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From: Lance (There is More to Life than a Lube, Oil and Filter)
Date: 29 Dec 2003
Time: 02:43:24
The world of ATF is sure getting interesting isn't it? Ever ask yourself why? Toyota's T-4 doesn't look or feel all that different but that is what is required for Toyota Products. Daimler Chryslers ATF+4 Must stand for plus four dollars you say? Ford's "Mercon SP is much different than that of GM's "Dextron H" right? Well, yes and no. But it does make a difference. The new ATFs are changing for a couple of reasons, one to make more money and keep that money in house, sure that is one reason. But remember automatic transmissions are changing too. Many new automatic transmissions get a 10% increase in efficiency, but using a different strategy. The new automatic transmissions in many cases lock up and shift at high speeds rather than using the slip method. This will require a more durable fluid with anti-shutter friction properties. It will also need improved oxidation formulas and high torque capacities. Now we see OEM ATF on it's way. Just when you thought you had another way to make money theywish to zap all the profit out and cause you increased inventory costs due to multiple brands. Another reason is to get those customers back their dealers for increased profits in their shops at the dealerships, so the dealership can make more money and the Manufacturer can get more for the cars and supplies and all those OEM fluids. This strategy is working on oils which are said to improve lubrication, increase oil change intervals and make the customer believe they need to do all routine maintenance at the dealership. Dealerships want to make those mandatory mileage check-ups so they can increase volumes in their bays which usually account for 50% or more of thier total sales. Even with all those right to repair laws at: http://www.righttorepair.org and http://thomas.loc.gov and http://www.nastf.org you are still fighting the marketing and reasonable explanation for this. Here are some other interesting sites: http://www.intellevue.com and http://www.thompsonassociates.com . Back to ATF, if you have your heart set on doing ATF services, have a strategy and know you data and specifically your brand counts and do not get overly burdened with all these different ATFs in containers and quantities that you may not use. Take a sampling of the last 6 months and see where you are at with the types of services you are rendering and the number of each make of car coming into your facility before going hog wild. If you are currently selling ATF at a good clip pay attention as newer cars and manufacturers continue to specify certain fluids. Stay heads up.
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