News Stories
How to Respond to Card Swipe Settlement? Here Are the Options
Washington, D.C. -- Many oil marketers attending last week's Petroleum Marketers
Association of America (PMAA) Washington conference remain unsure how to respond
to the historic multibillion dollar antitrust settlement with Visa and
MasterCard, said Dan Gilligan, the trade group's president.
Mon, May 20th
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U.S. Oil Production to Shock Global Energy Markets: IEA Report
The boom in North American energy (primarily related to shale in the US and oil sands in Canada) is one of the biggest stories in the global economy.
A new report from The International Energy Agency (IEA) agency discusses the consequences of the boom in dramatic fashion, arguing that it's as big of a deal for the world oil market as the rise of China was over the last 15 years.
Tue, May 14th
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Steel Industry Eliminates the Weight Gap with Aluminum for Car Bodies
The latest in a continuing series of research studies by the steel industry suggest that steel technology has now progressed to the point that auto body structures in the near future can be as lightweight as today's aluminum bodies, while meeting all crash performance standards and at comparable cost of current steel structures.
Tue, April 16th
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States Consider Taxing Electric Vehicles
Some states may decide to start taxing electric vehicle owners in an effort to regain lost revenue at the pump.
NEW YORK – Until now, electric vehicle owners have been immune from paying taxes at the pump, revenue that largely pays for public infrastructure. That’s about to change, Wired reports.
Tue, May 14th
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Retail Trade Group to Opt Out of $7.2 Billion Dollar Credit Card-Fee Pact
(Reuters) - A major retail trade association said Wednesday it will reject a proposed $7.2 billion settlement with credit-card giants Visa Inc (V.N) and Mastercard Inc (MA.N) over card fees, calling it a "bad deal" for nearly 8 million U.S. merchants.
Thu, April 11th
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Used Vehicle Values Decline for Third Consecutive Month
Wholesale used vehicle prices (on a mix-, mileage-, and seasonally adjusted basis) fell for the third consecutive month in March bringing the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index reading to 120.4, which was 4.6 percent lower than a year ago.
Fri, April 5th
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Virginia Eliminates Conventional Motor Fuel Tax
Virginia will become the first state to eliminate the conventional cents-per-
gallon tax at the pump and switch to a percentage tax based on the wholesale price
of gasoline and diesel.
Fri, April 5th
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Weak job gains cast shadow on U.S. economic outlook
By Jason Lange
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - American employers hired at the slowest pace in nine months in March, a sign that Washington's austerity drive could be stealing momentum from the economy.
The economy added just 88,000 nonfarm jobs last month and the jobless rate ticked a tenth of a point lower to 7.6 percent largely due to people dropping out of the work force, Labor Department data showed on Friday.
Fri, April 5th
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It’s About Time!
By Chris Chesney
In doing business, make sure you are considering the time-strapped needs of your customers as well as your shop.
Everyone and everything in our lives impacts the allotted time we have each day. I don't know about you, but the clock seems to run faster and faster each year. Even with all the advances in technology there are still only 24 hours in a day. Do you have time to get everything done each day? Do you have systems in place to manage your team's time and, more importantly, do you manage to sell all the time you have available to sell?
Wed, April 3rd
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Cigarette Excise Taxes Link to Black Market Sales
The notion that increasing cigarette excise taxes will discourage underage smoking is refuted by NACS.
MCLEAN, Va. – To reduce the rate of teen smoking, one side of the coin believes that raising taxes on the cost per pack is the answer. Teens are price sensitive, so making the price of cigarettes more expensive will cause them to walk away. States where cigarette prices are high have lower teen smoking rates, while rates are high in states with more affordable prices.
But the other side of the coin — one that refutes the notion of higher cigarette excise taxes as a means to reduce teen smoking rates — makes clear that there is a direct correlation between increased excise taxes on cigarettes and black market sales.
Wed, December 31st
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EPA Report Shows Gains in Fuel Economy The government estimates that between 2007 and 2012, fuel economy values increased by 16% while carbon dioxide emissions have decreased by 13%.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its annual report on Friday that tracks the fuel economy of vehicles sold in the United States, underscoring the major increases made in the efficiency of the vehicles Americans drive, reducing oil consumption and cutting carbon emissions.
Mon, March 18th
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Gas Price Spike Sends Motorists Shopping for Deals
NEWTON, Mass. – With gas prices up nearly 50 cents a gallon since January 1, American motorists are becoming vigilant while searching for individual relief from the financial hardship, New England Cable News reports.
Tue, March 5th
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U.S. Oil Production Tops 7 Million Barrels
WASHINGTON – The U.S. has produced more oil for the first time since 1993, the Financial Times reports. Output surpassed 7 million barrels daily, according to data released this week by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Fri, March 1st
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Swipe Fee Settlement Update: Don't take that money just yet!
After receiving many phone calls, NESSARA has gone digging for some info about the recent class action lawsuit against MasterCard and Visa for overcharging merchants through "Swipe Fees". In July 2012, a decision to settle for approximately $6 billion was made.
It seems several NESSARA members have been contacted by "Financial Recovery Companies", claiming they'll be able to get you money for the past over-charges since 2004.
But there's a catch...
Wed, December 31st
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Private Sector Adds 198,000 Jobs in February
Private sector employment increased by 198,000 jobs in February according to the latest ADP National Employment Report. The report, produced by ADP in collaboration with Moody's Analytics, is derived from ADP's actual payroll data. In addition, the January 2013 report, which reported job gains of 192,000, was revised upward by 23,000 to 215,000 jobs.
