Southern Automotive Journal

ASA Leaders Meet with Sponsor of McCarran-Ferguson Repeal Bill

Collision Repairers Convene on Capitol Hill for ASA Fly-In

Efficient Vehicle Leadership Act Introduced in U.S.

Senate

With CARS in Effect, Where Do the Cars Go?

ASE Launches Maintenance and Inspection Program

Cash for Clunkers to Cause Used-Car-Value Bubble

Mazdaspeed3

September 2009

FC Sport Please Turn to Page 5

MECHANICAL NEWS

DEALER NEWS

COLLISION NEWS

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IN-HOME: Dec. 1, 2008

Honda recently revealed the Honda FC Sport design study model, a hydrogen-pow-ered, three-seat sports car concept.

The FC Sport emphasizes the design flexibility and potential of Honda’s V Flow fuel cell technology - already deployed in the Honda FCX Clarity sedan - and reconfig-ures it into a lightweight sports car design with an ultra-low center of gravity, powerful electric motor performance and zero-emis-sions. The design study concept is inspired by supercar levels of performance through low weight and a high-performance, electri-cally driven fuel cell powertrain.

“The Honda FC Sport explores how to

Honda FC Sport - Hydrogen Sports Car Future

satisfy automotive performance enthu-siasts in a world beyond petroleum,” said Dan Bonawitz, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “People who love sports cars will still have a reason to love in a hydrogen-powered future.”

The high-output Honda fuel cell powertrain and a sleek, aerodynamic body contribute to the vehicle’s perfor-mance potential. A modular approach to fuel cell component packaging and the electric drivetrain contribute to the

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Acura Jackson Acura 678.259.9500 877.622.2871 678.259.9555 Nalley Acura 770.422.3138 800.899.7278 770.590.4154 SONS Acura 866.961.SONS 770.968.5507Audi Jim Ellis Audi 770.955.2580 800.253.8242 770.952.6199 Nalley Audi 678.795.3500 877.625.5393 678.352.3450

BMW Global Imports BMW 770.951.9389 800.235.2987 770.952.3390 BMW of South Atlanta 678.479.4622 800.959.2241 678.479.4695 Nalley BMW 404.296.8644 800.622.2021 404.297.9134 United BMW 770.476.8413 800.334.5645 770.623.4320

Chrysler Jim Burke Chrysler 205.320.7320 866.320.7320 205.458.4452 Don Drennen Autos 205.823.5237 800.633.4304 888.815.5238 Hayes Chrysler 770.963.6263 800.241.8124 770.237.8174General Motors Jim Burke 205.320.7320 866.320.7320 205.458.4452 Don Drennen 205.823.5237 800.633.4304 888.815.5238 Honda Nalley Honda 770.306.4646 800.367.9834 770.306.4640 SONS Honda 770.228.2888 800.243.4130 770.228.8483 Tameron Honda 800-467-0699 205-443-7656Hyundai Jim Burke Hyundai 205.320.7320 866.320.7320 205.458.4452 Tameron Hyundai 800-467-0699 205-443-7656Infiniti Nalley Infiniti- Marietta 770.281.8645 877.625.5392 770.281.8646 Nalley Infiniti- Decatur 404.292.0831 800.522.3324 404.296.8701Izuzu Jim Burke 205.320.7320 866.320.7320 205.458.4452 Jaguar Jim Burke 205.320.7320 866.320.7320 205.458.4452 Nalley 770.664.4408 800.328.4833 770.664.4338 Kia Kia of Union City 770.964.8252 800.43.PARTS 678.815.1010 Kia of Town Center 770.423.4404 770.423.3518 Mazda Jim Ellis Mazda of Marietta 770.590.4468 800.543.4647 770.795.0645

Merecdes-Benz Atlanta Classic Cars 678-924-4249 800-241-6086 678-924-4257Mini Global Imports 770.951.9389 800.235.2987 770.952.3390 Mini of South Atlanta 678.479.4622 800.959.2241 678.479.4695 Nissan Jim Burke Nissan 205.320.7320 866.320.7320 205.458.4452 Nalley Nissan 404.292.4774 800.647.7278 404.297.6962 Nissan of Union City 770.306.9817 800-43-parts 770.964.5754 Nissan of South Atlanta 770.968.3582 800.422.6783 770.968.6938 Lexus Nalley Lexus Marietta 770.514.7408 800.966.5398 770.590.4132 Nalley Lexus Roswell 678.795.2050 877.495.3987 678.795.9606 Porsche Jim Ellis Porsche 770.216.7580 888.685.3280 770.216.7560SAAB Jim Burke 205.320.7320 866.320.7320 205.458.4452

Scion Limbaugh Scion 205.788.9390 800.239.5050 205.780.5215Nalley Scion of Roswell 678.832.4300 877.594.8696 770.552.2365

Subaru Jim Burke Subaru 205.320.7320 866.320.7320 205.458.4452 Troncalli Subaru 770.889.8951 800.646.9438 770.889.2545 Suzuki Suzuki of Memphis 800.338.5481 800.338.5481 301.347.4207 Toyota Limbaugh Toyota 205.788.9390 800.239.5050 205.780.5215 Nalley Toyota of Roswell 678.832.4300 877.594.8696 770.552.2365 Volvo Nalley Volvo 770.951.1043 800.782.9313 770.933.0118 Volvo of Memphis 800.338.5481 800.338.5481 301.347.4207 Volkswagen Jim Ellis 770.955.2580 800.253.8242 770.952.6199

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With automobile dealerships around the country heavily marketing to the consumer the benefits of the “clunker” trade-in under the federal gov-ernment “Car Allowance Rebate System” (CARS) program in hopes to boost sales, there may be some question as to what happens to those tens of thousands of vehicles that are expected to be received for new, more environmentally efficient ones. Consumers and dealerships can rest assured that professional automo-tive recyclers throughout the United States are poised and ready to process those vehicles, and handle them accord-ing to the rules set forth under the CARS program to achieve the highest of envi-ronmental standards. With protecting the environment being a major compo-nent in this legislation, recycling these vehicles is the next logical step.

The automotive recycling indus-try is dedicated to the efficient removal and reuse of “green” automotive parts, and the proper recycling of inoperable motor vehicles. With strong participation in best-in-class programs such as the Certified Automotive Recycler program

With CARS in Effect, Where Do the Cars Go?and other partnerships, members of the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) provide consumers with quality, low-cost alternatives for vehicle replacement parts, while preserving our environment for a “greener” tomorrow.

“ARA-member automotive recyclers stand ready to maximize the recycled parts, reuse in an environmentally sound way and get the vehicle through to the scrap process efficiently and effectively,” says Michael Wilson, ARA executive vice president. “ARA members have access to the most current environmental regula-tions, as required by the Environmental Protection Agency and other local and state agencies, and we encourage mem-bers to uphold, and even surpass, those standards while processing retired cars. Furthermore, our members will provide the best possible service to all parties - peace of mind for the consumer trading in a car, speed of service to the dealership requiring help with vehicle disposal, and excellence in customer service to poten-tial buyers of recycled parts - all the way to processing the vehicle for scrap.”

Not all Americans can afford a new

vehicle even with CARS benefits. With trade-ins processed through profession-al automotive recyclers, the availability of recycled parts to keep other vehicles operable is secured. American consum-ers and automobile repair businesses purchase these quality recycled vehicle components every day to keep vehicles running. They rely on parts from recycled vehicles because of their substantial sav-ings in reduced repair costs and lower insurance premiums, savings from the purchase of a replacement vehicle, and also for the strong environmental bene-fits, including the conservation of natural resources that would otherwise be used to make new replacement parts.

The industry, predominantly comprised of small business facilities, responds to the economic and envi-ronmental challenge of recycling these vehicles. Rather than merely crushing wrecked, abandoned, or disabled auto-mobiles, today’s auto recycler maximizes a car’s true market value, and gives new life through the reuse of parts to other vehicles that might otherwise be inoper-able.n

Southern Automotive Journal September 2009�

�Southern Automotive JournalSeptember 2009

FC Sport From Front Cover

FC Sport’s low center of gravity with the majority of vehi- c l e m a s s dis-

t r i b -u t e d between the axles, cre-ating the balanced weight distribution sought after in sports cars.

