Clark Motors Inc. and IAPA
(Independent Automotive Professionals Association)
Clark Volmar, of Clark Motors, Inc., along with several other automotive professionals were instrumental in forming and drafting the Charter and By-laws for IAPA and initiating the Association.
IAPA originated in Santa Barbara because this group of automotive professionals saw the need for an association to give voice to not only the business professional but also as an advocate for the driving public.
IAPA’s Mission statement is as follows:
To provide a member driven association for the automotive professional in which representation, products, goods, service, and education (both business and technical) will be provided to our members.
To serve, equally, our members, our profession, and the public by improving professional standards (in education and procedures) to ensure ethical conduct.
All members of IAPA must adhere to the following “Code of Ethics”.
Code of Ethics:
1. To create a successful relationship between the motoring public and the automotive industry.
2. To create an atmosphere of personal responsibility to their clients.
3. To create an automotive facility that attracts the most highly skilled employees in the marketplace.
4. To use high quality automotive parts and materials sold by reputable firms.
5. To create service invoices that comply with the standards required by the industry and applicable laws.
6. To create a business system that is efficient and profitable.
7. To create an atmosphere of high standards within the automotive industry and find ways to correct and improve industry standards.
8. To create an atmosphere that fosters a high level of integrity.
9. To create and use only marketing which is clear and easily interpreted.
10. Be committed to a program of continuing education for both technical and management aspects of the business.
IAPA also has a seat on the State of California Bureau of Automotive Repair Advisory group, EDD (Employment Development Department), and has a Board seat on Cal-ABC (California Automotive Business Coalition). IAPA is active in all of these positions and more to ensure a win-win situation for our members and the motoring public.
Wall Street
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Schools
Clark attended the Partners in Education’s “Annual Business and Education Partnership” Breakfast last week. Clark Motors and IAPA were both recognized as being active in Partners in Education. We are also recognized on their website as being instrumental the success of programs such as Career Day, Internship, Mentoring, and Mock Interviews.
Monday, January 10, 2011
FTC
FTC Consumer Alert
Federal Trade Commission
Auto Warranties, Routine Maintenance,
and Repairs: Is Using the Dealer a Must?
If you own a car, you know how important it is to keep up with routine maintenance and repairs.
But can a dealer refuse to honor the warranty that came with your new car if someone else does the
routine maintenance or repairs?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, says no. In fact,
it’s illegal for a dealer to deny your warranty coverage simply because you had routine maintenance
or repairs performed by someone else. Routine maintenance often includes oil changes, tire rotations,
belt replacement, fluid checks and flushes, new brake pads, and inspections. Maintenance schedules
vary by vehicle make, model and year; the best source of information about routine scheduled
maintenance is your owner’s manual.
What is a warranty?
A warranty is a promise, often made by a manufacturer, to stand behind its product or to fix certain
defects or malfunctions over a period of time. The warranty pays for any covered repairs or part
replacements during the warranty period.
Do I have to use the dealer for repairs and maintenance to keep my warranty in effect?
No. An independent mechanic, a retail chain shop, or even you yourself can do routine maintenance
and repairs on your vehicle. In fact, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which is enforced by the
FTC, makes it illegal for manufacturers or dealers to claim that your warranty is void or to deny
coverage under your warranty simply because someone other than the dealer did the work. That
said, there may be certain situations where a repair may not be covered. For example, if you or your
mechanic replaced a belt improperly and your engine is damaged as a result, your manufacturer or
dealer may deny responsibility for fixing the engine under the warranty. However, according to the
FTC, the manufacturer or dealer must be able to demonstrate that it was the improper belt replacement
— rather than some other defect — that caused the damage to your engine. The warranty would still
be in effect for other parts of your car.
Will using ‘aftermarket’ parts void my warranty?
No. An ‘aftermarket’ part is a part made by a company other than the vehicle manufacturer or the
original equipment manufacturer. Simply using an aftermarket part does not void your warranty.
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Division of Consumer & Business Education
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act makes it illegal for companies to void your warranty or deny
coverage under the warranty simply because you used an aftermarket part. Still, if it turns out that
the aftermarket part was itself defective or wasn’t installed correctly, and it causes damage to another
part that is covered under the warranty, the manufacturer or dealer has the right to deny coverage for
that part and charge you for any repairs. The FTC says the manufacturer or dealer must show that the
aftermarket equipment caused the need for repairs before denying warranty coverage.
Tips To Avoid Warranty Issues
Here’s how to get the most out of your vehicle’s warranty:
• Read your warranty. Often bundled with your owner’s manual, the warranty gives a general
description and specific details about your coverage. If you have misplaced your owner’s
manual, look for it online. Check the “Owners” section of your manufacturer’s website.
• Be aware of your warranty period. If problems arise that are covered under the warranty, get
them checked out before the warranty expires.
• Service your car at regular intervals. This is a good idea in any case. But for the sake of
keeping your warranty intact, follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. Details
are in your owner’s manual.
• Keep all service records and receipts, regardless of who performs the service. This includes
oil changes, tire rotations, belt replacement, new brake pads, and inspections. Create a file to
keep track of repairs; it will come in handy if you have to use your warranty. If you ever have
a warranty claim and it appears that you did not maintain your vehicle, your claim could be
denied.
