Archive for the ‘Automotive’ Category

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Automotive Auto Body Franchises Have a Lot of Potential!

Saturday, July 12th, 2008
Automotive Services
Samantha McCartney asked:


Choosing to invest in a franchise is a great choice if you wish to be a business owner. Franchises have a better chance of success than independently started businesses. Once you have made the decision to become a franchisee, you need to figure out what type of franchise you would like to open. With the economy not doing so great you need to choose wisely. You want to choose a franchise business that has a good shot at success from the start. Automotive auto body franchises have a lot of potential; find out why.

Let’s start by looking at a few facts! There were 220 million vehicles on U.S. roads in 2003, and that has been growing steadily at approximately 5% per year. So, by using that information we can project that there will be more than 275 million vehicles on the road in 2008. With increasing number of vehicles on the road there will be an increase of vehicles needing repairs as well, which is great for automotive auto body franchise owners. Just to let you get an idea, every 17 seconds a reported rear end collision occurs, and every 8.5 seconds an unreported rear end collision occurs. The most frequent accident on the road is the rear end collision, at almost 29.7%, and 3/4 of these accidents occur at very low speed. That means that almost 30% of drivers on the road will need bumper repair, which is a great service offered by automotive auto body franchises. Not to mention that Nearly 26 Million auto reconditioning repairs are performed annually in the US and Canada! That is a lot of auto body repairs and a lot of profit for auto body repair shops!

Auto reconditioning repairs include body and paint repair, replacement of “bolt” on parts, and glass and interior repairs. Typical damage includes scratches, dents, chips and gouges. Auto reconditioning shops usually offer a wide variety of services such as paintless dent removal, bumper repair, windshield repair, auto body repair, window tinting, wheel rim repair, auto detailing, 3M clear bra installation, lease return inspections, headlight restoration and paint touch up. Some automotive auto body franchises even offer a mobile service, where they will come to you to complete the repairs. Also since auto body repair is affordable many people choose to have it done versus replacement which can be much more costly. With such a wide variety of repairs and services you are sure to have customer bringing their vehicles in for your great auto body services.

So, as you can see with the increasing amount of vehicles on the road an automotive auto body franchise has increasing chances for success. Each year the amount of vehicles on the road is only growing, which means you business will have many opportunities to grow as well.

Start looking today for an automotive auto body shop to invest in. You will definitely have a lot of room to grow as a franchise and become a successful franchise business owner!



Lawrence

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Winners of World Automotive Design Competition Announced

Saturday, July 5th, 2008
Automotive Services
Lauren Woods asked:


The design field in the auto industry recently has been given a hand by Autodesk, a leading software and service company for the manufacturing, infrastructure, building, media and entertainment, and wireless data services fields. The said company has organized the World Automotive Design Competition (WADC) in an effort to give the automotive industry a source of new automotive design talent.

It is the fifth time that the company has sponsored a competition geared towards the promotion of automotive design among students. The competition serves the automotive industry just like what a BBK cold air intake performs so that it improves the performance of a vehicle. In the same sense, the competition increases the potential of the automotive industry.

The said competition is aimed to instill in the minds of students that the automotive design field is an accessible career choice. The challenge is to make the field more desirable for students all over the world. The competition was made for students to showcase their skills in the designing of cars. The design challenge for this year is for student competitors to conceive and design a car that will be appealing not only for the younger generation drivers but also for the aging generation as well. The car that they would design must also address the current environmental problems that the global community is facing. In the design process, the students should keep in mind that they are aiming for their cars to be released for the 2014 model year. Eighteen schools from eleven countries were represented at the said competition.

After much deliberation on the part of the judges, the winners were chosen and then were announced just recently in connection with the 2007 Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS). Taking the first place is Paul Kim from the Academy of Art University of San Francisco. His Ford Legion caught the attention and interest of the judges with its bold and distinctive exterior. Moray Callum, the design director for Ford North America, is one of the judges and he has all praises for Paul Kim’s work. “Paul has done a great job of thinking of how the vehicle will actually be used and has introduced a lot of creative solutions for the customer,” Callum said. Paul Kim will take home $10,000 which will be the prize for the first place winner.

