WASHINGTON A nationwide warranty backing up dealers' automotive repairs is among four proposed new programs the National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association is evaluating for its members. The proposed national warranty program would cover parts and labor for either six months and 6,000 miles or 12 months and 12,000 miles. Motorists could return to the original dealer or any other enrolled NTDRA member to obtain warranty service.
The association's Executive Committee was expected to consider the proposal at its mid-year meeting, Feb. 15-16 in Washington.
Another service, presently being evaluated by 275 dealers around the country under a pilot program, would develop local marketing plans tailored for individual stores that could include mailing ``welcome'' cards to every new family that moves into a dealer's trading area.
Meanwhile, the NTDRA staff also is reviewing an ``on-hold'' telephone marketing tool that combines a dealer's advertising message with music.
Also being studied are two proposed safety-oriented services designed to help dealer members reduce their workers' compensation costs through such measures as safety training and reclassification of employees.