ASCCA What You Need to Know

What You Need to Know

To Elevate and Unite Automotive Professionals, and Give Them Voice

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AAIA Charges MINI Cooper Owner's Manual Violates Magnuson Moss Warranty Act

AAIA joined with three other aftermarket trade groups to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding statements made by BMW as part of the MINI Cooper's owner's manual. Signed by AAIA, the Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA), the Tire Industry Association (TIA) and the Service Station Dealers of America and Allied Trades (SSDA), the March 14 letter points to a declaration in the 2012 MINI Cooper's manual that "only MINI dealers are to perform oil changes." The aftermarket's letter states that BMW provides no qualification or exception to this statement and therefore it violates Magnuson Moss Warranty Act's (MMWA) prohibition against conditioning warranties on the use of an original equipment part or service. "The clear purpose of BMW's wording is to make consumers believe that using MINI Cooper dealers is their only option and that failure to use only them will merit penalty," according to the letter.

This is the fourth letter that AAIA and the other three aftermarket groups have sent the FTC specifically detailing language in OE vehicle manufacturers owner's manuals and public statements that appears to be in direct violation of MMWA. In the first letter sent in fall 2011, the group stated that simultaneous releases from Honda and Acura attempted to mislead consumers as to the quality of non-original equipment replacement parts and the possibility that use of these parts could void their new car warranties. This letter was quickly followed by a complaint letter in response to a Mazda release that stated, among other disparaging comments, "...These aftermarket parts are generally made to a lower standard in order to cut costs and lack the testing required to determine their effectiveness in vehicle performance and safety." Then in a May 2012 letter, the group took issue with a Kia Technical Service Bulletin that conditioned warranty coverage on the use of Kia-branded oil filters.

AAIA, AOCA, TIA and SSDA plans to meet with the FTC in the very near future in order to discuss the latest BMW compliant, as well as the status of investigation regarding the other complaints that the aftermarket has filed regarding MMWA. A copy of the latest letter can be found here .

Do You Have Your Sign?
There's still time to win GREAT PRIZES!

The Sign You Can Trust contest has been extended to April 12th! So get your sign by contacting staff at [email protected]. The chapter with the highest percentage of pictures submitted of shops with the new sign will win 1 FREE ADMISSION to the 2013 Summer Conference INCLUDING a two night stay at the Hilton Irvine.

Other individual prizes include:

Three cases of synthetic oil from Kendall Oil
Made to order ASCCA jacket from G & K Services
$100 Visa gift card
Beautiful limited edition print by wildlife artist Sandra Jordan

All you have to do is get your adjunct The Sign You Can Trust sign - take a picture - and email it to us at [email protected].

ASCCA Updated 2013 Legislative Bill List

ASCCA's Legislative Advocate, Jack Molodanof has provided us with an updated 2013 Legislative Bill list.

Please click here to see the full report.

Mega Marketing Symposium

Are you looking for ways to increase your car count?

Are you confused about marketing?

Here's a chance for members to get theses answers and more through an intensive 2 day boot camp on marketing for the automotive repair shop. The Mega Marketing Symposium is being produced by one of the most respected Automotive education companies in California, Educational Seminars institute (ESi).

ESi is a corporate sponsor of ASCCA and its owner, Maylan Newton is a sought after guest speaker at Chapter meetings. This is the second Mega Marketing Symposium they've produced with outstanding reviews from attendees. People from all over the United States attended last year's event.

From direct mail to websites, social marketing, branding and reward systems this 2-day event is like none before. These informative seminars will cover all aspect of marketing by companies specific to the automotive industry

Please take a minute to visit www.fillthebays.com to see the speaker line-up and presenters.

I would be happy to send you full color handouts for your next meeting, just email me at [email protected] with the quantity you would like. Click here for a flyer for your review.

IN THIS ISSUE

"LIKE"us on Facebook

AAIA Charges MINI Cooper Owner's Manual Violates Magnuson Moss Warranty Act

Do you have your Sign?

ASCCA Updated 2013 Bill List

Mega Marketing Symposium

Nominate an ASCCA Member of the Month

March Member of the Month

Cindy Brown, Connie & Dick's Automotive Service, Claremont, CA

In her own words: "Scott, my husband and I have owned Connie & Dick's Automotive Service Center, Inc. since 1996. My husband inspired me to become more involved in our business about 10 years ago. Almost 5 years ago he told me he had a wonderful opportunity to help take IATN (a second business) to new levels and I have been running Connie & Dick's Automotive, Inc. since.

Running our shop has been a huge learning curve for me. I had to step into some big shoes (Scott's), so I re-branded our business as woman-owned-and-run and continued with great business training classes and attended trade shows with training.

It's been a wonderful experience, my customers love knowing I run the business and my employees have expressed very positive feelings too.

ASCCA has been a part of our world for as long as my husband has been a Tech. It's an honor being part of an association dedicated to the improvement and growth of our businesses and our industry. ASCCA keeps me updated on what's going on in the state and in my own backyard - giving us a voice in legislative matters.

The discounted programs and services offered ONLY to ASCCA members can really add up. My membership dues are much less when I take into account all the great savings from ASCCA benefit providers. With everything ASCCA has to offer my favorite benefit is our Chapter meetings (I'm Vice President of Chapter 14), each month we get to meet and network, talk about our month, share marketing ideas, and just know that everyone goes through the same things - or it can just lift someone up who needs it.

To those thinking about joining ASCCA, what are you waiting for? This is the best decision you will ever make for you and your business. You will meet and make some of the best friends in your life. You will find a chance to grow in your Chapter as well - so get involved and help out anyway you can!"

ASCCA members like Cindy are shining examples of how One Member CAN Make a Difference!

Calendar of Events

Legislative Day

Tuesday April 16, 2013

Governor's Council Room

Governor's Office - First Floor

California State Capitol

Click here for full agenda.

Click here for Fly-In information.

Summer Conference

June 21-23

Irvine, CA

Hotel Rate: $99

Hotel Reservation: 1-800-445-8667

Online Registration NOW Available!

Click here for the Attendee Brochure.

Team Weekend

September 27-29

Embassy Suites Sacramento

Sacramento, CA

Nominate an ASCCA Member for Member of the Month!

The ASCCA Member of the Month is a new program developed by ASCCA leadership to recognize our members who go above and beyond to support our core purpose: To Elevate and Unite Automotive Professionals and Give Them Voice.

Each Member of the Month will receive a certificate and a $50 Visa gift card. Additionally, the member will be recognized on the ASCCA website homepage for one month, announced on Team Talk, featured in the WYNTK and in the California Independent.

YOU can nominate a Member of the Month by sending your recommendation to Heather Vigil at [email protected]. All nominations should include a summary of why your nominee should be considered for ASCCA's Member of the Month.

When making a recommendation, please use the following criteria:

Faithfully adheres to ASCCA code of ethics
Active proponent of ASCCA (both State and Chapter); talks up ASCCA to non-members
Actively helps oter shops succeed (both member and non-member shops)
Utilizes member benefits (ASCCA Advantage) and mentors new members utilizing benefits
Active in local Chapter (where applicable) and state events
Adds his/her voice to legislative issues; contacting representatives on key issues
Pays dues on time
Participates in/monitors Team Talk

Each nomination will be carefully reviewed and considered by the ASCCA Membership Committee. The pool of Members of the Month winners will be voted on by the Chapter Representatives Committee for Member of the Year to be honored at ASCCA's Summer Conference, June 21-23, 2013 at the Hilton Irvine Orange County.

For more information on the Member of the Month program, please contact Heather Vigil at [email protected].

Special Thank You to ASCCA's Diamond Sponsors!