Another student from the Academy of Art University of San Francisco won at the fifth WADC. Bagging the second place is Ryan Campbell with his VW Connextion. His entry to the competition is a two seater roadster which he describes will pull the generations of enthusiasts together. Dan Sims, the general manager of the MRDA Design Studio for Mitsubishi Motors North America, Incorporated, is also a member of the panel of judges and also commended the work of Campbell in his statement: “Ryan’s VW Connextion is a cleverly designed two seat roadster, with well designed details that make this concept fresh and attractive.” Sims further added that “it is a car that I would have wanted in high school and now.” Campbell pocketed $7,500 for placing second.

The third place was won by Matthew Finbow from Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning of Toronto. His entry is the Concourse. Judge Ken Gross of Edmunds.com stated that “Finbow’s Concourse is exceptionally flexible. Concourse is defined as a meeting of friends, a place where people feel welcome, and this design would appeal, in his words, ‘to the young and the young at heart’. The Concourse has a futuristic look and its six seats and interior can be configured many different ways and safety has not been neglected. This imaginative but feasible presentation by Matthew is certainly one of the interest.” Finbow takes home $5,000 as the third placer.



James

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Virtual World, Virtual Car Dealerships - Buy Online Through Car Finder Services And Save Money

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008
Automotive Services
Freelance Writer asked:


Everyday, the world of the virtual marketplace gets more real. Dealers, owners, salespeople and services around the world are learning the value of putting their stores online. The automotive manufacturing, marketing and dealership sectors have a greater reliance and expertise in knowledge management than any other industry. This extends to viable E-commerce and cutting-edge online presentation of value-added products. In October of 2005, the New York Times reported that according to the National Automobile Dealers Association, 94% of the dealers in the US have websites with many of them registered through car finder services. The monthly average customers that visited any given dealer site were 230, as compared to a monthly average of 116 in 2004. Consumers are not just window-shopping or researching possible on-lot purchases, they are buying online at a dramatically increasing rate. Typical dealer sales conducted entirely online have increased from an average of 4.9 to 7.5 monthly in just two short years. 1.6 million people a month now buy their vehicles online. This is a staggering statistic. However, given the outstanding customer service and convenience provided by virtual car dealerships, it’s no surprise. This is part of a worldwide upward trend in auto related site traffic and business. Although site traffic numbers are higher in Germany, Sweden, and Holland, online sales are 60% higher in the USA than the world average.

One of the advantages of the online marketplace and virtual dealership sites is the fact that comparison-shopping is more convenient and less confusing for the consumer. For example, you are more times than not looking at a limited selection of make, model and inventory when you visit your local dealer. The price is approximately whatever the salesperson says it is. Knowing that auto sales are always negotiable, and that most salespersons work from commission, you are immediately put on notice that if you want a good deal, you will have to haggle. Offers and counter-offers then ensue. The salesperson plays the “good cop” role as he shuffles off with offers to a mysteriously absent manager or “bad cop” that is, of course, reportedly inflexible and steadfast. You, on the other hand, sit and twiddle your thumbs for hours on end waiting for a reasonable counter-offer. Usually eight or ten hours later, you are tired, confused, stressed out, and just plain exasperated. You may or may not have worked out a deal. Many car-buyers consider this a frustrating experience, not a satisfying or pleasurable one. Thanks to advancing IT technology and online virtual dealer showrooms, the scenario described above is becoming less common all the time.

The online marketplace allows you to select from an entire world of inventory and options. All makes and all models are available. MSRP and invoice cost are available and price quotes are yours for the asking. Many dealership sites will provide you with a complete detailed list of options and specifications on any make and model that may have caught your interest. Multiple views and zoom features are available for new and some late model vehicles. Some more advanced virtual showrooms can even provide three hundred and sixty degree interior scans. Do you want to hear what your new high performance vehicle sounds like? Yes, you can hear it online in some virtual showrooms. You can access financial worksheets that will calculate your monthly payments right down to the penny. You can do everything short of kicking the tires and taking the test drive. Online, there are no grandiose showrooms, in-your-face sales promotions, prizes, colorful décor, or overdressed salespersons to drive the dealer’s overhead off the chart. There are no mysteries. On car finder sites like http://www.carfinderservice.com, you can provide a description of exactly what type of vehicle you are looking for and your zip code. You receive a prompt reply from a trusted in-network dealer in your area. This is not an auto-reply with a generic message. You receive a phone call from an actual local salesperson with all the information you need. This includes the availability, the value-added price, and answers to any questions you might have. In addition, there is no cost or obligation to use many of these services.

