Recent Stories
Fixed Ops Journal
Survey suggests deep job dissatisfaction, discontent with flat-rate pay

A new survey of 35,000 dealership service technicians concludes that techs are unhappy with their jobs, and especially with their flat-rate pay plans.
Fixed Ops Journal
Service customers to dealership shops: Text me, please

Service customers greatly prefer that dealership shops notify them by text message when their cars or trucks are ready, a new survey suggests.
Fixed Ops Journal
We present some of our favorite tools -- now let's hear about yours
Our special report in this issue of Fixed Ops Journal looks at "tools of the trade" —some of the hardware and software products that are designed to help dealership service departments run more efficiently, make more money and serve customers better.
Fixed Ops Journal
Luxury-brand owners get more options than waiting in the lounge
When customers bring their vehicle to a dealership for maintenance or repair, most still wait in the service lounge until their car or truck is ready, a new survey suggests.
Suppliers
Automakers' accessories sales programs draw criticism
U.S. dealership executives give low marks to pricing and training in automakers' accessories sales programs, according to a new survey.
Service
GM network targets 'streamlined' repairs
GM's new collision repair network, scheduled to launch next year, pushes back on insurers.
Fixed Ops Journal
Lack of dealership techs raises question: Where are the women?
Most new-vehicle dealerships in the United States don't run body shops. But hundreds more dealerships have gotten into the collision repair game in recent years -- even as others have dropped out -- and that trend appears likely to continue.
Fixed Ops Journal
Managing loaner fleet efficiently is critical for service departments
How efficiently a dealership runs its loaner fleet can have a big impact on both service customers' satisfaction and the bottom line. Dealerware is a software package that enables dealerships to manage their loaner fleets digitally.
Fixed Ops Journal
Collision repair presents opportunities, obstacles to dealerships
Most new-vehicle dealerships in the United States don't run body shops. But hundreds more dealerships have gotten into the collision repair game in recent years -- even as others have dropped out -- and that trend appears likely to continue.
Fixed Ops Journal
Two encouraging approaches for dealing with a shortage of mechanics
A chronic shortage of well-qualified automotive service technicians is alarming. But it's reassuring to see how some industry players are responding to the challenge.
Fixed Ops Journal
Living in the fast (service) lane has big rewards, risks
A dedicated quick-service operation has become a common feature of most new-vehicle dealerships' service departments — and an increasingly vital source of fixed operations profits as vehicle sales cool.
Fixed Ops Journal
Did insurer pressure lead to $42 million verdict?
A Texas jury concluded that substandard car repairs aggravated the effects of a severe crash. The lawyer for the crash victims asserts that insurer pressure to cut costs caused the body shop to fix the car's roof with glue rather than OEM-specified welds.
Fixed Ops Journal
7 steps to increasing accessories sales
Accessories are a $40 billion a year business, but new-vehicle dealerships continue to lag far behind independent competitors in accessories sales. Here are practical suggestions from industry leaders and experts for selling more accessories.
Fixed Ops Journal
Join the crowd talking fixed ops in our pages
As this issue of Fixed Ops Journal ends our second year, I've assumed the role of editor. If I'm to have any hope of following adequately in my predecessor's footsteps, I'll need the help of this magazine's expert and influential readers.
Industry Redesigned
Who will reign after the revolution?
Emerging technology will ultimately lead to fully self-driving vehicles. Mass-market electrified vehicles also are gaining ground rapidly. So-called connected cars and mobility services such as onboard navigation and entertainment are redefining the industry. As management consulting firm McKinsey and Co. puts it, the auto industry "is ripe for disruption."