Automotive Service Councils of California

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

February 21, 2014

Mark Your Calendars! ASCCA/CAA Legislative Fly-in on April 30

California Autobody Association (CAA) is partnering with ASCCA for the 2014 Legislative Fly-In! Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with others in the industry. Fill out this registration form and book your airfare. We're taking care of the rest - transportation from the airport, food, and the scheduling of legislative appointments. Please don't delay, space is limited! Reservations will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Past speakers have included: Chief, Bureau of Automotive Repair; Governor's Small Business Advocate, Governor's Economic Adviser; Chair, Select Committee on Career Technical Education & Workforce Development; Author AB2289 (Smog Check), Chair Senate Transportation & Housing Committee.

Click here for registration form

Car Donations Help ASCEF

Thank you to Roy Doral, Doral's Auto Repair, Larry and Laurie Moore, Larry's Autoworks, for facilitating car donations which together brought $1610.00 to the ASC Educational Foundation.

BUILDING CAREERS ONE CAR AT A TIME!

ASCEF Website

Click here or on the image above for more information.

Recent Car Recall Notices

Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year

2014 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured September 30, 2013, through January 11, 2014. The certification label has incorrect tire pressure information printed on it, listing a specification that is 1 or 2 psi below the correct information. Maintaining tire pressure below the recommmend specification could result in premature tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will correct the label information, and owners will also receive a sticker to put into the owners manual, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in February 2014. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC103.

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 13454.

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance. The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall is expected to begin in late February 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system. If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash. Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

February's New Vehicle Sales to Set a Record

from J.D. Power

February's new vehicle retail sales are forecasted to reach 972,400 -- a 5 percent increase from February 2013. Average new-vehicle retail transaction prices and industry revenue are on track to set all-time February records. The most accurate measure of consumer demand for new vehicles is new-vehicle retail sales.

In This Issue

Legislative Fly-in on April 30

Car Donations Help ASCEF

Recent Car Recall Notices

February New Vehicle Sales Up

February Member of the Month Ken Breshears

Gas Prices Going Up

Mexico: 2nd Largest Exporter of Cars to U.S.

February Member of the Month: Ken Breshears

ASCCA member Ken Breshears, of Keith's Auto Repair in Redding (ASCCA Chapter 99)

In his own words:

At 10 years of age my first job was detailing cars and working the pump island at my father's Chevron service station during the summer. Later, when he became the AAA towing contractor for Shasta County, I would help the drivers on snow days and help the technicians during the summer. In high school I found employment in a restaurant and became a sous chef by age 18. By age 20 for many reasons I returned to the family business, a high volume Chevron station with a busy back room repair business. I became the manager by the end of that first summer, in 1983. The automotive repair business was changing and I was excited to learn all aspects of the industry, such as customer service, business management, new technologies and much more.

In 1992 my father expanded and opened a general repair and smog check facility, Keith's Auto Repair. I was still running the service station with lube bays and food mart. In 1995 I was sent to run the shop and increase sales. The shop was relocated in 1997 and on May 1, 1999 my wife and I bought Keith's Auto Repair from my father.

In 2001 during a membership drive I was approached to join ASCCA. I had learned it was important to support associations that would look out for my interests and be my VOICE. Chapter 99 did a very good job of providing informational general meetings covering important topics including hazardous waste, Bureau of Auto Repair, workers comp, CC processing, business management, labor laws and much more. I found friendships that have been very beneficial. Those who are not a business owner can never truly relate to the issues that we deal with daily; it has been a great comfort to have a group of businessmen and women who can relate to this ever-changing industry.

In 2011 I was asked to become a board member, and reluctantly I agreed. Toward the end of that year our long-time chapter leader Steve Lustig became ill and I was asked to step in for a few months and organize a meeting or two. Steve was the one that made sure this chapter stayed together, and he is missed. I am presently in my third year as chapter president. I have a strong, stable board and continue to provide informative general meetings for our members.

The advice I would give to new members would be to take full advantage of our resources and members. Spending a little time once a month can help your personal and business life prosper.

Proposed Bill Would Raise Gas Prices 15 Cents Per Gallon in 2015

from The Sacramento Bee

Senate leader Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) proposed yesterday that Californians pay a carbon tax, starting at 15 cents per gallon in 2015 and going up to 43 cents per gallon in 2030, as an alternative to the rising gas prices they would otherwise face. In 2006, a law was passed requiring oil companies to buy carbon credits for all the fuel they sell, starting in 2015. Gas prices will rise because of that law even if Steinberg's proposal is not made into law, and higher prices generally discourage demand for gas.

The carbon credits bill of 2006 will lead to unpredictable fluctuations in gas prices, Steinberg asserts. The oil industry supports his proposal, while environmental groups do not, believing it weakens the 2006 law.

Mexico To Become Second-Largest Exporter of Cars to U.S.

from The Sacramento Bee

Mexico is about to supplant Japan as the second-largest exporter of cars to the U.S. Mexican car exports to the U.S. will total 1.7 million in 2014, 200,000 more than Japan. Mexico will also pass Canada as the number one exporter by the end of 2015.

Thank You ASCCA Diamond Sponsors!

About Us

Founded in 1940, the Automotive Service Councils of California is the largest independent automotive repair organization in California. Its members represent all areas of the automotive repair industry, including mechanical, auto body, suppliers and educators.