image is everything - Hopewell Tire pic.pdf6 intune acdelco.com friction-ready calipers launch A CDelco’s recently launched DuraStop ® friction- ready calipers line features 1,750

intune 11-800-ACDelcoINSIDE: FRICTION-READY CALIPERS LAUNCH ACDELCO LAS VEGAS NHRA NATIONALS MAKE THE ONE-STOP SHOP CONCEPT WORK

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2 intune acdelco.comREAL CAR GUYS KNOW

Some people know the ins and outs of virtually every vehicle on the road. So it makes

sense that a trusted brand like ACDelco would do the same. We supply parts for Toyota,

Ford, Chrysler and other makes with the same quality you’ve come to expect from our GM

parts. So there’s no need to shop around for the right parts. They’re all right here.

800-ACDelco • acdelcotechconnect.com

With great parts for virtually

EVERYMAKE & MODEL,now you can fix most any car in America.

(Feeling pretty good about yourself right now, aren’t you?)

58642_a_1.indd 1 2/22/05 9:10:31 AM

intune 31-800-ACDelco

20 EXTREME MAKEOVERS Total Service Support (TSS) accounts revamp their look with ACDelco’s Image Program

28 JOHNSON HITS THE JACKPOT Victory for ACDelco-sponsored driver Kurt Johnson at the 5th Annual Las Vegas NHRA Nationals

32 EVERYTHING 2 EVERYONE Being a one-stop shop doesn’t mean an aftermarket service facility must be all things to all customers

4 BRIEFS 6 PRODUCT NEWS DuraStop® friction-ready calipers line launches

8 TECH TIP Often overlooked method corrects random engine misfi res 10 FROM THE REGIONS A-Line Auto Parts supports The Make-A-Wish Foundation®; help for Hurricane Katrina victims; Rowerdink Inc. at the Woodward Dream Cruise; United Auto Supply offers accounts a day at the fair 14 TSS TOOLS Blended learning helps reach more technicians; ACDelco’s TSEP combines with GM’s ASEP 16 REAL RESULTS Advance Transmission reaps TSS Program benefi ts; Harley’s tops “Shock It Two Me” promotion sales; Conway Area Council ad reaches new market

34 ONE MORE THING ...

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features

PUBLISHING STAFF: EDITOR Lori Bremerkamp • SENIOR EDITOR Angela Sienko • ART DIRECTOR Aaran Charles ACCOUNT MANAGER Emily Whitall • MANAGING DIRECTOR Jeremy Morris • ACCOUNT DIRECTOR Angelo Acord • COPY EDITOR CeAnne Leonard

PRODUCTION/CIRCULATION Carolyn Brooks • PROJECT COORDINATOR Lawrence Riddick

INTUNE ADVISORY BOARDDIRECTOR, ACDelco MARKETING Nancy McLeanADVERTISING MANAGER John Zamzow

INTUNE is published for ACDelco, General Motors Corp., by Campbell-Ewald Publishing, 30400 Van Dyke, Warren, MI 48093, e-mail: [email protected]. General Motors is an equal-opportunity employer. Manuscripts and photographs are submitted at the sender’s risk. Please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of

material. Submission of letters implies the right to edit and publish. Copyright © 2005, 2006 CAMPBELL-EWALD PUBLISHING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

departments

contents

macs offers special pricingTHE MOBILE AIR CONDITIONING SOCIETY (MACS) is offering special pricing to shops that have more than one technician attending its 2006 Convention and Trade show Jan. 26–28 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Fla. National trainers and original equipment (OE) manufacturer representatives will be on hand to offer more than 45 hours of high-quality training that can help improve your management and marketing skills. ACDelco will be among the more than 160 exhibitors in 248 booths showcasing the latest in tools and equipment. Visit macsw.org for more information.

MORE THAN 14,000 PEOPLE fl ocked to Flint, Mich., to partici-pate in the 2005 Crim Festival of Races Aug. 25–27. For the eighth consecutive year, ACDelco was the premier sponsor of the Crim 10-Mile Race.

Brent Snelson, ACDelco, GM Parts and GM Accessories general sales manage — West, announced the 10-Mile Race’s start. He then joined the more than 7,200 registrants, running in the event himself.

In addition to its race sponsorship, ACDelco had a product display booth at the three-day Crim Health & Fitness Expo. Visitors received a coupon for discounted services at local ACDelco Total Service Support shops.

The festival boasts nine events in all, with the 10-Mile Race being the longest. This year’s events raised more than $30,000 to benefi t four local charities: Crim Youth Develop-ment, Shelter of Flint Inc., Area XIII Special Olympics and Fair Winds Girl Scouts.

Log on to the Crim Web site (crim.org) for a complete list-ing of 2005 race results. Keep checking back for information on how to register for next year’s events.

the coolest race in michigan

BRIEFS

IN OTHER NEWS...ACDelco has added more than 2,000 new Total Service Support accounts since its successful 2003 National Convention.

More than 7,200 people were in Flint, Mich., Aug. 27 to participate in

the Crim 10-Mile Race, sponsored by ACDelco.

APRIL’S NATIONAL CAR CARE MONTH (NCCM) is just around the corner. Do you have a plan in place to promote it? If not, there’s still time.

Raise NCCM awareness by simply including the Car Care Council’s “Be Car Care Aware” logo on collateral materials and advertising, including Web ads. The logo, its usage guidelines, and other information and materials are available at carcare.org.

Car Care Council data shows businesses that partici-pate in and promote NCCM activities — especially free vehicle-inspection events — see an immediate increase in business, even though the events are educational and non-sales oriented. Remember: Although April is the official rallying point, every month is a car care month as far as ACDelco is concerned. Car Care Council statistics compiled from vehicles inspected at the more than 400 vehicle check lane events conducted around the country during National Car Care Month in April 2005 revealed:

• 30% had low or dirty engine oil • 26% had low transmission fl uid • 24% had dirty air fi lters• 21% had low tire pressure• 20% needed a coolant fl ush• 19% had worn belts

plan ahead for nccm

4 intune acdelco.com

2007 calendar competition underway

Do you have a sweet ride? If so, enter it in ACDelco’s “Pride of the Real

Car Guys” calendar competition for a chance to be featured in the 2007

ACDelco calendar.

Not only has the competition started earlier this time around, but it’s

also now open to ACDelco Warehouse Distributors, Alliance Jobbers,

Total Service Support (TSS) accounts and non-TSS Independent Service

Centers. All entries must be received by Feb. 28, 2006.

ACDelco-sponsored drivers Clint Bowyer, Kurt Johnson and Harold

Martin will judge the top vehicles in each of the three categories:

Classic, Custom and Imports.

Don’t forget to log on to the ACDelco TechConnect Web site

(acdelcotechconnect.com) to vote for your favorite photo from the 2006

calendar to be featured on the cover of the 2007 edition.

NUMEROUS TOTAL SERVICE SUPPORT shop owners and employees entered their most prized possessions — their vehicles, of course — in ACDelco’s 2006 “Pride of the Real Car Guys” calendar competition. Thirty semifi nalists were selected, with ACDelco drivers Clint Bowyer, Kurt Johnson and Harold Martin choosing 12 vehicles to appear in the calendar.

