Let us learn all things from everybody

Let us learn all things from everybody

Hurricane Sandy vs Collector Cars

Ok, first it's Hurricane Sandy, not Super Storm Sandy. No matter how you slice it, it was still a hurricane that rocked the east coast of the U.S. in October. And the one thing that drives any car guy crazy is to see vehicular damage. We cringed at a photo floating around facebook that was also the cover shot of Automotive News magazine last week of a fleet of Ford Crown Victorias and a few Transit Connect taxis sitting in a lot flooded with water. Turns out they were brand new cars sitting at a Ford owned dealership in Manhattan. So it turns out not only were they Crown Vics, they were some of the LAST Crown Vics built.

From our friends over at Hemmings comes these photos snapped by a reader of two Aston Martins that weren't so lucky last month. Makes you want to cry.


See all the photos here.

Source & Photos: Hemmings Blog

Suzuki files for Chapter 11 protection, no more U.S. car sales

What can I say. I saw this train wreck happening 2 years ago. American Suzuki Motor Corporation announced late this afternoon that it was filing for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. According to their press release, this is being done in order to realign the company to focus more towards their motorcycle, ATV, and marine operations.

As part of the wind down operations, ASMC will discontinue all U.S. automobile sales. However, unlike Saab's bankruptcy, all warranties will be honored for owners. Suzuki, states that "low sales volumes, a limited number of models in its line-up, unfavorable foreign exchange rates, the high costs associated with growing and maintaining an automotive distribution system in the continental U.S. and the disproportionally high and increasing costs associated with stringent state and federal regulatory requirements unique to the U.S. market." as the reasoning behind their decisions. I am curious as to why it has taken them this long to reach that decision as their sales performance has been slipping for the last several years. Their marketing was at times puzzling, comparing the Kizashi against cars like the Mercedes C class and Audi A4.

As we receive more details about Suzuki, we'll keep you updated here. 

Source: American Suzuki Motor Corporation.

Press release:

American Suzuki Motor Corporation ("ASMC") Announces Restructuring and Realignment to Focus on Motorcycles/ATV and Marine Divisions

ASMC to wind down and discontinue new automobile sales in continental U.S.
Consumers will be protected and all warranties will continue to be fully honored

BREA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- American Suzuki Motor Corporation ("ASMC" or "the Company"), the sole distributor in the continental United States of Suzuki Motor Corporation ("SMC") automobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and marine outboard engines, today announced that it plans to realign its business to focus on the long-term growth of its Motorcycles/ATV and Marine divisions. Following a thorough review of its current position and future opportunities in the U.S. automotive market, ASMC will wind down and discontinue new automobile sales in the continental U.S. The Company has determined the best path to achieve this realignment in an efficient and orderly manner is to restructure its operations under chapter 11. The case will be filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California in Santa Ana.

Consistent with ASMC's long history of standing by its products, owners of Suzuki automobiles will be protected. All warranties will continue to be fully honored and automobile parts and service will be provided to consumers without interruption through ASMC's parts and service dealer network.

ASMC remains firmly committed to Motorcycles/ATV and Marine products, and these divisions are competitively positioned in their respective markets, allowing for long-term growth as economic conditions improve. The realignment is intended to better position ASMC for long-term success and is a return to the Company's roots in the U.S. market, which began with motorcycles and has grown to include ATV and marine products. ASMC remains very proud of its high quality, high performance motorcycle, ATV and Marine products. The Company will continue to bring ASMC products to market, including its full lineup of sportbike, cruiser, touring, scooter, dualsport, motocross, off-road motorcycles and KingQuad ATV line, as well as its flagship DF300AP, state-of-the-art DF20A, and DF15A, among other models. Additionally, ASMC is working to further build its market share through continued investment in additional support for dealers through marketing and advertising activities and sales promotion. Suzuki will continue to have a strong presence as a sponsor of teams in supercross, outdoor motocross and road racing.

In evaluating its position in the highly regulated and competitive U.S. automotive industry, ASMC determined that its Automotive division was facing a number of serious challenges. These challenges include low sales volumes, a limited number of models in its line-up, unfavorable foreign exchange rates, the high costs associated with growing and maintaining an automotive distribution system in the continental U.S. and the disproportionally high and increasing costs associated with stringent state and federal regulatory requirements unique to the U.S. market. While the decision to discontinue new automobile sales in the U.S. was difficult to make, today's actions were inevitable under these circumstances. ASMC is dedicated to honoring its commitments to Automotive customers through and after the wind down of new automobile sales in the continental U.S.

An Orderly Process to Serve Consumers
ASMC intends to work within its current U.S. Automotive dealer network to help structure a smooth transition from new automobile sales to exclusively parts and service operations, or, in some instances, an orderly wind down of dealership operations. ASMC intends to market and sell its remaining U.S. automobile inventory through its Automotive dealer network. Through and after the restructuring, all warranties will be fully honored and automobile parts and services will be provided to consumers through the dealer network. ASMC intends to honor any automobile buyback agreements that are currently in place with financial institutions.

As part of its chapter 11 filings, ASMC will submit a proposed Plan of Reorganization and Disclosure Statement that specifies how the Motorcycle, ATV and Marine divisions will be maintained and enhanced, and how its relationship with Automotive dealers will be largely transitioned to support consumers and dealers through continued parts and service operations. SMC or its nominee intends to purchase ASMC's Motorcycle, ATV and Marine businesses, as well as the Automotive service operation responsible for parts and warranties, through a new U.S. subsidiary that will retain the ASMC brand name.

ASMC believes it has sufficient cash on hand to operate its businesses during the restructuring. If necessary, ASMC will request permission from the Court to borrow additional funds from SMC needed during the restructuring.

Honoring Commitments
ASMC intends to operate its Motorcycles/ATV and Marine businesses as usual and is dedicated to completing the realignment process as smoothly and efficiently as possible. ASMC will continue to fully stand behind all of its products and honor all warranties from these divisions. ASMC is working with GE Capital's Retail Finance and Commercial Distribution Finance businesses to continue providing motorcycles and ATV consumer financing programs and motorcycle, ATV and marine dealer inventory financing respectively. The Company expects existing agreements with other dealer and consumer financing providers to continue as well.

ASMC has filed a series of first day motions requesting approval to continue paying employee wages and benefits in the ordinary course, offering dealer incentives and payments under customer warranties. ASMC also expects to pay vendors in the normal course of business for goods and services delivered on or after its November 5, 2012 filing. Payments for goods received before ASMC's November 5, 2012 filing will be made in accordance with the chapter 11 procedure.

SMC, the 100 percent interest holder in ASMC, is not a debtor in the chapter 11 filing.

ASMC's legal advisor on the restructuring is Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP, and its financial advisor is FTI Consulting, Inc. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP is serving as special counsel on automobile dealer and industry issues. Further, ASMC has proposed the appointment of M. Freddie Reiss, Senior Managing Director at FTI Consulting, as Chief Restructuring Officer, and has also added two independent Board members to assist it through this period.