Thu, March 7th
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Visa Introduces Ready Partner Program
Visa says its new program is paving the way to accelerate the deployment of mobile point-of-sale acceptance solutions.
FOSTER CITY, Calif. – Visa announced last week a
new program, Visa Ready Partner Program, that's designed to drive the global migration from cash to electronic payments.
(Read More)
Counterfeit AC Refrigerant Poses Serious Danger to Technicians
The Coordinating Committee for Automotive Repair (CCAR) is alerting the automotive industry about the serious dangers of counterfeit and contaminated AC refrigerant after another 3500 cylinders of counterfeit refrigerant were seized by Saudi authorities earlier this month.
The problem is caused by counterfeiters who are manufacturing cylinders of AC refrigerant labeled as pure R-134a but in fact contain R-134a mixed with other refrigerants like R-40.
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J.D. Power, LMC Automotive Up Auto Sales Estimate for 2013
The new-vehicle retail selling rate in February remains above 12 million units, stronger than it was a year ago, according to the monthly sales forecast released by J.D. Power and Associates' Power Information Network (PIN) and LMC Automotive.
The companies said the outlook for 2013 continues to improve, as the selling pace remains robust. In fact, LMC Automotive is increasing its 2013 U.S. forecast for total light-vehicle sales to 15.3 million units from 15.1 million units. The increase is split between fleet and retail light-vehicle sales, with the outlook for retail increasing to 12.5 million units from 12.4 million units.
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New Vehicle Technologies, Rising Costs on Industry's 2013 Watch List
To understand some of the bigger picture issues repairers and insurers are facing in the New Year, CollisionWeek reached out to several leading repairers and insurers and asked them what are the top issues they believe will have the biggest impact on their business, positive or negative, in 2013? Additionally we asked how these issues are influencing their business planning and preparations for the coming year.
Mon, February 25th
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New Ways of Teaching Service Techs
From Motor Magazine:
Rising costs and the need to invest in business, training top industry focus for 2013.
To understand some of the bigger picture issues repairers and insurers are facing in the New Year, CollisionWeek reached out to several leading repairers and insurers and asked them what are the top issues they believe will have the biggest impact on their business, positive or negative, in 2013? Additionally we asked how these issues are influencing their business planning and preparations for the coming year.
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Ethanol Fight May Advance to Supreme Court
The API is floating the idea of petitioning the Supreme Court to consider a recent E15 decision that upheld the fuel's use in the marketplace.
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Small Businesses Lead Employment Gains in January
Private sector employment increased by 192,000 jobs from December to January, according to the January ADP National Employment Report. The December 2012 report, which reported job gains of 215,000, was revised downward by 30,000 to 185,000 jobs, making the January number the largest gain since last February.
Wed, January 30th
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Study: Plan to Drop Gas Tax Could Boost State Coffers
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell's plan to eliminate the state's tax on gasoline got
a boost from a study concluding the plan is revenue neutral.
Tue, January 29th
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New Vehicle Retail Sales Kick Off 2013 Ahead of Expectations
The new-vehicle selling rate is off to a strong start in 2013, with the highest January retail selling rate in five years, according to the monthly sales forecast developed by J.D. Power and Associates and LMC Automotive.
Mon, January 28th
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Telematics on NASTF Spring General Meeting Agenda
Charlie Gorman, current chair of the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) Board of Directors, contends that the best automotive telematics solutions in the future may come from open-market development. Gorman , also the Executive Director of the Equipment & Tool Institute (ETI), will argue his point in a presentation Friday, March 8, 2013 at the NASTF Spring General Meeting held in conjunction with VISION2013 at the Overland Park Convention Center near Kansas City.
Mon, January 28th
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Washington Report: Swipe Fee Ruling Expected This Week
WASHINGTON – Several important, new swipe fee developments are upon us. First, class counsel may begin sending out notices of the settlement to the approximately 8 million merchants in the class, perhaps as early as tomorrow, January 29. Once we have confirmation that these notices have gone out, we will share with you your options — and our recommendations — as this process unfolds. These notices are different from the unsolicited notices that you may have received from various “settlement firms” that are not a party to this settlement.
Mon, January 28th
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Gasoline Demand Resumes 8 Mln-b/d Level but Down 1.3% Y-O-Y: SpendingPulse
U.S. retail gasoline consumption has increased as January progresses, narrowing
but not overcoming deficits versus a year ago, SpendingPulse reported Thursday.
Thu, January 24th
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NACS Tallies 2012 C-Store Count; Nearly 83% Selling Fuel
The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) and Nielsen just released
a joint fresh store count for the end of 2012, and the survey measured an
increase of 1,094 c-stores, putting the total U.S. count at 149,220 sites. Of
that number, approximately 123,289 stores sell motor fuels, an increase of
2,339 stores over the previous year.
Thu, January 24th
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Masschusetts legislators appear more receptive this year to new taxes and fees
Gov. Deval L. Patrick's groundbreaking plan to raise nearly $2 billion in new annual taxes to pay for transportation and education may not survive as it stands, but it could prompt more moderate tax and fee increases this year in a changing political climate on Beacon Hill, state legislators said.