Congratulations to the winners:• James Martin, Raymond Foreign Auto, Raymond,

N.H., with his 1959 Chevrolet Impala Convertible• Pete Coccaro, Beverly Hills Garage, Chicago, with his 1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz• David Liddle, Dave’s Auto Repair, Sarasota, Fla., with his 1950 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible• Nick Coppola, Precision Auto Inc., North Haven,

Conn., with his 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS• Chris Palumbo, New Palumbo’s Inc. Exxon, Millburn, N.J., with his 1963 Chevrolet Corvette• Janet Thomas, Lancer Service Inc., St. Paul, Minn.,

with her 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air• Tom Sheets, East Ave. Auto, Rochester, N.Y., with his 2002 Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1 Supercar• Ronnie and Cindy Tipton, Shadden Tire Co., Crossville, Tenn., with their 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS Z28• Ron Vasconcellos, Dependable Tire and Brake, San Rafael, Calif., with his 1964 Pontiac Lemans• Larry Sweatt, Automotive Aces, Berkeley, Calif., with his 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge• Dave Lowther, B&R Automotive, Phoenix, with his

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible• Aaron Strom, Modern Collision, Bainbridge Island,

Wash., with his 1954 Buick Special

In addition, Dave Lowther of B&R Automotive in Phoenix was selected by online voters to appear on the calendar’s cover with his 1955 Chevrolet Nomad, which was featured on the December pages of ACDelco’s 2005 calendar.

pride in their rides


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INSIDE: FRICTION-READY CALIPERS LAUNCH ACDELCO LAS VEGAS NHRA NATIONALS MAKE THE ONE-STOP SHOP CONCEPT WORK

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image iseverything

Need to update your mailing address?

E-mail Bruce Williams in the

ACDelco Customer Records depart-

ment at [email protected].

Be sure to copy your ACDelco sales

representative or provide Customer

Records with his or her name when

requesting changes.

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INSIDE: FRICTION-READY CALIPERS LAUNCH ACDELCO LAS VEGAS NHRA NATIONALS MAKE THE ONE-STOP SHOP CONCEPT WORK

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shops benefi t from

new ACDelco looks

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friction-readycalipers launch

A CDelco’s recently launched DuraStop® friction-ready calipers line features 1,750 part numbers that offer aftermarket coverage for 95% of vehicles on the road in North America today.

The new line was introduced to meet market demand: Friction-ready calipers have become increasingly popular among technicians who want to select the level of friction required for each application. They supplement ACDelco’s existing lines of bare calipers, which require additional assembly, and loaded calipers, which come with brake pads already installed.

Kurt Pursche, ACDelco product specialist, brake systems, says a smart numbering system makes it easy for technicians to select the right ACDelco caliper for the job.

ACDelco’s DuraStop friction-ready calipers, which offer quality at a competitive price, are remanufactured calipers

PRODUCT NEWS

NEW LINE OFFERS SHOPS INCREASED AFTERMARKET COVERAGEBY AMY LYNN SMITH

with brand-new components including bleeder screws, springs, caliper bolts and abutment clips. They come with all the pins, bolts, grommets and O-rings required to install the caliper. Technicians need only decide which ACDelco brake pad — DuraStop ceramic, DuraStop non-ceramic or one from the ACDelco original equipment (OE) brake line — to use with it.

All of ACDelco’s DuraStop friction-ready calipers feature a 12-month/12,000-mile limited warranty, and qualify for any promotional discounts offered on other ACDelco calipers or DuraStop products.

“Our friction-ready calipers offer technicians enhanced fl exibility, can be installed quickly and are available for a very competitive price,” Pursche says.

Contact your ACDelco Warehouse Distributor or local ACDelco representative for more information. •

ACDelco added more than 11,000 new part numbers to its product lines in 2005, further solidifying its position as a automotive aftermarket leader.


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Joe Grusling, an ASE-certifi ed master technician, was puzzled when he began noticing an increase in the number of random engine misfi res in the vehicles serviced at his Fix-N-Go Auto Centers in Troy, Mich.,

and Oxford, Mich. “Customers were bringing in vehicles that had very

restricted power with the ‘check engine’ light on and no obvious cause,” says the ACDelco Total Service Support (TSS) shop owner. “It was happening on a wide variety of makes and models, regardless of mileage. Needless to say, I was stumped.”

Grusling credits ACDelco training and original equipment (OE) service information for providing him with valuable information that assisted in diagnosis*.

His fi rst step was to perform a thorough diagnostic check on vehicles experiencing the problem. “Since the vehicles had restricted power, I started by checking the ignition system, spark plugs and wires for insulation breakdown,” he recalls, “but everything checked out fi ne.”

Next, he used a scan tool to look for diagnostic trouble codes. “I was getting a P0300 code,” Grusling says. “That told me it was related to the powertrain and the auxiliary emissions controls, and was a catalyst damaging misfi re code. That’s when I focused on the injector system and, ultimately, diagnosed dirty fuel injectors as the source of the code being set.”

Grusling used a three-part engine-cleaning service kit (10-5021) and top engine cleaner (X66-P) to fi x the problem. First, he mixed about a 5% to 10% mixture of the top engine cleaner with a quart of the appropriate octane gasoline in the injector cleaner. He then attached it to a port on the fuel rail. “Running top engine cleaner through the fuel injectors also cleans any carbon deposits off the intake valves,” Grusling explains.

Next, a special nozzle for the injector cleaner was attached in front of the throttle body. This allowed him to clean the throttle body plate and the intake manifold.

Finally, Grusling added a bottle of the fuel system treat-ment to the fuel tank, topping it off with gasoline. “I then used the scan tool to reset the ‘check engine’ light, and the vehicle was good to go,” he says. Grusling adds that the results have been extremely suc-cessful. “My technicians and I have been performing this service for several years now, and, most recently, as often as two to three times per week,” he says. “It’s a simple, but often overlooked, way to solve a complicated issue, which has addressed most of the random engine misfires we see at our locations.” •

TECH TIP

simple, yetcomplexTSS OWNER USES AN OFTEN OVERLOOKED METHOD TO CORRECT RANDOM ENGINE MISFIRESBY KIRK SEAMAN

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Fix-N-Go Auto Center owners Joe and Cindy Grusling.

fi x-n-go (at a glance)

*ACDelco training classes give you the knowledge that can help improve your technical skills and lead to a more accurate diagnosis when following OE service procedures.

Years in business: 11.5 (Troy, Mich.) 8.5 (Oxford, Mich.)Number of employees: 12 at each locationNumber of bays: 11 (Troy); 10 (Oxford)

Quick look at Fix-N-Go: The 3,300-square-foot, three-bay business, which opened in 1994 in Troy, has grown into a 7,600-square-foot, 11-bay facility. The Oxford location, with 7,600 square feet, opened in 1997.


CONNECT WITH SPECIAL VALUES FOR LIFE AT HOME!

1 Real estate services provided by GMAC Home Services. Moving services provided through GMAC Global Relocation Services, Inc.2 Home equity financing through GMAC Mortgage Corporation is subject to your submission of a formal loan application and approval, and is not available in all states. Please call for more

information or to apply. Property insurance may be required. The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for a line of credit is variable and may change daily. As of October 14, 2005 the APR is 7.75% (Prime plus 1.00%).APR is for illustrative purposes only. Your APR will be based on the rate set forth in your Home Equity Credit Line Agreement. The maximum APR is 18.5% or the maximum rate allowed by law, whichever isless. The Annual Fee is $35 in AL, AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, GA, ID, IN, MA, MN, MS, NE, NH, NM, NV, OR, UT and WA and $25 in FL. $20 in IL. $15 in IA. $12 in LA. The Annual Fee in OH is the lesser of $35or 1/2% of the available credit on the date the annual fee is charged to your account. In AL title insurance is required on all lines. In all other states title insurance is required for lines over $100,000. Propertyinsurance is required. Other Home Equity Credit Line programs are available. Offer subject to approval.

