BEDFORD, Texas-When searching for a place to get their vehicle serviced, consumers are most likely to rely on prior experience with a repair outlet, or word-of-mouth referrals, according to an independent survey. Commissioned for the Bedford-based Automotive Service Association (ASA), the study was conducted by the Yellow Pages Publishers Association.
It asked consumers to rate the likelihood of relying on various sources when selecting a service shop, based on a scale of one to 10, with one being ``not at all likely'' and 10 being ``very likely.''
The responses ``service outlet used in the past'' and ``word-of-mouth'' received mean scores of 7.95 and 7.81 respectively, the ASA said. The survey also disclosed that the next closest source relied on by consumers is the Yellow Pages, which received a 4.90 mean score.
In brief
Carroll Shelby, 71, the legendary motorsports guru and ``father'' of the famous Shelby Cobra, is recovering from a transplant operation after receiving a new kidney from his son, Michael. In 1990, the elder Shelby underwent a successful heart transplant, according to the Specialty Equipment Market Association's (SEMA) newsletter.
During its annual high-level discussions with Detroit automakers, SEMA hailed Chrysler Corp.'s announced plans to introduce an ``Aftermarket OBD-II Testing Kit'' designed to facilitate aftermarket product development on 1997-and-later model Chrysler cars and light-duty trucks.
The Car Care Council, based in Port Clinton, Ohio, launched a new syndicated AM-radio program on June 1 called the ``C.A.R. Show.''
It is hosted by Roger Kwapich, an ASE-certified technician with more than 27 years of industry experience.
Listeners will be able to call a toll-free phone number with questions for Mr. Kwapich and other experts about troubleshooting, repair, performance and preventive maintenance, as well as automotive news and views.
Sponsors include Dana Corp., Echlin-Engine Systems, NAPA, and Raybestos/Brake Parts Inc.