Motor Age

Jump Start

* BMW AG dominated the 2007 International Engine of the Year Awards. In addition to winning four of eight engine size categories, the automaker's gasoline-powered 3.0L straightline-6 twin turbo engine was declared the Best New Engine. Designed for the 335i Coupe, the breakthrough light-alloy engine harnesses an all-new, high-precision, direct-injection system and two small turbos to deliver 302 peak horsepower and a 0-to-60 mph acceleration of less than 5.5 seconds.

Policy in the Making

The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are working together to identify, and if necessary, prosecute manufacturers and sellers of oxygen sensor simulators (O2 Sims) and other similar, illegal aftermarket sensors classified as "defeat devices."

New Finds

As more vehicles with OBD II systems are having their catalytic converters replaced, service professionals must realize that a proper replacement is required to avoid a vehicle's malfunction indicator light turning on and the resultant comeback. RiteCat catalytic converters for cars and light trucks are certified for engines up to 5.9 liters and vehicles up to 6,875 pounds on both OBD-II equipped and non-OBD-II vehicles.

Work Smart

Eighty-two items are included, ranging across 52 gauges, a POS display that features more than 50 of the company's most popular SKUs and other accessories. * The company's three distinctive series - the Equus 6000 Black, 7000 Chrome and 8000 Performance lines - are showcased, including an array of speedometers and giant shift- light tachometers, as well as traditional oil and water pressure kits. * This catalog serves as a complement to the company's test and tune-up equipment INNOVA Catalog....

Cool Tools

As newer vehicles continue to feature Stifter, sportier suspensions and larger, lower-profile tires, today's car owners are feeling more vibration than ever before. The company's newly patented tire balancing system meets this challenge head-on. The heart of XACTBalance technology lays in the dynamic media housed inside Its thermoplastic wheel weight shell.

Tech Tips

"OSHA requires employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces to prepare and implement a written hazard communication program to identify dangerous substances present in the workplace," says Benjamin Mangan, president of MANCOMM, a national publishing company that develops and distributes regulatory compliance and safety training material. "Employers must ensure that containers are labeled, employees are provided access to a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each hazardous chemica...

In 2007, the Entries Were All Winners

This year, all entries came from single-location, family-owned businesses that started with a dream and grew to become a thriving enterprise - some employing more than one generation. Judging took into account the shops' customer relations, merchandising practices, service to their community, and perhaps most importantly, service to their customers.

Tales of the Unexpected

From the outset, Richardson and her shop set a course of doing the unexpected. For her part, Richardson received a BBA in management from Georgia State University, but never dreamed she'd end up in the auto repair field. In 1983, she and husband [Alan Cox] founded the shop. Five years later they were divorced, yet still continued to work as partners until Richardson took over sole ownership in 1996. Richardson now shares ownership duties with new husband Mike Richardson.

Jack of All Trades

6 The [John Cannon]'s team: Back row, from left, are John Cannon, Josh Thompson, Toby Majors, [John Jongkind], Skip Sorville and [Foreman Eric Smith]. Front row, from left, are Willie Fulton, Crystal Mullins, Tiffini Thomson, Georgene Lewartowski, Suzan Wade and Andy Kermin. 7 Cannon's main lifts and work bay area.

Southern Hospitality

Owner [Frank Polhill] says one of the greatest obstacles he faced building his business was finding personnel who could give "110 percent" of their best effort all the time and uphold his strict code of ethics. To keep these folks, Polhill says he put those same expectations on himself in the way he maintained their services. He strives to reward his staff like few other shops could.

Service Supreme

Is it a restaurant? That's the kind of question a visitor might ask after pulling up to Frantz Automotive Center in Cary, NC. The building front is decked out in brick and stucco with an all-new Frantz logo, with Frantz spelled out in bright red lettering over a checkerboard field.

Strong Medicine

Much like that nephew you're so proud of - the one who worked his way through pre-med - Larry's took a unique road to become the business it is today. The AutoWorks began life remanufacturing VW air-cooled engines as Larry's Bug Shop. That changed after customers made repeated requests for total vehicle service. Owner Larry Moore added repairs, then divided the business into three specialty shops dedicated to German, Asian and American cars.

Solving the Partnership Puzzle

That doesn't mean there won't someday be another Peak Automotive. If the right opportunity ever afforded itself at just the right time, the Walkers say they might bite. The right opportunity would have to afford them the chance to expand the operation they've already built - one with what they see as a family atmosphere where clients are confident to refer their moms, sisters, friends, co-workers and "every other person for whom they care," according to [Kim Walker].

Taking the Steady Course

6 The Rennsport Crew: Standing, from left, are Owners [Brian Thomas] and [Christy] Thomas, Technician [Pat Henke] and Parts and Service Manager Rick Stone. Kneeling are Austin Thomas and Technician Bob Roy. 7 The parts room doubles as Rick Stone's office. 8 The shop area features Rennsport Werkstatt's tubes and hose system and Brian's engine rebuild area. 3 A high-angle shot of the shop shows off some Porsches in progress.

Going One Step Further

Service Advisor Shelly McGuire, Owner Jerry Holcom and Service Manager Bryant Moyer stand in front of their new ASE Blue Seal of Excellence sign. 2 The clean, comfortable waiting room also has a desk for those customers who need to keep working while they wait. 3 At the service counter, Shelly and Bryant are ready to solve their customers' concerns. 4 Lifts in upper shop are clean and well maintained. 5 There's no mistaking this professional automotive service building for its former life as ...