AL and MS loans require an initial minimum draw of $2000 and subsequent advances of $250; KY loans require an initial minimum draw of $15,100 and subsequent advances of $500; WI loans require an initialminimum draw of $1000 if the initial credit limit is $25,000 or less ($1000 if the credit limit is $25,000 or more and subsequent advances of $250). For all other states the initial and subsequent draw(s) is $250.

Arizona Mortgage License Number BK-7670; Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act; Georgia Mortgage Lender License #5845; Illinois ResidentialMortgage Licensee; Massachusetts Mortgage Lender License Number ML1556; Minnesota: This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Any such offer may only be made pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 47.206(3) & (4); Montana Licensed Mortgage Broker #000207; Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department; Licensed by the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance, 45 Eisenhower Dr., Paramus, (201) 226-1199; Licensed Mortgage Banker: NYS Banking Department; Licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking; Licensed RI Lender and Broker.

Home Equity Credit Loans not offered in Arkansas; Home Equity Credit Lines not offered in: AR & TX; Massachusetts Mortgage Lender License Number ML1556; Licensed by the New Hampshire BankingDepartment; In Tennessee home equity credit lines and loans offered by GMAC Mortgage Corporation of TN.

© 2006 GMAC Mortgage Corporation

YOU’VE GOT THE CONNECTION!Call to apply: 1.866.480.4622Or visit www.gmacmortgage.com

As an ACDelco employee, TSS participant, or DDG member/employee, you’re eligible for the kind of connections youand your family can really use to get the most out of the largest financial commitment of your life—your home. With special offers on home financing, real estate and moving services,1 you’ll know you’re getting smart solutions thatare right for you. Get started today with NO APPLICATION FEES AND NO CLOSING COSTS on a GMAC MortgageCorporation home equity loan or line of credit!2

SAVE on a home equity loan or line of credit.


FROM THE REGIONS

For the second consecutive year, A-Line Auto Parts, a division of Arnold Oil, an Austin, Texas-based ACDelco Warehouse Distributor, helped sponsor the Texas Classic Car Show, arguably the largest

classic car show in central Texas.Leonard’s Garage and Muffler Center, an A-Line Total

Service Support account, also located in Austin, lent its support as well.

“Most of our advertising is word-of-mouth,” says Jason Melber, Leonard’s Garage and Muffl er Center manager. “So being a part of the show was a great way to raise awareness for our business while giving back to our community.”

The Oct. 1 event, which once again took place in the parking lots of three popular Austin restaurants, drew thousands from across Texas, raising more than $23,000 for The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Central and South Texas, a charity that grants wishes to children between

car show helpsmake-a-wishBY MARIE M. BROWN

SYRACUSE, N.Y.DETROIT, MICH.

AUSTIN, TEXAS

EVANSVILLE, IND.


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the ages of 2 1/2 and 18 diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions.

The first $5,000 raised from the show benefited Make-A-Wish® children impacted by Hurricane Katrina, which pummeled the U.S. Gulf Coast in late August, wiping out the Make-A-Wish regional office in Gulfport, Miss., and making it impossible to return to the New Orleans office for more than a month.

In addition to f inancial contributions, Leonard’s employees teamed to help restore a 1995 Z71 Chevrolet pickup for Brandon Delao, a 17-year-old Make-A-Wish kid diagnosed with cancer in his sinus cavities. A-Line supplied some of the internal parts, while other vendors supplied the additional touches that made Delao’s dream truck a reality. He proudly displayed his restored pickup truck at the show.

“Helping make this wish come true is why we offer up our time and efforts,” says Kurt Filbert, Arnold Oil marketing manager/A-Line Auto Parts installer sales manager.

A-Line also secured the ACDelco Extreme Garage for the event. The appearance, however, was canceled due to scheduling conflicts when the car show was postponed from Sept. 24 to Oct. 1 due to the threat from Hurricane Rita, which hit along the Texas-Louisiana coast.

Van Redin, Texas Classic Car Show co-chair, is thankful to sponsors like A-Line and Leonard’s for their continued support each year. “We couldn’t pull off an event like this without their help,” he says. •

Brandon Delao’s restored pickup truck (above) was on display during the Texas Classic Car Show (left and far right), an event for which A-Line Auto Parts’ Kurt Filbert (right) organized ACDelco support.

hurricane katrina helpBY CHRISTINE HANSEN

EVANSVILLE, IND.

DAYS AFTER HURRICANE KATRINA’S assault on the U.S. Gulf Coast, Quality Automotive Distributors (QADCO), an ACDelco Warehouse Distributor in Evansville, Ind., and 17 of its Total Service Support (TSS) accounts teamed up for an oil-change event that raised $10,685 to benefi t the storm’s nearly 1 million victims.

About 500 drivers brought their vehicles to par-ticipating TSS shops throughout southern Indiana and western Kentucky. For $20, they received an oil change, with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross, including an additional $1,510 donated by Southern Indiana Tire, an Evansville-based TSS account.

Local TV and radio stations ran public service announcements, while the local newspaper ran a story mentioning the fundraiser. What’s more, TSS account Raben Tire, also in Evansville, devoted its weekly newspaper ad to promote the event. The shops covered labor costs, while QADCO picked up the cost of supplies.

“Holding the benefi t was the least we could do,” says TSS owner Bob Mehling of Evansville’s M&M Automotive. •


FROM THE REGIONS

dream cruise event has its rewards BY AMY LYNN SMITH

For the third consecutive year, Rowerdink Inc., a Michigan-based ACDelco Warehouse Distributor(WD), offered about 40 of its best accounts front-row seats to metro Detroit’s 11th annual Woodward

Dream Cruise — arguably the world’s largest one-day celebration of car culture.

This year’s Dream Cruise attracted about 1.1 million visitors and an estimated 40,000 muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special-interest vehicles. This ultimate “real car guy” event celebrates the heydays of the ’50s and ’60s when Woodward Avenue was the heart and soul of cruising in the city that put America on wheels.

Rowerdink tapped in on the excitement of the 16-mile car show, hosting a party at a restaurant right on the

cruise’s main drag. They provided lunch, had numerous giveaways and offered 40 reserved parking spots — a bonus for many attendees.

“A lot of places charge $75 for parking,” says Kevin Burns, a fl eet technician with Livonia, Mich.-based George Weston Bakeries, one of Rowerdink’s Key Fleet accounts. “So to have a parking spot, let alone a free one, was great.”

Burns, who brought his custom 1950 Chevy Styleline to the party, adds, “Hosting an event like this really shows Rowerdink’s appreciation for the business we give them.”

That was the whole point of the party, according to Rowerdink’s Detroit area general manager, Bill Rowerdink. “Hopefully, the next time they pick up the phone to order a part, they’ll remember us,” he adds. •


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Rowerdink Inc. customers enjoyed front-row seats at metro Detroit’s 11th annual Woodward Dream Cruise on Aug. 20.