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Malware Ahead
Automobiles are no longer electro-mechanical devices. Modern vehicles are increasingly monitored and controlled by dozens of digital computers across internal and external communication networks. In addition, communications are not limited to just intra-vehicle purposes; vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2X) communications are becoming pervasive. Vehicles commonly have hundreds of thousands of lines of software code (if not more) that enable this functionality. Here's the rub: While these transformations have driven major advancements — such as performance, safety and efficiency — they have also introduced a number of security-related risks.
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Majors Impose Standards on In-Store Merchandise
A growing number of majors are looking beyond fuel islands and payment systems
and imposing brand standards that affect convenience store merchandise.
(Read More)
Winter 2012 Inspection Update Newsletter
View PDF
In late November, the Massachusetts Vehicle Check program began shipping the first deliveries of red 2013 VIR and windshield stickers to all inspection stations. This first shipment should cover approximately three months of vehicle inspections. Stations will automatically receive additional sticker shipments when their inventories indicate they have only one pack of stickers remaining.
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U.S. Oil Expands Production
The expansion of U.S. oil production has reached the highest level since 1997 with a record 766,000 barrels daily, Bloomberg News reports. Domestic output was the most this year since 1859, when the first commercial well was drilled.
Fri, December 21st
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Delphi introduces plug-in telematics for aftermarket service
The independent automotive service aftermarket holds a commanding share—nearly 72%—of the market, most of which is won when the vehicle warranty has expired. However, the drop in the number of car dealers during the recession, which should have given the independent a new opportunity, has been countered by OE telematics installations that establish dealer shop-to-car communication. The connectivity can deliver road service requests, send vehicle health reports, receive remote diagnostic reports, and schedule service appointments.
Thu, December 13th
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2012 WAS RECORD YEAR FOR GASOLINE COSTS
The price of unleaded regular gasoline in the U.S. averaged $3.6035/gal in
2012, according to data compiled by Oil Price Information Service for AAA, in cooperation with Wright Express. That number bests the previous annual high average of $3.5104/gal, established last year.
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Using a Credit Card? Watchout for the 'Checkout Fee'
You might want to think twice before whipping out your credit card. As of Sunday, stores in most states could start charging you a "checkout fee" when you pay for something with plastic.
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Massachusetts Treasurer Pushes Online Lottery Sales
Massachusetts State Treasurer Steven Grossman announced this week that he is planning to ask state lawmakers to remove existing barriers in current state law (accepting credit cards as payment, for example) that prevent the sale of lottery games online; games like Mega Millions, Powerball and instant tickets.
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U.S. Oil Output to Overtake Saudi Arabia’s by 2020
U.S. oil output is poised to surpass Saudi Arabia’s in the next decade, making the world’s biggest fuel consumer almost self-reliant and putting it on track to become a net exporter, the International Energy Agency said.
Fri, December 21st
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COSTCO TOUTS GASOLINE AND FRESH FOODS IN SALES BOOSTS
Costco briefly shut down some California gas stations in October when fuel prices got out of hand, but don't think for a moment that the company has soured on the appeal that cheap gas provides for prospective and existing club members. At a conference call detailing robust quarterly earnings, Chief Financial Officer Richard Galanti attributed traffic boosts at clubs to "gas and fresh foods," two categories that the company has "been blessed by."
Thu, December 13th
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Sensor Fusion
Driver Assist Technologies (DATs) represent a new and ever-growing class of automotive technologies that are becoming pervasive in emerging vehicles. "Automobiles are evolving to meet the changing nature of lifestyles and a range of environmental, societal and environmental challenges," said Mitch Bainwol, president and CEO of Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Auto Alliance). "This is the next generation of 'gotta have it' auto technology, and when people see the systems in action, they are amazed."
Wed, December 12th
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U.S. DOT Proposes Broader Use of Event Data Recorders to Help Improve Vehicle Safety
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today proposed a new standard that would capture valuable safety-related data in the seconds before and during a motor vehicle crash. The proposed rule would require automakers to install event data recorders (EDRs)—devices that collect specific safety related data—in all light passenger vehicles beginning September 1, 2014.
Fri, December 7th
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AAA: E15 May Damage Vehicles, Cause Consumer Confusion
A recent AAA survey reveals a strong likelihood of consumer confusion and the potential for voided warranties and vehicle damage as a result of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recent approval of E15 gasoline.
Sun, December 2nd
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Oil industry sues to block corn-based ethanol mandates
The government's rising requirements for corn-based ethanol for use in the nation's cars and trucks is adding billions of dollars to the costs of groceries — and even the price of fast-food burgers — as the oil industry sued to block some new mandates.
Sat, December 1st
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Pace of November auto sales races to near five-year high
Auto sales in November were helped by a rebound from storm-ravaged October and the need to replace aging vehicles which put the industry on pace for a near five-year high and left executives optimistic about 2013.
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BP Statement on Deepwater Horizon Settlement With U.S.
BP agreed to plead guilty to felony charges and pay $4.5 billion in penalties, including $1.26 billion in criminal fines, stemming from the Deepwater Horizon disaster
(Read More)
ALLDATA Launches Product Updates Requested by Customers
ALLDATA LLC announced the release of upgrades to its ALLDATA Repair and ALLDATA Collision products in response to customer feedback.
(Read More)
At-Home Natural Gas Refueling?
Refueling a natural-gas powered vehicle may soon become a lot more convenient, with the Wall Street Journal reporting Chesapeake Energy Corp. is working with General Electric Co. and Whirlpool Corp. to develop a $500 appliance that refuels natural gas-powered vehicles at home.
