Recent Stories
Dan Shine
Third annual Fixed Ops Journal Forum goes virtual
Duo in fraud scheme face up to 30 years

A former president of a used-car dealers association and his finance manager pleaded guilty to defrauding General Motors and four banks and credit unions by using fake vehicle sales and fraudulent loan applications to pocket millions of dollars in a four-year scheme.
Q&A: A look at how dealers can step up sales of OE parts to independent shops

There are great opportunities for automakers and their dealers in the aftermarket for automotive mechanical parts. But original equipment parts have only a 36 percent market share.
Dan Shine
Fixed ops leaders find out what their teams are made of in hard times

Operating during a crisis often leaves little time for reflection. Still, three fixed ops directors shared a revelation brought to light by these difficult times.
Dan Shine
Using the slowdown to refine processes, adjust operations

Too often people forget that turbulent times can be a chance to innovate and make changes.
Dan Shine
To reassure customers returning to the service lane, focus on courtesy

Lee Harkins, CEO of the fixed ops consulting company M5 Management Services, is reminding service managers and fixed ops directors that now more than ever, the customer comes first.
Dan Shine
Better than a new tool

Yes, new gadgets and software are useful. But something much cheaper can be a better guarantee of fixed ops success.
Dan Shine
Unemployment, COVID-19 cases tied to states' drop in auto-loan credit inquiries

A Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report shows sharp declines in auto loan, home mortgage and credit card inquiries.
DealerPolicy, J.D. Power team up on insurance quotes

Leading automotive insurance marketplace DealerPolicy teams with J.D. Power to provide customers with quotes based on a number of preferences, such as cost, ease of filing and settling claims, and how well its website and mobile app function.
Touch-free service key for customers

A Cox Automotive survey finds that strategies being adopted during the coronavirus pandemic, such as pickup and delivery of service vehicles, are likely to remain in effect once things return to normal.
Dealers need flexibility to support workers and their families

Sarah Vantine, who leads a service business development center at North Carolina's Scott Clark Auto Group, says dealerships must be flexible if they hope to keep talented employees dealing with the emotional toll of COVID-19.
A doctor’s counsel on parts and service safety

For technicians working in the COVID-19 era, wash your hands frequently, use disposable gloves — don't reuse them — wear a mask and follow CDC guidelines.
Dan Shine
Now's the time for reinvention

The game has changed. Service departments need to use this moment to innovate.
Why masked employees may put customers at ease

Bob Atwood, an instructor at the National Automobile Dealers Association Academy, told a recent webinar audience of fixed operations managers and directors that they should provide masks for their employees and mandate their use.
Dan Shine
Fixed ops prove essential as dealerships fight to survive during pandemic

While the coronavirus crisis has made things difficult for everyone in the fixed ops departments, it also presents opportunities.