DETROIT, MICH.


says Todd Smith, ACDelco district manager.About 500 direct mail pieces were sent to UAS’s ISCs

and TSS accounts to notify them of the event, something Raven says proved extremely helpful. “We got almost all of our accounts within a 50-mile radius to attend,” says UAS’s Raven, adding that UAS also signed two new TSS accounts and talked with numerous prospects. “Needless to say, we were very pleased with the results.” •

a fi ne day at the fair BY LILLIAN LORENZI

With almost 1 million people visiting the New York State Fair this year, it was the perfect chance for United Auto Supply (UAS) to showcase the ACDelco brand while spending a fun-fi lled day in

the sun with its Independent Service Center (ISC) and Total Service Support (TSS) customers.

The Syracuse, N.Y.-based ACDelco Warehouse Distributor secured a premium spot just inside the fair’s front gate. There they hosted more than 100 ISC and TSS owners, employees and family members, treating them to lunch from Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, a popular local eatery.

UAS also showcased the ACDelco Extreme Garage, which made appearances nationwide in conjunction with NHRA and IHRA races this year.

The display, housed in a 53-foot trailer, features Clint Bowyer’s NASCAR® Busch® Series show car, Kurt Johnson’s NHRA Pro Stock show car, a NASCAR Busch racing video game and an NHRA drag racing reaction time game. It also includes a video featuring ACDelco’s race teams that explains the benefi ts of ACDelco products.

“The exposure ACDelco received was phenomenal, and the response from our accounts was fabulous,” says Chip Raven, UAS general manager. “Everyone truly seemed to enjoy what the Extreme Garage had to offer.”

Rich Garcia, owner of Garcia’s Automotive, a Syracuse-based TSS account, agrees. “The Extreme Garage was really a grand presentation,” he says. “My UAS sales representative, Alison Dorchester, showed me around the display. She even got me into the fair’s hospitality suite to boot.”

But, arguably, the biggest draw was having Bowyer on hand for several hours, during which time he signed more than 500 autographs. “It really meant a lot to our customers that Clint made the long trip on his day off,”

More than 100 ISC and TSS owners, employees and family members enjoyed a fun-fi lled day at the New York State Fair.

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To book the ACDelco Extreme Garage, contact Michelle Kaczynski, TMG Sports Marketing, at 1-877-464-7469, or your ACDelco sales representative.

SYRACUSE, N.Y.


TSS TOOLS

A CDelco is incorporating a blended learning approach into its 2006 training program in an effort to reach a greater number of technicians and help shop owners increase productivity.

Technical training classes will use Web-based instruction to supplement hands-on classroom training. This should better accommodate technicians, particularly those not in close proximity to an ACDelco training location.

All 25 classes in ACDelco’s current technical training curriculum will evolve into a blended solution of both Web-based and hands-on training. This means rather than leaving the shop to attend two or three days of instructor-led classes at a specifi c location, technicians can fulfi ll some training via the Internet, then attend a one-day, hands-on class. Total Service Support members will continue to receive training at no additional cost.

“We’re enhancing our training proposition, not cutting corners,” stresses Jeff Spitzer, director of product service, e-Business and training for ACDelco. “Technicians will be able to

complete the Web courses at times that fi t into their schedules, such as during lunch hours, evenings or downtime, followed by one day of hands-on instruction. This way, shop owners don’t lose one of their technicians for several days at a time.”

Even if their workplaces don’t have Internet access, tech-nicians can get online at home, at their ACDelco Warehouse Distributor’s facility or at most public libraries, Spitzer adds.

ACDelco’s business training classes will adopt the blended learning format as well. Business training will consist of 40% instructor-led classes, 40% Internet-based teachings and 20% Internet business forum. One new class, “Marketing and Advertising,” will be added to the curriculum. “We’ve found that business and e-Business training are appreciated and desired by shop owners,” Spitzer says. “There are a number of former technicians who are technically savvy shop owners but need some help and development when it comes to running an Independent Service Center. While we recommend they complete the entire class, the nice thing about putting components on the Web is that shop owners can get some benefit by taking just the Internet-based portions of the training.” •

techs to receive enhanced training BY LORI BREMERKAMP

tra

8Log on to the ACDelco TechConnect

Web site (acdelcotechconnect.com)

and click on “Training” for a listing of

available classes.


I t takes highly skilled technicians to tackle today’s increasingly technical vehicle repairs and maintenance. However, fi nding them can sometimes prove diffi cult. Thankfully, ACDelco is helping make the task a little

easier: Its Technical Service Educational Program (TSEP) recently combined with the General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP), to give shop owners even more ways to locate and help train technicians.

The merger’s most signifi cant benefi t? Participants can now obtain an associate’s degree in fi elds like automotive service. Under TSEP, students could only earn certifi cates of completion.

Technically defi ned, ASEP is a two-year program that lets students combine hands-on experience in a Total Service Support (TSS) shop with college-level coursework in math, electronics and advanced auto repair.

“As with TSEP, ASEP showcases the professionalism and talent it takes to become an automotive technician, while also providing shops an easy access point for fi nding highly qualified and motivated technicians,” says Todd Dawn, ACDelco program development manager.

While enrolled in ASEP, students alternate between attending college and working at a sponsoring TSS shop. Although the program does emphasize GM vehicles, partici-pating schools are responsible for helping formulate course curriculums, which often include information about many vehicle makes and models.

Students who wish to enroll in the program must have a TSS sponsor, which colleges can help them secure if neces-sary. Program participants also are required to wear shop-provided work uniforms during classes, and must be high school graduates.

What’s more, ASEP students are responsible for all program costs, including tuition, fees, books and tools. To help with these costs, educational loans are available

through GMAC Bank, and Snap-on® provides tool dis-counts to those in the program.

More than 65 colleges and universities across the country participate in ASEP. Both Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the National Automotive Technicians’ Education Foundation (NATEF) must certify the schools before they join. Certifi cation means student training meets all industry standards. Classroom instructors must also agree to receive regular GM-sponsored training to keep up-to-date with new automotive technologies.

For more information on ASEP, log on to the ACDelco TechConnect Web site (acdelcotechconnect.com), click on “Total Service Support,” select “Employee Retention” and then click on “ASEP.” •

training tomorrow’s technicians today

ACDELCO AND GM PROGRAMS JOIN TO HELP SHOP OWNERS FIND QUALIFIED EMPLOYEESBY STEPHANIE ANN MARTIN


Combining ACDelco’s TSEP with GM’s ASEP gives shop owners more ways to locate and help train technicians.


S ince joining the ACDelco Total Service Support (TSS) Program in May 2004, Bruce Micetich has been on a winning streak. One of the fi rst things the owner of Advance Trans-

mission Auto Center Inc., located in Knoxville, Iowa, did after joining the program was to enter ACDelco’s “Pride of the Real Car Guys” calendar contest. The lucky TSS newcomer won a spot in the 2005 calendar alongside his 1957 Chevrolet Pro Mod. Micetich’s son, Jared, was a runner-up. What’s more, Jared received one of the fi ve $3,000 ACDelco scholarships awarded in 2004 to TSS shops owners’ dependents.

Micetich admits he’s only been able to scratch the surface when it comes to utilizing everything the TSS Program has to offer, but adds that simply being involved has its advantages.

“I initially joined the TSS Program because I wanted to tap into the wealth of product and industry information it offers via mediums like the ACDelco TechConnect Web site and newsletter,” he explains. “But being part of the program has also opened doors to ACDelco training and TSS benefi ts, such as the calendar and scholarship contests, that are helping me strengthen my business.

A WINNING COMBINATIONMicetich, who believes ACDelco’s reputation for quality echoes his own commitment to excellence, used ACDelco parts for years prior to signing on as a TSS account.