Thu, November 15th
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The Best of Both Worlds
Global pressure on automakers to improve fuel economy and meet more stringent CO2 emision thresholsds in Europe and the United States is driving radical innovation in engine and powertrain technology. Two technology paths have spurred progress: Downsizing and turbocharging for direct injection engines is one pathway. Hybridization and increasing electrification (to the point of all-electric powertrains) is the other. Yet both technological pathways face cost and weight challenges that are slowing down their adoption across global markets. What if the best of both were combined?
Tue, November 13th
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Vehicle Communication Interfaces Evolve
A new frontier in vehicle development is at hand. Driven by increasing fuel efficiency, decreasing emissions, ever-improving electronic functionality, high-performance computing and other influences, engine and other systems are advancing in complexity. Vehicle system interconnectivity requires unprecedented communication networks. For the service/repair industry, vehicle communication interfaces (VCIs) are critical for the diagnosis, remedy and reprogramming of customers’ automobiles. Hand-in-hand with the hardware, software and firmware involved — much like scan tools — the selection of and ability to properly use a VCI can determine whether repairs are completely successful.
Sat, December 1st
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US to Become World's Biggest Oil Producer by 2017: IEA
A new report by the International Energy Association says the U.S. will become the world's largest oil producer by 2017, overtaking current leaders Saudi Arabia and Russia. U.S. energy policies initiated by the George W. Bush administration and implemented by President Barack Obama have moved the U.S. toward energy independence and away from Middle East energy sources. U.S. oil production has risen rapidly since 2008 and oil imports are at their lowest level in two decades.
Sat, November 17th
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Are Electric and Battery-Powered Vehicles Over-Hyped?
A recent J.D. Power Associates report, "Drive Green 2020: More Hope than Reality," considers various factors affecting the future potential for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV) vehicles in the world's largest automotive markets. These factors include market trends, the regulatory environment, consumer sentiment and technology development.
Sat, December 1st
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CBO: Fiscal Cliff Could Trigger a Recession
A new Congressional Budget Office report outlines debt-reduction options and suggests that another recession is looming.
Mon, November 12th
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NACS and Other Groups to Appeal Preliminary Ruling in Proposed Swipe Fee Settlement
NACS and other named plaintiffs are filing a notice of appeal to challenge last Friday’s ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, which grants preliminary approval to a proposed settlement of a long-standing antitrust class action filed by merchants against Visa, MasterCard and the largest banks. A majority of the 19 named plaintiffs have indicated that they will ask the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit to deny preliminary approval due to the legal defects in the proposed settlement.
Sat, December 1st
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Suzuki’s Small Cars Were Wrong Fit in U.S.
For all of Suzuki’s tough talk about its “brush-busting” Samurai off-roader, the Japanese automaker never made it big in the United States. Its cars were too small, its safety record iffy and its branding a bit too comical (Suzuki Sidekick, anyone?).
Tue, November 6th
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EPA Waives RFG Requirements in States Impacted by Hurricane Sandy
The waiver is effective immediately for 16 states and the District of Columbia and will continue through November 20, 2012.
Thu, November 1st
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Mobile Payments Set to Explode
eMarketer suggests that smartphone payment technology is set to take off in the United States by 2016, but a number of factors remain, such as merchant adoption.
Mon, October 22nd
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EPA may slash use of ethanol in gasoline as corn crop wilts
The EPA may shift corn away from ethanol use to reduce demand on drought-impacted farms.
Only months ago, the EPA was pressing hard to expand the use of ethanol in the nation’s gasoline supply, but in the wake of this summer’s fierce drought, the agency may soon reverse course and actually trim back because of shortages of corn used to produce the renewable fuel.
Mon, October 15th
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New “CNG In A Box” Fueling System Makes U.S. Debut
Marketers will get their first glimpse today at the NACS Show expo of a new CNG retailing system that will allow them to offer CNG at their stores through simple “plug-and-play” equipment and traditional-looking Wayne dispensers, complete with hoses and credit card reader.
Mon, October 8th
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Big Changes Coming to Transaction Technology
NACS Show educational session takes on the future of payments transaction technology and what it will mean for convenience stores.
Mon, October 8th
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Mitchell RepairCenter(TM) ToolStore Integrates With LKQ Corporation to Streamline Parts Procurement for Body Shops
Mitchell today announced a new technology integration with LKQ Corporation (LKQ) as a partner in the RepairCenter™ ToolStore, making it possible for auto body repair shops to engage with LKQ's parts procurement solution directly from the RepairCenter Workspace.
Tue, October 2nd
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FORD AND GM OKAY E15 BLENDS FOR NEW VEHICLES
Ford Motor Co. and General Motors have approved gasoline blends with up to 15% ethanol for use in later model cars and light trucks, Oil Express has learned.
Tue, October 2nd
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One Year Later: Debit Swipe Fee Reform a Good First Step
While the rules did not go as far as Congress intended, with some merchants seeing higher rates on small transactions, the debit card swipe fee reforms enacted a year ago are a good first step.
One year after implementation, consumers are reaping the benefits of debit card swipe fee reform as merchants use the savings from reform to hold down prices.
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Mitchell 1 Adds Estimator Feature to ProDemand
Mitchell 1 has embedded an Estimator feature into its ProDemand repair, diagnostic and maintenance information program to help professional technicians streamline their workflow, making it even easier and quicker for them to create estimates.
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Lightweight materials to influence m.p.g., auto industry leaders say
Hybrids and electric vehicles get media attention, but boring factors such as lighter materials will play a bigger role in helping automakers achieve new federal fuel economy standards, industry leaders said Tuesday at a conference in Dearborn.