The ideal placement of the Honda V-Flow fuel cell stack and related components demonstrates the benefits of a platform-spe-cific, hydrogen-powered fuel cell powertrain. The FC Sport

is con-figured to accom- m o d a t e a custom-formed high-power fuel cell stack, located between the rear seats, and a battery pack placed low in the middle of the vehicle. The electric motor resides just forward of the rear axle. Two fuel storage tanks, visible from above, are located above the rear axle.

The optimal placement of fuel cell components for performance also allows

for a relatively large passenger cabin by conventional supercar standards with enough space for three seating posi-tions. The interior layout focuses pri-marily on the driver with a racecar-like

center driving position. The enclosed canopy opens upward from the

rear to allow for entry and exit. Two rear passenger seats flank the driver’s left and right side.

The sleek, low-profile body is designed

to convey a high-technology appear-ance with sculpting that combines angular

shapes in the front of the vehicle that taper into geo-

metric, hex forms in the rear. The rear hex forms house cooling radiators for the fuel cell. Formula 1-style barge boards behind the front wheels enhance high speed aerodynamics and convey the vehicle’s racing pedigree. The hydro-gen storage tanks, visible from the rear deck, showcase the FC Sports fuel cell technology in much the same way that a “naked bike” motorcycle showcases its engineering technology.

The glacier white body color con-

veys the FC Sport’s clean environmental aspirations while the dark wheels and deeply tinted glass provide a symbolic contrast befitting of the

vehicle’s

u n i q u e combination of clean

power and high per-formance. Green

c o n s t r u c t i o n t e c h n i q u e s

further con-tribute to a reduced c a r b o n f o o t p r i n t . An organic, b i o - s t r u c-ture theme

is carried through to the

body construc-tion where exteri-

or panels are intend-ed to use

p l a n t -derived bio-plas-

tics.The Advanced Design Studio of

Honda R&D Americas, in Pasadena, California, developed the FC Sport design study with the primary objec-tive of using existing fuel cell technol-ogy as the basis for an ultimate Honda sports car. Designer Jason Wilbur led the design efforts.n

Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) of Memphis and Dobbs Nissan are cel-ebrating a new community partnership, with the announcement of the Grand Opening of Dobbs Nissan’s new dealer-ship at Hacks Cross and Hwy. 385 (4140 Hacks Cross Rd.) in Memphis and Dobbs Nissan’s commitment to donate a mini-mum of $25 per vehicle sold and $1 per vehicle serviced in the month of July at their brand new location.

“In the current economic times we are always looking for new ways to raise the funds necessary to provide a ‘home-away-from-home’ for the chil-

Dobbs Nissan Grand Opening Celebration Raises Funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) of Memphis

dren and families of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We are thrilled to have the support of an organization like Dobbs Nissan and are looking forward to a long relationship and more ways of collaborating in the future,” said Clint Cummins, Annual Fund Manager for Ronald McDonald House Charities((R)) of Memphis.

The Grand Opening Celebration of Dobbs Nissan (4140 Hacks Cross Rd. - Hacks Cross and Hwy. 385) will be on Saturday, July 18th and promises fun activities for the entire family, including a special appearance by Muley, the Ronald

McDonald House ‘Spokesmule’. As a show of their support of the mission of Ronald McDonald House, Dobbs Nissan will extend their celebration to the month of July and Ronald McDonald House of Memphis is excited to be the beneficiary of their special Grand Opening Month fundraising efforts.

For more information on the Dobbs Nissan Grand Opening Celebration, please contact Clint Cummins, Annual Fund Manager at (901) 312-7456 or visit us online at www.rmhmemphis.org to learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities((R)) of Memphis.n

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) hosted a Fly-In and Capitol Hill Day for its collision repair members July 28-29. Collision repairers from across the country fanned out over Capitol Hill to discuss insurance reform and the repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act with their representatives and senators.

U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd, D-Fla. address-es ASA attendees at the start of the association’s Capitol Hill Fly-In Tuesday evening. The ASA grassroots event was held July 28-29 and allowed members to discuss insurance reform and the repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act with their representatives and senators on Capitol Hill. (Photo by Denise Caspersen, ASA.)

Kicking off the event at the open-ing night dinner were remarks by Rep.

Collision Repairers Convene on Capitol Hill for ASA Fly-InAllen Boyd, D-Fla. Boyd is a long-term leader of the Blue Dogs, a conservative group of democrats in the House of Representatives. He gave an overview of the top issues being debated on Capitol Hill and answered questions from inter-ested members.

Specifically, ASA collision repair-ers met with members from the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, the House Financial Services Committee, the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, the Senate Finance Committee and an assortment of House and Senate leaders.

The repairers argued for the repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act, empha-sizing that a competitive insurance

marketplace will enhance the plight of consumers. The McCarran-Ferguson Act provides that federal antitrust law applies to the business of insurance only to the extent that such business is not regulated by state law. The anti-com-petitive consequences of McCarran-Ferguson impact both consumers and small businesses that have business relationships with insurers. Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., and Rep. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., have introduced legislation, H.R. 1583, that would repeal the McCarran-Ferguson Act.

Further, repairers pushed for members of Congress to co-sponsor H.R. 1880 legislation establishing an optional federal charter for property and casualty insurers.n

Southern Automotive Journal (ISSN: 1092-6321) is published monthly by Southern Automotive Journal Inc. P.O. Box 675097, Marietta, Ga 30006-0009.SAJ accepts no responsibility for the opinions, views statements of the authors or for claims made by advertisers. Views expressed by writers are not necessarily those of the publica-tion. Subscription: $12.00 per year. No representation is made as to the accuracy or the completeness of the information provided by this publication. Entire contents copyright 2009. All rights reserved.

ContributorsDennis Martin

Ami VoneshJoyce Ethridge

Russ Heaps

Southern Automotive JournalP.O. Box 675097

Marietta, Ga 30006-0009(770) 321-9920

[email protected]

Volume 13 Issue No. 9

Jim TuckerPublisher

Michele TuckerEditor


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The Automotive Service Association (ASA) testified before the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) Property-Casualty Insurance Committee on NCOIL’s Model Laws on Auto Airbag Fraud, and Motor Vehicle Crash Parts and Repair propos-als.

ASA is very concerned about the use of salvage airbags and discourages their usage. NCOIL’s airbag fraud propos-al left open the option of using salvage airbags. While the use of salvage air-bags can reduce cost, ASA believes that safety could be severely compromised and that shop owners could be placed at risk for installing salvage airbags. ASA recommends that all shops inquire with their insurance carriers before installing salvage airbags regarding coverage and increases in rates and get this informa-tion in writing.

ASA Testifies at NCOIL Property-Casualty Insurance Committee HearingIn comments relative to the NCOIL

Motor Vehicle Crash Parts and Repair bill, ASA supports state disclosure laws that require insurers and auto collision facilities to obtain the express written consent of vehicle owners before install-ing replacement crash parts.

ASA member Harry Moppert, owner of Moppert Brothers Collision Services Group in Morton, Pa., testified on behalf of ASA. In comments regard-ing the airbag fraud draft, he stated: “Although the proposed model legis-lation before your committee includes elements that make some significant improvements to the current law, it fails to address a critical issue; salvage airbags should not be used in vehicle repair … Repairers want to use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) airbags where reliability and performance are tested, warranted and proven.”

With regard to the crash parts bill, Moppert went on to suggest: “Aftermarket crash parts, certified or not, do not assure consumers or repairers that they are equal to OEM. The qual-ity and safety requirements, particularly for offshore parts, may or may not be evident for certified aftermarket parts. Parts certification in the United States has been very limited in scope. With 3 percent or less of the aftermarket parts being certified, there is little assurance from any data on quality and safety that can be gleaned for policy discussions. If the Committee opts to pursue the Model Crash Parts and Repair Act, ASA suggests that you limit the scope of this proposal to a formal consumer notice and written consent process applicable to any parts used in the repair, whether they are OEM, aftermarket, certified aftermarket or salvage.”n

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Southern Automotive JournalSeptember 2009 9

Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, LLC marked the July 15th one-year anniversary of its decision to build a U.S. automo-bile production facility in Chattanooga, Tenn., by announcing that nearly $436 million in local contracts have been awarded to date.

The amount includes almost $198 million awarded by the city, state and Volkswagen to contractors and subcontractors for plant construc-tion, with anoth-er $230 million over the next 20 years. Additionally, Volkswagen has awarded contracts totaling more than $238 million on an annual turn-over basis with local parts sup-pliers for the New Midsized Sedan to be produced in Chattanooga start-ing in early 2011.

