Advanstar Auto

Bill Strauss, senior economist/economic advisor of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, says we are skirting a recession during times of a sluggish economy in the US. Areas such as the manufacturing s more » Bill Strauss, senior economist/economic advisor of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, says we are skirting a recession during times of a sluggish economy in the US. Areas such as the manufacturing sector and energy related businesses are thriving.« less

Tony Cristello, Senior V.P., BB&T Capital Markets, says rising gas prices may be a constant, not a trend. Business owners need to embrace this reality and make adjustments such as tighter controls on ... more » Tony Cristello, Senior V.P., BB&T Capital Markets, says rising gas prices may be a constant, not a trend. Business owners need to embrace this reality and make adjustments such as tighter controls on building and vehicle cooling to offset the costs.« less

David Carracci, GAAS chairman, discusses the need to educate consumers about preventive maintenance. Regularly scheduled tune ups, oil changes, etc. will help offset the concern over rising fuel pric more » David Carracci, GAAS chairman, discusses the need to educate consumers about preventive maintenance. Regularly scheduled tune ups, oil changes, etc. will help offset the concern over rising fuel prices - which he says are not as high as they seem.« less

Ron Pyle, president, Automotive Service Association, sees a need for improving communication to consumers and helping them understand the value of independent repair shops and why there are often bett more » Ron Pyle, president, Automotive Service Association, sees a need for improving communication to consumers and helping them understand the value of independent repair shops and why there are often better solutions than to take it back to the dealer. ...« less

Joe Catalano, COO Autobacs Strauss, in the automotive environment, talks about the need for passage of Right to Repair legislation in order to keep vehicle information flowing to the independent repai more » Joe Catalano, COO Autobacs Strauss, in the automotive environment, talks about the need for passage of Right to Repair legislation in order to keep vehicle information flowing to the independent repair bays. He expects a tough economic year ahead.« less

Neil DeKoker, president and CEO of OESA, expects to see tremendous shifts in how and where cars are manufactured as emerging markets develop in Asia and other continents. Neil DeKoker, president and CEO of OESA, expects to see tremendous shifts in how and where cars are manufactured as emerging markets develop in Asia and other continents.« less

George Witt, owner of George Witt Service, sees huge changes taking place in the automotive industry, especially as they pertain to technology, training and tooling. Those who harness the technology w more » George Witt, owner of George Witt Service, sees huge changes taking place in the automotive industry, especially as they pertain to technology, training and tooling. Those who harness the technology will separate themselves from the others, he adds.« less

Terry Legan, president of non-profit group Auto Mission, was on-hand at the 2008 Automotive Service Association's (ASA) annual convention to explain the group's mission. The non-profit helps reach out more » Terry Legan, president of non-profit group Auto Mission, was on-hand at the 2008 Automotive Service Association's (ASA) annual convention to explain the group's mission. The non-profit helps reach out to at-risk teenage boys. ...« less

Rob Gross with Monro Muffler Brake says customers surveyed by his company are overwhelmingly afraid of one thing – getting ripped off at the service repair bays. His company, therefore, focuses on str more » Rob Gross with Monro Muffler Brake says customers surveyed by his company are overwhelmingly afraid of one thing – getting ripped off at the service repair bays. His company, therefore, focuses on strong relationships with consumers.« less

Prices of raw materials like elastomers and polymers, based on the price of oil, have shot up dramatically, says Lyle Otremba, from Cooper-Standard Automotive. This, he adds, has forced the company to more » Prices of raw materials like elastomers and polymers, based on the price of oil, have shot up dramatically, says Lyle Otremba, from Cooper-Standard Automotive. This, he adds, has forced the company to consider alternative raw materials. ...« less