Auto repair shops work on smarter cars, but with fewer tools and technology to fix them say Greulich’s Automotive

(Vocus) January 29, 2010 — Automotive service technicians and mechanics around the country face an uphill battle in 2010, as proposed legislation over technological upgrades in auto manufacturing and its effect on car repairs is provoking a battle between car manufacturers and auto repair shops.

“What’s changed significantly in the last few years in how cars are built – technological advancements in automobile manufacturing means that car sections are now geometrically connected,” says Chris Greulich, who owns Greulich’s Automotive, a full-service multi location auto repair business based in Scottsdale, Ariz. “No longer are repairs on just the front, back and sides. Front end collisions, for example, can bring about damage to back end systems, purely because of the way cars are now being built.”

And that’s got Greulich and other auto repair industry leaders concerned about the changes in their businesses. As new vehicles continue to get more ever more advanced with multiple computers controlling everything from the brakes to the steering wheel, automakers hold the upper hand in determining eventual vehicle problems.

When auto mechanics need to repair a part, that usually requires reprogramming the computers — a difficult task without the software codes or diagrams of the vehicle’s electrical wires. For instance, some of the newer hybrid vehicles are virtual computers on wheels. The Prius, for instance, has 14 computer systems in it.

And for mechanics, keeping up with technology is now mandatory to auto repair. And that means auto shops must continue to invest precious dollars to get the right tools and online manuals for each model.

Under discussion now in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Right to Repair Act would require automakers “to provide the same service information and tools to independent auto and maintenance shops, as well as to consumers, that the automaker dealership service centers receive.” The Right to Repair Act essentially would protect car owners and drivers by allowing them to completely own the repair information when they purchase their vehicles, new or used, so that they can choose where, how and by whom they have their vehicles repaired.

But automakers are opposed to such a measure, claiming it steals their intellectual property rights. But a consumer rights group called the Right to Repair Coalition asserts that “Most car owners would be surprised to learn that they are increasingly losing control over who can diagnose and service their car. By using computerized components in virtually every aspect of the car, auto manufacturers are systematically acquiring a far greater say in who repairs your car than you have.”

A new study conducted by John Dunham and Associates for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE) shows that consumers greatly benefit from a competitive vehicle repair marketplace. According to the study, independent auto repair shops save American consumers nearly $26 billion annually or $360 per family. The data is available not only by state, but by congressional district, and can be viewed at www.guerrillaeconomics.biz/righttorepair.

According to First Research, about 70 percent of industry revenue comes from mechanical repair and 30 percent from collision repair. Mechanical jobs include repairs to mufflers and exhausts, transmissions, brakes, and shock absorbers, or in so-called “underhood” systems (engines, electrical systems, radiators).

As the numbers of cars on the road continues to grow, the demand for expert auto repair is still high, which means job opportunities for skilled mechanics, but in a slowed down industry. Recent statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor shows that employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to increase by 5 percent between 2008 and 2018, slower than the average for all occupations. The Labor Department’s “2010-2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook” notes “Continued growth in the number of vehicles in use in the United States will lead to new jobs for workers performing basic car maintenance and repair. More entry-level workers will be needed to perform these services, such as oil changes and replacing worn brakes.”

According to “Economic Impact of Franchised Businesses: Vol. 2″ by PricewaterhouseCoopers, (March 2008), the automotive franchise industry, excluding dealers, generates around $25 billion in sales annually and employs over 175,000 people in 35,600 franchise establishments. The study also showed that the automotive industry contains more individual franchise companies than any other franchising segment except food.

And as independent auto repairs shops like Greulich Brothers Industries continues to grow slightly year on year, they face larger obstacles in the battle with automakers over technological advancements and customer choice. But Chris Greulich is hopeful that the legislation will bring about clarification to its industry challenges. “Let’s figure out what the rules are – and let’s learn to win by the rules.”

Floor Mat Express today launched their new state of the art, online retail store where people can purchase an incredible array of customizable car floor mats.

(PRWEB) January 30, 2010 — Floor mat express today launched their new state of the art, online retail store where people can purchase and incredible array of customizable car floor mats (http://www.floormatexpress.com/). With tabbed navigation, this state of the art web site offers visually intuitive browsing with the most options anywhere to customize premium floor mats for your car, truck or sport utility vehicle. The company projects this web site will quickly become the Internet’s number one resource for car floor mats in the United States and Canada.

Floor mat Express is continually adding to their product line and offerings. The company is expanding the available logo and embroidery options, such as our new Harley-Davidson logo floor mats (http://www.floormatexpress.com/harley-davidson_logo-floor-mats.html) and new Jake Corvette logos (http://www.floormatexpress.com/chevrolet_automotive_logo-floor-mats.html), as well as entry into a variety of different floor mat markets.

FloorMatExpress.com will be an invaluable resource for savvy, price conscious shoppers. These shoppers demand quality products and enjoy a wide array of personalized options. Careful considerations have been given to a detailed online guide and reference system that enables the browser to thoroughly research products and also easily preview the products, colors and samples in a simple, visually intuitive interface.

Eric Fazio and Joey Martelli, co-owners of the business, have stated, “Our goal is to offer the best web-based business for all of your floor mat needs. We will offer the lowest prices for the highest quality of products and will work tirelessly until we have achieved 100% customer satisfaction.”

About Floor Mat Express:

Founded in 2003, the parent company Clarity Enterprises has developed numerous successful online businesses for its clients. Floor Mat Express is a culmination of that experience put to work in its own business model to become the best in this niche.