“These contracts, while impres-sive, are more than just numbers. They are a clear testament to the progress we’ve been able to achieve in one short year with our partners in Chattanooga and Tennessee,” said Frank Fischer, CEO and Chairman of Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, LLC. “Our decision one year ago to invest in a U.S. production facility was a strategic step forward in our commitment to the North American market, and we look forward to continuing the journey.”

On July 15, 2008, Volkswagen announced plans to produce a car designed specifically for the North American consumer at a new produc-tion facility in Chattanooga, investing $1 billion in the local economy and creating more than 2,000 direct jobs. The Chattanooga plant is an important element of the company’s overall U.S. strategy of connecting with its custom-ers, increasing its competitiveness and tripling its U.S. customer base in the

Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations Tops $435 Million in Local Contracts

next decade.“Volkswagen’s investment in

Tennessee is already making a significant impact on our state,” said Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen. “Despite a challeng-ing economy, Volkswagen has moved forward at full speed on the project and put hundreds of Tennesseans to work before the first vehicle rolls off the assembly line. I’ve called this project an

‘anchor’ from which additional invest-ment will follow, and I feel as confident about it today as when it was first announced.”

Construction of the Chattanooga production facility at Enterprise South Industrial Park is underway, with start of production of 150,000 vehicles annu-ally on schedule for early 2011. Work is more than halfway complete on the paint shop facility, which will use pio-neering technology to minimize waste and reduce carbon emissions by more than 20 percent.

Meanwhile, hiring for professional positions continues and will accelerate through the remainder of 2009. More than 100 local employees have been hired to date in areas such as engineer-ing, manufacturing, purchasing, human resources, IT and finance. Volkswagen plans to begin accepting applications for production positions in late 2009, with hiring set to begin in early 2010.

“Our project in Chattanooga is

made up of four pillars - the plant, the product, our suppliers and our people. We are committed to hiring locally, and we are convinced that we will have a best-in-class workforce,” said Hans-Herbert Jagla, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, for the Chattanooga Operations.

“Volkswagen’s decision to anchor its U.S. auto production in Chattanooga

was the culmina-tion of a shared community vision and years of invest-ment to recruit a major manufacturer to Enterprise South. Not only will the Chattanooga region be transformed by the tremendous eco-nomic impact and new job creation, but our entire state will reap great ben-efits from suppliers and other support-ing businesses this facility will attract,” said U.S. Senator Bob

Corker. “Even in the midst of a challeng-ing economic environment, construc-tion of the plant and development of its supplier network remain on track. All of us are anxious for the day when the first vehicles roll off the assembly line.”

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander remem-bered one year ago calling Volkswagen and Chattanooga the “ideal marriage.” “And it’s clear the relationship has been a tremendous success. Volkswagen’s wise investment one year ago in Tennessee’s low-cost, central location, as well as in its strong auto workforce and superior four-lane highway system, has made winners of all involved. I congratulate Volkswagen and Chattanooga on a great first year together,” Alexander said.

“The excitement Tennesseans felt one year ago at the announcement of the creation of thousands of high paying, quality jobs in our region by

VW Chattanooga Please Turn to Page 15

The Chattanooga plant is expected to generate $12 billion in income growth and an additional 9,500 jobs over the life of the project.

“Volkswagen committed more than a billion dol-lars in capital for this project, and we’re already see-ing the impact that commitment is having on compa-nies in Tennessee and throughout the region,”

Matt KisberCommissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

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Several plans are currently being debated in the public forum in an attempt to find a way to reduce green-house gas emissions. Most of these concepts have been debated for years -- setting higher mileage standards, implementing advanced technologies, and passing “cash for clunkers” legis-lation. The head of one of the coun-try’s largest engine parts distribution groups says one simple, quicker and less costly idea is starting to gain more attention -- professionally rebuilding worn-out and inefficient engines of the millions of older cars and trucks now on the road.

The president of Engine Parts Group, Inc., Thomas Hobson, says that the 25,000 independent shops that make up the U.S. engine rebuilding industry have been restoring auto power plants to original specs for decades and are now beginning to be recognized for their “green” con-tributions. “We hear a lot of talk about various ideas to reduce emissions, but policy makers and the public are start-ing to realize that the rebuilding of older engines may represent one of the fastest, cheapest and least wasteful ways to reduce automobile emissions.”

Engine Parts Group: Professional Engine Rebuilding May Offer a Simpler, Lower Cost Way to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions Than Cash for Clunkers

Hobson agrees that there is little argument that increasing new vehi-cle mileage (CAFE) standards would reduce fuel use -- eventually. He points out that those standards have barely budged since the 1980s and there have been very few fuel saving technologies introduced in new vehicles over the last decade. Hobson says, “With more than 250-million vehicles on the road and people holding onto their cars longer, it would take years to have a real impact on the environment. By professionally rebuilding older engines, making them tighter and more efficient, we’d be able to make the vast fleet of older vehicles consume less fuel and emit less pollu-tion very quickly.”

Hobson also suggests taking a closer look at the “cash for clunkers” programs that have been getting state and national consideration. “I think it’s a good idea to address the problem of having so many polluting and inef-ficient vehicles on the road, but replac-ing them with new cars may not be the answer,” says Hobson. “I’ve seen reports that fully one-third of the total environ-mental damage caused by automobiles occurs before they are sold and driven.” Car manufacturing consumes huge

amounts of energy and raw materials, and generates a lot of waste. Hobson says that rebuilding the engines of vehi-cles to keep them on the road longer is an environmentally friendlier option compared to replacing them with new vehicles. A 2006 National Highway Transportation Safety Administration report shows that it would take 16 years for 90% of the vehicles currently on the road to be replaced. Restoring older engines to peak efficiency would reduce emissions faster, more cheaply and with almost no waste. The engine block can be reconditioned to like-new standards while worn out engine parts are replaced with new or better replace-ment parts.

The United States Department of Energy’s fuel efficiency Web site shows that the simple act of keeping an engine properly tuned can save up to 165 gallons of gas per year. Checking spark plugs, oxygen sensors, air filters, hoses and belts are a few examples of maintenance that can result in potential savings of more than $400. Hobson says a complete professional engine rebuild would save that, and much more by restoring engine efficiency to original specs. n

Southern Automotive Journal September 200910

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has launched its new Maintenance and Inspection (M&I) Program. Delivered exclusively online and consisting of four, e-learning training modules and a separate quiz, the program focus-es on awareness of the tasks related to maintenance and inspection. An embedded glossary and safety zone section also help to promote proper

ASE Launches Maintenance and Inspection Programsafety measures. The M&I Program was developed in response to requests from the industry for an ASE product targeting entry-level individuals whose responsi-bilities are concentrated in the vehicle maintenance area. This new e-learning product is a first for ASE. It incorporates learning modules to both deliver and measure the knowledge necessary to perform basic maintenance tasks.

The target audience for this new

program includes prospective and entry-level maintenance personnel, as well as any service professional interested in this specialty area. The new M&I Program will be for many a step on the path to ASE’s certification program. Users who successfully pass the M&I Quiz may print a customized certificate of recognition, rather than an ASE certification. For more infor-mation on the new M&I Program, visit the website at www.ase.com. n

Here’s an overview of the content included in the program:

Module 1 — Preparation and Documentation, includes the following setions: A. Preparing Vehicle for Service, B. Locating Information, C. Tools and Equipment, and D. Preparing Vehicle for Customer.

Module 2 — Fluids, Filters, Belts and Hoses Inspection and Service cosists of these sections: A. Underhood (Part 1), B. Underhood (Part 2), C. Undercar, and D. Filters and Drive Belts.

Module 3 — Suspension, Tire, and Brake Inspection and Service incorporates content within sec-tions: A. Suspension Inspection, B. Tire (Part 1), C. Tire (Part 2), and D. Brake.

Module 4 — Body, Battery, Charging and Electrical Systems Inspection and Service con-tains sections divided into: A. Body, B. Battery, C. Charging, and D. Electrical

Module 5 — A final quiz covering the content in modules 1–4. Upon earning a pass-ing score, the user achieves recognition in maintenance and inspection.

