Incentives, trade war, mentoring and more in Aug. ‘Fixed Ops Journal'

Incentives, trade war, mentoring and more in Aug. 'Fixed Ops Journal'

The August issue of Fixed Ops Journal will be distributed to Automotive News subscribers along with the Aug. 19 issue. You can find it online starting that day at autonews.com/getfixedops. Here are some voices from its pages:

"It's hard to sell service in the drive when people can't even afford to change the oil in their car."

Fixed ops consultant Jim Richter, in a story on whether Nissan's appeal to subprime buyers through aggressive sales incentives has had an effect on service operations

"I prefer to send out daily team emails showcasing the previous day's results and offering words of encouragement, praise or criticism, depending on the situation."

Service director Mark Williamson, answering the question: "Does your shop hold regular staff meetings?"

"It's like a slow boil."

Paul McCarthy, president of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association, in a story on whether repair costs will rise as a result of the U.S.-China trade war

"We've told them that we don't want them turning wrenches anymore. We want them to pass along their thought process, their diagnostic ability, and teach these young people what took them 30 years to learn."

Dave Wright, fixed operations director at Michigan's Shaheen Chevrolet, in a story about using veteran technicians to mentor younger ones

"They're doing the right thing — they always do."

Honda dealer Tim Higgins, on the automaker's proactive plan to address possible engine oil problems in certain Civics and CR-Vs

"I believe that dealerships that offer to pick up and return service vehicles for consumers will win the day."

Florida auto consultant Tim O'Rourke, in a letter to the editor