“We’re known for our quality workmanship and quality parts — it’s why our customers chose us,” Micetich says.

To further enhance his technicians’ skills, Micetich is taking advantage of the ACDelco training available at no cost to TSS Program participants. So far, he and his team have attended ACDelco courses on air conditioning and fuel injection.

“The training helped bring us up to speed on all the latest air conditioning and fuel injection technology,” he says. “We always seem to learn something new when we attend ACDelco training courses.”

RACING AHEAD Micetich says his ACDelco parts purchases are on the rise — a good indicator of a booming business. In fact, Advance Transmission purchases from Factory Motor Parts, the shop’s ACDelco Warehouse Distributor, have increased by roughly 20% since Micetich joined the TSS Program.

Micetich saw business grow even more when he hosted Clint Bowyer’s NASCAR® Busch® Series show car in July, attracting the attention of his entire town. ACDelco sponsored the event in recognition of Micetich’s 2005 calendar contest win. “The event went over really well with our current — and potential — customers,” he says. “It most defi nitely raised awareness for the business.”

Micetich, who proudly displays ACDelco signage around his facility, believes the brand recognition will continue to bring in new customers. “The ACDelco brand logo is highly recognized, which is why we include it in our own ads,” he says. “We want everyone to know we believe in using quality ACDelco parts.” •

REAL RESULTS

high-speedresults

BY AMY LYNN SMITHPHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN KOECK/GETTY PHOTO ASSIGNMENTS

Bruce Micetich (right), shown with his son, Jared, says being part of ACDelco’s TSS Program has opened doors to training and benefi ts that are helping him strengthen his business.




REAL RESULTS

small-town shopnets big sales BY CHRISTINE HANSENPHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK KEGANS/GETTY PHOTO ASSIGNMENTS

Mark Schmidt had a goal: to win a trip to the NAS-CAR® NEXTEL® Cup Series Chevy Rock & Roll 400 Sept. 10 at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va. To achieve it, he just needed to

be the top ACDelco shock and strut seller in his zone during ACDelco’s “Shock It Two Me” promotion.

Not only did Schmidt meet his goal, but he, by far, exceeded expectations. His Minot, N.D.-based Total Service Support shop led the nation in ACDelco shock and strut sales during the three-month promotion period, achieving an impressive

1,160% sales increase in wholesale shock and strut purchases compared to the same time period in 2004.

“It’s quite an accomplishment, especially considering Minot is a fairly small town, with just 35,000 residents and another 10,000 people living on a nearby military base,” says Don Nyvold, ACDelco fi eld district manager.

Schmidt’s key to success? “We were very aggressive in promoting the $100 rebate, looking at just about every vehicle that came into the shop for an opportunity to offer it,” says the Harley’s Arrowhead Automotive Center general manager.



Harley’s Arrowhead Automotive Center owner Mark Schmidt earned a trip to the Sept. 10 NASCAR® NEXTEL® Cup Series Chevy Rock & Roll 400 for topping ACDelco’s “Shock It Two Me” promotion sales.

intune 19

The “Shock It Two Me” rebate promotion reimbursed consumers for the price of two shocks and/or struts (up to $100) when they purchased four qualifying ACDelco shocks and/or struts at — and had them installed by — a participating Independent Service Center.

Schmidt generated awareness for the incentive by hanging “Shock It Two Me” banners around his shop, run-ning TV and newspaper ads touting the offer, and posting “Shock It Two Me” flyers at the gas station adjacent to his facility. He also gave his technicians referral incentives for ACDelco shock and strut sales.

OK Automotive, Harley’s ACDelco Warehouse Distributor, also located in Minot, helped out with weekly status updates, Sunday parts deliveries and rank reports so Schmidt could add the faster-moving parts to his stock.

But the efforts didn’t stop there. “We took care of submitting rebates for our customers,” Schmidt says. “We helped them complete their rebate forms, even stamping and mailing them, which turned out to be a terrifi c selling feature.”

To other shops looking to boost business, Schmidt says, “You’ve just got to keep asking for the sale.” •


FOUR ARKANSAS-BASED Total Support Service (TSS) accounts recently teamed to create an ad that ran in programs sold during the University of Central Arkansas’s (UCA’s) home football games.

The participating accounts — Choice Automotive Service, Helton’s Wrecker Service and Auto Repair, Hines Service Center and Freyaldenhoven’s Automotive — are members of the Conway Area Council, made up of seven TSS accounts located near Conway, Ark.

Bill Helton, Greg Stricklen and Pete Hines, owner-operators of Helton’s Wrecker Service and Auto Repair, Choice Automotive Service and Hines Service Center, respectively, came up with the ad’s concept, which offered UCA students 10% off maintenance and repairs at one of the participating TSS facilities.

The ad had the potential to be seen by about 3,600 UCA football fans. Pretty impressive considering it cost each TSS account less than $90 to produce and place in the program.

What’s more, 250 custom disk fl yers (ACD-CDC6) were purchased for the school’s Oct. 15 football game. During timeouts, UCA cheerleaders threw the disks — which each featured the participating shops’ names and phone numbers, along with the ACDelco and the UCA logo — into the crowd.

“More than 20,000 out-of-town students attend UCA, becoming Conway residents during the school year,” says Derek Dean, ACDelco district manager. “This gives our local TSS accounts tremendous opportunity to reach new customers. The biggest obstacle to their growth is capacity, not the shop down the road, since there is more than enough business in the area to go around.” •

tss accounts team for adBY KEVIN RANSOM

Wholesale shock and strut purchases increased by 1,160% at Harley’s Arrowhead Automotive Center during ACDelco’s three-month “Shock It Two Me” promotion.

www.acde lco .com

Real Car Guys always say, “Take care of your care and your car will take care of you.”

Conwa yChoice Automotive Service 1290 Dons Lane 548-0114

Freyaldenhoven Automotive 1090 Siebenmorgan 329-8188

Helton’s Wrecker Service& Auto Repair 710 South Harkrider 327-7681

Hines Service Center 714 Harkrider 327-1755

GreenbrierGreenbrier Brake & Muffler 135 South Broadview 679-6367 & 679-7599

Offers available through 2006 school year

$10 (+tax) 27-Point Inspection

UCA Students only, with appointment and

current Student ID

10% Discount Automotive Service

Maintenance and Repairs with appointment and current UCA Student ID

10% Discount Automotive Service

Maintenance and Repairs with appointment and current UCA Student ID


COVER STORY

extre

intune 211-800-ACDelco intune 21

ACDELCO IMAGE PROGRAM PRODUCES ATTRACTIVE RESULTS

BY CHRISTINE HANSENPHOTOGRAPHY BY GETTY PHOTO ASSIGNMENTS

T he old maxim “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” rings truer than ever in today’s automotive aftermarket. Consumers have a plethora

of Independent Service Centers to choose from. That means having a tidy shop with a warm, welcoming atmosphere can mean the difference between a customer making a return visit or visiting the shop down the street.

Customers, who are satisfied with a shop’s work, and comfortable in the waiting room or lobby, probably won’t hesitate to return — nor will they hesitate to refer their friends and family.

ACDelco’s Image Program helps Total Service Support (TSS) shops achieve a professional look that instantly identifies them as an ACDelco-affiliated business dedicated to providing the ultimate in automotive service and repair.