The National Automotive Student Skills Standard Assessment (NA3SA), the new comprehensive end-of-pro-gram assessment test, has been enthu-siastically adopted by secondary and post-secondary automotive technol-ogy programs nationwide. The NA3SA is a series of tests designed to measure students’ knowledge of course content and learning outcomes within an auto-motive training program. NA3SA was developed by ASE in partnership with AYES, NATEF, and SkillsUSA to replace the existing end-of-program assessment used by NATEF programs and others.

The NA3SA tests are appropriate for evaluating students who are near the end of their studies in the areas of Automobile Service, and Collision Repair & Refinishing. NA3SA has been well-accepted by educators and gener-ated significant positive feedback, with impressive gains over last year’s end-of-program assessment. The final numbers show 9,204 students taking 26,484 tests, an increase of 23% and 46% respec-

NA3SA Assessment Widely Acceptedtively. The initial test window ended on June 12th.

The program consists of a series of 40-question exams that parallel the NATEF Task Lists—the standard for program certification. The test ques-tions are drawn from combined NATEF and Automotive Youth Education Systems (AYES) item pools, while actu-al test development is handled by ASE. SkillsUSA brings its years of vocational experience, program design expertise, and commitment to exam develop-ment. Available assessments include:

The cost is $15 per student. This fee allows the instructor to schedule, within a single test window, as many of the assessments within a single test series as needed.

Instant scoring is available for most tests and the school can print student achievement certificates local-ly.

The spring 2009 testing window was April 16th and concluded June 12th.n

Available assessments include:

AUTOMOBILE TESTS

Suspension and Steering

Brakes

Electrical/Electronic Systems

Engine Performance

Engine Repair

Automatic Transmission/Transaxle

Manual Drive Train and Axles

Heating and Air Conditioning

COLLISION REPAIR AND

REFINISH TESTS

Painting and Refinishing

Structural Analysis and

Damage Repair

Non-structural Analysis and

Damage Repair



During July's Capitol Hill Fly-In, hosted by the Automotive Service Association (ASA) in Washington, D.C., collision repairers got an opportunity to meet with the sponsor of a key bill on insurance reform.

ASA members met with U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean July 29 to discuss legisla-tion that would establish optional federal insurance regulation for insurers. ASA supports H.R. 1880, of which Bean is the

ASA Leaders Meet with Insurance Reform Bill Sponsorsponsor. Pictured left to right: Myron Hazen, owner of Collision Repair Center, Molina, Ill.; Rep. Melissa Bean, D-Ill.; Stacy Bartnik, owner of A&B Carstar, Palatine, Ill.; and Roy Schnepper, AAM, owner of Butler’s Collision Inc., Roseville, Mich.

ASA leaders met with Rep. Melissa Bean, D-Ill., sponsor of U.S. House Bill 1880, which establishes optional federal insurance regulation for insurers. ASA supports H.R. 1880. This legislation, for

the first time, reaches beyond life insur-ance lines to include property and casu-alty insurance.

Co-sponsoring the bill with Bean is Rep. Ed Royce, R-Calif. Collision leaders thanked Bean for her efforts to secure federal regulation for property and casualty insurers. Bean and Royce are members of the House Financial Services Committee, which has jurisdiction over insurance reform.n

Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new car and used car information, recently revealed possible effects of the Cash for Clunkers program on the used-car industry as reported in the company's August 2009 Blue Book Market Report. As dealers and consumers continued to take advantage of this program, Kelley Blue Book ana-lysts forecast a likely bubble in used-car values, which could deflate as the Cash for Clunkers program comes to a close.

With $1 billion spent and more than 250,000 new vehicles sold, the success of the Cash for Clunkers pro-gram cannot be argued. With more than 250,000 vehicles leaving the used-vehi-cle supply, this equates to a 1.6 percent reduction in the overall supply of used vehicles (based upon sales of 16 mil-lion used vehicles in 2008). When the Senate signs off on an additional $2 billion funding for the Cash for Clunkers program later today, it could equate to an additional 500,000 used cars being removed from the overall used-vehicle supply, which is a 4.7 percent over-all reduction in supply this year alone.

Cash for Clunkers to Cause Used-Car-Value BubbleWith a total of 750,000 vehicles being removed from the marketplace, deal-ers are stocking up on used inventory in anticipation of low supply and high demand. This scenario is driving used-car prices up significantly in the short term, causing a bubble in values that will seriously impact used-vehicle values when the Cash for Clunkers program ends.

"Dealerships have reported increased foot traffic, creating a false sense of automotive market recovery," said Alec Gutierrez, senior analyst of vehicle valuation for Kelley Blue Book. "As a result, dealers are going to auction to restock inventory, driving up used-car values. However, the effect of a sup-ply reduction of this magnitude could have an immense impact on these val-ues in the short-term, exacerbating the already-limited supply at auction. If this bubble comes to pass, dealerships will end up with excess inventory of both new and used vehicles and be forced to offer deep discounts to remove sur-plus inventory, driving values down. Ultimately, there will be the possibility

of a severe contraction in auto sales as soon as the Cash for Clunkers program runs out of funding."

According to a Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence study on the Cash for Clunkers program, 1-in-10 new-vehicle shoppers said they are likely to purchase sooner as a result of the government-sponsored program. In addition, 45 per-cent of consumers likely to participate in the program own a sedan, followed by SUV and crossover owners at 25 percent. Among that group, 37 percent plan to trade in their clunker for a sedan and 28 percent plan to buy an SUV or cross-over. The top brands being considered among study participants are Toyota, Ford, Honda and Chevrolet.

This Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence study was fielded to 517 in-market new-car shoppers on Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com from July 10-17, 2009.

Kelley Blue Book's vehicle valua-tion department is keeping a close eye on values as the program continues and an influx of additional funds is added to the program by the federal government. n

Car shoppers and dealers across the country breathed a sigh of relief today when the Senate approved a House measure adding $2 billion to the wildly successful “cash for clunkers” ini-tiative. The additional funds will allow dealers to continue offering consumers up to a $4,500 incentive to trade-in an older gas-guzzler for a new, more fuel-efficient car or truck.

Late last week, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) advised the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) that the pro-

Auto Dealers Applaud Congressional Funding to Extend Cash for Clunkers Programgram’s funding was running danger-ously low because of glitches in the government computer program which caused an overwhelming backlog of transactions.

“Cash for clunkers is a resounding success,” said John McEleney, NADA chairman and a multi-franchise dealer in Iowa. “With the additional $2 billion, even more ‘clunkers’ will be taken off the road and replaced with more fuel-efficient vehicles. Extending the ‘clunk-ers’ program benefits the environment and the economy. It’s the best kind of

stimulus.”A NADA survey also revealed an

environmental benefit: consumers were purchasing or leasing vehicles eli-gible for the higher $4,500 credit (a 10 mpg improvement over the trade-in) by a two-to-one margin over the $3,500 credit (a four mpg increase over the trade-in).

Also, the additional $2 billion funding for the “clunkers” program sub-stantially reduces the risk that dealers will not be reimbursed for deals already completed.n


The all-new 2010 Acura ZDX four-door sports coupe will arrive this win-ter at Acura dealerships with dramatic styling, outstanding performance and the latest in advanced technology. The segment bending ZDX features stun-ning coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility. Staying true to the pro-totype model that debuted at the 2009 New York International Auto Show in April, the production ZDX will feature the key design highlights of a panoramic glass roof, hidden rear door handles and bold fender flares.

"The ZDX is like noth-ing you have ever seen before from Acura," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "It combines the best attri-butes of a coupe, a sedan and a sport utility – all wrapped in a beautifully sculpted package – that will attract an entirely new luxury customer to the Acura brand."

Designed, developed and manufactured entirely in North America, the ZDX breaks new ground for Acura in many ways. The ZDX is the first vehicle to be styled from start to finish in the new, dedi-cated Acura Design Studio in Torrance, CA, allowing exterior and interior design-ers to work closely together throughout the entire design process. Staying true to the original sketch from Acura's first female designer, Michelle Christensen, the ZDX fea-tures sensuous curves, deeply sculpted shoulders and strong character lines.

Inside, the ZDX exhibits the highest levels of refine-ment and sophistication ever offered from Acura. Every ZDX interior will feature Acura's first hand-stitched leather dashboard, door panels and

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E q u i p p e d with an all-new 2.0L clean diesel engine that pro-duces 140-horse-power at 4000 rpm and an impres-sive 236 lbs.-ft. of torque between 1750 and 2500 rpm, the new Jetta TDI Sportwagen truly offers a no compromises alter-native fuel driving experience.

