and a family-oriented approach, the city's sole NAPA Auto Parts store, Temecula Auto Parts Inc., has flourished right along with the explosive growth of southwestern Riverside County, President Allen Orr said.
Northern California July People & Places (July 2008)
Orinda Motors stresses community involvement, promotes a family atmosphere (July 2008)
Orinda, Calif. -- In a close-knit town such as Orinda, with a population of around 18,000 people, being involved with your customers on many different levels is important, Orinda Motors Inc. President Allen Pennebaker, 53, said.
Alldata celebrates its 70,000th customer during nearly 20-year run of success (June 2008)
ASCCA holds annual fly-in legislative day at state Capitol (June 2008)
CATA spring conference features seminars, trade show (June 2008)
CBM Motorsports taps into hot-rod and sandrail markets by building engines that last (June 2008)
Northern California June People & Places (June 2008)
PR Motorsports finds niche working on Japanese cars with emphasis on high-performance/racing (June 2008)
Silicon Valley Auto Group finds profitable niche selling parts and service for eight luxury imports (June 2008)
Los Gatos, Calif.-Silicon Valley Auto Group (SVAG) isn't your run-of-the-mill automobile dealership. First off, instead of selling and servicing two or three makes of automobiles, SVAG represents eight manufacturers, all high-end imported brands.
Tracks throughout Northern California rev up for action-packed summer racing season (June 2008)
Auto dismantlers discuss industry issues with state legislators at SCADA's 'Day on the Hill' (May 2008)
CAWA lobbies state legislators to discuss bills impacting independent aftermarket industry (May 2008)
Collision repair shop owners discuss four bills with state legislators at CAA's Legislative Day (May 2008)
Dismantling business spans three generations at J&W Auto Wreckers (May 2008)
Antelope, Calif.-With more than 90 years of industry experience between the three of them, you might say dismantling is in the Duncan family's blood. With three generations in the automotive recycling business--as owners and operators of J&W Auto Wreckers, a Jeep and AMC auto recycler in Antelope -- Jack, Mark, and Neil Duncan represent the past, present, and future of vehicle dismantling.
Downtown Ford in Sacramento hosts open house/fundraiser for child with Make-A-Wish Foundation (May 2008)
Independent Factory Automotive positions itself as a lower-priced alternative to dealer service (May 2008)
Oakland-Karl Despretter, owner of Independent Factory Automotive, left his job as a service director for a dealership and opened his own shop three years ago, he said. Despretter, 44, said he believed he could give better customer service on his own, putting to practice what he had learned during a 20-year career as a technician and service manager for several local dealerships. Read Full ArticleNorthern California May People & Places (May 2008)
Repair shops and parts distributors flock to 13th annual Northern California Automotive Show (May 2008)
25,000 auto dealers and exhibitors flock to San Francisco for 2008 NADA Convention & Exposition (April 2008)
Hal's Auto Care expands A/C business to full line repair with support from NAPA (April 2008)
Inside Garage has been repairing Bay Area cars for more than 60 years (April 2008)
Northern California April People & Places (April 2008)
Sunnyvale Ford thrives by creating a productive synergy between parts and service departments (April 2008)
Sunnyvale, Calif.--If a dealership hopes to flourish in its parts and service endeavors, the two departments need to establish a rapport and work together efficiently. The three-person parts and service management team at Sunnyvale Ford consisting of Parts and Service Director Bruce Isaeff, Parts Manager Michael Peterson, and Service Manager Larry Meola--is well aware of this fact and credit much of their success to a high level of internal communication, cooperation, and seamless interaction.
Bureau of Automotive Repair tells CAA Capitol chapter it will be more accessible and responsive in 2008 (March 2008)
CCOC's automotive program educates high school students in collision and mechanical repair (March 2008)
San Jose, Calif.-Training high school upperclassmen to repair cars and then preparing them to work in the automotive repair industry is the main objective of the Central County Occupational Center (CCOC). It's something the center has been doing for more than 80 years, CCOC Autobody Repair Instructor Robert McTaggert said. Read Full ArticleCCOC's automotive program educates high school students in collision and mechanical repair (March 2008)
San Jose, Calif.-Training high school upperclassmen to repair cars and then preparing them to work in the automotive repair industry is the main objective of the Central County Occupational Center (CCOC). It's something the center has been doing for more than 80 years, CCOC Autobody Repair Instructor Robert McTaggert said Read Full ArticleColorado is well represented at NADA in San Francisco (March 2008)
Diamond Collision Center strives to change public's perception of collision repair industry (March 2008)
Fremont, Calif.-When you walk into Diamond Collision Center in Fremont for the first time, you can immediately see that it's not your average collision repair shop. Located in an industrial park, the facility features designer coffee and cheesecake in the reception area, while the shop itself is immaculate throughout. All of the front-office personnel wear sports coats and the technicians are all in clean uniforms.
Levin's Auto Supply, Speed Warehouse to host 2008 Northern California Automotive Show (March 2008)
Northern California March People & Places (March 2008)
Renson Automotive masters auto diagnostics through training and education (March 2008)
Advanced Restorations rebuilds car enthusiasts' lifelong dreams (February 2008)
Sacramento-Mike Gray, owner of Advanced Restorations & Auto Body in Sacramento, is in the dream-building business. He restores older American-made cars like new, transforming memories into realities for his customers one vehicle at a time.