• Complain. If you think a dealer’s service advisor denied your warranty claim unfairly, ask to
speak with a supervisor. If you still aren’t satisfied, contact the manufacturer or go to another
dealer. You also may wish to file a complaint with your state Attorney General, local consumer
protection office, local Better Business Bureau, or the FTC.
For More Information
Visit ftc.gov for free information on buying, financing, leasing, renting and maintaining vehicles.
The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and
to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free
information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357);
TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Watch a new video, How to File a Complaint, at ftc.gov/video to learn more.
The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database
and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and
abroad.
December 2010
Federal Trade Commission
Auto Warranties, Routine Maintenance,
and Repairs: Is Using the Dealer a Must?
If you own a car, you know how important it is to keep up with routine maintenance and repairs.
But can a dealer refuse to honor the warranty that came with your new car if someone else does the
routine maintenance or repairs?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, says no. In fact,
it’s illegal for a dealer to deny your warranty coverage simply because you had routine maintenance
or repairs performed by someone else. Routine maintenance often includes oil changes, tire rotations,
belt replacement, fluid checks and flushes, new brake pads, and inspections. Maintenance schedules
vary by vehicle make, model and year; the best source of information about routine scheduled
maintenance is your owner’s manual.
What is a warranty?
A warranty is a promise, often made by a manufacturer, to stand behind its product or to fix certain
defects or malfunctions over a period of time. The warranty pays for any covered repairs or part
replacements during the warranty period.
Do I have to use the dealer for repairs and maintenance to keep my warranty in effect?
No. An independent mechanic, a retail chain shop, or even you yourself can do routine maintenance
and repairs on your vehicle. In fact, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which is enforced by the
FTC, makes it illegal for manufacturers or dealers to claim that your warranty is void or to deny
coverage under your warranty simply because someone other than the dealer did the work. That
said, there may be certain situations where a repair may not be covered. For example, if you or your
mechanic replaced a belt improperly and your engine is damaged as a result, your manufacturer or
dealer may deny responsibility for fixing the engine under the warranty. However, according to the
FTC, the manufacturer or dealer must be able to demonstrate that it was the improper belt replacement
— rather than some other defect — that caused the damage to your engine. The warranty would still
be in effect for other parts of your car.
Will using ‘aftermarket’ parts void my warranty?
No. An ‘aftermarket’ part is a part made by a company other than the vehicle manufacturer or the
original equipment manufacturer. Simply using an aftermarket part does not void your warranty.
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Division of Consumer & Business Education
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act makes it illegal for companies to void your warranty or deny
coverage under the warranty simply because you used an aftermarket part. Still, if it turns out that
the aftermarket part was itself defective or wasn’t installed correctly, and it causes damage to another
part that is covered under the warranty, the manufacturer or dealer has the right to deny coverage for
that part and charge you for any repairs. The FTC says the manufacturer or dealer must show that the
aftermarket equipment caused the need for repairs before denying warranty coverage.
Tips To Avoid Warranty Issues
Here’s how to get the most out of your vehicle’s warranty:
• Read your warranty. Often bundled with your owner’s manual, the warranty gives a general
description and specific details about your coverage. If you have misplaced your owner’s
manual, look for it online. Check the “Owners” section of your manufacturer’s website.
• Be aware of your warranty period. If problems arise that are covered under the warranty, get
them checked out before the warranty expires.
• Service your car at regular intervals. This is a good idea in any case. But for the sake of
keeping your warranty intact, follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. Details
are in your owner’s manual.
• Keep all service records and receipts, regardless of who performs the service. This includes
oil changes, tire rotations, belt replacement, new brake pads, and inspections. Create a file to
keep track of repairs; it will come in handy if you have to use your warranty. If you ever have
a warranty claim and it appears that you did not maintain your vehicle, your claim could be
denied.
• Complain. If you think a dealer’s service advisor denied your warranty claim unfairly, ask to
speak with a supervisor. If you still aren’t satisfied, contact the manufacturer or go to another
dealer. You also may wish to file a complaint with your state Attorney General, local consumer
protection office, local Better Business Bureau, or the FTC.
For More Information
Visit ftc.gov for free information on buying, financing, leasing, renting and maintaining vehicles.
The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and
to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free
information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357);
TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Watch a new video, How to File a Complaint, at ftc.gov/video to learn more.
The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database
and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and
abroad.
December 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Snub-nosed and broad-shouldered, the 2012 Bentley Continental GT epitomizes the cliche "things are not always what they seem." Although it weighs more than many a sport/utility (5100 pounds) and looks like a prince's imperious weekend cruiser, the GT excels at doing what you think it can't -- in this case, blasting from 0 to 60 in an estimated 4.4 seconds and hitting a top speed of 198 mph.
Beginning in early 2011, Audi will start shipping the RS 3 Sportback, a faster, more developed version of the luxurious hatchback that shares its architecture with the Volkswagen Golf. While the A3 and S3 are both powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct injection four-cylinder, the S3 having a slightly larger turbo and intercooler, the RS 3 will get the same 2.5-liter turbocharged direct-injection five-cylinder found in the TT-RS. The five-cylinder will not only provide the appropriate rally-car roar, but roughly 340-horspower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The RS3 will pull off 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds according to Audi, and in accordance with the infamous "gentleman's agreement," the car will be electronically limited to 155 mph.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LOCAL NEWS