The value of the in-network dealer is obvious: They have made a commitment to provide consumers with the lowest possible price. A quote at rock bottom price results because the dealers’ cost to obtain you, as a customer is almost zero. These savings can then be passed on to you. We are talking about prices that are usually one percent over the dealer’s invoice. This is a huge bargain by anyone’s standards. There are a number of factors that are taken into consideration to determine pricing at this stage of the online buying experience. One of them, of course, is supply and demand. If a vehicle is in high demand, the price can be as high as the MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price). However, the fact that you are dealing with an in-network dealer is going to carry more than adequate weight into the quote you receive. You get the lowest possible price and the best quality service available anywhere by using a car finder service online. You get the virtual royal treatment with this system.



Paul

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Abi Research Predicts New Technology Advances Will Drive Automotive Head-up Displays to $400 Million by 2012

Tuesday, July 1st, 2008
Automotive Services
Iver Penn asked:


It used to be that all that really mattered when it came to having cars is that they can get you to where you are going in one piece. Now it’s not just about whether those GMC Sierra parts are going to hold up on the road, but if the car is going to keep you entertained and how, or how many gadgetries are there to make driving easier and more convenient.

The continuous rise in the development of features and applications in cars has led to concerns about information overload and distracted drivers. Entertainment choices, as well as status information and navigation instructions, are pulling drivers’ attention away from the basic task of driving. How many times have we heard about cars getting into accidents because the driver got distracted manning the car’s navigation system rather than looking on the road?

But it appears that there are already steps being taken to solve potential distraction causes like these.

According to a new Research Brief from ABI Research, a head-up display solution – that displays key information in the driver’s line of sight, reducing the need to look away from the road ahead — are now available in growing numbers, and will comprise a $400 million market by 2012.

New HUD options from BMW and Citroën are expected to generate interest in a market until now dominated by GM, with Toyota and Honda waiting in the wings with their own versions.

Tier One suppliers like Delphi, Denso, Siemens VDO, and Nippon Seiki will capitalize on this market if they continue to develop attractive HUD solutions for their OEM customers, solutions that require less dashboard real estate without increasing cost. ABI Research is also looking at rapidly maturing technologies from new vendors that may eventually challenge the leaders even in this relatively new industry.

The first head-up displays appeared in the 1980s but failed to impress the consumer as hoped with its limited functionality, lack of clarity, insufficient brightness, and less-than-stellar reliability.

About ABI Research

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in New York, ABI Research maintains global operations supporting annual research programs, intelligence services, and market reports in broadband and multimedia, RFID and M2M, wireless connectivity, mobile wireless, transportation, and emerging technologies. The new ABI Research Brief, “Head-Up Displays” examines the forces pushing growth in the market, including demand for advanced features and the newest technology. It offers market analysis in four world regions as well as aggregate shipments, and forms part of two ABI Research Services, Driver Assistance Systems and Automotive Electronics, which include Research Reports, ABI Insights, and analyst inquiry support.



Jerome

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Automotive Labels

Wednesday, June 25th, 2008
Automotive Services
Shell Harris asked:


Many automotive businesses can benefit from labels or decals. Also some business can market their business with automotive decals. There are so many options that you can choose from. They will increase your market or provide return customers. If you need a few ideas, keep reading and you’ll see just a few of the many things that can be done with automotive decals. After you have read these ideas you are sure to know what you want to represent your company or organization.

Vinyl Decals

Vinyl decals are a semi-permanent item that are very eye-catching and give a very professional look. These are frequently used by auto dealers to represent where the car was purchased. Many businesses can use this form of advertising. If you want to catch peoples’ eye this is a great way to do that. You can even have a logo made into the vinyl, which will help people remember you. Many people remember a logo better then a name, just a little tip.

Bumper Stickers

These are a popular and useful. Some of these are for personal beliefs or funny statements. They are also used by many non-profit organizations use them to get their name out for many to see and remember them. Businesses also use these to create repeat exposure. These can be fun and promotional all in one. You can consider getting these printed in a variety of colors so that customers can chose a color that goes best with the color of their car, plus they will just enjoy having choices.

Oil Change

Auto shops can use window stickers to remind their customers of when they need to return for their next oil change. It is a great idea to place your business name and contact information so they can call if they need to. This will remind them of your business if something else comes up where they can use your services.

