October 11, 2015 / como / 0 Comments
Floor plan financing is a key element of the auto industry in both Canada and the United States . Exactly what is floor plan financing and how does it work?
This type of financing is in effect a short term inventory financing for both new and used car dealerships . Traditionally the floor plan industry was geared towards what we know as franchise dealers, i.e those dealers representing product for the likes of GM, CHRYSLER, FORD, etc .
The financing allows the dealers to carry sufficient inventory to satisfy customer needs and demands re model types, accessories, options, etc . It is an extremely large market in what is of course a multi billion dollar industry .
When floor planning financing works properly it is effective, has a reasonable cost attached to the financing, and is totally transparent to the consumer . As consumers when we drive past auto dealerships, either new or used, we don’t care how the inventory got there, we just know its there for us to examine and purchase .
Floor plan financing is executed on both a small and large basis . It is not unusual for finance firms to use more esoteric finance vehicles such as asset backed commercial paper, Special Investment Vehicles ( commonly called SIV’s ) etc. to finance the billions of dollars of inventory that the industry needs to move product through .
Naturally, whether we are talking about the largest GM dealer in town, or a small used car dealership with multi lines of vehicles there has to be a finance program that can grow and backstop that inventory .
In the Canadian marketplace as an example, with which this writer is more familiar , the independent dealers have as much need as franchise dealers for this valuable type of financing .
We have all read recently that many of the tier one floor plan firms such as GMAC and CHRYSLER CREDIT have withdrawn substantially from the market . This has allowed a number of private firms to enter the market and capitalize on the withdrawal of the ‘ big boys ‘ . Additionally, as the banks perceived the auto market as significantly more risky in the current 2008-2010 economic turmoil they also have scaled bank in their previous focus on floor plan financing for car dealerships .
Finance firms that execute well on floor plan financing initiatives are those that of course properly funded ; they also know how to collateralize the inventory through proper legal documentation and registration. The average term for a car being on the auto lot tends to be within 30-90 days . The floor plan financier registers liens on the vehicle, and when the vehicle is sold that lien is removed . The finance firm of course profits from the ability to charge the dealership interest over that 30-90 day period . Naturally this process repeats itself continuously . Lenders must have reasonable confidence in the financial viability of the dealer, more experienced and financially solvent dealers can naturally command larger floor planning facilities . Dealers also are subject to rigorous audits of the inventory . The lender wants to know the car is still there and hasn’t been sold and not paid for of course! Therefore VIN ( vehicle identification numbers ) are checked regularly by finance company personnel , insurance is validated, and random inspections are common
Overall the auto floor plan facility is a key aspect of the automotive market , and is a significant benefit to both new an car dealers alike .
October 8, 2015 / como / 0 Comments
No matter where you may be in the world, the building industry has its fluctuations, and that includes the United Kingdom and Europe. Some areas tend to be harder hit than others are, such as the residential markets are, but in spite of those trends, little of the industry declines affect the job of a site manager.
Though there may be some residential areas where a site manager is utilized, such as in new construction of entire areas of homes, the job of a site manager is more visible in the commercial building industry. It is also not a position that is limited to that of new construction, either. So just what is the function of a site manager? Some of the duties that he may be required to perform include the following:
#Ordering new material
#Replacing material that has been exhausted
#Assuring that his site has enough manpower to perform the assigned tasks within contract guidelines
#Preparing reports and status updates for regional and other managers of his company
#Seeing that workers follow all safety procedures and that any accidents are recorded and reported to the proper authorities
#Using his expertise in the building industry as a means of knowing when changes in the original plans or projected completion dates are necessary
#Being on the site to follow the daily operation of the project
Of course, the construction industry is not the only industry that may have a site manager, but they are the most common and usually the one to which advertisements for this position refer. Although the commercial building site manager is more common, that of a residential site manager is just as demanding and in addition may require him to assume the role of a sales agent as well. When new residential construction is in the process, sometimes potential buyers will take the time to look if they like what they see. If there is not sales office they can visit, the site manager may assume the role of a sales manager. This may include a tour of the neighbourhood, review of blueprints and plans, a discussion of the sales price, and answering any questions the potential buyer may have.
For someone who has an interest in a position as a building site manager, be prepared for something very diverse that may something require your expertise and knowledge of the building industry while in other situations, you may need to be a liaison between your company and the potential buyers.
October 7, 2015 / como / 0 Comments
In today’s world, the gas prices are continuing to soar and consumers are hurting financially. It’s not something we worry about in the moment, but over time the costs can become quite overwhelming, especially with something considered a necessity. So it’s no surprise we’re focusing on fuel efficient vehicles more than ever.
