Free Webinar: Consumer Benefits and Scams The Come With Auto Industry Collapse

Free Webinar!

Tuesday June 2, 2009

12 – 1pm Eastern

Details about the auto industry collapse dominates the news but, as a practical consumer or business person, what does this mean for you and how can you benefit? What are the opportunities and scams every consumer needs to be aware of?

Brenton Grant, President of Automotive Consultant Service 8 (www.acs8.com), will be hosting a FREE webinar for anyone looking for answers. During this session we will discuss:

* Dealership closings and purchasing opportunities
* Factory warranties and options–is your vehicle still protected?
* Financing issues and the tricks the pros won’t tell you
* The truth about auto parts availability after bankruptcy (and preventing price gouging)
* Repair scams — red flags every car owner should be aware of
* When to repair and when to buy
* Is this the time to add/modify a fleet?

This event is FREE. Webinar link and call-in details will be sent after registration. For more information about this event, please email info@ewisecommunications.com or call 404.644.2779.

2008 Worst Car Year Ever –But light at the end of the tunnel?

High gas prices, the mortgage crises, the financial market meltdown, and a recession the size of which we haven’t seen in decades created a perfect storm of epic proportions for the auto industry in 2008. Sales slides were steep running from a third to half of what they were a year ago. Chrysler and GM have of course taken incredible hits. Even Nissan, Honda and Toyota sales stagnated with Toyota announcing it’s first ever reported loss as a publicly traded company.

News this week that the economy could stage a recovery later this year, and stronger than expected sales for Ford and Toyota point to a pinprick of light at the end of the tunnel. First quarter sales in the US were certainly boosted by zero percent financing. And with gas prices half of what they were this time last year, a economic recovery in the auto industry could be just around the corner too.

1Q09 GM sales slump – Ford and Toyota make gains – Ever Wonder Why?

First quarter auto sales data shows that while GM sales continued to slump, Ford and Toyota made significant gains. Keep in mind that Ford accepted NO bailout moneys and Toyota is Japanese owned. Could it be that American car buyers are steering clear based on principled, ethical reasons – not supporting a company asking for a hand out? Or could it be concern of more practically matters, such as future availability of parts and dealership for repairs, or issues of warranties?

And what happens with GM and Chrysler? There is much talk of them being “smaller, leaner” companies. But could such significantly smaller companies continue to complete with a much larger Ford and Toyota who are already picking over the bones of these all but busted companies? Only time will tell for sure, but remember – American’s love an underdog, not a loser.

Did You Know Your Car Had a Pollen Filter

Did you know that Your Car has a Pollen Filter?

Have you ever wondered how it is possible to smell outside odor, good or bad, while driving with your windows closed? Well, it’s through the car’s air filtration system, the same system that filters out debris like…POLLEN! That’s right your car has a pollen filter.

Alternately called a “Cabin” filter, the filter….well it filters out impurities in the air. Developed years ago, such filters can be the difference between life and death for sensitive passengers with severe allergies to pollen, dust, grass and other outdoor particulate matter.

It is recommended by most manufacturers that your filter should be replaced every 15,000 miles, for those cars that have filters as standard hardware. However, during the spring and summer months, or in most dusty environments, I would recommend checking it every 5,000 miles. Vacuuming the filter will also prolong the life of the filter and promote healthier cabin air.

Check the owner’s manual, or consult with your mechanic to get more information on your vehicles pollen filter.

Auto Tip – Air Filters

City drivers should change their air filters annually, or every 15,000 miles. Rural drivers should check monthly for build up, and change as needed.