Parking Permit

So many people use parking garages everyday now. By using a sort of sticker identification, you can reduce the amount of traffic backup a garage gets. These can be placed on the back of the rear view mirror or on the windshield. You can get them in a different color for every month so the attendant will easily know when the tag has expired and the customer needs to renew. Another good idea would be to place a number representing the year so there is no confusion as to when it was purchased. These can also be used for large apartment complexes that have a lot of tenants. They can indicate paid parking spots, or what area they are to park in.

Window Decals

These have a wide range of use. You can promote a business, a college, a sports team, or pretty much anything you want. These can be simple or more complex; what ever suits your purpose better. These are also used to indicate that a car has a security system, the help prevent car theft.



Jim

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Finding Automotive Replacement Parts for your Vehicle

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008
Automotive Services
Tony DiFiore, Jr. asked:


Whether you’re a consumer waiting on a vehicle repair, a service provider in the automotive industry, or a car enthusiast, finding quality automotive replacement parts can at times feel like a scavenger hunt gone bad. While some stores offer cheaper parts, others may present a better value. While you can count on your dealership for quality, they may not have your part in stock. With so many options to weigh, considering factors and scenarios to match, the following functions as a general guide to determining the best place to find automotive replacement parts, and under what conditions.

Auto Parts Retail Store

With the proliferation of franchised auto part retailers, chances are there is a location right around your corner. Stores like Parts Plus will most likely have the lowest prices and a wider selection of parts than small family owned auto parts stores. Auto parts retail stores are usually best for generic auto parts and accessories such as oil filters and windshield wipers.

Car Dealership

If a specific part is required, such as a passenger side door handle for a 1996 black Toyota Camry, a visit to your car dealership may be in order. However, it’s rare that a dealership will have your specific automotive replacement part in stock, which typically results in increased wait times and marked up prices. Since manufacturers often mark up rates to cover services costs, visiting a dealership should be a last resort.

Auto Salvage Yard

When inexpensiveness is paramount, auto salvage yards are the destination of choice. “Junkyards” will sell automotive replacement parts for just a few dollars, and most carry a wide selection. Use caution. Buying critical automotive replacement parts like those for a transmission, poses the risk of walking away with parts of poor quality. To avoid part failure, these shops should be visited only when seeking out automotive replacement parts that are cosmetic in nature.

Internet

With the advent of the internet, wholesale Websites of both new and used automotive replacement parts have begun to find a home on the World Wide Web. Though many online storefronts offer secure ordering and prompt shipping of well made, inexpensive automotive replacement parts, caution is always warranted when shopping online. Look for a phone number so you can speak directly with a customer service representative to help you understand payment, shipping and return policies.

Another crucial factor is security. Look for the HTTPS: protocol in the Web address of the payment page to determine whether your ordering information will be secure, private and protected. (When the browser address bar reads https; it means the Webpage is encrypted with a secure socket layer, or SSL Certificate.) A Webpage with an SSL should also have the SSL logo displayed. Clicking on the logo will show whether the SSL is valid and if it is expired. When online auto stores pass the security test, they can be the absolute best places to find automotive replacement parts; price is often lower online, given the many wholesale providers buying directly from the manufacturer.

Post a Classified Ad

If you still cannot find the replacement part you’re looking for, try to reach out to the people in your community. Posting an ad in a local newspaper or on free classified Websites such as Craigslist (http:www.craigslist.org) can be rewarding. You may find that someone in your area has a car that doesn’t run but has the working part you are looking for.

Join a Car Club

Finally, if you are looking for automotive replacement parts for classic cars, joining a car club is a good idea, albeit an obvious one. Enthusiasts know that finding automotive replacement parts for cars that our 40 or 50 years old can be quite the challenge. Car clubs will provide tons of resources – and can be a way for you to reach a community of people with similar cars.

Though there are several avenues to finding automotive replacement parts, do look first online to avoid spending unneeded time, money and effort. When credible, online storefronts deliver beyond expectation.



Jean

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Advanced Technology Solutions for Automotive & Semi Conductor Industries

Friday, June 6th, 2008
Automotive Services
Subhash asked:


Advanced Technology Solutions for Automotive & Semi Conductor Industries

An ever-increasing range of leading-edge technologies emerging into the manufacturing, more so in the automotive & semi-conductor sectors, make them two of the most exciting and dynamic manufacturing sectors in the world.