The 2.0L four-cylinder clean die-sel engine on TDI models — which makes use of an advanced elec-tronically controlled turbocharger and common rail direct injection technology — is mated with either a six-speed man-ual transmission or six-speed automatic DSG® transmission with Tiptronic®.

The advanced DSG dual-clutch transmission uses direct shifting that automatically engages and disengages gears without the need for a clutch pedal. A computer engages one clutch on the next gear when it’s needed, just as it releases the other clutch from the previ-ous gear. The shifts are seamless and hap-pen without the power loss associ-ated with a traditional, c l u t c h e d shift.

T h e DSG trans-m i s s i o n gives driv-ers a choice of fully-auto matic operation, with no fur-ther driver i n v o l v e -ment neces-sary beyond s e l e c t i n g

2009 Jetta Sportwagen: TDI Clean Diesel Technology

“D.” The advanced transmis-sion also o f f e r s automat-ed manu-al shifting for driv-ers who prefer to be more involve d

in the gear-change process. The DSG with Volkswagen Tiptronic® lets driv-ers shift gears up and down with a tap of the gearshift selector or finger-operated shiftpaddles mount-ed to the steering wheel.

Standard for 2009 SportWagen (S and SE models) is the economical, yet pow-erful, 2.5-liter five-

cylinder engine that delivers 170 horsepower and 177 lbs.-ft. of torque. Mated to a five-speed manual trans-mission or the available six-speed automat-ic transmission with Tiptronic®

and sport mode, the Jetta S p o r t W a g e n delivers on per-formance and efficiency.

With the f i v e - c y l i n d e r

powerplant, 0-60 miles per hour comes in 8.5 seconds with the automatic and 8.2 seconds with the manual transmis-sion. For those wanting more power, the Jetta SportWagen SEL offers a 2.0 liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine that produces 200 hp and 207 lbs.-ft. of torque. Matched with either the six-speed manual or six-speed automatic with DSG and Tiptronic, the 2.0L turbo Jetta SportWagen achieves 0-60 mph times of 7.2 (manual) and6.9 seconds (automatic). City/highway mileage with the 2.0L turbo engine is an impressive

Jetta Sportwagen Turn to Page 21

Volkswagen’s billion dollar investment has not worn off in the least,” said Congressman Zach Wamp. “Local con-tracts have been awarded, the paint shop is beginning to take shape and next generation manufacturing jobs are being created in the heart of the Tennessee Valley Corridor. Years of planning and hard work continue to pay major dividends for Tennesseans.”

“After years of site preparations and recruitment efforts, it is remark-able to see how much progress Volkswagen has made in just one year,” said Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey. “In addition to successfully maintaining an ambitious construction schedule, Volkswagen has shown its commitment to our citizens and to becom-ing engaged in our com-munity.”

“We couldn’t have asked for a better eco-nomic development part-ner than Volkswagen,” said Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield. “As many com-munities are experiencing difficult economic chal-lenges, Volkswagen has given our whole region cause for hope and the prospect of thousands of new jobs.”

“Volkswagen com-mitted more than a bil-lion dollars in capital for this project, and we’re already seeing the impact that commitment is hav-ing on companies in Tennessee and through-out the region,” said Matt Kisber, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. “Our agency is already talking to compa-nies interested in following Volkswagen’s investment, and I’m confident the ripple effect in our state’s

economy is just beginning.”“We set out to recruit a company

that would partner with us in creating 21st Century manufacturing jobs for the people of the Chattanooga region,” said Tom Edd Wilson, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. “Volkswagen is helping us realize our jobs-creation goals and so much more. Volkswagen is a world-class company on the rise, and it is also a perfect fit for our community culture and aspirations.”

According to studies, the Chattanooga plant is expected to gen-

erate 12 billion dollars in income growth and an additional 9,500 jobs over the life of the project. The company has announced that at least 10 percent of the suppliers for the production facil-ity will be minority and women-owned businesses by start of production and that five percent of suppliers for the vehicle will be minority and women-owned by start of production, with the goal of 10 percent by 2015. Volkswagen is partnering with local, state and fed-eral organizations to help achieve that goal.n

VW Chattanooga From Page 9

Southern Automotive JournalSeptember 2009 1�

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Southern Automotive Journal September 2009Southern Automotive Journal September 200918

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The hardware - a compact, light-weight five-door body paired with a 263-horsepower 2.3-liter 4 cylinder DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) Turbo engine with aluminum block and head construction with forged steel internal components, large air-to-air intercooler and MAZDASPEED independent sport suspension. The result - one of the fast-

est and quickest front-wheel drive cars in the world, with a zero-to-60 time under six-seconds and an electronically limited top-speed of 155 mph.

The MAZDASPEED3 is one of the best performing front-wheel drive cars in the world. In 2003, Mazda revolutionized the compact sedan segment with the launch of the MAZDA3. European sophis-tication, high-performance, advanced technology and safety are the ingredients that make MAZDA3 the company’s best-selling model globally. MAZDASPEED3 takes everything that made MAZDA3 a success, and bumps it up a notch - more style, more power, more handling, more value.

“The MAZDASPEED3 is a pure enthusiasts’ dream, made for the per-formance buyer who wants it all for a price that doesn’t take it all,” said Tatsuo Maeda, program manager for develop-ment of the MAZDA3 series.

To create this benchmark, the MAZDASPEED engineering team focused

Mazdaspeed3: At The Top Of The “Pocket Rocket” Crowdon three requirements:

•Driving Fun: Formidable per-formance from the 2.3-liter DISI Turbo engine, along with sharp, responsive handling

•Ownership Delight: Advanced but restrained styling that suggests high per-formance without exaggeration and a tasteful interior to match

• E v e r y d a y , U s e r - F r i e n d l y C o n v e n i e n c e : Driving pleasure with everyday func-tionality and com-fort

U n d e r the hood of the M A Z D A S P E E D 3 is a version of the turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine that powers the CX-7 crossover SUV. Engineered to deliver high performance at all speeds, along with low exhaust emissions and excellent fuel economy, Mazda’s MZR 2.3 DISI turbo-charged engine produc-es 263 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 280 lb-ft torque at 3,000 rpm in the MAZDASPEED3.

Key engine components include aluminum block and head construc-tion with forged steel internal compo-

nents - crankshaft and connecting rods - for long-lasting durability, while balance shafts help eliminate noise and vibration. A large air-to-air intercooler and direct fuel injection cool the temperature inside the cylinder.

Shifting gasoline’s change in state from liquid to vapor from the intake manifold to the cylinder provides a sub-

stantial cooling effect. This low tem-perature charge permits use of a high 9.5:1 compression ratio, which boosts low- and mid-range torque by approxi-mately 10 percent over conventional turbo engines. This compression ratio also contributes to the car’s frugal use of fuel.

The DISI Turbo engine is engi-neered to achieve three aspects of per-formance that are difficult to realize with conventional manifold injection engines: good fuel-economy and low exhaust-gas emissions; powerful accel-eration thanks to the turbocharger; and a full and flat torque curve throughout the rev range for exceptional engine response.

Engineers also paid close atten-tion to the exhaust sound of the MAZDASPEED3 in order to further increase the driving enjoyment of the car. Its throaty timber under acceleration from a standing start is music to ears of driving enthusiasts. Once the engine hits 4,000 rpm, the sound changes to the mid-frequency range to further under-score the car’s sportiness.

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Jetta Sportwagen From Page 14

Why Settle For Only Part of Your Delivery Area?