Additional information regarding ASMC's business realignment can be found at the Company's website, www.suzuki.com, or via an information hotline at 1-877-465-4819.

It's a Jeep thing: Jeep climbs U.S. border fence

If there's one four wheel drive I have always had a soft spot for, it was the Jeep Cherokee. My family had many of them during my childhood, so of course I liked them. So imagine my surprise when I logged on to MSN this morning and I saw this picture. Now what exactly is going on here? According to the short article, two Mexican suspected smugglers were attempting to drive, yes drive their cherokee over the 14 foot high border fence between Arizona and California.

Using some pretty creative homemade ramps, they abandoned the effort when the jeep got stuck. Hmmmm I wonder why that would happen? When agents spotted the Jeep, two men were on the Mexican side attempting to free it, but ran away. Nothing was found inside, but the U.S. border patrol is guessing the Jeep was being used to smuggle marijuana.

Source: MSN, photos: AP Photo: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix makes record donation

30 years, two charities, 1200+ volunteers. What does that equal? Over $3.2 million dollars. That is what the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has donated to the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Valley School. Just last week was the annual Victory Lap Check Presentation at the Frick Museum in Pittsburgh (don't take photographs here). This year was a record setting donation to the charities. $250,000 or $125,000 each.

Since 1983, the PVGP has grown from a single day car show and race to a 10 day motorsport festival consisting of two vintage race weekends, car shows, cruises, parades, and parties. The event is entirely driven by over 1200+ volunteers, some of whom are pictured here. and all proceeds benefit the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Valley School. Both of which help to provide residential care, treatment and support for developmentally disabled individuals in the Pittsburgh area.

The PVGP stands as one of the largest motorsport festivals in the nation, and the oldest continually run in the nation. It also stands apart as the racing is held entirely on public streets, bringing American sports car racing back to the way it used to be. “This event continues to amaze me” said Executive Director Dan DelBianco. He added, “To hold 10 days of events and turn a city park into a race circuit is a huge undertaking. There is no admission fee for spectators at the Schenley Park Race Weekend and the cost of staging the events is quite challenging so it is truly astounding that this event generates a quarter of a million dollars for local charities. Our success can be credited to the incredible support of our volunteers, sponsors and city officials coupled with the generosity of our racers and spectators. The Grand Prix now encompasses a dozen events spread over 10 days and nearly every single event is either sold out or near capacity.”

Source: Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. 

Racing Legend John Fitch dead at 95

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of racing legend John Fitch. How do you summarize John Cooper Fitch? He was a decorated WWII air corps pilot and POW, Purple Heart medal winner, SCCA and LeMans champion, team manager, racing and auto safety pioneer. These titles all apply.

John Fitch was born on August 4th, 1917 and from an early age was introduced to car racing. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. His stepfather was an executive for Stuz and introduced him to racing, but he was not initially impressed with it. It wasn't until he returned from WWII that he fell in to car racing as many did. During the war, Fitch was a decorated pilot in the Army Air Corps who was shot down and captured by German troops and locked in a POW camp.

After the war he began racing cars, only sports car racing rather than the typical oval track racing he witnessed at Indy. And Fitch was good, better yet great. During the early 50s, Fitch raced for driver and car designer Briggs Cunningham. He later became the only American to race for Mercedes Benz in their racing efforts. In 1955, the crash at the 24 Hours of LeMans greatly affected Fitch. He would go on to develop the Fitch Inertial Crash Barrier. Yellow barrels filled with sand that are still seen on racetracks and highways to this day.

After Mercedes, Fitch was approached by Chevrolet to help develop and manage their Corvette racing efforts and to make the Corvette a true race car. The eventually led to Fitch driving a Corvette at LeMans in 1960, and winning with co-driver Bob Grossman. Fitch would retire from professional driving in 1966. However, he did do some further driving for others, including a failed attempt at a land speed record in a 300 SL gullwing Mercedes owned by Bob Sirna. He was also re-united with his LeMans winning 1960 Corvette at LeMans in 2010. That car is now owned by Lance Miller, a friend of ours and owner of Carlisle Events.

Fitch had a great passion for inventing and a prime example were the Fitch Barriers mentioned above. He also developed many performance and appearance products for the Chevrolet Corvair. And there was the Fitch Phoenix, a Corvair bassed sports car.

Even until earlier this year, Fitch was a staple at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut. Where he also had served as manager.

God Speed John Fitch. You will be greatly missed.

Spotted: Cadillac ELR!

It's not too often here in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania that we get the opportunity to see a new car from Detroit being tested in full camo. In Michigan, especially around Detroit it's even a rare sight. But today one of our readers spotted what has been confirmed as a Cadillac ELR being tested. What is the ELR? Well, it's going to be Cadillac's electric hybrid like the Volt. Based on the Cadillac Converj concept. And mechanically, it's going to be essentially the same as the Volt. "T" shaped lithium ion battery with full electric main drive and an extended range gasoline motor. A big Thanks to eagle eyed reader Kevin Kurtz for snapping these shots.

Officially licensed: 1940 Ford coupes

Want to build your dream 1940 Ford coupe hot rod, but don't want to feel guilty about cutting up an original '40 Ford? Well now you can build your dream rod thanks to Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts. Just in time for SEMA, Ford will display a bare metal body and a hot rod built using the new preproduction body. The bodies can be bought fairly reasonably at about $12,000. Which is not bad when compared with finding, buying, shipping, and then repairing an original body. 

 

The 1940 Ford is just one of many classic cars gaining the support and blessings of their original manufacturer for a full reproduction. It joins the classic 1932 Ford and 1964-1970 Mustangs. I've also included a picture of an all original '40 Deluxe Coupe spotted in Hershey.

 

Source: Ford Motor Co. 

 

Press release:

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 26, 2012 – One of the most cherished and collected classic cars of the pre-World War II and hot rod era – the iconic 1940 Ford Coupe – is the latest addition to Ford Motor Company’s growing stable of officially licensed all-steel reproduction car bodies.

 

Available now for ordering, and complementing the 1965-70 Mustang bodies, the 1940 Ford Coupe body is also constructed of modern, high-strength steel and is assembled using modern welding techniques. The new body comes rustproofed from the factory and is ready to be assembled as a custom hot rod or as a faithful tribute to the original.

 

At the upcoming Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, Ford will display a custom 1940 Ford hot rod built using a reproduction body and a new bare body shell that demonstrates the high-quality construction. Prices start at $11,900 plus shipping. The full body shell as well as individual steel panels are available through Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts, http://www.dennis-carpenter.com.

 

 

The fully built, copper-colored SEMA show car sports a new 5.0-liter V8 engine, four-speed automatic transmission and Mustang II front suspension. The roof has also been chopped or lowered to give the car an even meaner look.

