Technology in the Year 2006….and Why the Future Matters Now!
by Mario Recchia

The recent proliferation of vehicle models has given the consumer a dizzying array of options over the last few years. Along with the model selection, a J.D. Powers study concluded that consumers give high levels of consideration during their car buying decision process for options such as: adaptive headlights, anti-whiplash seats, brake-by-wire systems, heated/cooled seats and electronic stability control (EBC). They also expressed interest in night vision devices and sensors that detect objects in blind spots. The recent escalation of gas prices has created a huge demand for hybrid-electronic vehicles (HEV’s). These are exciting times for car owners, as car manufacturers continue to push technology to its limits.

How does all this play into your current and future activities? Ultimately, the new technological devices will eventually have to be repaired. In the past, a new brake pad, high filtration filter or simple halogen light bulbs would require little effort or training for installation. Today, with all the On Board Diagnostics (OBDII) necessitates that everyone has to learn how to diagnose and repair the ‘new age’ vehicles.

Training and learning requires ‘time’, something that many of us do not manage properly or simply just don’t have enough hours in a day. Techs are busy all day working on cars and don’t want to take personal time for the necessary training. As important, many shop owners don’t see the ‘value’ in training and subsequently, don’t support the available training programs.

We are passionate about our training programs, which are directly linked to your current and future success. Our entire WTI program addresses many of your business needs:

• speedDIAL- saves valuable time and improves accuracy which in turn, increases your customer satisfaction and car throughput.
• Business Development Program- gives practical insightful ways to improve shop efficiencies and better promote your business.
• Technical Training- teaches technicians the latest ‘advanced’ OE diagnostic training of how to repair today’s vehicles, which is critical in the current technological environment.
• Value Added Services (VAS)- seminar covers a broad array of service topics including:
  • How to market to new prospective customers
  • How and why to track car counts
  • How to find out if customers are satisfied with your service using a professional phone Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI)
  • Review of the latest factory car line specific technical training classes
  • Most recent speedDIAL features for the novice to the expert power user
  • Exciting new product offerings

We encourage all or you to register for any of our seminars and to attend other industry related training programs. This is very important to your future. Five years from now, any repair shop without a laptop (not desk top) will not be equipped to sustain or grow their business. All the information required to understand and repair vehicles is becoming more readily available on-line, in trade journals, regional trade shows, training classes, etc. Just stay active in local associations, meet with fellow shop owners/user groups and get involved in the various on-line forums. After all, this is your future, so take control of it and take some action today!

For more information please visit our site @ http://www.worldpac.com/seminars

Mario Recchia - VP of Marketing