CAA touts last year's accomplishments, sets new goals for 2008 (February 2008)
Mike's Auto Body donates four refurbished cars as part of 2007 Akzo Nobel National Benevolence program (February 2008)
New innovations in A/C recyclers and wheel balancing and alignment equipment highlight what's new for 2008 (February 2008)
Northern California February People & Places (February 2008)
Southern California February People & Places (February 2008)
ASCCA in position to get things done in legislation and membership this year (January 2008)
CAA's East Bay chapter hosts 10th annual Toys for Tots Model Truck Customizing Competition (January 2008)
CAWA achieves many of its goals in 2007, sets bigger ones for 2008 (January 2008)
Major diesel players discuss past, present, and future of diesel performance marketing at SEMA show (January 2008)
Modern service/parts department makes Stevens Creek Volkswagen more efficient and profitable (January 2008)
San Jose, Calif.--Six years ago, Stevens Creek Volkswagen started construction on a new dealership. Its goal was to build a service and parts department that was cutting-edge in every way, featuring the newest equipment and systems. And that's exactly what it did, Service Manager Neil Vitro said. Read Full ArticleNorthern California January People & Places (January 2008)
'The electronics revolution is here,' Delphi's Frank Ordonez tells CAWA (December 2007)
Las Vegas - Frank Ordoñez, president of Delphi Corp., told members of the California-Nevada Automotive Wholesalers' Association (CAWA) that the explosive proliferation of vehicle electronics in today's vehicles will have a significant impact on the worldwide automotive aftermarket.
H. Heaven's secret to success: Look at things from customer's perspective (December 2007)
Northern California December People & Places (December 2007)
Panel at International Big R Show discusses challenges facing remanufacturers (December 2007)
Las Vegas-A panel of experts discussed the challenging changes that auto and truck part remanufacturers face during the Big R International Show, Oct. 27-29 at the Riviera Hotel & Casino.
Toyota marketing manager tells specialty-equipment companies how they can partner with the automaker (December 2007)
Las Vegas-During his keynote luncheon address to 2007 SEMA Show attendees, Toyota's Brian Smith, corporate marketing manager for trucks and SUVs, discussed ways that specialty-equipment businesses can become strategic partners in the automaker's aggressive vehicle customization program. Read Full ArticleTri-Star stays on the cutting edge with advanced diagnostics, extensive training, and computerized shop management (December 2007)
CAWA names 2007 Memorial Scholarship Fund Award winners (November 2007)
Champion Engines shifts business model to adapt to changes in machine shop industry (November 2007)
Dynatrac fills niche by building axle assemblies better than stock (November 2007)
Leadership explored at recyclers convention (November 2007)
Northern California November People & Places (November 2007)
Orange Engine Rebuilding succeeds by meeting deadlines, following through, using superior parts (November 2007)
Orangevale Diesel taps into Northern California's burgeoning light-duty diesel truck market (November 2007)
Orangevale, Calif.-Within the last decade, Orangevale Diesel has benefited greatly from the rapid proliferation of diesel pickup trucks in the Sacramento area, Founder Dean Rue said. "I've been working on light-duty diesel trucks since 1980, before they were popular," Rue said. Read Full ArticleSCADA annual convention attended by auto recyclers from throughout California (November 2007)
SCADA annual convention attended by auto recyclers from throughout California (November 2007)
Cain's Tire in Marin celebrates 50 years in a volatile and challenging business (October 2007)
Dad follows son into second-generation tire business at Fresno Tire Pros (October 2007)
Mary Davis of NGK Spark Plugs elected secretary of CAWA board of directors (October 2007)
Northern California October People & Places (October 2007)
Bascom Trim and Upholstery shifts business model to stay profitable in wholesale auto accessory market (September 2007)
Santa Clara, Calif.--John Wardell, general manager of Bascom Trim and Upholstery, said he has seen his automotive accessories and upholstery business change dramatically because of fluctuations in the economy and changes in the marketplace. Read Full ArticleCalABC announces sponsorship of two automotive aftermarket trade shows in California (September 2007)
Downtown Ford in Sacramento builds customer loyalty through aggressively marketing Ford Powertrain products (September 2007)
Northern California September People & Places (September 2007)
Walnut Creek Honda builds wholesale and service departments by stressing customer service (September 2007)
CAA raises more than $40,000 at annual golf tournament at Coyote Creek (August 2007)
Northern California August People & Places (August 2007)
San Francisco to host vehicle recyclers' convention Sept. 13-15 (August 2007)
San Luis Obispo High School auto tech students finish first in national SkillsUSA and Ford/AAA competitions (August 2007)
Scotty's Automotive debates changing shop management system from paper to computers (August 2007)
Williams Automotive of Napa strives to be a leader among transmission rebuilders (August 2007)
Napa, Calif. -- For more than 45 years, Lee Williams, owner of Williams Automotive & Auto Transmission in Napa, Calif., said he has worked on every type of automobile transmission imaginable. "If they ever made it, I've seen it and worked on it," he said.