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Auto Recycling eNewsletter

 

For immediate release - December 2003

 

Written and published by Ron Sturgeon, RDS Investments, email to email Ron Sturgeon

To register for future free issues, visit http://www.autosalvageconsultant.com

 

This Month’s News

 

Toyota passes Ford as No. 2


6-month sales tally signals a new order -Continuing its steady sales climb, Toyota Motor Corp. squeezed past Ford Motor Co. by 43,000 vehicles in the first six months of its fiscal year to become the world's second-biggest automaker.

 

ARA Announces new Executive Director 

 

After an intense search, the Executive Committee of ARA announced that they have filled the position of Executive Vice President.  George K. Eliades, CAE, has accepted the position and is now on board.

 

George has been consulting for the past five years to a diverse group of associations and corporations in a variety of areas.  ARA reports that he is result oriented, forward thinking and is the recipient of the ASAE Key Award, the highest recognition bestowed on association CEOs by the American Society of Association Executives, for outstanding leadership.  Previously, he has served as chief staff executive for several associations, with 16 years in his longest tenure.  “I am privileged to be with ARA and excited about the opportunity to help the elected leadership in its plan to elevate ARA and strengthen the association in multiple ways,” he stated in accepting the ARA chief staff position. (“FYI” --  Eliades is pronounced: “Ellie – ah’d – ease

 

BMW Offers Crash Insurance

 

Similar to GAP insurance, BMW has introduced a program that will give the owner a check for sticker price if a new vehicle is totaled or stolen during the 1st year or 15,000 miles of ownership.  There is a deductible, and Subaru is the only company offering a similar coverage.

 

Copart Completes VB2 Rollout

 

In the first week of December, Copart completed the rollout of their new VB2 product.  All locations have no auctioneers now!  I am hearing mixed reports, some like it, others don’t.  Some believe vehicles, especially repairables, are bringing more money.

Please email me and let me know how it is working for you, and its effect on

cost of vehicles, and I will report the feedback next month.

 

 

How’s Business?

 

“Business is just a civilized form of warfare” - Jim Smith

This quote, from a friend who is the CEO of a large company, says it just right.  Read my story on passion a few months ago (posted on my web site), and get excited about 2004.  Last year is over, now is the time to contemplate what went wrong (and right), and how to make 2004 better.  Make sure you base your analysis in your financial numbers as well as your operating metrics.

 

Most people are reporting a pickup in sales in November and the bad weather in the northeast should give these people a shot in the arm in coming months.

 

We have a limited number of appointment slots left in the first quarter of 2004, but would love to help you with your plans on making your operation more profitable.

 

AutoSalvageconsultant.com was formed in 2001 to help recyclers improve their businesses. With over 50 years of experience in three staff members, the group is THE definitive source for recyclers’ management and training needs. The founder, Ron Sturgeon is past owner of AAA Small Car World.  In 1999, he sold his six Texas locations, with 140 employees, to Greenleaf.  In 2001, he founded North Texas Insurance Auction, which he sold to Copart in 2002.  In 2002, his book “Salvaging Millions” was published to help small business owners achieve significant success, and was recently reprinted.  In June 2003, he joined the new ownership and management team of GreenLeaf.  He also manages his real estate holdings and investments. You can learn more about how to help your business at http://www.autosalvageconsultant.com/.  We can be reached at 5940 Eden, Haltom City, TX 76117, (preferably) email Ron Sturgeon or 817-834-3625 ext 6#.