We Got You Covered

Call Jim Tucker at 877-791-9972

March 2008

Supplier Spotlight

Southern Automotive Journal

P.O. Box 675097Marietta, Ga 30006-0009

(770) 321-9920

Scion xD

Sons Acura

CR-Z Please Turn to Page 9

Audi TT

MECHANICAL NEWS

DEALER NEWS

COLLISION NEWSSCRS Continues Efforts to

Protect Repairers DataI-Car Refocuses Itself With

Volunteers And Program Instructors

House Judiciary Subcommittee Holds

Design Law Hearing

ASA Opposes State Parts

Certification LegislationHouse Judiciary Subcommittee Holds

Design Law HearingHyundai Motor America

Implements OEConnection’s D2d

Express® Technology

Making its North American debut,

the CR-Z is a next-generation lightweight

sports car concept equipped with Honda’s

original gas-electric hybrid system that

achieves both clean performance and a

high level of torque. The CR-Z stands for

“Compact Renaissance Zero” - an expres-

sion intended to capture the idea of a

renaissance in the design of compact cars

that begins anew from fundamentals. The

design research model of a lightweight

hybrid sports car features advanced tech-

nologies that deliver elevated driving per-

formance while reducing the vehicle’s envi-

ronmental footprint.Designed to be futuristic and dynamic,

the CR-Z combines powerful performance in

Honda Introduces the CR-Z Hybrid Vehicle Introduce

Next-Generation Green Cars

December 2007

Supplier Spotlight


P.O. Box 675097

Marietta, Ga 30006-0009

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MECHANICAL NEWS

DEALER NEWS

Audi S4 Cabriolet

COLLISION NEWS

Jim Ellis Porsche

I-Car Announces Industry-

focused Re-organization

CARS 2007 'Best Yet' with

16 Education Sessions,

Networking, Expanded

Exhibitor Showcase

Final Regulation Order

Approved for OBD-II,

Emission Warranty

Regulations

5th Anniversary

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Agreement

Georgia Resident Named

Semifinalist in National

Hero Award Program

One Millionth Alabama-

Built Mercedes-Benz

Vehicle Rolls Off the

Production Line

Kubura Please Turn to Page 6

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The essence of Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom

spirit is providing customers with stylish,

insightful, spirited products capable of enrich-

ing their lives in exciting ways. At this year’s

North American International Auto Show,

Mazda is presenting Kabura, a design concept

that ventures beyond the compact sports

coupe norm to explore several fresh ideas that

could appear in future production models.

To deliver the true “Soul of a Sportscar”

that is the essence of every Mazda, Kabura

incorporates the front-engine, rear-drive lay-

out universally admired by driving enthusi-

asts and long delivered by Mazda’s MX-5 and

rotary-engined sportscars.

To support youthful lifestyles,

Kabura stretches the bounds of interior

versatility in radical directions. Replacing

the typical 2+2 layout is a clever 3+1

arrangement which establishes a new

interior concept giving greater passen-

ger comfort versus a traditional coupe

without increasing weight or size.

Obliging spur-of-the-moment adven-

tures and shopping sprees, all passen-

ger seats fold flat to make way for snow

Mazda Kabura Concept: Redefining

The Compact Sports Coupe

The Spring 2007 Collision

Industry Conference will be held

at Atlanta

April 11th and 12th

U.S. Senate, House Offer

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Mitchell 1 Accepting

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Scholarship GM Extends its Warranty on

Performance Parts

Huntsville Dealer Gets Time

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Cars That Warn Each other

of Impending Danger

Toyota To Build

Highlanders in Mississippi

March 2007

Supplier Spotlight


P.O. Box 675097

Marietta, Ga 30006-0009

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MECHANICAL NEWS

DEALER NEWS

SATURN AURA

United BMW

Nissan Frontier 4x4

COLLISION NEWS

FJ Holden Please Turn to Page 6

A wild 21st Century hot rod reincar-

nating Australia's most famous car, the FJ

Holden, was unveiled at the 2005 Australian

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reinterpreting the classic design cues

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Design Philosophies

Holden Chief Designer and Efijy

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21/29 and 22/29, respectively.All Jettas come with comprehen-

sive standard equipment, including air conditioning, cruise control, a CD player, eight-way adjustable front seats with height, angle and lumbar support

adjustments, and a tilt-and-telescope steering wheel. With four trim levels and a host of options, the sedan and SportWagen can be tailored to meet the needs of individual owners with offer-ings like V-Tex leatherette seating sur-faces; a multidisc, in-dash CD player; 10-speaker premium audio system with

MP3 playback; Sirius Satellite Radio; and a panoramic sunroof system.

By its very nature, the Jetta SportWagen also opens up a new world of possibilities in the way of 32.8 cubic feet of usable cargo room -- or an even more impressive 66.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.n

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) hosted a Capitol Hill Fly-In event in Washington, D.C., recently for its col-lision repair members. ASA members met with their representatives and sena-tors to discuss insurance reform, among other issues.

On Wednesday, July 29, ASA lead-ers met with Rep. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., sponsor of U.S. House Bill 1583, which would repeal the McCarran-Ferguson Act. Since 1945, insurance companies have had a "limited" exemption from federal antitrust laws that apply to most other industries ensured to them through an act of Congress. The McCarran-Ferguson Act provides that federal antitrust law applies to the "business of insurance"

ASA Leaders Meet with Sponsor of McCarran-Ferguson Repeal Billonly to the extent that such business is not regulated by state law. The anti-competitive consequences of McCarran impact both consumers and small busi-nesses that have to deal with insurers.

ASA supports H.R. 1583, which is co-sponsored by Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., because:

• Insurers have argued that this exemption allows them to keep insur-ance rates low. This is simply not the case. A competitive marketplace will only enhance consumers' options.

• The state insurance regulatory structure has failed for consumers and collision repairers. Without federal reg-ulatory recourse, consumer and small business complaints are left to gener-

ally ill-equipped state regulators. After years of complaints, many states lag in addressing important consumer and small business property and casualty issues: i.e., consumer steering, insurer pressure to use inferior auto parts, paint caps, etc. These problems are increas-ing for consumers and repairers, not decreasing.

• State regulators are less likely to recruit top professional employees to oversee increasingly complex insurance products offered by insurers as well as deal with more complicated insurance issues that arise. Federal regulators have access to a degree of human resource and other capital that state agencies do not enjoy.n


AutoStimulusPlan Page 28

Some of the leading U.S. Automotive Retailers launched a privately funded stimulus program to provide up to $4500 in incentives for consumers who were left behind by the government funded stimulus plan. Due to the rules of the gov-ernment's program, over 90% of consum-ers are not eligible and consumers are not happy about it. As a result, some of the largest retailers in the country recently launched the www.AutoStimulusPlan.com, a Stimulus Plan that is more inclu-sive to include all vehicles older than 2007 regardless of their current mpg. The dealer funded stimulus plan also com-pensates for the gaps that don't allow consumers to purchase pre-owned vehi-cles or choose a short term lease. A lot of customers can't afford to buy new vehi-cles, but the government's program does not work with used vehicles. As a result, last months used car volume was down by approximately 20 percent according to www.CashForClunkersInformation.org.

The government's rules have hurt used vehicle sales and have left retailers' inventories lopsided by eating up most of the new vehicles that qualify while leav-ing a surplus of other vehicles that don't. "This new stimulus comes right on time because many dealers have run out of vehicles that qualify," said Brian Benstock from Paragon Auto Group, one of the par-ticipating dealers in New York City.

"The clunkers have to be destroyed so we are sourcing less pre-owned vehi-cles," said Benstock. "This has forced us to

Top U.S. Dealers Bail Out Cash For Clunkers Program: www.AutoStimulusPlan.combuy more used cars at auctions for higher prices. We would prefer to give consum-ers 20 percent more for their trades than paying the auctions more."

According to Automotive News, used-vehicle values in the first half of the year increased from the same period last year, driven largely by a reduced supply of used vehicles. Manheim's Monthly "Used Vehicle Value Index," which came out Friday, showed that used-vehicle prices rose in July with an increase of 5.5 points from a year ago. View Manheim graph at Auto News.com.

The dealer-funded Auto Stimulus Plan includes used vehicles and allows dealers to resell the trade ins. "The used vehicle component of the new stimulus plan has helped us become the #1 certi-fied pre-owned Honda and Acura dealer in the world this month. So far, this is our best used vehicle month ever," said Benstock.

"Letting consumers buy a used vehi-cle or lease a new vehicle makes it afford-able for a lot of people who could not participate otherwise," said Scott Gruwell from Courtesy Auto Group in California and Arizona, one of GM's largest dealers and a participating dealer.

The Automotive Stimulus Plan gives consumers up to $4500 in incentives towards the purchase or lease of a new or used vehicle with a minimum of 2mpg of improved fuel economy. The program has fewer rules, easier paperwork and no minimum MPG requirements.

"Now we can help consumers who qualify for the government program and those that don't," said Rick Case, owner of Rick Case Automotive Group in Florida, Georgia and Ohio. "Consumers love it because the stimulus makes the pay-ments very low and the gas and repair savings are very high."

