Escape Hybrid: An SUV For The Reluctant Activist
Score one for the activists. I suppose after infamous misses (such as animal rights, which denies you your right to enjoy a slab of meat like your Cro Magnon forefathers and guilts women into looking like the living dead because it would be “cruel” to test makeup on animals), the odds were in the activists
Write Better Estimates
The estimate is the most important aspect of our business process. If an estimate is poorly written, it can wreak havoc on your shop and cost you a boatload of cash.
Truce: Working with Insurance Adjusters
If you ever need to energize a bunch of bored shop owners, bring up working with insurance adjusters. This topic can incite a lively discussion among even a reserved group of repairers. That’s because everyone has a war story or two about an adjuster experience and they’re usually eager to share it. One of my
Damaged Goods
Fact: Consumers won’t pay as much for a vehicle that’s been wrecked and repaired as they will for a vehicle that’s never been in an accident. This market condition – or stigma as some like to call it – diminishes the vehicle in value, regardless of how expertly repaired it may have been.
Simulating Seniors: How do Engineers Know what the Older Generation Needs?
You can produce cars that appeal to young people easily enough, but how do you make sure those cars also suit the unique needs of senior citizens and members of AARP? Simply adopting the ad slogan, “Built for those of you with muscle aches and hemorrhoid pain,” isn’t going to be enough to convince seniors
Letters to the Editors
Does Your Shop Measure Up? Your article was incredible [“Does Your Shop Measure Up?” March 2002, pg. 40]! I found (literally) my first UMS the same way your picture showed it in early 1980 in a Toyota dealership in upstate Vermont. I had just closed my small shop because of the recession and was amazed
Fixing Plastics is Possible – and Profitable
It was 1968 and this shop was successfully repairing plastics. So why is it that shops today aren’t?
Adventure Bound: The 2001 Chevy Avalanche
What’s unique about this cutting-edge vehicle? It combines aspects of an SUV and a pickup truck. It’s been dubbed the “ultimate utility vehicle,” or UUV … sort of how Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups satisfy those who love chocolate and peanut butter. So what’s new? The whole model. It’s the first new car model by Chevy
Pinstriping Possibilities
Your techs don’t need the artistic skills of Picasso to repair or create pinstriping patterns. With a small investment in tools and supplies, they can accent customers’ vehicles — and your bottom line.
Set on Vettes
The Chevrolet Corvette is an American icon recognized the world over for its outstanding performance and handling prowess.