Fri, September 21st
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Auto industry in middle of US-China trade conflict
With both nations facing possible leadership changes, the U.S. and China appear heading for a serious battle over trade – and the auto industry is caught in the middle.
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Proposed Swipe Fee Settlement Entrenches Visa/MasterCard Price Fixing
In a letter sent to House and Senate leaders yesterday, NACS and a group of associations representing retailers of all sizes across all segments of the merchant community highlighted the reasons behind the growing opposition to a proposed settlement of a long-standing antitrust lawsuit filed by merchants against Visa, MasterCard and the nation’s largest banks.
Fri, September 21st
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GAO: Debit Reform Has Been Good for Community Banks, Credit Unions
With Oct. 1, the one-year anniversary of the Durbin Amendment nearing, one of the banking industry’s main messages has collapsed like a house of cards.
Fri, September 21st
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Editors Report: Right to Repair
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The Right to Repair legislation recently signed into law in Massachusetts is the first of its kind. What might this landmark bill mean to those in The Bay State and beyond?
(Read More)
The Evolution of MLPs in Fuel Distribution
Wholesale fuel distributors and retail convenience store marketers are increasingly evaluating the use of Master Limited Partnerships as an alternative corporate structure with significant benefits. Northern Tier Energy LP recently completed an initial public offering, Alon USA Partners LP recently filed to go public and a number of other companies are pursuing similar transactions.
Fri, September 14th
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LUKOIL Franchisees Double Prices in Zone Protest
More than 50 LUKOIL gas station operators in New Jersey and Pennsylvania raised their street prices above $8 per gallon on Wednesday, protesting what they characterize as "profit-sapping tactics" and a "lack of responsiveness" on the part of LUKOIL North America LLC. They claim that LUKOIL's high prices have hurt station lessees and their customers, forcing many to close their doors, and they said that they are seeking to inform the public about the brand's "poor, anti-patron practices."
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Obama Administration Finalizes Fuel Efficiency Standards
The government says that consumer savings are comparable to lowering the price of gasoline by $1 per gallon by 2025.
Wed, August 29th
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Service Bay Evolution: From Tech to Techie
Technicians today must retain the useful skills they have developed in the past while demonstrating the willingness to acquire those that will be needed to service the increasingly complex vehicles of the future.
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Training Announcement!
View PDF
Come learn how to use the same tools the Dealers and Top Independent Repair Shops are using to complete ALL repairs on Ford and Toyota vehicles. Even if you are already using these tools, you'll learn how to maximize their potential and find out how to perform procedures that you may not know about.
Sessions will be held on: Saturday Sept. 29th
Ford IDS: 8am – 12pm | Toyota Techstream: 1pm - 5pm
AT
Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center
181 Boston Post Road West
Marlborough, MA 01752
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New MyALLDATA Support Site Offers Customers an Online Option to Get Instant Answers
ALLDATA has developed a new online resource that allows customers to use "self-help" when utilizing ALLDATA products.
Wed, August 22nd
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RYO Tobacco Machine Industry Loses Appeal
The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a rule issued by the federal government that RYO retailers are tobacco manufacturers.
Wed, August 22nd
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Self-Driving Cars Put Auto Industry On Cusp Of Revolutionary Change: KPMG & Center For Automotive Research Report Shows
Autonomous cars may dramatically reshape the competitive landscape, human interaction with vehicles, and the future design of roads and cities – and they may be sooner than you think
Tue, August 21st
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Independent Collision Repair Facility Population, State Breakdown
On August 15, the feature article, Independent Repair Facility Population Decline Slowed in 2010, provided an analysis of the latest available data released in June from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) covering 2010 for the U.S. as a whole. In this report we will provide additional analysis on a state-by-state basis.
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Automakers, Refiners Lose Challenge to E15
A U.S. Appeals Court has sided with EPA, therefore upholding the use of E15 in model-year 2001 and newer light duty vehicles and flex-fuel vehicles.
Tue, August 21st
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Mobile Payments to Top $1.3 Trillion Within Five Years
New research suggests that cell phone payment transactions will experience a significant increase.
Tue, August 21st
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Massachusetts Busts a Myth: Cleaner Cars and Fuels Don't Slow Down the Economy
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Some contend that strict government air pollution control requirements hinder economic progress.
The Experience of Massachusetts over the last few decades tells a remarkably different story...
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U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee Holds Hearing on PARTS Act
The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary's Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition and the Internet recently held a hearing on the Promoting Automotive Repair, Trade and Sales (PARTS) Act, H.R. 3889.
Fri, August 10th
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NACS: Swipe Fee Battle Continues
Contrary to what Jeffrey Tassey’s pronounced in this week’s American Banker (“Yes, the Interchange Fee Battle Is Over”), a growing number of trade groups and merchants are saying “no thanks” to the proposed settlement, wrote Lyle Beckwith, NACS senior vice president of government relations, in American Banker.
Sat, August 11th
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New passenger vehicles set fuel efficiency record
New passenger vehicles entering the U.S. market set a record in the first half of this year for high fuel efficiency, according to industry analysts Baum and Associates.
From January to June this year, the average fuel efficiency of new passenger vehicles was 23.8 miles per gallon. The record before this had been set at 22.7 miles per gallon over the same period last year.
