| What You Need to Know
To Elevate and Unite Automotive Professionals, and Give Them Voice
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Like ASCCA on Our New Facebook Page
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Please visit us on our new Facebook page. We look forward to your comments and shared experiences. We will be posting information, links and events as a way to continue supporting our community and advancing our industry. Please encourage your friends and colleagues to "Like" us as well! We look forward to hearing from you soon! |
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Overselling Maintenance Services
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Recently, BAR Chief Wallauch discussed the issue of some auto repair facilities' tendency in these economic times to oversell maintenance services such as radiator and transmission flushes and oil changes at 3,000 miles, rather than following the car manufacturer's recommendations.
Misrepresenting the manufacturer's recommendation could be a violation of the law, including California's Business and Professions Code section 9884.7(a)(1,8) and California Code of Regulations sections 3371 and 3372. Advances in engine design and the use of synthetic oils or oil blends make changing the oil every 3,000 miles an unnecessary practice. Facilities that recommend more frequent oil changes or other services could face disciplinary action.
The Bureau advises Auto Repair Dealers to ensure that all of their staff members communicate only the manufacturer's recommendations to consumers. Consumers should consult their owner's manual to verify when their vehicle needs service.
The ASCCA Government Affairs Committee is currently working with BAR for more clarity on this important issue and will keep members updated as developments occur.
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NHTSA 10/10/12 Press Release: Traffic Safety Agency Urges Vehicle Owners and Repair Professionals to Use Only Certified, Original Equipment Replacement Parts
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Washington - The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a consumer safety advisory to alert vehicle owners and repair professionals to the dangers of counterfeit air bags. NHTSA has become aware of a problem involving the sale of counterfeit air bags for use as replacement parts in vehicles that have been involved in a crash. While these air bags look nearly identical to certified, original equipment parts - including bearing the insignia and branding of major automakers - NHTSA testing showed consistent malfunctioning ranging from non-deployments of the air bag to the expulsion of metal shrapnel during deployment. NHTSA is not aware of any deaths or injuries connected to the counterfeit air bags.
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California Retail and Trade Business Conference - November 1, 2012
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2012 California Retail and Trade Business Conference hosted by Chairman Jerome E. Horton, California State Board of Equalization, will specifically provide a unique educational experience and an opportunity for an interactive dialogue between California's state and local retail and trade association members.
The emphasis this year is on current developments affecting municipal and state tax requirements and other key issues facing our business owners. This conference is designed to help businesses succeed with industry-specific information sessions that address regulations, tax laws, tax credits, audits, international trade, and surviving in a depressed economy.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
9:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
California State University, Los Angeles
Golden Eagle Ballroom
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032
This FREE and dynamic conference features information for all retailers and trade Industries: Capitalizing on Tax Credits, Venture Capital and Alternative Funding Sources, International Trade, Avoiding and/or Surviving Audits, Making Money in a Down Economy, as well as Appeals and Settlements. Special afternoon trade industry workshops are geared toward Automotive, Retailers, Restaurants and Grocers industries.
Please click here for more information on the 2012 California Retail and Trade Business Conference.
Please click here for the full Conference brochure.
Please click here to REGISTER for the Conference.
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October Member of the Month Art Ratner
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Art Ratner, Art's Automotive, Berkeley, CA
In his own words:
I grew up at a time when the automotive culture was in full bloom. While I was an amateur mechanic I had several experiences with major repairs on vehicles that left me with such a feeling of accomplishment that I naturally was drawn to attending a college level automotive school and making a career in the field of automotive repair. I started the business 32 and 1/2 years ago by myself out of a rented apartment with four small garages in back. I impressed people (with money) with my hard work who backed me getting into a proper commercial location at year four. I got to buy one, then two and then three properties, side by side and expanded and hired until I reached 20,000 square feet of space and fourteen employees including nine technicians. ASCCA opened doors to educational opportunities and networking with other shop owners in a supportive community. I have studied human nature while observing the behavior of other shops in a group format. New ASCCA members should get involved in their board of directors and volunteer to boost the value of their Chapters. Make sure you attend as many meetings as possible and reach out to other shop owners. ASCCA members like Art are shining examples of how One Member CAN Make a Difference! |
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Calendar of Events
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Team Weekend
December 8-9, 2012
Embassy Suites, Sacramento
Hotel Reservation
Room Rate: $149
Reservation deadline: Nov 16 2013 Industry Summit Saturday, February 9, 2013 8:00 am - 11:00 am Fairmont Newport Beach Agenda and meeting registration information will be available soon. |
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Get Your ASCCA
The Sign You Can Trust! Sign and WIN!!
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The ASCCA Public Relations slogan is designed with the purpose of ensuring that the ASCCA sign is synonymous with quality automotive shops. The slogan, The Sign You Can Trust! is directed at your potential and existing customers.
This exciting new campaign started by incorporating our new slogan The Sign You Can Trust! with our existing logo, creating public awareness that will translate into consumers looking for shops displaying the ASCCA sign. The goal of our campaign is to increase your business with new customers and help you retain existing clients.
Participation in The Sign You Can Trust! campaign will strengthen the public's awareness that ASCCA shops are the shops they can trust to meet their automotive needs.
NOW you can participate in the campaign AND win great prizes at the same time! For a limited time, members displaying the new sign along with their existing sign can be entered into a drawing to WIN! All you have to do is 1) purchase The Sign You Can Trust! sign for $20; 2) attach it to your shop with your ASCCA sign; and 3) take a photo and submit it to staff at calvidrez@amgroup.us. Each photo will be entered into a drawing for the chance to win one of our great prizes, which include:
- Beautiful limited addition print by wildlife artist Sandra Jordan
- Three cases of synthetic motor oil from Kendall Oil
- $100 gift card
- Made to order ASCCA jacket from G & K Services, Inc.
In addition, the Chapter with the highest percentage of photos sent in from individuals will win (1) free admission to the 2013 ASCCA Summer Education Conference and 2 nights hotel accommodations!
To submit photos for entry into the lottery, please send your photo to ASCCA staff at calvidrez@amgroup.us - please include your name, shop name, city, and Chapter number.
For more information on getting the ASCCA logo with the new slogan and for purchasing an adjunct sign, contact ASCCA staff at (800) 810-4272 or email Heather Vigil at hvigil@amgroup.us.
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| Special Thank You to ASCCA's Diamond Sponsors! | |
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One Capitol Mall, Suite 320
Sacramento, CA 95814
(800) 810-4272
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