 

“Like its older 1932 Deuce Coupe and younger Mustang siblings, the 1940 Ford is a bodystyle and design that represents Ford at its best,” said Dennis Mondrach, Ford Restoration Parts licensing manager. “The 1940 Ford Coupe has always been highly sought after and collectible. Unfortunately, good, solid restorable examples have become hard to find and expensive, so this faithful reproduction is bound to prove popular.”

 

The ’40 Ford: Part of American culture

The 1940 Ford has had a major influence on post-World War II America, said Detroit automotive historian Joe Cabadas, author of “’40 Ford: Evolution * Design * Racing * Hot Rodding.”

 

“Bootleggers down south always wanted to know who had the fastest car,” said Cabadas. “Because of its lightweight V8 engine, they started racing them on Sundays, and that is the beginning of stock car racing.”

 

After World War II, the 1940 Ford was at the forefront of another major cultural movement – hot rodding. The ’40 Ford got noticed by World War II veterans, who began buying up the cars and turning them into hot rods by adding performance equipment to the car’s flathead V8 engine.

 

The 1940 Ford has been a fixture in Hollywood, appearing in countless TV shows and movies such as “American Graffiti,” “Bugsy” and “Mulholland Drive.”

 

“With their big fenders and integrated headlights, the 1937-40 Ford was one of the first streamlined cars from Ford Motor Company,” Cabadas said. “Edsel Ford had a hand in its style. He wanted a family look for Ford and Lincoln vehicles, and so you can see some Lincoln Zephyr in it. The 1940 was also one of the few cars in its price class with a V8.”

 

Reproduction body: A blank canvas

Hobbyists looking to build a hot rod using the new 1940 body are limited only by their imagination and budget. The new body is available with a stock firewall that accommodates the original flathead V8. However, for those looking for greater performance from a modern powertrain, the new 1940 Ford body can alternatively be ordered with a recessed firewall that will allow much larger modern engines to be installed.

 

As with the officially licensed reproduction parts available for the 1965-70 Mustang bodies, Ford also supports the 1940 Ford with an array of correct mechanical and trim restoration parts. To see what is available for the 1940, visit www.fordrestorationparts.com.

 

Dennis Carpenter, owner of one of the nation’s largest classic Ford restoration parts companies, owes his start in the business more than 40 years ago to the 1940 Ford.

 

Carpenter was having trouble locating a good used set of dash knobs for a car he was restoring – and still owns – so he approached Ford and obtained permission to reproduce the knobs using original factory blueprints and designs. Today his company, Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts, produces many Ford-licensed parts for the 1940 Ford. With the body now back in production, Carpenter is gearing up to add even more trim parts for the car.

 

“When you see a beautifully restored 1940 Ford, it is like a piece of jewelry,” Carpenter said. “People just really love the lines of that car. It is timeless and appeals to all ages.”

 

# # #

 

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 168,000 employees and about 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

2012 AACA Hershey Fall Meet

If you're in to cars, especially antique and classics. Then you've likely heard of the Antique Automobile Club of America's annual Eastern Fall Meet in Hershey, Pa. Or better known just as Hershey. I've attended the fall meet several times, and one thing that I can say is be prepared. I visited for two days, and that isn't enough. In order to take in everything, you need all four days of the event in order to see it all. It doesn't matter what your passion is. You can find here. Looking for headlights for your brass era classic? Got em. Owners manual for your 63 Ford Falcon? Check. Tires for your hot rod? How many you need? How about a new toy for the garage? There were cars for sale from $2,000 to $400,000.

I spent all of Friday cruising the swap meet and the car corral and found some awesome buys. How about a 1960 Rambler. Completely restored, ready to go with low miles. It could be yours for $9,000 o.b.o. You couldn't even restore this car for that money. I also found a 1973 Ford Gran Torino 4 door. 73k miles, all original paint except for one door. This one was turn key and ready to cruise for $3,995. 1936 Chevrolet sedan, $14,000 o.b.o. How about a 1913 Hupmobile for $34k? I also found a 1953 Nash Healey for the bargain price of $195,000 o.b.o. 1939 Packard, $195,000. 1938 Lincoln V-12 Convertible, $237,500. This is just some of the cars available for sale. And this doesn't include the auction that RM Auctions has put on for the last few years.

In the swap meet, there are literally thousands upon thousands of swap vendors. Selling everything from parts to project cars, toys and literature, cleaning supplies, tools, garage art, clothes, you need it, it's likely you can find it here. The swap meet tends to be a car show in itself as many vendors have cars on display that are either shown on Saturday or are for sale. While walking around we were able to see an early Stanley Steamer chugging around and also spotted a Volkswagen Kubelwagen. I will say that AACA really has this down when it comes to organizing a swap meet. Every area of it is paved, as it's held in the parking lot of Hershey Park and the Giant Center. So along with being paved, it's almost entirely flat making it easy for walking around and for carts and scooters to get around. I brought my trusty wagon with me (that was given to me by my parents when I was young), but decided to leave it in the car as it was cold and windy. So that limited me on my purchases of what I could carry with me. So with that I stuck with paper items and small toys for my expansive VW memorabilia collection.

Friday morning I awoke to sunny skies, but still a little chilly. I paid a visit to the AACA museum just a few miles from the meet to take in their fantastic display. Afterwards I headed back to Hershey Park for the car show part of the fall meet, and again amazed myself as a Hershey veteran. There were 38 classes listed in the event program, but it's nearly tripled due to sub classes. Meaning that there are classes for say, production cars 1957-1958 (excluding chevrolets), followed by a sub class for just 57 and 58 Chevrolet cars. And then within that class, there's probably 50 cars. So that should give you an idea of the shear size of the car show. There's classes for military vehicles, commercial trucks, buses, fire engines, race cars and everything in between. I ended up disappointing myself in not bringing additional memory cards with me for my camera as I ended up filling the car full at 1231 pictures.

I've broken down all the photos I took in to sub albums that can be found here, Enjoy!

2012 Glenmoor Gathering

Ok, I don't live under a rock. I've known of the Glenmoor Gathering of Significant Automobiles in nearby Canton, Ohio for several years now. But I might has well been living under a rock as I have never been to the famed concours d' elegance. All I can say is that if you have never been. Plan on going in 2013. This is an event that is a must attend for any car enthusiast. It doesn't matter what you like, there is a little of something for everyone at the Glenmoor Gathering. Set on the grounds of the beautiful Glenmoor Country Club, the Gathering hosts, I would guess around 500+ of the nation's finest collector cars there are to offer. Each year there are themes This year there were four. Supercharged Autos, Trans-Atlantics (European styling/bodies with American power), The cars of Sydney Allard, and lastly (and the one I was most excited for) Tucker.