Pedata RV Center cites RV Associations’ positive take on RV traffic in 2010. The first RV trade shows of the year are seeing good traffic and strong sales.

Phoenix, AZ (Vocus) January 28, 2010 — Pedata RV Center cites RV Associations’ positive take on RV traffic in 2010. The first RV trade shows of the year are seeing good traffic and strong sales. For instance, the Bellwether Florida RV Supershow in Tampa ending January 17, 2010 saw an increase in attendance that measured 12% in comparison to 2009.

RV Associations’ and industry leaders weighed in on the increased traffic in 2010:

-    Florida Recreation Vehicle Association (FRVTA) indicated that not only was attendance up, but negative talk was down. Dealers surveyed indicated that attendees were not complaining about the weather. They weren’t complaining about gas prices. They weren’t complaining about the economy. They were instead happy to be in attendance at the show.

-    Affinity Group Inc.’s Affinity Events Division indicated increased attendance has also been seen at 2010 shows held in: Denver, Cleveland, Washington, D.C. area, and Greensboro, NC. The 20th Annual Colorado RV Adventure Travel Show ending on Jan. 16, 2010 experienced a 26% increase from 2009. The 21st Annual North Carolina RV & Camping Show ended January 10, 2010 and was up 1% in attendance from 2009. Attendance at the 24th Annual Washington Camping RV Expo increased by a shocking 154%.

-    Great Lakes Recreational Vehicle Association indicated that 34th Annual Ohio Supershow ending January 10, 2010 saw a 30% increase in attendance.

Industry leaders like Pedata RV Center see the numbers as a positive indication for the RV sales (http://www.pedatarvcenter.com/rv-sales.html) industry as a whole. Gerard Pedata of Pedata RV Center suggested, “People are out looking because they’re interested in getting out in a recreational vehicle (http://www.pedatarvcenter.com/). They want to go camping. And not only that, but they’re willing to consider putting money down and this is a new development since the economy changed abruptly. We’re seeing more consumers with a bit of cash to play with and more consumers with the credit worthiness that will get them in a vehicle.”

Pedata RV Center sells RVs (http://www.pedatarvcenter.com/rv-sales.html) wholesale direct to the public. Their full inventory is accessible online at www.PedataRVCenter.com. Prospective buyers are urged to look into their specials, financing opportunities, and competitive everyday pricing.

For more information on Pedata RV Center, or current trends in the RV industry contact Gerard Pedata, sales(at)pedatarvcenter(dot)com or by phone at: 1-888-545-8314 or 520-807-0900. Or visit Pedata RV Center online at www.pedatarvcenter.com.

The Hobby Trader Corporation and William (Eliot) Aaron are proud to introduce to the public the 1st automotive trivia book written to test the knowledge of the public with a contest and the winning prize of $2,500.00. Automotive Questions and Answers is on sale at www.autotrivia.net

Detroit, Michigan (PRWEB) — The Hobby Trader Corporation and William (Eliot) Aaron are proud to introduce to the public the 1st automotive trivia book written to test the knowledge of the public with a contest and the winning prize of $2,500.00. Automotive Questions and Answers is on sale at www.autotrivia.net

A trivia buff at heart, Eliot Aaron contracts The Hobby Trader Corporation with Martin Motorsports and Martin Technologies which is under the ownership of IHRA Pro Modified Racer and inventor Harold Martin. In this automotive environment there is a lot of discussion on technology standards, techniques and information. The idea of a trivia book and contest came from researching information on engine preparation and from the H.O. slot car drag racing club called The San Juan Dragway in which Eliot has been an active member since childhood. Members of this club on a weekly basis would come to the events with automotive trivia questions to see who had the answers. Automotive Questions & Answers contains 4 sections, American Auto History, Drag Racing History, NASCAR History and Harley Davidson History.

The reason for writing this book is to generate finances to develop the race car of Eliot’s dream, which is to build Hobby Traders 1966 Chevrolet Corvair for the NHRA, IHRA, Super Chevy and other sportsman series of drag racing, with 10% of the proceeds being donated to The Youth Awareness Foundation which is a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization that works with inner city our youth in mentoring, team building and positive skills.

“We have researched and we use 4 categories of United States automobile and motorcycle production. Drag Racing History, NASCAR History, American Automobile History and Harley Davidson History were our focus for the 2 books that we are writing with our 1st addition to be released in February 2010. We are pleased to introduce to the public at a discounted price on our web site of $14.99, and we also look forward to writing Automotive Questions and Answers book 2 in 2012” Eliot said.

Automotive Questions & Answers is targeted towards Automobile & Harley Davidson enthusiast, historians, racers, fans, readers and collectors and can be purchased as a gift for men and women. Our book uses the ISBN# 1-4120-7089-9 and is bar-coded to be sold in stores.

Mr. Aaron formed the Hobby Trader Corporation in 2006 with the commitment to develop inventions (patents), write books and trade stock in a cost efficient and understandable way for the investors and the public. His 1st invention (The Residential & Commercial Drain Line Stop Valve) is designed to prevent the backflow of sewage water from entering into a structure by warning the property owner of a backflow developing. This valve is designed to be installed by a property owner without the help of a plumber or the high cost and long time of breaking up concrete or digging up the yard. This invention is patented with the United States Patent #6,311,721. Mr. Aaron and The Hobby Trader Corporation Associates are developing a Green Energy product that is not being used today that can produce electricity for municipalities, large residential areas and grouped commercial projects.

For more information please contact, The Hobby Trader Corporation @ www.autotrivia.net

& you can call Eliot Aaron (313)345-3083