Of Note

… Study Suggests Higher Gas Prices are Driving Better Maintenance

Consumers say that optimal fuel economy is a much more important motivator for proper vehicle maintenance than it was five years ago, according to a recent study by Opinion Research Corporation for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

The biggest jump in car care motivations has been caused by rising gas prices. Some 62 percent more consumers said fuel efficiency was an important factor today, compared with 42 percent five years ago. While saving money at the pump experienced the greatest change, dependability (87 percent) and safety (80 percent) still rank higher among consumers, and both also rose in importance in the past five years.

… ASA Creates New Automotive Service & Repair Week

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced the creation of Automotive Service & Repair Week (ASRW), which will debut in Las Vegas in November. ASRW will bring together buyers and sellers of automotive products and services in one venue that will include both education and trade show activities. ASRW will eventually include activities for other organizations and industry segments.

As part of this initiative, the International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) and the Congress of Automotive Repair & Service (CARS), which are both sponsored by ASA, will co-locate to create an industrywide event that includes both the collision and mechanical segments of the automotive service and repair industry. The inaugural event will take place November 5–8, 2008.

For more information on ASRW, contact the event’s producer, Hanley Wood Exhibitions at 888-529-1641