Now I have seen a handful of Tuckers in my travels as a car guy. But I have never seen a Tucker outside of the security of an indoor museum and barriers. At this year's event there were 9 Tucker's on display. 7 of which were real honest to goodness members of the original 51 Tuckers built in 1948. These cars take on a whole new life when seen outside in the sunlight. Some highlights included a Tucker from the Gilmore Museum in Michigan which is essentially a brand new car. Tucker #47 has only 53 original miles on the odometer, this Tucker is all original with the exception of one tire. It had just enough patina to look like an older restoration, but once you got up close, well there's that originality vibe. Another standout was Tucker # 48 which came from Wisconsin. This car was interesting because of the numerous accessories added to the car which included wire wheels and a large sign on the back alerting motorists that they had just been passed by a Tucker. Also on display was a fiberglass replica used in the production of the 1988 film, Tucker: The man and his dream. This car sits on a Ford LTD chassis and looks the part far away. And the wildest of the bunch, the Rob Ida Concepts, Tucker 48 continuation. We'll do a feature on that car separately.

Moving to the supercharged cars class, we found a stunning 1938 Mercedes 540k, a 1930 Stutz Model M, a 1927 Hudson Super Six which had a interesting similarity to the the famous Bentley 4 1/2 liter. On display in other classes were a 1948 Davis 3 wheeler, and a 1935 Hoffman X8. The later sporting a X8 mid rear mounted motor. This one had many collectors, including Jay Leno confused as to exactly what a Hoffman was as there was only one ever made.

Probably for me as a car guy, the car that caught my fancy was the 1935 Duesenberg Model SJ "Morman Meteor". This is a car that I have only seen via specials on TV, so to see this famed Duesey in person was a real treat. The car was specially commissioned by David "Ab" Jenkins who was a world renowned test driver. Producing over 400 horsepower, the Mormon Meteor was driven by Jenkins to a world record average of  speed of 135.47mph for 24 hours covering 3523 miles at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1935. In 1936, with upgrades Jenkins broke his own record with an average speed of 153.823 mph. In 2007, the car was honored with winning Best of Show at the famous Pebble Beach Concours d' Elegance.

As I said above, I must have been living under a rock to have never gone to the Glenmoor Gathering. Check out our photo album of all the pictures we took.  Glenmoor gallery.

And then there were none. The last Wexford Starlite Cruise of 2012

Each week in the bustling village of Wexford Pennsylvania, an incredible sight falls across the Northway Christian Community campus. Thousands of cars converge on what can only be described as the largest weekly car cruise on the East Coast. And when we say thousands, we mean it. Each and every Friday (weather permitting of course) over 2000 cruisers pack the parking lots, fields, lawn, of Northway. The Wexford Starlite Car Cruise has a little bit of something for everyone. Vintage cars, new cars, hot rods, imports, exotics, military vehicles, rat rods, million dollar 1 of 1 classics, motorcycles. It's all here. Family entertainment, check. Food vendors, yep they're here in force. If you're in the Pittsburgh area, and you haven't heard of this phenomenon You must check it out in 2013. There were rumors that the cruise wasn't going to happen in 2013. But Pastor Jay Passavant has assured the masses that the cruise will be held in 2013. This is a fantastic event that the whole family can enjoy. You can all pile in the car, have dinner at the cruise and enjoy the classics and the oldies music from the DJ and be a family.  So, be there or be square man!

Automotive Lift Basic Safety Rules

Automotive lifts save time when you need to do repair jobs, by making the lower part of the car accessible. They are an essential item of garage equipment supply. When draining oil, you can easily remove the drain plug, which is located on the bottom of the vehicle. Without a car lift, you would need to use a hydraulic jack to raise the front end of the car and place two jack stands under it. These would need to be in place before you could drain the oil. Before you use a car lift, you should know the basic safety rules. That way you'll avoid accidents. Failure to follow safety rules can lead to injury and even death.

Below are some "dos and don'ts" for to keep in mind when using automotive lifts.

Automotive Lift Do's:

• Be sure to have proper training on the basic operations of the lift. Improper use can result in someone getting hurt.

• Make a thorough inspection of the car lift before using it every day.

Each component must be in working order and properly lubricated.

• The locking devices must engage tightly. If one is loose, fix it.

• Always wear safety goggles when working under the car. This will prevent dirt from getting in your eyes.

• The vehicle should be balanced on the auto lift before you raise it up. You don't want it to topple over.

• If you're using a drive-on car lift, make sure that you place the safety wedge behind the tire. Without it, the car might slide off.

• Before lifting, check to see if you have enough ceiling clearance. This is especially important for tall vehicles like RV's and trucks.

• Stop lifting at knee height and gently check the stability of the car on the lift.

That way, you can adjust the position of the car before raising it higher.

• Before you lower the car, clear the area below of tools and people.

Vehicle Lift Don'ts:

• The vehicle must be empty before raising it up. Never lift it if it still has occupants.

• Each car lift model has a specified maximum weight capacity. You must not exceed the limit at any time.

• Some situations require the use of support stands, such as when you remove the transmission or engine of a car. Don't lower the vehicle onto the support stand, but rather raise the support to the vehicle's level.

• Don't repair a car lift by yourself when you encounter a problem with. Get in touch with the manufacturer.

How The Economic Downturn has Affected The Auto Salvage Industry

There is absolutely no doubt that the economic downturn has significantly affected the automotive industry in a negative way, Ford, General Motors and Chrysler were the three hardest hit resulting in two of these companies receiving bailouts from the government. Decline in auto sales can be blamed on many factors but the two most culpable are the massive increase in oil prices and the sudden credit crunch that affected nearly every American. Because these companies deal in new vehicles that are significantly more expensive than old or salvage vehicles they lost much of their market to these industries.

Salvage vs. hybrids

Even though new car sales declined significantly during the heights of the downturn in 2008-2009, there still existed the need of the consumer to purchase vehicles. Consumers opted for the smart buys and choose hybrid vehicles instead of those pesky and expensive gas guzzlers. Hybrid vehicles, though cheaper than traditional, new vehicles were still expensive to those hardest hit and thus they turned to salvage vehicles. While there are no exact figures it is estimated that the salvage industry during this time boomed as it left one of the only alternatives to purchasing expensive new autos.

The gift of cash for clunkers?

In an effort to boost new car sales as well as significantly reduce the operation of gas guzzlers on our roads, the government implemented the cash for clunkers program. This significantly helped the auto salvage industry in the short term because it was greatly involved in the pricing and collection and sales of these vehicles. The fact that most of these vehicles were sold to be shredded or crushed meant that this industry was given an expiration date of sorts; and while in the short term a lot of money was made, this program was essentially bad for business in the long term.

Having had to compete with hybrid cars that use less fuel and cash for clunkers the auto salvage industry has still managed to not just stay afloat in the economic downturn but it has also managed to become fairly successful during these times. It is true that hybrid cars and clunkers provide big competition but it is also true that salvage vehicles have always been directed to a niche market and that market never disappoints. The auto salvage industry is not expected to go out of commission any time soon.

Automotive Brands Making Clever Use Of Mobile

Automotive brands making clever use of mobile





According to a study done by ChannelNet there are more than 440 000 mobile sites and 500 000 mobile apps available worldwide with the automotive industry leading the pack and the category for auto parts coming in a close second.