If you have recently visited an auto show, you will find vehicle manufacturers falling over each other trying to tout the fuel efficiency of their products to potential customers. So, if you are also in the market for a truck that offers superlative fuel economy; here is separating the top pick up performers from the gas guzzlers
2009 Ford Ranger Pickup 2WD: This fuel efficient vehicle provides 21mpg in the city and 27 if you’re on the highway. It’s considered to be one of the best options available. This 4-cylinder, 2.3L engine comes with a 5-speed transmission, and 3 different options; XL, XLT, and Sport. However, it does offer an automatic transmission as well.
This rear wheel driven pick up can take you 400 miles once the 19.5 gallon tank is topped of. The safety features of the 2WD are at part with other Ford offerings and include 2 staged frontal air bags along with side seat air bags, 4-wheel ABS braking and Roll stability control.
The 2009 Mazda B2300 offers a 2-door, 3-seat pickup. The fuel efficiency here is unbelievable considering it has a standard 2.3L engine with 4-cylinder engine. The end result allows you to gain 19mpg around the city and 24 mpg if you’re on the highway. You can purchase the B2300 in two different trims; the M5 and the A5. You will find that the manual transmission of the M5 gives a little bit better highways mileage (26mpg). In the end, this option is well known for both its economical and efficient performance.
2010 GMC Canyon: There are 14 trims available with the 2010 GMC Canyon. It’s 2.9L, 4 cylinder engine gives you 18mpg city miles and 25mpg highway miles.
The automatic transmission range starts with the SLT 4×4 CRew Cab ISC Heavy-Duty; this pick up has a 3.7 L , 4-cylinder engine that gives a in city mileage of 17 mpg and can easily do 23 mpg on the highway. The GMC Canyon is equipped with curtain 1st and 2nd row airbags along with StabiliTrack stability control.
The 2009 Silverado from Chevrolet offers a 15 Hybrid 2WD. This half ton 5-seater comes with 4 doors and 4 trims. You can get a range from 1HY 4×2 to a 2HY 4×4. It’s definitely known for its’ fuel efficiency, even though it comes in a 1HY 4×2, 8-cylinder, 6L engine. Your mileage around town can reach 21mpg, while highway miles are 22mpg. If you purchase the 2HY 4×4 you will get the same type of mileage benefits, but with automatic transmission.
Those who enjoy as much safety as possible will get overhead and side seat mounted airbags, Proactive Roll Avoidance Stability control, and 4-wheel ABS anti-lock brakes.
The GMC Sierra is another fuel efficient option. This is especially true for the 2010 1500 Hybrid that offers a 3HA 4×2 to 3HB 4×4. The cost effective rates are fantastic for this 4-door, 5-seater, and comes in both a manual and automatic transmission. Mileage wise you’re looking at 22mpg on the highway, and 21mpg in the city. If you do want a 5-speed automatic transmission, you will have to go with the 3HA 4×2.
It also comes with driveline traction control, side and overhead airbags, and an anti-brake system. Today, the GMC Sierra is considered the “Best Overall Value of the Year” vehicle in the full-size category (4-door, 5-seater).
2010 Chevy Avalanche 1500: If you want power then you will be extremely happy with the 2010 Chevy Avalanche 1500 (8cyl, 5.3L) Manual and automatic transmissions are both available, as well as six different trim options. Whether it’s the LS 4×2 or the LTZ 4×4, you will definitely have plenty of choices. Each one offers the same engine configuration, but the miles you get in the city (15mpg) aren’t very appealing.
If you’re looking for a half ton truck you should take a look at the 2010 Chevy Colorado. This 2-door, 3-seat option can provide plenty of highway miles (25mpg), but the city miles are definitely lacking (18mpg).
There are plenty of trims at your disposal (16), which is everything from the Work Truck 4×2, to the 2LT 4×4 Crew Cab. The Work Truck offers a standard 4 cylinder, 2.9L engine, which is better on the overall mileage. When you pick the latter you’re looking at a more powerful engine (3.7L, 5 cylinders), as well as an automatic transmission.
This model can just do 16 mpg in the city as opposed to the 21 mpg performance on the highway. This vehicle is offered with standard safety features and is well known for the increased roominess that it provides.
Since there are still gas guzzlers out there you definitely have to be careful. So do your research and you will find the right choice for you. We recommend staying away from the 2009 Hummer, the Nissan Titan, and the Toyota Tundra, because they only provide 12-13mpg in the city.