Wed, August 1st
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Mass. Gov approves
BOSTON ďż˝ Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has signed into law a bill aimed at settling a dispute over whether automakers should be required to provide independent repair shops and vehicles owners with software needed to diagnose car trouble.
The Democratic governor gave final approval in a private bill signing Tuesday at the Statehouse.
Link To Legislation
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MARATHON COULD HAVE ITS SIGHTS ON SUN
Is Marathon interested in purchasing Sun's marketing and retail network? That question seemed to be on analysts' minds during Marathon Petroleum's recent earnings call.
Investment analysts who have sifted through documents filed with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) believe Marathon is the mysterious entity identified only as "Company A" in a June filing. The document says Company A was in negotiations for Sunoco with Energy Transfer Partners (ETP), the company that recently announced it would buy Sunoco.
Wed, August 22nd
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PayPal’s Competitive Potential
The ability for customers to use their PayPal account to purchase goods at brick-and-mortar stores is becoming an appealing — and feasible — option.
(Read More)
People keeping vehicles longer is a trend that's here to stay
The fact that people are not changing vehicles as often due to the economic climate is not a surprise to anyone. But, a recent study shows that many vehicle owners are holding on to their cars until they die.
According to a survey conducted by AutoMD.com, the trend of changing or upgrading a vehicle every two or three years is a thing of the past. The online automotive repair source recently published results of a poll of nearly 4,000 respondents and a large percentage said they are keeping their cars 10 years or longer and that will likely be the case when or if the economy recovers fully.
(Read More)
MA Legislature Passes Right to Repair Legislation
Aug. 1st, 2012— The New England Service Station and Automotive Repair Association (NESSARA), the leading organization representing independent automotive repairers in Massachusetts, announces the Massachusetts Legislature's passage of Right to Repair legislation. Gov. Patrick is expected to sign the bill into law within the next 10 days.
Link To Legislation
More information to follow...
(Read More)
In-vehicle navigation sales will quadruple by 2019
The number of cars, trucks and crossovers sold with in-vehicles navigation systems will quadruple in North America by 2019, according to a new study, growing to nearly 13 million new systems annually.
But that may not be as good news as it might seem for traditional navi system suppliers, such as Denso, Harman or TomTom, cautions Boston-based Strategy Analytics, Inc. It warns that high-tech firms, such as Apple, Google and Microsoft, are “beginning to battle for share” as they grow their own automotive business.
Thu, July 19th
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Tax-Free Online Sales Could End
WASHINGTON – Tax-free sales on the Internet are likely to end, as Republican governors are now joining their Democratic counterparts in calling for the collection of state sales taxes from online purchases, the Wall Street Journal reports.
The movement to tax Internet sales gained momentum recently when New Jersey Governor Chris Christie reached a deal with Amazon.com, whereby the online retailer would collect sales taxes from New Jersey residents in exchange for locating a distribution facility in the state.
Thu, July 19th
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TANK OPERATOR TRAINING DEADLINE NEAR
The federal deadline for training underground storage tank operators is right around the corner - Aug. 8, 2012.
The training is required as part of the federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 that amends the original legislation that created the federal underground storage tank program. The Energy Policy Act says the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must work with the states to develop training guidelines for three classes of operators.
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Tue, July 31st
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Auto industry the silver lining in gloomy economy
There may be plenty of reasons to worry about the U.S. economy: Weak jobs numbers, poor housing starts and a European economic crisis that threatens to spill across the Atlantic. But based on June sales numbers, the American auto industry is not one of them.
Car sales outpaced even the more optimistic forecasts, with several manufacturers setting all-time records. A number of others, notably General Motors, saw demand surge to levels not seen since before the start of the lingering U.S. recession.
Thu, July 12th
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Cars of the Future: More Than 60 percent Of Autos Will Have Internet by 2017?
More than 60 percent of the world's cars will feature built-in Internet and smartphone connectivity in about five years, according to a new research study by ABI Research.
By 2017, ABI predicts that figures could reach as high as 80 percent in the U.S. and Western Europe.
ABI reports that at present, only 11.4 percent of the world's cars are connected. Developing regions such as Latin America and Eastern Europe, where auto production is thriving, will also see a huge jump in the number of vehicles with telematics. Russia and Brazil are not to far behind the trend.
Thu, July 12th
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Car repair costs drop; West pays most
As the median age of a car on the road nears 11 years, drivers can breathe a (slight) sigh of relief: Fixing their cars is getting cheaper.
The average cost for car repairs stemming from a check-engine light fell 6% in 2011, California-based CarMD.com says, with drivers averaging $333.93 per repair. About two-thirds of that went to parts, with labor making up the remaining third. CarMD says lower labor rates, driven by the recession, are responsible for the overall decline in such repair costs, but the cost of parts has gone up, and severe repairs are becoming more common.
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Effects of the Health Care Ruling
The United States Supreme Court has upheld the constitutional status of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) (except for a Medicaid portion). The Court actually concluded that one aspect of the law was unconstitutional under two clauses of the Constitution but was constitutional under a third and the Court operates under precedents that there is presumption that a law should be considered constitutional if it can be found constitutional under any clause. The Court refers this as its “duty to save a statute.” I think it is safe to say, this is was a bit more complicated than most of us can absorb, but the bottom line is it remains the “law of the land.”
Fri, July 13th
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10 Brake Comeback Solutions
Nothing is worse than a customer returning to your shop after a brake job complaining of a noise or performance issue. These comebacks can be frustrating because they cost your shop’s productivity and reputation.