The program assists shop owners in revamp-ing their color scheme, fl oors, sales counters and customer waiting areas, among other things. It also offers ACDelco accessories like banners, clocks, fl oor mats, and interior and exterior signage for display.

memakeovers


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But while an Image Program makeover is designed to enhance a shop’s appearance, it can also boost a business’s bottom line by helping attract new customers.

Intune caught up with several TSS owners who shared how their shop’s Image Program makeovers helped transform other facets of their business as well.

Hopewell Tire & Auto: You don’t have to move to improveWhen customers talked, Hopewell Tire & Auto owner Luke Turner listened — even when they were complaining about the uncomfortable chairs in his shop’s waiting area.

Turner, who bought the Athens, Ga., TSS shop this past spring, completed an Image Program transformation in August, giving his customers a comfortable place to wait while their cars are serviced.

Hopewell Tire & Auto became an ACDelco TSS shop in 1999, but the previous owners had done nothing to improve the building’s appearance in the last 15 years, Turner says.

“Besides the uncomfortable chairs, the shop had 1970s-looking burnt orange fl oor tiles in the showroom, yellowing ceiling tiles and displays that were falling apart,” he adds. “It just looked old and worn out. So I decided to spend a little money to spruce everything up.”

Turner got the job done with the help of ACDelco and Weaver Distributors, his ACDelco Warehouse Distributor.

During July and August, Turner and his crew made extensive improvements to the shop, including painting both the interior and exterior, installing a new tile fl oor in the showroom and offi ce area, and getting new displays. He also updated the customer waiting area, adding leather chairs and a workstation complete with a computer, Inter-net access and Wi-Fi, a radio-frequency technology that

2

Hopewell Tire & Auto is attract-ing new customers with a revamped waiting area, com-plete with a new computer, Internet access and Wi-Fi.

HOPEWELL TIRE & AUTO • LOCATION: ATHENS, GA. • YEARS IN BUSINESS: 16 (owned by Luke Turner since 2005) • NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 4 • NUMBER OF BAYS: 4

New leather chairs are keeping customers comfortable while they wait.


allows laptop or handheld computer users in the vicinity of a “hotspot” to access the Web or corporate networks.

“The new technology is attracting businesspeople and students from the nearby University of Georgia, bringing in a substantial increase in our student customer base,” Turner says.

Customers like the new leather chairs as well, reports ACDelco district manager Anne Williams. “A customer actually told Turner she hated coming in before because the old chairs were so uncomfortable,” she laughs.

Turner also incorporated ACDelco merchandising accessories including a neon clock, a menu board that lists prices and services, and a holder for customers’ keys. What’s more, Turner purchased the largest exterior sign ACDelco has available, installing it prominently on the front of the building.

While it’s a bit too soon to tell how the transformation has affected the shop’s bottom line, Turner notes that he already has seen some defi nite improvements in key areas of his business. “Everyone who has come into the store since the updates has commented on how nice it looks,” he says. “Our word-of-mouth advertising has increased signifi -cantly, and employee morale is up, thanks to the repainted shop area and new uniforms. We imagined the perfect working atmosphere, designed it and then created it.”

Freddie Kish’s Complete Car Care Center: A new look brings in new businessWhen Freddie and Jeanna Kish decided to expand their Waco, Texas-based business, Freddie Kish’s Complete Car Care Center, they wanted to do it “ACDelco-style.”

“We simply outgrew our 6,000-square-foot building,” Fred-die says. “But the new 18,000-square-foot facility we were moving to — an old brown building that had housed a tractor supply company — wasn’t quite up to our standards.”

So the Kishes, TSS members since 1999, opted to gut their new building, working on renovations for six months before opening in June 2003. “We wanted to really wow our customers when they walked in,” Jeanna says.

The shop now sports countertops, cabinets, doors and walls in the ACDelco red, white and blue color scheme, a shiny blue floor, ACDelco signage and banners through-out, and a customer waiting area with six chairs and an entertainment system.

Jeanna remembers that while shop employees were initially reluctant to wear ACDelco uniforms, they quickly changed their minds. “We took them out for lunch the fi rst day they wore them,” she says. “They received so much

2

image kits available

Freddie and Jeanna Kish worked on renovations for six months before opening their new 18,000-square-foot facility (above) in June 2003.

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ACDelco now offers three starter kits to help you improve the interior look of your business. Items include ACDelco-branded floor mats, clocks and signage, among other things. For more information, or to order a kit, contact Design Incentives at 1-888-600-3065.

A TSS Shop Improvement Checklist is

coming! Watch for it to be added to the

ACDelco TechConnect Web site

(acdelcotechconnect.com) in 2006.

8


more than meets the eye

positive attention from people that they decided then and there it was what they wanted.”

So what do the Kishes’ customers think? Freddie says they’ve told him the shop’s new look is the best thing they could’ve done. “Our customers are defi nitely more comfort-able bringing their vehicles into our establishment just because of the way the place looks,” he adds. In fact, the Kishes are considering another expansion because of the increased business the new look has brought them: The shop is servicing 60 cars per day on average, and is drawing more than 100 new customers each month.

ACDelco market area manager John Brown says the shop achieved more than a 35% increase in ACDelco sales last year, making it the second-highest-selling store in its district.

Jeanna notes that the success is due, in part, to the shop’s ACDelco look, which provides them with the perfect opportunity to talk with customers about the quality, value and reliability of the brand’s parts. “I’ve found it helps open the door to educating our customers on the benefits of using ACDelco products and services,” she says. “And, usually, once they pay us a visit, they’re a loyal customer.”

Freddie thinks all TSS shops can benefi t from the Image Program, too. “A little paint goes a long way in attracting customers,” he adds.

Freddie Kish’s Complete Car Care Center employees have received a lot of positive feedback from customers after switching to their ACDelco uniforms.

Adopting the ACDelco color scheme helps Freddie Kish’s Complete Car Care Center demonstrate that it is a clean and professional facility.

The repair area’s shiny blue fl oor is one of the new features customers comment on most.

FREDDIE KISH’S COMPLETE CAR CARE CENTER • LOCATION: WACO, TEXAS • YEARS IN BUSINESS: 7 • NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 20 • NUMBER OF BAYS: 21

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ACDelco plans to build upon its Image Program offering in 2006 by adding materials — such as interior and exterior makeover options, promotions and best-practices check-lists — that will help you better manage all aspects of your business. (Watch future issues of Intune for updates.) In the meantime, contact your ACDelco Warehouse Distributor or local ACDelco sales representative to inquire about an Image Program makeover for your shop.


CINTAS ad placement here

REAL CAR GUYS KNOW...

Call 1-800-CINTAS-1www.cintas.com

Image is everything.All automotive dealers and service businesses are concerned with appearances. After all, the appearanceof your facilities and team are a reflection of the services you provide. Cintas products and services are designed to not only keep your team looking professional at all times, but also keep your facilities in top shape. Keep your customers returning with Cintas as your valued partner.

Safety is essential.Mechanics work in some pretty extreme conditions!Extreme temperatures, tight spaces, fast-moving equipment, and extreme timeframes can quickly addup to a difficult situation for your team. Cintas offersa number of automotive safety and first aid productsto keep your team performing safely in all of these situations.

Cintas’ products and services are the fuel thatkeeps your automotive business running efficiently.

Cintas has enjoyed a rich history working with the automotive industry. The majority of products and services that Cintas brings to market are based upon the growing needs of your business.