The Automotive Stimulus Plan is a private sector program funded by retail-ers to provide incentives to consumers that will help the economy and the envi-ronment at the same time. To qualify for an incentive a consumer must select a new or pre-owned vehicle with a 2MPG improvement over their current vehicle, which is the same requirement the gov-ernment program has for SUV's, but it applies to all vehicles under the dealers plan.

"The mpg requirements are lower because our primary goal is to help con-sumers that don't qualify for the gov-ernment's program and to stimulate the economy through improved sales, jobs and spending," said Gruwell. "As a result, the environmental benefits may not be as big as the government program but it will help more customers get into more fuel efficient vehicles."

"If a consumer does not have a trade, they can participate through addi-tional incentives that many of the partici-pating dealers are offering" added Case. "In addition to the stimulus our dealer-

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sculpted center console. The rich leath-er appointments give the ZDX a warm and inviting feeling while creating an intimate cockpit for the driver and front passenger. The cabin is well lit thanks to extensive use of LED lighting along with the light from the unique moonroof that is an integral design aspect of the longest glass roof in the indus-try. The panoramic glass roof has dual automatic sunshades that open and closes at the touch of a button.

The luxurious cockpit gives way to generous cabin that provides comfortable seating for up to 5-passengers. The ZDX's flexible utility allows it to be a perfect weekend get-away vehicle, allowing for 26.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row seats and a total of 55.8 cubic feet when the seats are folded flat. The cargo area can also be expanded to accommodate longer objects (such as golf bags) by remov-ing side panels in the cargo-compartment sidewalls. As an added bonus, there is an integrated under-floor storage area which provides 2.2 cubic-feet of secure space.

The ZDX with Technology Package adds several key features including an Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, an Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio sys-tem and a new multi-view rear

U.S. Sens. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., and Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, have introduced Senate Bill 1620, the "Efficient Vehicle Leadership Act." S.B. 1620 will amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives and fees for increasing motor vehicle fuel economy. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance. Bingaman and Snowe are members of the committee.

According to Bingaman's office, the legislation "creates a program that

Efficient Vehicle Leadership Act Introduced in U.S. Senaterewards consumers who buy cars and trucks that get better gas mileage than the average overall fuel economy required for its class. Motorists who buy models which exceed that CAFE stan-dard will receive a 'fuel performance rebate' (claimed on their tax return or paid instantly by the dealer, whichever the buyer prefers), an amount tied to the fuel savings over and above the relevant CAFE standard. The savings can range from several hundred to several thou-

sand dollars, depending on the vehicle's fuel economy relative to other models of the same size. Conversely, for inefficient, gas-gulping vehicles, manufacturers will be assessed a fuel performance fee to pay for the program."

Congress had authorized $4 billion for the Cash for Clunkers program, first appropriating $1 billion then an addi-tional $2 billion. The original legislation still allows for an additional $1 billion to be allotted to Cash for Clunkers.n

Acura ZDX Please from Page 13 camera. The Advance Package boasts additional customer enhancing tech-nologies like a blind spot information system, a Collision Mitigating Braking System™ (CMBS™) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

When the ZDX goes on-sale, it will bring a new level of prestige to the Acura lineup. The ZDX will be posi-tioned and priced between the MDX luxury SUV and the RL luxury perfor-mance sedan. n

Volunteers Please Turn to Page 25

I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, rec-ognized its longest-serving volunteers during the organization’s 30th Annual Industry Conference held in July at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC.

As a part of a Legacy Reception, held on July 30, I-CAR recognized vol-unteers who have served the collision inter-industry for the 30 years since I-CAR was founded, and also recognized those individuals with 25 and 20 years of service.

“For 30 years volunteers have been the heart and soul of I-CAR. They have been instrumental in the origins of the organization and continue to carry the vision and mission forward,” said Tom Moreland of AkzoNobel and Chairman of the I-CAR International Board of Directors. “Our volunteers are recognized throughout the industry

I-Car Recognizes 30-year Legacy Of Volunteersand now are even recognized nation-ally through the President’s Volunteer Service Award.”

“I-CAR is here today, thirty years later, due to the efforts of our volun-teers and instructors,” said John Edelen, President and CEO of I-CAR. “It is the unique and generous commitment of their time over the past thirty that has sustained the organization and enabled it to continue to serve the collision repair inter-industry. We are grateful to each of them.”

In addition to recognizing long-serving volunteers, Moreland also announced that the organization’s Chairman’s Award – an award chosen by the Board of Directors – went to Doug Middleton, who helped found I-CAR and has continued his involvement since that time.

“Doug’s contributions to I-CAR since its founding 30 years ago are

numerous,” said Moreland. “On our 30th Anniversary, it is an honor to recognize Doug for his dedication to the collision inter-industry and the vision of I-CAR.”

During his years with I-CAR, Middleton has served as a local volunteer on the San Antonio committee, worked as a consultant for I-CAR, worked as a Regional Manager, and most recently served on the International Advisory Committee.

Bill Stage, Chairman of the International Advisory Committee added, “Doug was there, as an employ-ee of USAA, helping to found I-CAR 30 years ago. When I-CAR started, USAA provided Doug full-time to I-CAR for a year to help get things rolling.”

The complete list of volunteers honored during I-CAR’s 30th Anniversary Legacy Reception includes:


Southern Automotive JournalSeptember 2009

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30 YearsJim Alberg • Bob Anderson •Jack Caldwell • Jerome Carter • Robert Cinibulk • Tom Dance • Mike Davis • Marc Essig • Al Estorga • Neal Grover • Tom Holmes • Tony Jones • Rod Kohlhepp • Tony Lombardozzi • Doug Middleton • Jim Minnis • Don Peers • Sid Petrisor • Dave Pettner • John Poot • Dave Replogle • Paul Rose • Joe Sanders • Doug Scales, Jr. • Rick Schneider • Mike Shelton • Jeff Silver • Bob Smith • Doug Smith • Amos Stackhouse • Ed Staquet • Tom Stark • Chuck Sulkala • Greg Thomas • Bill Wicklund • Bob Wilson

25 YearsJim Blankenship • Joe Burda • Ed Crygier • Johnny Dickerson • Edward Dinkler • Mark Fisher • Dan Frohlich • Pete Fryzel • Lindsay Gates • Dave Gauthier • Harold Harden • Tom Heinemann • Rodney Hughes • Bob Jackson • Charlie Ladis • Claude LaPointe • Steve LeClaire • Peter Lock • Doug Moore • Carl Nelson • Geoff Overley Carl Peet • Bruce Peters • Rick Reiss • Doug Roach • Steve Setzer • Larry Smith • Wendell Summers • Jim Swanson • Ronnie Swygert • Jody V lenta • Dan Welch • Merle Wertz • Jim Wiggins

20 YearsCecilia Allice • Kim Beck • Ken Boylan • Tom Brandt • Shawn Collins • Brian Cook • Bruce Daufenbach • Michael Davis • Dennis Debendenner • Dave Dolezal • Bob Dyer • Tim Ellis • Thomas Finch • Mike Ford • Bruce Gregory • Greg Gunter • Barry Hammond • Kim Helgeson • John Helterbrandt • Johnny Hinojos • Jeff Holbrook • Larry Hults • Mark Hunt • Scott Jacoby • Wildy Kerby Jason LaRose • Leo Laughlin • Erwin Marson • Dale McDaniels • Mike Miller • Ross Morello • Paul Morris • Randy Navin • Tony Passwater • Jeff Peevy • Dave Robinette • Bob Roiger • Jim Rostad • Jerry Savage • Keith Schieffer • Jeff Shaffer • Ken Shorney • Dan Shymanski • Melton Sosebe • Chuck Stewart • Eric Streton • Audie Swedeen • Freda Thompson • Myron Thompson • Mark Todd • Joey Torres • Jose Vargas • Roy VenHoerst • Nicholas Verona • Phil White • Greg Wimsett

I-Car Legacy of Volunteers

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To increase drivability and mini-mize torque steer and wheel spin in what is a very powerful front-wheel drive car, a sophisticated torque-management sys-tem combines with equal-length hard-ened driveshafts and a torque-sensing conical LSD limited slip differential.

Under the watchful eye of an advanced powertrain control module (PCM), the waste-gate bleeds off excess boost to control the torque spikes in first and second gear that would result in wheel spin, providing full boost only in third gear and above. Also, because the throttle is a drive-by-wire system, the PCM can control how quickly the throttle-body reacts to driver inputs, s m o o t h i n g intake vol-ume to further minimize torque spikes. This results in different torque character-istics in first, second and third (and above) gears, minimizing torque-steer and wheel-spin and maximizing trac-tion and acceleration.