Below are 10 tips that can help you solve a brake comeback due to noise in less time.
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Obama Signs Transportation Bill With RYO Rider
Making roll-your-own shops manufacturers levels playing field: NACS
WASHINGTON -- Late Friday, President Obama signed H.R. 4348, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, which primarily maintains jobs on highway transportation projects and prevents interest rate increases on new loans to college students. The bill, which allocates more than $100 billion to be spent on highway, mass transit and other transportation programs, includes a rider designating roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco shops "manufacturers" for tax purposes.
Fri, July 6th
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MA Stage II Letter
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On May 16th, 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a rule that allows states to phase out their Stage II vapor recovery programs.
Tue, July 3rd
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10 Alignment Service Tips
No. 1: Don’t neglect the importance of the pre-alignment inspection.
The more thorough the pre-alignment inspection, the better your chances are of not overlooking something that might cause a comeback after the wheels have been aligned. The most neglected inspection item is tire inflation. Even the most precisely aligned toe angle will still pull if the pressures are not even.
Some drive-on lifts include an inflation station at each wheel so the pressures can be adjusted automatically.
Sun, July 1st
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Tools of the Trade
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Manufacturers' newly introduced tools, equipment, parts and services that help shop owners run their business more profitably and allow technicians to diagnose and fix vehicles quicker and more accurately.
Thu, June 28th
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Roll-Your-Own Shops on the Ropes
Transportation bill's expanded definition of tobacco manufacturer would close loophole.
Tue, July 3rd
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RYO Regulation Passed
House members voted 373 to 52 in favor of the bill and Senate members voted 74 to 19 to pass the legislation.
Mon, July 2nd
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CONGRESS PASSES BAN ON SYNTHETIC DRUGS
Congress has passed a ban on synthetic drugs that have similar affects as illegal drugs such as marijuana and cocaine.
Congressional sources say the ban ensures that manufacturers can't get around local and state bans just by crossing state lines.
Thu, June 28th
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Skip Potter Named New NASTF Executive Director
The National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) has announced the appointment of William "Skip" Potter as the organization's executive director. Potter will assume the day-to-day management of NASTF as of July 1.
“After an extensive search process, the NASTF board selected Skip from an impressive list of candidates,” said Ron Pyle, NASTF chairman. “His background, knowledge and experience make him the ideal choice to take NASTF to the next level.”
Wed, June 27th
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Governor rejects Rhode Island collision repair bill
It looks like repairers in Rhode Island won’t be able to sue insurance carriers for reasonable reimbursement after all. Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee has vetoed the bill, saying it would negatively impact auto insurance rates. The bill would have allowed repairers to pursue legal action if they could determine an agreed upon price with the insurer. The bill would have also required auto industry guidebook valuations to be used for calculating total loss values, rather than guides developed for the insurance industry.
Wed, June 27th
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U.S. Vehicle Fleet Age Continues to Increase
The older a car gets, the less likely it will be repaired following a collision, so an aging car fleet is not good news for collision repairers that rely on a steady influx of new, repairable cars.
Wed, June 27th
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UST Uncertainty
Tank insurer's exit, sickly funds leave marketers mulling how to comply with EPA regs.
With Zurich American Insurance Co. planning to all but abandon the U.S. tank market, what's next for retailers who have to comply with state and federal environmental financial responsibility rules?
The answer is likely to be a lot more hassle.
Zurich's decision couldn't have come at a worse time for retailers, given the imminent arrival of E15 and other higher ethanol blends and the slow demise of state tank funds, multiple sources say.
Thu, June 21st
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Education and Training Needs Maintenance Too
We know our model is broken, but the fix is within reach
There are moments that each of us hears, sees or realizes things that just make us go, "Hmmmm ..."
Take education and training for example. Almost everyone recognizes we have a problem, yet we face a puzzling conundrum: Too few see it as an investment in the future, while too many view it as a cost to bear, if not avoid or defer. Certainly our model warrants repair and innovation to reflect current and emerging technology, materials and other needs. Fresh thinking is one resource we can employ; another is realizing and leveraging what is working now.
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The Unstoppable Rise of QSRs
A new report from Rabobank finds that by 2018, spending on food away from home will exceed food at home for the first time.
The growth of the quick-service restaurant (QSR) or fast-food sector in the United States has been rising steadily, reports a new study by Rabobank’s global Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory group. In particular, the category has found success in weathering economic downturns, managing input costs and responding to changing consumer tastes.
Wed, June 20th
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Aluminum car doors, frames: Industry's "next frontier"
The global push to improve fuel efficiency in vehicle fleets will more than double the demand for aluminum in the auto market by 2025, Alcoa's (AA.N) director of automotive marketing said Wednesday.
Car makers from BMW to Audi have already started to react to the so-called Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards and are beginning to move away from heavier steel body frames to lighter-weight material in what should be the "next frontier" for the aluminum industry, Randall Scheps told delegates at the American Metal Market's Aluminum Summit in New York.
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Americans Favor Fuel From Grocery And Wholesale Markets, Study Finds
Traditional gasoline and c-store brands continue to sell the most gasoline, but consumers are increasing their tendency to fuel-up at grocers or warehouse retailers.
A survey of 4,500 consumers, completed by Market Force Information, reports that Costco and Kroger are consumers’ favorite places to fill their gas tanks as of April 2012.
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Costco Drawn to Fuel Business
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Big box retailer Costco reported a significant earnings advance for its third fiscal quarter, and a top executive there reiterated that one of the major drivers for increased traffic at U.S. stores is gasoline.