What Wears On Race Day

Cintas is the Approved Manufacturer of ACDelco Uniforms


Vernon & Fletcher Inc.: An image overhaul 47 years in the makingIn June 2002, Vernon & Fletcher Inc. of Abilene, Texas, became one of the first shops to undergo an ACDelco Image Program transformation when second-generation co-owners Clyde and Cheryl Fletcher moved the business from its original 4,500-square-foot facility to a new 12,000-square-foot location.

Fletcher spent about three weeks doing cosmetic work on the shop before opening the doors to his new facility. He started by remodeling his new waiting room and offi ce. The dingy carpet was replaced with blue and white checker-board tile and the walls and trim were painted in ACDelco’s red, white and blue color scheme. Outside, ACDelco signs were placed on the sides and rear of the building, as well as on a pole by the street.

“Keeping the fl oors, offi ce and waiting area looking neat and clean is my biggest concern, so the fi rst thing I did was replace the carpet with shiny new tile,” he says. “In the old shop, we kept the fl oors clean, but they were 47 years old, so, no matter how much we scrubbed, they were still dark-look-ing. I’m happy to say I don’t have that problem anymore.”

Over the years, Vernon & Fletcher has earned respect in the community by providing top-notch automotive service. In fact, the shop’s technicians have more than 100 years

of combined experience. Its professional appearance — attained through the Image Program — only has empha-sized this commitment to superb customer care.

Fletcher says his customers appreciate the clean, new look, and enjoy the comfortable waiting area. He adds that the new exterior signage made a big difference, creating a more professional presentation, as did the revamped office area.

“Our business has increased about 20% every year since we moved into our new Image facility,” Fletcher says. “In fact, this past July and August were record-setting months in terms of ACDelco sales.”

He adds that he’s grateful to those who’ve helped him achieve his success: ACDelco; Concho Supply of Abilene, his ACDelco Warehouse Distributor; and Randy Necessary, his ACDelco district sales manager.

According to Necessary, TSS shops participating in the Image Program realize a marked increase in ACDelco purchases and in the Customer Satisfaction Index, a mea-surement tool that uses customer response cards to help determine areas of strength and those needing improvement.

“In my opinion, the sooner TSS shops can get on board with the Image Program, the better,” Fletcher says. “They’ll do nothing but benefi t by participating in the program. I only wish I had done it sooner.” •

3

Vernon & Fletcher customers appreciate the clean and com-fortable new waiting area.

Shiny blue and white checker-board tile replaced the carpet.

VERNON & FLETCHER INC. • LOCATION: ABILENE, TEXAS • YEARS IN BUSINESS: 50 • NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 7 • NUMBER OF BAYS: 18

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It’s as easy as 1-2-3:

1) Perform a battery test on

every vehicle that enters your shop with

your Micro500XL tester.

2) Print out the test results and review

them with your customer.

3) Advise battery replacement as needed.

The Ultimate Battery Sales ToolProactive battery testing is an idea that

works. Statistics from recent National Car

Care Month events show that 77% of all

vehicles brought into check lanes during

these events are found to be in need of

repair or maintenance. Don't miss an

opportunity to increase your business

and improve customer satisfaction.

For more information about Midtronics equipment visit

www.midtronics.com or call 1-800-776-1995 and ask for the

ACDelco account manager.

Proactive battery testing gives you a

great competitive advantage. By testing

every battery, you can improve your

customer satisfaction by ensuring that

every customer knows they are leaving

your shop with a good battery – all while

increasing battery and related electrical

sales. Consistency is the key to

success. Make sure to test every

battery and promote the fact that your

shop offers this FREE service. By

committing to help your customers as

well as your shop, you are committing

to be successful!

Don’t have a Micro500XL?

Contact your ACDelco distributor and

order Midtronics’ P/N: MCR-500-XL-KIT

©2005 Midtronics, Inc P/N 169-222


FEATURE

It doesn’t get any better than winning at your spon-sor’s race. Just ask Kurt Johnson, who captured the Pro Stock title at the 5th Annual ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals.“We’ve come close to winning at the ACDelco Nationals

in the past, but, thanks to the help of a lot of people, we were able to change our luck this year and park our ACDelco Chevy Cobalt in the Winner’s Circle,” says an elated Johnson of his Oct. 23 win at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

In his fi rst fi nal-round holeshot win of the year, John-son powered his ACDelco Cobalt to victory over longtime rival Greg Anderson. His reaction time was almost perfect — and, combined with a solid 6.839-second elapsed time, was more than enough to hold off Anderson’s top-end charge. The win marked Johnson’s fi rst victory at The Strip in four fi nal-round appearances, his fourth of the season and the 32nd of his career.

“We’ve been to the fi nals a few times here and it always

ACDELCO-SPONSORED DRIVER CLAIMS VICTORY AT THE 5TH ANNUAL LAS VEGAS NHRA NATIONALSBY LORI BREMERKAMP

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRYAN HARAWAY/GETTY PHOTO ASSIGNMENTS

seems to be Greg in the other lane,” says Johnson, who earned early-round wins over Bob Panella Jr., Jeg Coughlin and Erica Enders. “We always race hard and the contest is usually decided by a few thousandths of a second. It just feels really good to fi nally win this race for ACDelco.”

While some drivers get worked up racing at their sponsor’s event, Johnson didn’t let the pressure get to him. “Even though we were thousands of miles from our shop, we had our own personal cheering section,” he says.

The cheering section to which he’s referring was made up of customers from ACDelco Warehouse Distributors Redline Automotive, Warren Distributing and Factory Motor Parts.

Roy Ozaki and his wife, Carolyn, were among the more than 50 Redline Automotive customers who traveled from Hawaii for the ACDelco-sponsored event.

“This is our fourth time attending the Nationals,” says Ozaki, who, along with his wife, owns Roy’s Kalihi Automotive Center & Towing, a Total Service Support (TSS) account in

johnson hitsthe jackpot



tra

Honolulu that has been using ACDelco products for more than 25 years. “We’re thrilled to be celebrating with Kurt, and know it wouldn’t be possible without our ACDelco affi liation and the support of our Redline Automotive representative, Blaise Brown.”

Also thankful for their ACDelco affi liation were Las Vegas-based TSS members Terry De Waal and Keith Saunders. De Waal, owner of Advanced Autodynamics, and Saunders, a technician at The Carworks, served as Johnson’s Honorary Pit Crew members during qualifying sessions. They were also interviewed by ESPN2 reporter David Rieff, who later shared Honorary Pit Crew duties with them on camera during the race broadcast.

But you didn’t have to be with an ACDelco account to go behind the ropes at this event. Race fan Steve Darvanian took the ride of his life when he drove against Johnson for a chance to attend the NHRA Finals in Pomona, Calif., Nov. 3–6. Both were behind the wheel of identical Pontiac G6s as they sped down The Strip. The challenge ended with Darvanian edging out Johnson to claim the race package.

“It was a fantastic experience, although I think Kurt may have taken it easy on me,” jokes Darvanian, who entered the random drawing at Advanced Autodynamics, one of 45 ACDelco TSS shops in the Las Vegas market that participated in the NHRA-sponsored promotion.

Drag racing wasn’t the Nationals’ only exciting attraction. Hundreds of race fans gathered on the grounds of The Strip for the second annual ACDelco Real Car Guys car show. The event, held on the fi nal day of the race weekend, featured about 25 of the best hot rods from the area. Race-goers were

Dave Revens took home the “ACDelco Real Car Guy Award,” as voted on by ACDelco customers who attended the car show.