If you don’t have to money to buy the best MPG pick up truck you can increase the fuel economy of your current pick up truck by using a truck bed cover and by simply changing your driving habits.
October 6, 2015 / como / 0 Comments
Some people who want to become automotive service technicians may be limited in obtaining an education because they cannot afford to take time off work from their current automotive position to advance their education. At Centennial College, students don’t have to choose. With the post-secondary’s automotive service technician training, there is an earn-while-you-learn approach. That makes it possible to learn while still making a living. How? First, during the three eight-week in-school sessions of the automotive service technician apprenticeship, students may qualify for income support through Employment Insurance Canada benefits or training allowance. Meanwhile, there are also five periods of 1,800 hours with an employer during which students are fully compensated for their work. In addition, if that time period doesn’t fit their schedule, students can complete the program by attending one day a week for three years or two evenings a week for three years.
To apply for this automotive service technician training, students have completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent and be employed as an apprentice. However, they cannot apply directly to the college or ontariocolleges.ca for admission. For general information about apprenticeship registration, students are asked to contact the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
Once they have gone through the application process and been accepted, students will discover a program that puts the emphasis on ensuring they obtain a good working knowledge of all of a vehicle’s systems: engines, electrical/electronics, fuels, transmissions and drivelines, steering, suspension and brakes. This occurs through the provinces largest transportation training centre, Ashtobee Campus. This facility houses workshop labs that simulate a real life environment and include tools of the trade and entire cars and car parts that have been donated to the school, on which students practice. Leading the students are professionals from the field who can offer one-on-one instruction as well as share their own experiences. More specifically, during their in-school sessions students learn car systems by attending the following automotive service technician training courses: Drive Train Systems, Electrical/Electronic & Emission Systems, Engine Systems, Work Practices and Procedures, and Suspension/Steering and Brake Systems.
After learning about a certain aspect of being an automotive service technician, students spend time with an employer showcasing their skills, encountering customers and practicing in a real-life setting. Upon graduation from Centennial College, students have the potential to be hired by their apprenticeship employers, full-time. In fact, more than other industry, the automotive service technician field looks for apprentices and workers who enter the sector having already experienced hands-on situations. Positions for those with automotive service technician training can be found in: vehicle and parts manufacturers, dealers, garages and service stations, retailers, governments, corporations with their own fleets as well as in self-employment.
October 6, 2015 / como / 0 Comments
Automobile manufacturers sell their products and its accessories globally. Presales and post sales teams carry information to their customers. These information is commonly available only in one language. When the manufacturer decides to sell his car globally they have to translate the information using a professional translation company or otherwise using a translation service provider in the local language. For e.g in India if a car manufacture decides to sell his car, then he needs to translate pre sale information and post sale information in to 14 languages. Information translated into local language helps buyers to decide and know more about the car better. So translation services help car manufacturers to sell cars in any international market comfortably.
In a given scenario, company do user guide translation, manual translation, accessory manual translation, assembly document translation, OEM manual translation, electrical wiring diagram translation, etc.
Car companies from Germany will typically use translation service providers to translate documents and manuals from German to English translation , German technical translation is a very specialized translation services area.
Using a translator to do automobile translation?
Typically translation companies or translation service providers use native speakers to do automobile translation. In addition to it some companies use domain experts to perform translation services. People with automobile background or working in automobile related industry with translation experience will be asked to perform translation services. This ensure accurate translation. Such professional translation services are required when an automobile is launched in another country speaking different language. Language services are vital for each and every company into the automobile business.
An automobile manufacturer can do the following before selecting a translation company? Or a translation agency?
What type of formatting do the translation service offer? Is it words, excel, PDF? Does it meet your criteria?
In translation, accuracy is everything. Loss of it can result in embarrassment and loss of professional reputation. So, before signing contract with particular translation service you need to go through its previous work
You should inquire whether particular translation service has qualified team off professional translators or not? The translator also needs to be familiar with the grammar rules in languages, the idioms, and their writing conventions.
No matter which translation service company you are considering to hire, their proofing and editing policies should a factor into your decision.
What measures do the translation service opt to keep your documents confidential? Will translation service is ready to sign an NDA (Non Disclosure Agreement), if necessary?
Do they use native translators to do your translation?
Do they use domain experts to perform your translation? Say for e.g an automobile translation requires a automotive professional. Medical translation requires medical professionals?
Are they an ISO 9001 certified translation Agency? Or an EN 15038 certified Translation Company?
If the above check list is performed before selecting a translation company, the auto manufacturer will continue to get professional translation services.