Archive for December, 2009

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Used Oil: An Often Overlooked resource

December 31st, 2009

oilThere was an excellent article recently published by American Recycler magazine, written by Mike Breslin, explaining in detail how the use of used oil is much more environmentally friendly than the refining of new oil.  Used oil is nothing new to the automotive recycling industry, as auto recyclers have long been capturing and recycling used oil from automobiles, often using this oil to heat their facilities through the winter.

It is estimated that each recycled vehicle yields one gallon of combustible fluids. Such large generators of used oil as LKQ Corp., who processed 441,000 automobiles in 2008, often sell their excess used oil to consolidators, haulers and processors. To learn more about the environmental benefits of used oil click here for the full article.  Please leave you comments on our blog!

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Posted in Green Recycling

Right to Repair Act Gains 51 Cosponsors in US House of Representatives

December 28th, 2009

right_to_repairThe ARA backed Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act (HR 2057), which was introduced in April of his year, has finally gained backing from more members in Congress.  HR 2057 now boasts 51 cosponsors supporting the proposed act.  The Right to Repair Act – sponsored by Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-NY) – protects the rights of consumers to diagnose, service, maintain, and repair their motor vehicles, and for other purposes.  Finally, repair shops will have access to automotive dealer’s confidential information, allowing consumers to repair their vehicles at a reduced cost.

HR 2057 requires the manufacturer of a motor vehicle sold, leased, or otherwise introduced into U.S. commerce to: (1) provide to the vehicle owner and service providers all information necessary to diagnose, service, maintain, or repair the vehicle; (2) offer for sale to the vehicle owner and service providers any related tool or equipment; and (3) provide the information that enables aftermarket tool companies to manufacture tools with the same functional characteristics. Exempts trade secrets, so long as the information is not disclosed to authorized dealers or service providers.

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Posted in Legislative Issues

Health Care Reform Package Passes US Senate

December 25th, 2009

HEALTHCAREThe Senate approved a landmark health-care bill Thursday morning around 7:15 am by a party line vote of 60-39 that is purported to provide coverage to more than 30 million people . 

For the first time, most Americans would be required to obtain health insurance, either through their employer or via new, government-regulated exchanges. Those who can’t afford insurance plans would receive federal subsidies. And Medicaid would be vastly expanded to reach millions of low-income children and adults.

Final negotiations between both Senate- and House- passed bills will begin after Christmas to see if both bills can be merged together in an amicable compromise for passage.  A conference committee, consisting of Senate and House members will iron out the differences in the bill, which are expected to stretch through January and perhaps into February.

It was the Senate’s first Christmas Eve vote since 1895, when the matter at hand was a military affairs bill concerning employment of former Confederate officers, according to the Senate Historical Office.

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Posted in Legislative Issues

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Volkswagen Sees German Car Market Below 3 Million in 2010

December 23rd, 2009

vwAccording to Automotive News Europe KALUGA, Russia (Reuters) – Germany’s car market will fall sharply next year after a boost from the government’s car scrappage scheme ends, Detlef Wittig, Volkswagen AG’s, sales chief, said on Tuesday.

Wittig said he expected Germany’s car sales to fall below 3 million units in 2010 from 3.7 million this year.

New-car sales in Germany rose 26.1 percent to just under 3 million in the first nine months compared with the year before, helped by a government-backed incentive offering owners 2,500 euros to trade in old cars for newer models. The scheme was launched in February and ended in September.

Wittig said VW is very positive about its sales in the third and added that VW needs to digest its deal with Porsche before considering other acquisitions.  “We will be stable this year in terms of unit sales. This is better than what we have expected. Third quarter was very good,” he said.

Russia optimism
VW CEO Martin Winterkorn said the Russian car market will rise as much as 30 percent by 2018 from its peak 2008 levels.

Russian car sales have halved this year because of the financial crisis.
Winterkorn said he saw some 3.6 million cars selling in Russia annually by 2018.
Both executives were speaking at a ceremony to mark the start of full production at VW’s new plant in Kaluga, 174 km southwest of Moscow.

Under the first stage of the project, the plant has already produced over 100,000 vehicles from the Volkswagen and Skoda brands for the Russian market since it began assembling semi-knockdown kits in November 2007.

Staring next year, full annual production will be 150,000 vehicles

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Posted in Uncategorized

Never a Dull Moment in Automotive Recycling

December 22nd, 2009

horseHas anyone ever had a horse walk into their showroom before?  Well, ARA Secretary Chris Wright of Capital Auto Parts in Thomasville, GA definitly has.  Chris said he had a customer walk in today with a huge horse.  Turns out the horse wasn’t as interested in the automotive parts as he was fascinated by his reflection in a large mirror hanging on the wall.  “He didn’t want to leave,’ says Chris ’ and he stank up the whole showroom. 

There is one thing for sure – you never know what each day in the automotive recycling industry will bring!  Share some of your wild tales with the Industry…

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Posted in Uncategorized