Kurt Johnson powers his ACDelco Chevy Cobalt to victory over longtime rival Greg Anderson. The win marked Johnson’s fi rst victory at The Strip in four fi nal-round appearances, his fourth of the season and the 32nd of his career.

8 Want to keep current with Kurt Johnson’s on-track

success? Log on to the NHRA Web site (nhra.com)

for race recaps, a complete 2006 POWERade Drag

Racing Series schedule and more.


did you know...

ACDELCO HIT THE RACING WORLD with a one-two punch when its sponsored driv-ers Kurt Johnson and Clint Bowyer both claimed victories in their respective series in the same weekend.

Johnson powered his ACDelco Chevy Cobalt to the Pro Stock victory Oct. 23 at the 5th Annual ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals, beating out Greg Anderson in the final round. (See related story.)

Bow yer won h is second NASCAR® Busch® Series race of the season, rallying from deep in the f ield to win the Sam’s Town 250 at Memphis Motorsports Park in Memphis, Tenn., Oct. 22. He qualif ied in the 35th position, but was sent to the rear of the 43-car field prior to the green flag for making unapproved adjustments after crashing in the final turn of his second qualifying lap.

Bowyer went on to dominate the second half of the race, leading a race-high 137 laps. At press time, Bowyer trailed Martin Truex Jr. for the NASCAR Busch Series championship by 64 markers with one race remaining. Watch the next issue of Intune for additional coverage on Bowyer’s first season behind the wheel of the ACDelco No. 2 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. •

winning weekend

also able to check out the ACDelco Extreme Garage display, while invited ACDelco customers enjoyed lunch in the hospitality tent.

With Las Vegas celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2005, ACDelco helped commemorate the occasion by selecting the city’s mayor, Oscar B. Goodman, as the event’s grand marshal. He kicked off the pre-race ceremonies with help from Duane Miller, executive director for GM Service and Parts Operations’ Service and Parts Business Channels.

“As befits one of the most exciting cities in the world, the ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals is one of the most exciting races of the NHRA’s POWERade Drag Racing season,” Miller says. “Combining the excitement of Las Vegas with the power of NHRA championship drag racing produces a winning combination that presents a perfect opportunity for ACDelco to showcase its passion as real car guys. We look forward to our continued sponsorship of this event over the next three years.” •

ESPN2 reporter David Rieff talks with Honorary Pit Crew members Keith Saunders (left) and Terry De Waal (right).

Kurt Johnson claimed victory at the 5th Annual ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals Oct. 23.

NHRA’s coveted Wally trophy is named for Wally Parks, who formed the National Hot Rod Association in 1951 while serv-ing as editor of Hot Rod, a drag racing enthusiast magazine.


FEATURE

P romoting their Independent Service Center (ISC) as a one-stop shop can help put many owners on the fast track to building a loyal customer base and solid profi ts. But what exactly does the term “one-

stop shop” mean to today’s consumers? The first thing to realize, says Kathleen Schmatz, presi-

dent and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), is that ISCs can’t be everything to everyone. “Many shops have failed by taking the one-stop concept literally and attempting to be all things to all people without support from others,” she explains. “This is a recipe for disaster.”

She adds that being a one-stop is about doing what your shop does best and doing it right every time. “It’s as simple as committing to deliver a one-stop shop experience by excelling in those areas of service and repair where you have the competence, skills, expertise, personnel, tools, equipment and resources to be the best,” Schmatz says.

In essence, making the one-stop concept work means delivering on three fundamental promises: professional technical expertise, correct diagnoses of the problem the fi rst time, and proper service and repair on the customer’s fi rst visit.

From a marketing perspective, for example, it means being in the business of looking at much more than the customer who just walked in the door. A shop owner’s goal should be to establish customer loyalty, which will help grow a solid customer base in the community.

“Look beyond the scope of the individual customer,”

CAN AN AFTERMARKET SHOP TRULY TOUT ITSELF AS THE ONE STOP FOR CONSUMER NEEDS?BY LILLIAN LORENZIILLUSTRATION BY FLYING FISH STUDIOS

2everything

everyone


Schmatz says. “You want to look at making his or her fam-ily, friends, colleagues and neighbors customers, too.”

Make sure your suppliers and distributors are close allies, she adds. “A one-stop shop must establish, culti-vate and value its relationships with suppliers by taking advantage of every training and merchandising opportunity offered,” Schmatz stresses. “A strong relationship gives the shop a critical advantage in today’s highly competitive market and lets you do what you do best.”

ACDelco offers ISCs its Total Service Support (TSS) Pro-gram, designed to help grow a shop’s business and increase profi tability. TSS benefi ts include industry-leading technician and management training, business and marketing support, and customer relationship programs, among other things. (For more information about how to enroll in the ACDelco TSS Program, call 1-800-825-5886 and select prompt 1.)

“The TSS Program represents ACDelco’s commitment

to being more than just a parts supplier,” says Dan Carter, associate manager, Global ACDelco ISC Network. “It’s becoming increasingly important for ISCs to align with industry-leading companies like ACDelco, and to have a solid relationship with them. In these very competitive times, ACDelco’s TSS Program focuses on its customers and on growing our businesses together.”

AAIA’s Schmatz says successfully taking advantage of opportunities like ACDelco’s TSS Program usually results in only one thing: ISC owners running a shop that customers trust — and rely on — to do the job right the fi rst time.

“The motoring public should get a higher quotient of satisfaction from their auto repair practitioner than they do from their dry cleaner or appliance repair person,” she con-cludes. “This is quite simply the price of admission for the one-stop shop and it means that shop is uniquely positioned in the community as a single source of excellence.” •


ONE MORE THING ...

pride

“It’s rewarding to say that I’ve done much of the restoration work on my 1955 Chevy Nomad myself. Especially since it was towed to my home fi lled with boxes of parts when I purchased the vehicle in 1990. Today, it’s an attention-getter. Car lovers of all ages stop me to talk about my Chevy, often asking to be photographed with it. I’m proud to be a real car guy, and the owner of this unique, classic Chevy.”

— Dave Lowther, is featured in the December pages of the 2005 ACDelco “Pride of the Real Car Guys” calendar with his 1955 Chevy Nomad


The pros know that quality parts are a key component to success. Just ask Clint Bowyer,

Kurt Johnson and Harold Martin. They attribute a big part of their success to the ACDelco

logo on the hood. But it’s not just race teams that can trust ACDelco season after season.

ACDelco provides premium parts for virtually every vehicle on the road.

800-ACDelco • acdelcotechconnect.com

You know the

REAL CAR GUYSthat

OTHER REAL CAR GUYSlook up to?

They use our parts.

60195_a_1.indd 1 4/11/05 3:53:47 PM


Intune Magazine6703 Haggerty RoadBelleville, MI 48111

Change Service Requested

AD-PU-0001-06

RACING RECAPClint Bowyer refl ects on his fi rst season behind the wheel of the ACDelco No. 2 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

PUTTING IT TO THE TEST Trussville Auto and Truck owner Doreen Pepper realizes the importance of testing the battery and starting and charging systems of vehicles that come into her shop ... and much more!

in our next issue...

CUSTOMER APPRECIATIONACDelco Warehouse Distributor Mid-America Parts recognizes customer loyalty during its annual open house event

For more information about ACDelco products and programs, or to have an ACDelco representative contact you, call 1-800-ACDelco.

image is everything - Hopewell Tire pic.pdf6 intune acdelco.com friction-ready calipers launch A CDelco’s recently launched DuraStop ® friction- ready calipers line features 1,750

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