Mobile device usage has seen rapid growth over the last few years, especially in the automotive industry. Mobile devices have made the buying and selling of cars easier than ever and this is proven by the statistics - 38% of all vehicle searches are done via mobile phones.





Having a mobile-optimised website can increase your business visibility and generate leads. Many consumers are looking for information on the go and having an easy-to-use mobile site for your business can increase your competitive advantage.





According to MobileMarketer.com 90% of shoppers end up at a car dealership after doing online research. This emphasizes the importance of focusing your web resources to attract clients for sales. Your websites usability plays an important role in converting leads to clients. Remember, your website in many cases is clients first point of contact with your brand. Easy access to information regarding your business is critical, especially on your mobile website.





According to Quattro Wireless mobile has the reach and the ability to take someone from consideration to purchase. It sure comes as no surprise that various automotive companies are taking advantage of what mobile has to offer, with great success as a result:





Harley-Davidson extends brand loyalty through mobile, using text messaging to inform customers about sales and promotions.


Volkswagen AG (AdMob Case Study) uses mobile marketing aggressively and smartly.


Land Rover used Admob which drove 73% of the traffic to their mobile site. On the mobile website, Land Rover had over 45,000 video views, 7,400 custom wallpaper downloads, 128,000 gallery views, 5,000 dealer lookups, 800 brochure requests, and 1100 and click-to-calls.


Toyotas motion sensitive iPhone App for Hybrid models: The less water you spill out of the glass, the more economical you are driving


Peugeot 3008 global mobile site: Enhanced touchscreen functionality


BMW Mobile Video Companion Ad (Rhythm NewMedia) achieves branding success.


Mobile case study: Jaguar XF Pre-launch (Yahoo!)


Steering Mazda customers (iCrossing)





Read more about these case studies on MMAGlobal.com.

A Closer Look Automotive Design Aspects

The cars you see on every road and parking lot are the product of over 100,000 patents since the invention of motor some 240 years ago. Of course, you can't imagine the cars during that time to look even like the least of today's models. Car design will continuously evolve as long as people are still fans of road travel.

Car or automotive design is the development of the appearance, performance, and ergonomics of road vehicles. Although at some extent the scope of this profession may cover the motor of off-road or non-road vehicles, its main focus is cars. Automotive design companies may also design other types of vehicles including trucks, buses, and motorcycles. An automotive designer normally has a background in transportation and/or industrial design.

The goal of a car designer is to combine form and function in the design.

Meaning, the aesthetic value of the car must correspond with its functionality and ergonomics. The three main aspects of car design are exterior design, interior design, and color and trim design, although graphic design is now incorporated in the application of more modern techniques.

When designing the exterior of the car, the designer will create a series of digital or manual drawings to be approved for modeling using industrial plasticine, a wax-based modeling material often used for crafting car exterior. His main responsibility is to develop the shape, proportion, and surface of the vehicle and to deal with aerodynamic factors. A full-sized mock-up of the final design, known in the industry as body in white (BIW), will be created.

In the BIW creation stage, the body's sheet metal components are assembled.

The interior design following or coinciding with the exterior design covers the surfaces for the instrument, seats, doors, panels, etc. Design companies like Khan make sure to maximize the space to fit the interior components to the maximum comfort of the driver and passenger. Kahn Design therefore applies excellent ergonomics on the design.

Choosing the appropriate color and coloring material for the Kahn car comes next in the design process. The designer often works closely with other designers to know what they have in mind, inspiring the color and shade from other disciplines like architecture, fashion, and home furnishing.

More information about car design, like styling and patterns introduced by Kahn Design, can be found in reliable websites like CarBodyDesing.com. These websites provide a wide selection of modern vehicles and show the contrast in designs among them. They also provide car design software that you can use in starting a similar business.

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Expert: Automotive Electronics Market And Semiconductor Technology Innovation Trends - Car

2009, China Car Automobile production and sales volume of over 1,300 million, the summit the world's largest auto market. Huge market demand to the local automobile Electronic Design team is no longer satisfied with a lower threshold field of technology, and expect to enter the high technology content Infotaiment, and even security, Telematics and other fields. I held in 3.15 days IC -China Shanghai Station, automotive electronics expert forum attracted a large number of professional audiences, from iSuppli, Altium, Infineon and Freescale's guests on China's auto electronics market and Semiconductor Technological innovation and the audience in-depth discussion and analysis.

Speaker: iSuppli's Issac Wang
IssacWang said that with the TM, cars to the countryside and the consumption tax / road maintenance / purchase of tax incentives to promote, in 2009 China's auto market has grown substantially. In the automotive electronics field, China's design team has been to mimic the main, but with the market expansion, current design thinking is constantly adjusted, more innovative development being imported. Automotive electronics market demand for semiconductor devices with analog, logic and the main MCU. Automotive applications of income growth, IssacWang 2006-2012 forecast compound annual growth rate CAGR of the market reached 13.2%, higher than the industrial electronic / 10.5%, data processing / 9.2%, wireless Communicate / 8.4%, consumer electronics / growth rate of 6.6% and so on.

Speaker: Altium's Maxi Fei
With the increasing number of design projects, the complexity increase, more and more stringent cost control, TTM pressure more and more development time, greater use of electronic development engineers face more challenges. The success of development projects are increasingly dependent on the team's internal resource sharing and Cooperation Even among the other teams with. Altium's Maxi Fei said, in automotive electronics, design needs a larger number of semiconductor devices and multi-board assembly, and as Nanoboard3000 software development tools such as Altium is to simplify and manage the increasing design complexity. Maxi Fei claimed that rely AltiumDesigner, the world's leading automotive electronics design engineers, design team feedback on the time they generate BOM table shortened from a week to 30 minutes or less, and optimized Components Number has dropped to 50% of the past.

Speaker: Infineon Chen Yihao Vehicle control systems rely on accurate sensing front end. Infineon Chenyi Hao said that in automotive electronic systems which use a variety of vehicles Sensor . Such as car accelerator, brake position sensors measured the required altitude / atmospheric pressure sensors intelligent regulatory functions carried out, the cam position sensor have to be required for a variety of intelligent sensors. For hybrid cars, battery management, sensing resistor sexy if you use the traditional way will add to the equipment should be fever, which overall system reliability has reduced the General Assembly. And advanced battery management and use of current-type magnetic induction, the battery management for hybrid current sensor for a current range 1A/200A/1500A, signal update frequency

Speaker: Freescale's Xuan Xiaoming
Freescale Xuan Xiaoming stressed automotive innovation, 90% dependent on the automotive electronics. He said the cost of automotive electronics in 2010 will rise to 35% of vehicle cost. As for future trends in automotive electronics, he thought from then aspect, namely: green cars, security, connection / infotainment, and more low prices and vehicle demand. For example, BRIC BRIC car sales in 2009 reached 3,000 million. Freescale's PowerPC rely on the reliability of applications in the automotive field a long time, its MPC5xxx series of Telematics, security and other areas at the international level, auto parts suppliers have a wide range of applications, such as OnStar. In Infotainment area, Freescale will have systems based on ARM core i.MX processors, such as the famous Ford's SYNC system is sampling Freescale i.MXAP.

