ASCCA What You Need To Know

November 3, 2014

ASCCA Member of the Month - November

The ASCCA's member of the month for November is Steve Elstins, owner of West Coast Muffler in Concord. Steve was nominated by Chapter 20 because his passion to make a difference in the industry is appreciated by everyone. He has organized a Father's Day car show for the last 20 years and donated the proceeds to charity. Steve is also an ASCCA board member, chairs ASCCA's Education, Training and Information Committee, and is a member of ASCCA's Summer Conference and Government Affairs Committees. Steve does a lot for ASCCA members so thank him next time you see him!

Click here to read about previous ASCCA members of the month.

Sears Will Close 34 Underperforming Auto Centers

Sears will close 34 auto centers because they are generating little revenue. Altogether, counting other types of Sears stores, more than 100 stores will be closed, with more than 5,400 employees being laid off. Sears lost about $1 billion in the last six months.

Read the article from Ratchet & Wrench

Better Business Bureau of Northeast California Seeks Voluntary Arbitrators for Dispute Resolution Program

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Northeast California has asked ASCCA to let our members know that they are seeking arbitrators for its Dispute Resolution program. Arbitrators resolve disputes between customers and participating businesses. All cases take place in the BBB's West Sacramento office. Arbitrators would be strictly voluntary and so there would be no stipend.

Read the BBB Press Release

Senator Blumenthal Writes Letter to FTC, Urging They Take Action on Violations of Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn) has written a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) urging the FTC to take action against car manufacturers who he says are misleading consumers into believing that their new car warranties will be voided if they get them repaired or serviced at local shops. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act requires that independent auto repair shops be allowed to repair cars without negating the warranty. The ASCCA has worked on this issue as well.

Read the article from the ACA's Capital Report

TeamTalk Teeming with Topics - Are You Participating?

ASCCA's TeamTalk topics this week included fleet management companies, loaner cars and insurance, referrals for business to fellow ASCCA shops, and fingerprint time clocks. TeamTalk is an ASCCA member benefit and is an open forum for members to discuss issues of relevance to the membership or the automotive industry at large. It is a member-to-member discussion list. Are you participating? If not, contact Sarah Spencer at sspencer@amgroup.us to sign up.

First 3-D Printed Cars to be Produced in 2015

The auto industry is close to developing the first 3-D printed car for mass production. Local Motors in Phoenix hopes to produce The Strati in 2015. Should this be a success, microfactories all over the world could manufacture cars, rather than large plants in one city, like Detroit.

Read about it in Ratchet & Wrench

Deadline for Signing up with DFG and Getting an ASCCA Dues Rebate Extended to Friday, November 14

DFG is the exclusive merchant services provider for ASCCA. DFG offers ASCCA members preferred low-cost merchant processing. ASCCA members need to sign up with DFG by the close of business on Friday, November 14 in order to receive a $350 dues rebate check during the first week in December (just in time for the holidays!). Go to http://dfg-damar.com/ascca.php or call the toll free number (877) 326-2799 to sign up.

Member Benefit Extended! ASCCA Discount on DAD Device Good Through the End of this Year

Applus Technologies, Inc. ("Applus") is pleased to offer ASCCA members a 15% discount off the retail price of each Applus Smog DADdy� full system. To obtain the discount, Applus Technologies asks that ASCCA members wishing to purchase the units order on their website www.smogdaddy.com and enter promotion code "ASCCA" in the appropriate space on the order form.

This offer will expire December 31, 2014. ASCCA members will receive their discount immediately upon purchase. In cases where established members have made purchases prior to the date of this agreement, Applus will adjust the purchase price to reflect the aforementioned discount.

Recall Notices from the NHTSA This Week

2015 Chevrolet Corvette
Parking Brake May Only Work on One Wheel
Driver Air Bag May Separate from Steering Wheel

2002-2005 Lexus SC; 2003-2005 Pontiac Vibe; 2002-2005 Toyota Sequoia, Tundra, Corolla, Corolla Matrix
Passenger Side Front Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

Thank You ASCCA Sponsors!