Torque control is also linked to the steering angle, limiting power delivery when the front wheels are turned. A torque-sensing conical LSD limited-slip differential also minimizes wheel-spin on the inner wheel during hard cornering for smooth, predictable power delivery. Mazda also fits a similar conical-LSD unit to the rotary-powered RX-8 sports car.

The new MAZDASPEED3 employs a six-speed manual transmission, allow-ing the driver to maximize the engine’s potential. A compact three-shaft design made it possible to keep the overall length the same as the five-speed man-ual transmission used in the standard MAZDA3. Triple-cone synchronizers for the first three gears, along with dou-ble-cone synchronizers for fourth gear, ensure precise and clean shift character-istics and low-effort shifting through a clearly defined shift travel. In addition, MAZDASPEED3’s six-speed transmission uses wide gear ratios to fully exploit the wide torque band of the direct-injec-

MAZDASPEED3 From Page 19 tion turbocharged engine, while allowing quiet and comfortable highway cruising.

Like the 2009 MAZDA3, the MAZDASPEED3 features a body with increased rigidity. The MAZDASPEED ver-sion is based on the MAZDA3 5-Door hatchback, with local reinforcements added to produce a body sufficiently stiff to stand up to the demands of 263 horse-power. Suspension and brakes have also been specially tuned.

Body rigidity has been increased through several mea-sures, including a rein-

f o r c e d front cowl that

is joined directly to the top section of the front damper

mount, assuring the same rigidity as a car fitted with a strut tower bar (which would not have been possible because of the placement of the intercooler above the engine). This prevents defor-mation of the front suspension towers under cornering load and maintains cor-rect suspension geometry. Underneath the car, a large closed-section brace is employed to reinforce the floor tunnel, which improves the torsional rigidity of the whole body. At the rear, a gusset added to the bottom of the rear suspen-sion towers maintains the correct suspen-sion geometry under all cornering loads.

Both the MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspen-sion have higher spring rates and larger diameter stabilizer bars than the standard MAZDA3. Damping force on both com-pression and rebound is raised approxi-mately six-times at low piston speed, and about 1.3 times at moderate piston speed. Ride height is 10 mm lower than a standard MAZDA3. In combination with the reinforced springs and stabilizer bars, this produces 60 percent more roll stiff-

ness than the standard MAZDA3.MAZDASPEED3’s cockpit is a har-

monious synthesis of functional sporti-ness and stylish comfort. A high-quality black finish sets the tone of the interior, accented by red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and the shift boot to cre-ate a sporty yet refined look.

The instrument panel includes a piano black decorative insert panel fin-ished with a hairline treatment to under-

score the vehicle’s personality. A leather-wrapped shift knob, aluminum pedals and stainless steel scuff plates further contribute to the sporty, high-quality feel that distinguishes MAZDASPEED mod-els, while front Alcantara® sport seats with the MAZDASPEED logo - developed specifically for the MAZDASPEED3 - on the seatbacks provide firm support and comfort.

MAZDASPEED3’s styling pursues a look of strength and solidity in a design that conveys the car’s dynamic per-formance. Its form is characterized by boldly flared front fenders and effective use of strong edges on the hood. These combine with the functional forms of the bumpers, spoilers and other parts developed for aerodynamic perfor-mance. Overall, MAZDASPEED3’s design is sporty and strong, befitting a high-performance model, without exagger-ated styling cues.n


Stimulus Program From Page 22

Leaders from the Automotive Service Association (ASA) recently met with U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to discuss insurance reform and the repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act. This meeting was part of ASA's Capitol Hill Fly-In July 28-29 for automotive collision repairers.

Currently in the U.S. House of

ASA Leaders Discuss Key Issues with U.S. Senate Minority LeaderRepresentatives there are two bills on these topics supported by ASA. H.R. 1583, co-sponsored by Rep. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., and Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., would repeal the McCarran-Ferguson Act. H.R. 1880, co-sponsored by Rep. Melissa Bean, D-Ill., and Rep. Ed Royce, R-Calif., establishes optional federal insurance regulation for insurers. This

legislation - for the first time - reaches beyond life insurance lines, as offered in previous congressional proposals, to include property and casualty insur-ance.

McConnell also discussed cur-rent health care proposals in the U.S. Congress and how these would impact the automotive repair industry.n

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ship is giving up to $4500 of incentives regardless of the vehicles eligibility."

Consumers can learn more about the program and begin connecting with participating retailers by visiting: www.AutoStimulusPlan.com.

"We are very happy about the $2billion dollars of additional funding but we expect it to go fast" said Vince Sheehy from Sheehy Automotive Group in Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland and Baltimore, one of the participating dealers in the program. "The new stimulus plan is a great exam-ple of a successful partnership between the public and private sectors to help the

economy get back on track."Incentives vary based on the con-

sumer's current vehicle and desired vehi-cle (visit www.AutoStimulusPlan.com for details). Incentives vary in some states due to state laws that regulate automo-tive advertising and promotion. The Auto

Stimulus Plan will end on November 1(st) and will continue if the government's program expires before that date.

"We don't mind giving consumers

these extraordinary incentives because our goal is to take care of them so well that they will come back for service and buy all their future vehicles from our deal-ership," said John Malishenko, Director of Operations for the Germain Automotive Group who owns dealerships in Ohio,

Arizona, Florida and Arkansas.

The orga-nization informs consumers that they should be patient if they can-not get through to the website, www.AuoStimulusPlan.com, on their first try. During the pro-gram's launch there

was an overwhelming level of traffic resulting in periods of interruption.n

Automotive Stimulus Program Requirements:

1. Current vehicle is a 2006 or older2. Current vehicle is operable3. Current vehicle has been owned for a minimum of 6 months4. Current vehicle has been registered for a minimum of 6 months5. The replacement vehicle has to be more fuel efficient by a minimum of 2mpg


The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with BG Products Inc. This education and training initiative establishes BG Products as an ASA-rec-ognized training provider. Through the agreement, BG Products now offers ASA members access to the BG/ASA Service Success Curriculum, a series of instruc-tor-led courses covering a variety of technical and management topics.

"Working with BG Products has always been a positive and rewarding experience. This strategic partnership

ASA Announces Strategic Partnership with BG Productssolidifies our relationship and is expect-ed to be mutually beneficial for both organizations," said Bill Haas, ASA's vice president of education and training.

ASA-branded course material pro-vided by BG Products designates that the Service Success curriculum has a level of relevancy to the general ASA membership and should be beneficial to automotive business owners and their employees.

"Training and education are key elements in BG's market strategy and we deliver those elements to our custom-

ers," said Peter Berlo, BG's manager of domestic distributor development. "This partnership promotes market diversity within the BG organization and will help us take our business to the next level with independent shops."

Through BG Products' education arm, "BG University," the company helps automotive professionals achieve the mutual goal to provide their custom-ers with valuable, reliable and effec-tive maintenance services. BG Products' headquarters and manufacturing facility are located in Wichita, Kan.n


The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA), a national trade asso-ciation representing independent automobile dealers, has declared its support of the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (H.R. 2057) and strongly urges Congress to pass the legislation on behalf of its more than 20,000 members.

“NIADA shares the belief that specialized equipment, infor-mation and materials should be available to all repair facilities who wish to pursue repair opportuni-ties and should not be restricted to just those who are affiliated with a manufacturer,” said Michael R. Linn, CEO, NIADA. “Right to Repair ensures that our members’ cus-tomers can have their vehicles ser-viced at the repair shop of their choice.”

Because vehicles are becom-ing increasingly sophisticated with virtually every system either moni-tored or controlled by computers, servicing these vehicle systems to keep them in safe working condi-tion requires ready access to com-plete and accurate information, tools and software from the car companies. The Right to Repair Act offers protections for motor vehicle owners by making it ille-gal for vehicle manufacturers to withhold information necessary to diagnose, service or repair motor vehicles.

“We encourage our members and all motorists to visit www.righttorepair.org to send a letter to each of their congressional rep-resentatives, urging them to sup-port the Right to Repair Act,” Linn said.n

National Independent Automobile Dealers

Association Declares its Support

of Right to Repair

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