Automotive electronics expert forum attracted a large number of audience, standing room only.

For when Zombies attack! Get back with a 6x6 F250

This is just the thing for a zombie apocalypse. What's better than a diesel powered, 6x6 driven, quad headlight, Ford F250 crew cab for you and your family to cruise in? I spotted this behemoth on the back of a flat bed trailer parked on the side of the road outside of Zelienople Pennsylvania. No one was available at the shop it was outside of to get details as to what exactly this truck was built for. A few friends on facebook have said they've seen it at mud bogs and tractor pulls in the area, but no one has ever seen it run. Here's what we can tell though. Whoever built it, really took their time to create something that doesn't really look home built. The bed has been professionally finished to look like a factory piece. Same with the grille and second set of headlights which instantly make you think of a pickup from the fictitious "Wagon Queen" brand from the National Lampoon movies. Even to the point of adding the fender and hood edges from the donor truck to make a finished front fascia. They were likely added for height limitations for lights so the truck can be driven on the road.

The body appears to be resting on a military style 6x6 chassis and and powered by likely the same diesel engine from the view I had through the fender well. And of course there's the air horn trumpets and the twin giant fuel tanks mounted in between the axles and the the twin big rig exhaust stacks in the bed. The truck also appears to have an air suspension added to raise and lower the truck. When I initially spotted this truck I first thought it was an old monster truck, and then an F150 mounted to a big rig frame, but closer inspection revealed the 6x6 chassis.  I'm trying to dig up some more details on this truck as it's just too cool to look away from.

Allena auto industry provide best repairing srevices

Repairing the auto parts there are some thing you should keep in mind- if some vehicle Allena auto industry is one of the famous companies of these days. This auto industry reduced as a best service provider company. We provide many services such as best auto parts, engine mounting, oil filtration services, and automotive brackets. Our company knows for installing and using the best parts of auto. Our best service information you will get on our website. Allena provide it policy through training-it gives both internal or external training beside of it, it provide at the same time leadership, development courses,etc. with these services we provide repairing facility to the customer. Like how to repair the auto parts, and when can need to change the auto parts.

Allena auto industry provides brackets repairing facility also.

To repair the brackets is not easy but not impossible also. We repair that all things that have made by us. Repairing the radiator brackets is very simple; you need to repair the auto parts- when they are not functioning well, if there have been an accident, etc.
We introduce you with various helpful tips that are listed below-
Replacement of windshield, mobile service, repairing of windshield,
There are many people who dislike going auto shop or taking their vehicle at the auto shop. The main reason of doing this they do repair their vehicle themselves. Mostly we need to repair our vehicle when it gets scratched. If it scratched deeply you should fill it with body filter, this is the best way of fill the scratches.
Get Change your brakes -the first step of repairing is start from clean the vehicle-for clean the vehicle you can use automotive product of good bug so it can clean grease, and can clean layer of wax. If you are going to repair your vehicle then firstly you have to change the brakes. To clean any part of car the part of vehicle must free from grease and dirt. If you want totally change you need to change brake pad, calipers,
Change the oil filter--if you find that your car not working properly you can change the oil filter. Many of problems can occur if your vehicle’s oil filters not working well, or if it not filters the oil properly. Allena auto industry provide good oil filter, we use hard steel to make the oil filter and make it with durability.
Paint the parts of plastic a large number of auto part made from plastic. Plastic is inexpensive so most of companies used plastic to made their auto parts. Get your auto part Painted, which makes by plastic- the part of your vehicle which is made of plastic you, should paint them to keep safe and for a motive of long lasting. Parts got broken you want to fit them together, make sure that no gap between them. For more information of repairing services you can visit our website and contact us.


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Automotive Supplies Every Garage Should Have

Automotive tools are essential for performing jobs like maintaining, repairing as well as ensuring the smooth and adequate functioning of your vehicle. These automobile supplies carry out one or more functions such as cleaning, repairing, sanding, polishing, tuning, tightening, gripping, painting, holding as well as welding the various parts of a vehicle. You can operate them either electronically or manually. Automobile tools are corrosion resistant, sturdy, and durable and are manufacture from a variety of elements starting from steel, aluminum, brass, iron etc.

Automotive garage equipment is comprised of all those devices, spare parts as well as tools are generally used in a garage for carrying out a multiple of functions like repairing, servicing, fixing, fitting, welding, cleaning, installing, polishing and painting components of various kinds of automobiles.

The functions and uses of the equipment is not restricted to one function, many tools have many different uses. In general rubber, cast iron, aluminum, steel, iron, mild steel and copper are used for manufacturing different kinds of automobile and typical mechanics supplies.

The different types of tools for garages are:

Lifting equipment
Hydraulic jacks
Jack Rods
Air Compressors
Battery Chargers
Cord Reels
Engine Tools
Fluid Transfer Pumps
Hoist Tools
Jack Adapters
Automotive jacks
Jack Accessories
Mechanical jacks
Jack Mounts
Jack Stands
Paint Guns
Plasma Cutters
Safety Glasses
Welding Tools

This isn't all; additional tools may also be helpful, like these:

Air compressors
Cord reels
Hoist tools
Battery chargers
Engine tools
Paint guns

In addition to this, you will also need general car care tools in your garage.

These tools help in washing, cleaning, maintaining as well as protecting the automobiles as well as the different parts. These tools are as follows:

Cleaning Sponges
Polishing Compounds
Water Blades
Polishing Cloths
Polishing Pads
Car Polishers

In addition to the aforementioned tools, you will also come across a number of automotive components as well as devices that are used for multiple purposes. These automotive tools include tool trays, storage cases, storage cabinets, engine bags and much more. Tools such as tie downs are particularly created for securing the wheeled vehicle. Wire crimping tools and oil filter cutters are some of the other major automotive tools.

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The Automotive Buying Program for Navy Personnel

Military personnel are one of the most respected groups of people in our country for the amount of sacrifices that they have made in order to secure the country. As a mark of respect, the federal and the state government has provided a number of welfare measures for these army men and women. In the private sector there are many lending institutions that provide low interest loans to army men and women for buying cars.

There is also special type of loans in which the financial institution provides 100% funding for navy people. There is a federal program called the Auto Buying program for Navy Federal people in which a 100% loan will be provided by the Federal agency. Navy personnel can buy either a used car or a new car using this loan.

In addition to getting 100% loans, members of the Navy federal program also has the option of getting discounted Auto insurance from private insurance providers.

There is also another program that will benefit military people serving in foreign lands. This program is called the military advantage program and military personnel serving the army, navy and the air force are eligible to apply for military rebates when purchasing a new Ford or Chrysler car and also for purchasing a new Harley Davidson Motorcycle. This program is provided by the agencies of Chrysler, Ford and Harley Davidson who have their agencies in that country where the military person is based. According to the Military Advantage program, they are eligible for Rebates and Consumer protections.