Automotive & Semi-conductor industries are facing an extremely challenging business environment today with increase in product heterogeneousness, higher dependence on outsourcing, and a growing need to collaborate with an unending list of business partners. Moreover, with the automotive electronics market exploding and semiconductor consumption booming worldwide, the tremendous opportunity for semiconductor companies brings with it the increasing pressure to keep pace with the shortening development cycles and the need for newer and more innovative products. However not all the products that hit the market are successful since the consumer today is extremely particular about price and performance, leaving semiconductor companies to grapple with the triple challenges of increasing complexity, shorter timelines and increasing risk. In fact the need to excel by improving quality, creating product differentiation while meeting safety and other regulations has kept both the industries on their toes.

This kind of situation has given impetus to Advanced Technology Solutions, solutions that enable the automotive as well as semi-conductor industries to attain performance advancements and improved efficiency. Partnering with an organization offering industry specific advanced technology solutions in the focused areas of Automotive Electronics, Engineering Design, Product Engineering, Auto Infotainment & Telematics, Instrument clusters, Industrial automation, Powertrain, Chip design, Embedded software, Analog mixed signal design, Electronic design, Physical design, Semiconductor design outsourcing, ASIC/SoC development, Vlsi design, FPGA design solutions, and support services such as Verification & Validation, Offshore testing and Automotive embedded software, is a viable option that can leverage the technology expertise in automotive electronics & semi-conductor solutions. It further helps in accelerating product development cycles and push the envelope of innovation.

Utilizing these Advanced Technology Solutions, the automotive & semi-conductor industries can collaborate with a vast array of business partners and suppliers working in tandem to design and manufacture vehicles and focus on providing innovative silicon chip design and embedded software support.



Kristen

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Automotive Directory – the Easiest Way to Buy and Sell Auto Parts and Supplies

Wednesday, June 4th, 2008
Automotive Services
Clint Jhonson asked:


Browsing through an automotive directory is very practical for anyone who is ardently looking for a vehicle to purchase. This kind of directory, also called as automotive guide, allows individuals to view different type of vehicles, SUVs, cars, trucks or vans. They can be new, old or used only to some extent. Furthermore, an auto directory is a comprehensive auto guide which offers everything an individual has to know about automotive, meaning the essential information about automotive parts and so much more.

The automotive directory is very important nowadays, especially for individuals who venture in buying and selling cars. If there is one thing that needs to be checked by persons who have interest in vehicles, it is the auto directory. This helpful auto guide has a lot to offer – from the look to the different function of the automotive parts as well related news and information about it. Aside from that, this guide also gives details regarding cleaning, maintenance, repair and even replacement of automotive supplies.

This directory is regarded as the inclusive encyclopedia of automotive. In it, vehicle owners and enthusiasts can acquire all the significant information about vehicles in an easier and more convenient way. Utilized both by home users and professionals, the auto directory supplies comprehensive information regarding automotive parts, automotive repair, selling options, buying information and a lot more. Nowadays, the automotive guide is greatly accessible through the internet which makes searching for important automotive information more convenient. Thus, finding and ordering auto parts and supplies as well as selling car, truck or vehicle parts and supplies has never been this easy with the automotive directory.

Whether it is a Mercedes Benz, Ford, Chevrolet, Volkswagen or any other vehicle make, the automotive directory is where vehicle enthusiasts and owners can locate the information that will serve their concern at the most. By means of the auto parts directory, even the amateur users are able to get hold of the most important understanding of auto repair, maintenance or replacement. The ultimate purpose of the automotive guide is to give the accurate information first hand. Being an automotive enthusiast or a vehicle owner, getting all the information that needs to be known regarding automotive parts comes easier. Whether it is electrical system, brake system, cooling system, engine system, A/C-heat system, exhaust system, steering and suspension system, body and exterior, drive train, and fuel system, the auto directory serves to the fullest.

For individuals who makes use of the internet more often or for those who go online on a regular basis, looking for the information about automotive parts and supplies becomes even more practical. More and more websites provide all-inclusive repair, maintenance and replacement guides for the interested ones out there. Browse anytime through various automotive articles or blogs which bring information. In this way, enthusiasts are able to know more and better techniques through which the most reliable service can be acquired. Getting information from the auto directory is the answer to your need for best automotive service.



Courtney

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