An Advocate in the House

When Salem isn't saving the earth, he's fully committed to raising consumer awareness of auto repairs. Since 1986, Salem has hosted a local radio repair program covering auto service. He's also written numerous news columns on repairs and done TV spots. On the national scene, for the past three years, Salem has worked as a NASCAR Consumer Crew Chief.

Great Expectations

While some customers choose [Stewart Rosen]'s as a convenient alternative to distant dealers, others are willing to travel significant distances and avoid dealers to do business with the shop. Customers now come from as far away as Las Vegas and Oregon for Stewart's services. This trend has helped convince Rosen to redirect his marketing efforts away from local print media and instead to the Internet and word of mouth, which now draw increasing numbers of clients.

Spal Usa's 'Rocket Ranger' Pickup Sets New Land Speed Record

In 2001, SPAL USA approached Ford with the "Rocket Ranger" concept. Ford was eager to offer support by providing a stock Ford Ranger pickup. Currently, the "Rocket Ranger" is equipped with a Ford Powerstroke/lnternational 6.0-liter diesel engine equipped with Hypermax intercooled series turbochargers, injectors and Mach 7 performance module, dual SPAL USA 12-inch high-performance cooling fans, and a ZF 6-speed transmission.

Brembo and Sabelt Announce Joint Venture

A joint venture company, Brembo Performance SpA, will be established. The new company will be headquartered in Curno, Italy (near Bergamo) and is expected to be incorporated by the end of 2007. Brembo will hold a 70-percent controlling interest in Brembo Performance, with the remaining 30 percent held by the Marsiaj and d'Ormea families, who own Sabelt shares.

Roushtv to Take Viewers Behind the Curtain

Based in Livonia, Michigan, "The Art of Performance Engineering" takes place at ROUSH Performance. In addition to the array of Ford Mustang and F-150 styling, handling, and performance upgrades, a complete line of performance parts and crate engines are offered. For more information, see your local ROUSH dealer, visit www.ROUSHperformance.com, or call (800) 59-ROUSH.

Aasa: Size of Aftermarket Likely to Grow in 2007

According to Frank Hampshire, AASA senior director of research, AASA uses the "Survey Cost Method" to calculate the size of the industry. "This method involves multiplying the number of vehicles on the road for each model year by a survey-derived estimate of service and repair dollars spent on vehicles by model year," he explained. "This method accurately captures the full spectrum of aftermarket activity, but offers limited means of analyzing or estimating expenditures by DIY share...

Free 'How-to' Cd/Dvd for Fall Car Care Month

The DVD features a 12-minute "how-to" video with step-by-step instructions on how to plan and host popular consumer vehicle check-up events.

Carl Sheffer Announces Resignation From Sema

"I am extremely proud of the significant contributions I've made to both the SEMA organization and its member companies. It's been an honor to help raise SEMA's profile throughout the industry, especially within the OEM community," said [Carl Sheffer].

Scion Launches All-New Consumer-Driven Programs

Scion, the youth brand from Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc., has launched two all-new consumer-driven summer contests geared to bring together Scion loyalists from all walks of life. The "Scion Owners Contest" and the "Scion Most Enthusiastic Club Contest" recently hit the streets in July with individual Internet launches. The programs extend through September, culminating with winners selected and prizes awarded to 1st place victors.

Edsel Ford Ii Receives $200,000 Check for Juvenile Diabetes Research

The Ford 75th Anniversary Deuce is based on the award-winning Dearborn Deuce roadster body that combines the beauty of Ford's original design with contemporary technology. The first Anniversary Deuce was actually built for Edsel Ford II and gifted to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) to sell at this past January's Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, where the roadster brought $330,000 for the charity.

Toyota Donates Tundra Crewmax to the 2007 Sema Show Silent Auction

Each year we have a vehicle donated to be the featured item and each year it seems as though the donated vehicle gets nicer and nicer. This year is certainly no exception," said Bianca Hennings, a YEN member and the 2007 SEMA Silent Auction Task Force chairperson. "The brand-new Tundra that Toyota sent us is loaded to the max with every single option that comes from the Toyota plant.

Automakers Head for the Sema Show

"As the premier automotive accessories trade event in the world, the SEMA Show creates many opportunities for automakers," said Carl Sheffer, SEMA's vice president, OEM relations. "The SEMA Show is a vital component of their marketing plan and is an effective way to reach a powerful audience."

Mitchell 1 Workshop in Cleveland

The workshop will be led by John Dwulet, senior product manager for [Mitchell] l's management software solutions, and Tim McDonnell, national training manager, who combined, have 24 years of Manager and ManagerPlus training experience. Mitchell 1 support personnel will also be on hand. Attendees can expect lively discussions on how to use the management system to energize their business, increase profits, and boost productivity.

Cover Story

Misfire Codes Dissected

Misfire codes are one of the most common causes for a customer's "My Check Engine light is on." And I know you have worked with at least one tech whose answer to this problem was usually "Tune it up." Let's take a look first at exactly what a misfire code is ,and how it is set to put a quick end to that overly simplistic statement. With the advent of On Board Diagnostics 2 (0BD2), misfire monitors were needed to maintain a vehicle's emissions quality.

The Cutting Edge

Stemming the Profit Drain

The Super Pro ultrasonic cleaner is ideally suited to handling the bulk of an automotive shop's needs," says Omegasonics President Frank Pedeflous. Ultrasonic technology combines sound vibrations, hot water and specially engineered non -toxic soaps approved by the U.S.