Military advantage program is also known as the Overseas Military Car buying program. By making use of this scheme, military people can buy any one of the used or new car at discounted prices. In addition to the special rebates, they are also eligible for attractive financing options in which they will be provided auto loans at reduced interest rates.

There are also online business portals that engage in providing reduced loan interest rates for the cars bought by a military person. These online portals are totally managed by people who had served the military for quite some time, before they ventured in to the auto space. Before actually buying a used car at discounted prices, the military persons need to find out the condition of the car including the number of miles it has run. They should also check whether the used car might need costly repairs, before selecting on a particular car.

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New fashion Trends 2010

Every year and every season fashion designers present new collections, new trends. What are the new fashion http://www.flanmark.com trend of 2010? What will be important in the coming year? What kind of clothes to choose to update the wardrobe?

Every fashion ista has set itself these questions and more. Let's try to answer them, to identify new trends in fashion FLANMARK.com in 2010.

Let's start with color. What is the actual color will be this year? Designers have decided to save us from the gloomy tones of autumn and winter. In a fashion FLANMARK.com bright colors, to the obscene bright. Pink, light green, lemon, orange accents to dilute your wardrobe, make it a touch of cheerfulness, cheer up you and others.

Fans of bright prints can be no hesitation to use them. In the course and will be bright, flashy accessories, additional elements. Today it is fashion able. Even in the winter weather is invited to indulge in pleasure to shine, stand out bright color spots of gray crowd. Who said that winter - it's boring and gray. Throw away that stupid thing out of my head. Garnish with a bright, cheerful hues.

fashion FLANMARK.com able cell losing its way. At replaced by the strip. And he does it very confidently. This year, the strip can be found everywhere. Skirts, blouses, dresses, trousers and even tights. Strip can be both horizontal and vertical. And the bigger the facial features, the wider the stripe should be. In winter, the band just beginning to conquer the fashion FLANMARK.com stage, but the spring is expected not only to gain a podium, but the consciousness of fashion

In the fashionable world, there are other changes. Among these changes include the return of boots. Though they started flickering in the autumn, but today there are fully engaged in their own right. Modern boots are no longer resemble the seven-league boots, we've seen in your favorite movie of all-fairy tale "Cinderella." Today boots neatly adhesive qualities foot tender thin skin, and the woman looks incredibly elegant, even noble. The material chosen for the jackboot is different. This could be a classic leather or suede. The original model of nubuck. Decor boots should be unobtrusive, such as lacing.

The changes concern and silhouettes. Gradually disappearing into oblivion trend "of teenage figure. In its place comes a more feminine image. Designers are increasingly using the image of women post-war period. Certainly not Russian women, the realities of our lives are not like our women in the hungry years after the war were dressed in what is, and not at a fashion able hour. We are talking about a return to postwar European fashion FLANMARK.com . Rather strict pencil skirts, jackets, hats. Flowing, feminine lines. And the fabric, respectively, soft, supple - velvet. To create a feminine, sensual way there is nothing like velvet. This tissue is always associated with wealth and solidity. That is why the woman in velvet looks sexy but not vulgar, and luxuriously.

But not everyone exposed to drastic changes. Remains stable ethnic identity. He has not lost its topicality and relevance. All parts and attributes of an ethno-style does not leave any fashion FLANMARK.com scaffolding, no fashion FLANMARK.com istas dresses. This wicker accessories, jewelry, and Neo-Folk ornaments, and a soft plaid. Can not but mention the fact that the decorations in the style of ethno can complement any wardrobe thing and not just the wardrobe. Very popular ethnic accessories for mobile phones. All the image must harmonize, complement each other.

While winter is not over, stands to reap its benefits. What a winter without fur. In all its manifestations. Fur products never go out of fashion FLANMARK.com . Fur can decorate any garment. Unusually popular accessories with fur prints. Such things should be every fashion FLANMARK.com ista's wardrobe.

These are the main new fashion trend of 2010. Follow them and be irresistible.



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Automotive Marketing - Cars: Buying versus Leasing

When it comes to automotive marketing, perhaps the name Brian Ongaro rings a bell. Brian Ongaro is a man who joined the Boardwalk Auto Group and eventually contributed innovative marketing experience to the company. Just like its founder, Scott Ginsburg, Brian Ongaro gained more experience in broadcast media. In fact, he was appointed as the market manager and executive vice president of AMFM, Inc. in 1997 and the executive vice president of CBS Radio in 2002. After twenty-eight years in the broadcast media industry, he was able to bring organization management knowledge and skills to Boardwalk Auto Group.

Today, you can be part of an automotive marketing team. You just have to be like Ongaro and possess the skills that he has. Also, you should be knowledgeable on the various brands of cars including Ferrari, Porsche, Volkswagen, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Audi.

In addition, you should be able to reach a wide range of audiences so you can introduce different automobile models, as well as provide information to them. You can make use of social networking sites, print ads, and direct mail amongst other marketing methods.

Moreover, you should know the pros and cons of leasing and buying a car. If you really plan to take on automotive marketing, you should be able to provide answers to your customers regarding this matter. As you know, leasing and buying have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. See to it that you guide your customers well. Otherwise, they will no longer believe in you and you may fail in your profession. The economy is not doing so well at the moment, so it is really important to make the most of the available budget.

For some people, owning a car is better than having to lease it. This is especially true for people who live far away from their workplace or whose jobs require that they travel a lot. On the other hand, some people may be better off leasing a car than buying one. These people are usually the ones who work at home or live near their workplace. Walking, taking a cab, or taking a bus to work may also be more ideal for some people since paying fare is cheaper than paying for gas. Again, the pros and cons of each option depend on the needs and lifestyle of the person.

When you buy a car, you will have to make several payments but the car will be yours. The greatest benefit of buying a car is that you will get to own the car and be free to sell it any time you want. The insurance limits on your policy will be lower compared to when you lease. You will also be free to rack up the mileage without any restrictions or penalties. However, you should realize that the monthly payments for buying a car are higher than for leasing one. You may also need to place a down payment; this could make initial out-of-pocket costs higher.

When you lease a car, you will also need to make payments but the car will not be yours unless you purchase it for its depreciated value. There are lower out-of-pocket costs and little or even no down payment at all, and the monthly payments are lower. However, your ownership of the car is limited.


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Cultural, Economic and Marketing Changes Part 4 Important News and Trends and a Wake Up Call

Our economy is going through a permanentchange.Our culturehas swung away from individualism towards "good of the group" thinking. Marketing is undergoing a revolution of its own from the advances in media forms, the internet, the changing culture and the economy.

In the earlier three parts of this, I spoke about these changes. Here I will review what this means in regards to your work habits, your outlook and your case presentation.

