Sant Automotive News Vol XI, no.1

Stimulation Now!

While expressing complete confidence in the Obama stimulus package and while eagerly anticipating the utopian results that are sure to inure to all Americans, it is the considered opinion of the Sant Automotive News that perhaps we should hedge our bets. To that end, this issue shall discuss how you can be better prepared for any uncertainty ahead.

Stimulating News

Federal Mogul has offered a pork laced stimulus package the likes of which the fellas at Central Planning can only dream. Now through April 30, 2009, Federal Mogul will is offering rebates of $5 off of any set of Anco 31-Series wiper blades and up to $50 in rebates for brake jobs using Wagner ThermoQuiet or Wagner Edge brake pads or shoes. Call 849-2900 for more details.

Autozone Announces Less Free Service

Major mass automotive parts retailer, Autozone, apparently will no longer be telling people what is wrong with their cars “for free.” Previously, if a motorist had noticed that the “check engine light” was illuminated on his vehicle, he could pull into a local Autozone, and the clerk at the counter would dash out to the car, scan the on board computer, and tell the motorist what was wrong with it. This process was very intriguing and always had us wondering how retail clerks with very little training could use very low cost scan tools to, in so little time and without the benefit of even a test drive, produce such precise results. What ticked us off even more was that we are paying nearly $200 per month to Autozone’s sister company, Alldata, to access technical information such as technical service bulletins and diagnostic procedures when the Autozone counter jockies don’t even need the stuff. Could it be that Autozone had finally developed that fabled tool that “just plugs into your car and tells you everything that is wrong with it?” If they have the magic tool, is it cheaper than the factory scan tools that we use? Sadly, it seems unlikely that the universal, comprehensive Mr. Wizzard of scan tools exist. Autozone has now backed away from their promise to tell you what is wrong with your car and instead offers only to “pull codes for free.” And so it goes.

Wanna Save $10,000?

A transmission chain has advertised that the difference between keeping your old car and buying a new one is $10,000. We haven’t really figured out what this means, but to start saving your $10,000, give us a call today at 849-2900.



Consumer Spending Needed

Due to economic uncertainty and lower consumer confidence, consumer spending is down. In a country that has experienced a negative savings rate in recent years, this may sound like a positive development. Unfortunately, consumer spending represents 2/3rds of the U.S. economy, so a drop in consumer spending makes it less likely, if not impossible, for the economy to recover and grow. A shrinking economy can produce deflation which may sound good; who wouldn’t want the purchasing power of their dollars to increase? The negative result of deflation, however, is unemployment. When prices drop, employers cut wages and lay people off which further reduces prices. This is known as a deflationary spiral. A deflationary spiral contributed to the Great Depression in which unemployment rates hit 25%. Consumers have every reason to be cautious, but they can not allow fear to worsen either their own financial situation or that of the country. The answer to the dilemma of how to remain cautious while not contributing to the poor economy is relatively simple. Consumers can act defensively and help the economy by spending more wisely. To increase spending in the short term without jeopardizing future financial security, consumers should consider accelerating spending on consumer durables like large appliances, upgrade HVAC systems in ways that will reduce future operating costs, and maintain high ticket assets like homes and cars to extend the usefull life of these assets.

Bake Sale on Hold

It is our sad duty to report that the first annual Sant Automotive Bake Sale to benefit General Motors has been placed on indefinite hold. Two factors are behind this painful decision: 1.) It is not feasible to produce and sell baked goods faster than General Motors is losing money; and, 2.) Mom probably doesn’t feel like making the requisite amount of banana bread. If and when these issues can be resolved, the sale will be rescheduled.

Ford Fails to Read Previous Newsletter

ASE certified Master Technician Mike Ford, apparently oblivious to the derision thrown his way in our last issue for his insensitivity to the feelings of other regarding his monopolization of vacation days coinciding with the Missouri deer gun season, is seeking to extend his practice of so doing. Sources report that Mike was seen snooping around the official Sant Automotive vacation schedule and that he has even gone so far as to pencil in five consecutive vacation days from November 16-20, 2009. Undoubtedly, Mr. Ford will also request to leave early on the Friday preceding his vacation. Management of Sant Automotive as well as the Board of Governors for the Sant Automotive Buckmaster Challenge are currently reviewing the Buckmaster Cup deed of gift as well as the Sant Automotive Employee Manual to help in formulating a response.