The comments came from Costco chief financial officer Richard Galanti at a conference call covering 12-week earnings for the period ending May 6, 2012. As is customary, the retailer wouldn't comment on specific gasoline margins, but did reveal that fuel margins gained ground from the previous quarter. The higher penetration for gasoline hurts the company in its overall gross margin percentage, but it helps core operations, Galanti said.
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Store owners uneasy about online gaming idea
BOSTON -- As officials consider expanding the Massachusetts State Lottery into the world of online gambling, convenience store owners are balking at the idea that their business partner could become a competitor.
"Everyone has a finite amount of money that they can spend on gaming so the money that people spend online is not going to be spent in convenience stores," said Dennis Lane of the New England 7-11 Franchise Owners Association. Lane, who made his comments at the first Online Products Task Force meeting on Wednesday.
Mon, June 4th
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GETTY REALTY GOES TO COURT OVER UNAUTHORIZED GASOLINE SALES IN CONN.
Getty Realty has filed a lawsuit against a group of 38 gasoline dealers in Connecticut, with the purpose of stopping the supply, delivery and sale of gasoline from an unauthorized supplier to the motoring public, according to court documents filed with the U.S. District Court in Connecticut on June 12.
The court proceedings remain ongoing this week.
Getty Realty is seeking a permanent injunction to halt the alleged unauthorized wholesale fuel sales to these gasoline stations as well as awards of compensatory, punitive and consequential damages against each defendant.
Fri, June 22nd
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GASOLINE PRICE PLUNGE ACCELERATES AFTER FED, EIA SPEAK
The first day of summer is indeed living up to its reputation as "the longest day" in the northern hemisphere. Oil prices are under severe assault from financial fund players and even from refiners and traders, and they have tipped to their lowest numbers of 2012. The futures market is now pricing in retail pump prices of less than $3/gal later in 2012.
Wed, June 20th
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Shell, Excentus Begin Rolling Out Fuel Rewards Network
Initially available in about 40 markets, nearly 200 by yearend.
HOUSTON -- Shell and Excentus, a market leader in cents-per-gallon loyalty programs, will be kicking off the Fuel Rewards Network (FRN) program officially on June 4 (see Related Content below for previous CSP Daily News coverage).
The program will initially be available in more than 40 markets including Miami and San Francisco, with numerous additional cities rolling out each month. By yearend, the program will be available in nearly 200 markets across the country.
Mon, June 4th
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Getty Realty CEO Not Talking to Dealers
Driscoll rules out negotiations with retailers occupying Connecticut stations
JERICHO, N.Y. -- Getty Realty will not negotiate with 43 retailers it claims are illegally occupying stations it owns in Connecticut. While the dealers may find it "emotionally satisfying" to air their grievances, said Getty CEO David Driscoll, he doubts that such a sitdown would achieve very much.
"It is not in my power to give them what they want," Driscoll said in an interview first reported in a Raymond James/CSP Daily News Flash on Friday. "We are a real-estate investment trust [REIT], we are not in the business of entering into leases with dealers; we do not operate properties."
Mon, June 4th
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Getty Serves Eviction Notices
Tries to cut off dealers' supply source.
JERICHO, N.Y. -- Getty Realty Corp. continues to try to regain possession of several of its Connecticut stations. The company has now served eviction notices on dealers occupying the sites and is moving to choke off the independent fuel supply they have been buying from local jobbers, CSP Daily News has learned.
Fri, May 25th
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IS YOUR SHOP SERVICE-READY FOR THE FUTURE?
Your choice of tools and equipment, as well as the ability to use other resources, will affect your shop's level of competency and determine its ability to successfully compete in the years to come.
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MA Passes Right to Repair Bill
Senate, Thurs, May 17th, 2012 - The MA Senate passed a piece of Right to Repair legislation today.
NESSARA is evaluating this new bill, and will continue to work to ensure that any action taken on the Right to Repair issue it will truly benefit the automotive repair industry.
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NESSARA Scholarship Golf Tournament
GOLF TOURNAMENT POSTPONED
Juniper Hill Golf Course
NESSARA would like to thank all those who've expressed an interest in being involved in our annual golf tournament. Unfortunately this year's tournament will need to be postponed indefinitely.
We will contact all members when more information is available.
Matthew LeLacheur
Executive Director,
NESSARA
Wed, June 20th
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NASTF Spring 2012 General Meeting Report
Sunoco Retail Speculation Grows
Marathon Petroleum, Couche-Tard, Global Partners top list of possible buyers
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Getty Realty Corp. Repossesses 788 Properties
Getty enters into new lease agreements with affiliates of Lehigh Gas, Chestnut Petroleum Distributors, Ramoco Fuels and Sam's Food Stores.
Getty Realty Corp.'s master lease with Getty Petroleum Marketing Inc. (Marketing) has been rejected by Marketing effective April 30, 2012, pursuant to an order of the Bankruptcy Court.
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Lehigh Banks on IPO
Bethlehem fuels marketer seeks to cut debt, infuse new capital
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Fuel Price Projects Dropping
Senators Introduce Legislation to Close Tobacco Tax 'Loopholes'
Would create tax parity for all tobacco products at same per-unit level as cigarettes
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EPA Ruling to Eliminate Stage 2 Vapor Recovery at Retail
Changes reflect today’s vehicle technologies, which capture gasoline vapors when refueling.
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