But first, this: unfortunately, those dentists who were previously riding the wave of a good economy will be forced to change and change in a big way. Our economy is going to get worse before it gets better (There is a platinum lining here that I'll speak to later.)

Let's start with the work environment, hours and attention.

Dr, you will be forced to roll up your sleeves and get busy, W-O-R-K-I-N-G in and on your practice.

You now need to pay greater attention to your practice than ever before. Frankly, you will need to spend less time away from practice in leisure pursuits.

This is true foreveryonein this economy. You and each member of your team, included. Intensity will have to increase. Results must be insisted upon. It is time to rise to the occasion. Foreveryone. Sometimes it won't be considered "nice." You might not even like the tenor of this memo.

The truth is that if you resist this, it will cost you big time. Not acting when you should, let's everyone down including the very team members that make your practice work – the ones that go above and beyond and can be counted on to get results; that take care of your patients and take care of you.

Non-performers will have to be shown the door. (I would say you, too Dr, except you own the practice.

The entity relieving you will be a bank or financial institution that closes you out because you kept on acting as if this whole thing will blow over. IT WON'T.) Our economy has changed forever. This is the new economy.

More real estate problems will emerge as people "game the system" to get bail out help. Already people who could pay their mortgages are not, waiting the obligatory four months and then seeking federal help. The government's plan to reduce mortgage balances by judicial fiat will cause a deadly ripple effect throughout the real estate industry.

Imagine the seller or real estate investor who often provides financing for real estate sales. This is a huge part of the real estate business. Some estimate as much as a third of all sales involve individuals providing financing. What happens to our poor investor or regular selling homeowner when a foreclosure looms? Not only will they lose legal costs, but also the principal amounts of the mortgage loan itself! Who wants to put themselves at the risk in the hands of a judge with marching orders to reduce mortgages to 31% of the buyer's income! Seller financing will dry up. Real estate investors will leave in droves. It has not happened yet, but it will. This is a huge government boondoggle that puts the power in the hands of the buyer who did not pay. It rewards the behavior you don't want in the name of being "fair." Unfortunately, it undermines the entire system. Once again, the government bureaucrat without a clue about business is setting up rules that have unintended consequences.

There is farmore here with our current economy and the bailout. While I hopeit will work, you and I must prepare like it will not. It is the only prudent thing to do.

How's that for giving you some dark clouds of worry?! Just what you needed, right?

It is ironic isn't it, that this is one of the BEST times to be a dentist…if you are prepared. Some dentists will go under.

I've got some ‘splaining to do.

When economic times are bad, how do people respond?

They conserve. They tighten up spending. They hesitate. They use what they have. They budget more carefully. They pay off debt. They save more. Un-necessary spending gets put on hold. Clothing, trips, re-modeling, re-carpeting, second homes, cruises, vacations, etc. get cut.

The question that everyone asks: do I need this? Can I live without it?

Couple this with the changing demographics and you have a sure-fire recession. Why? There are too few people for the number of stores and purveyors of goods and services. The population is not growing except for immigration. This zero or negative population growth is happening in all developed countries. The US is population neutral. It takes 2.1 children per family to maintain a population and 3 kids per family will grow a population absent war, disease or pestilence.

Virtually every economy in the world is built on the assumption of population growth. Uh-oh. Trouble is looming for the future in all developed countries, including Canada. The U.S. is in better shape than most. There are countries in Europe and Japan that will have 1/3 to 1/2 fewer people by 2050.

The reality is that the US needs its immigrants to grow.

The buying binge the country went on by using home equity is gone. The re-financing of homes twice a year to buy toys and take trips is gone. Home Depot and Lowe's grew fantastically during these binge years. Now that the home equity based ATM spigot is turned off, they have lost as much as 35% of their sales volume and up to 60% of their profit.

The population of the US that is affluent is mostly boomer age and older. The problem is that these groups already have plenty of stuff. There is a limit to how many cars, televisions and the like one needs. So the very group that could afford to buy now is not purchasing. If anything, consumption is down in this group.

Conspicuous consumption is now totally un-fashionable. So much so that the stores on Rodeo drive in LA now deliver the high priced goods and clothing to the buyers home rather than the buyer be seen carrying around a bag from Gucci or Prada or the like.

So we have a population that isn't growing and we have those who could buy holding off. Bad for the economy in general.

But good for you!

Okay, Charley. Just tell me.

I agree.

Two factors are going on that can tip the scales in your favor. They already have for me. In just the past two weeks, I have had three patients say yes to very big cases. Two were in six figures. The other was in the high eighties. One prepaid, the other two put down deposits.

These two factors add up to create the phenomenon of Thoughtful Spending.

So what are these two factors and what is thoughtful spending?

Factor one: When times are tough, the decision to buy is based more on what really matters.A second but paradoxical decision to buy is based on pleasurable small items and vices – alcohol sales are likely to go up as will lottery playing. To some degree, "sinful little things" sales will increase.

One's health and teeth qualify in this category of things that matter. People look to spend from the stand point of "what is in it for me." Self-preservation moves to the top of the list in times like these. "I will invest in myself "is the thought.

Factor two is the dearth of predictable places to invest one's extra money. The stock market is likely to go down further – maybe to bottom at 5,000. The real estate market is in a long term slump that could last ten years. Capital is setting on the sidelines, looking for a place to go.

Thoughtful spending is the decision to spend money where it can have the best effect in these uncertain times. The affluent are looking to spend wisely. Where else can they spend their dough? The thinking goes: My health and longevity are important. Getting my teeth fixed and healthy can help me live better and longer. And that is valuable.

Right now, the low end of the market is doing well as shown by the surge in McDonalds' and Wal-Mart sales and profits surging ahead. Those are not the places we want to be.

The middle of the market is in real trouble. The mid-priced franchised restaurant business has seen declines of 30-50%. The middle markets of most things are in trouble. Middle market dental practices have been hit the most in this economic downturn. It will get worse. Being "just another dentist" is starting to look like a real disaster.

The high end of the market is still spending money. The way they are spending though is based on thoughtful spending. That is good news for us. Most dentists have considered their competition to be other dentists. Not so. It is all the other places of what the public considers discretionary spending. Since those spending places are now thought as un-necessary, this is your golden opportunity to bring your patients up to speed about the value of dentistry to their health, looks and longevity.

Even demographics are working out for us as the very population with the most needs is growing. Awareness of health and longevity issues grows. People want to keep their teeth for their lifetimes. They want to live full and complete lives.

See, the truth will not only set you free. It will give you big profits in these uncertain times…if you capitalize on it.

This leads to "how do I do this?" that is the subject of your next conference and next week's message. Does your marketing and case presentation need to change? And if yes, how? What other opportunities will come along? Are you ready?

Best,

Charley

P.S. You definitely want to be at the next conference. I will go over what I have changed to get these big cases to yes in these tough times. Case presentation is definitely part of this. Move heaven and earth to get here. It very well could change everything for you and at least prepare you for the coming changes so you can prosper.

Copyright 2010 Charles W Martin

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