Lubes in the News

Oil change companies (and such) making headlines this week:

• They're still at it, pushing the "3,000-Mile Oil Change Myth" website out in California.

• Auto dealership to offer 24-hour quick lube.

• Lube shop opens in San Marcos.

• Utah students win Jiffy Lube scholarships.

• Recap of Walmart's anti-union efforts at an Arizona Tire & Lube Express.

• A VIOC leases space in San Diego for $7,800/month.

• New Sam's Club to feature oil changes.

• Satisfied customer sounds off after a trip to Jiffy Lube.

Internal Combustion Will Soldier On

According to a recent interview with outgoing Honda president Takeo Fukui, the internal combustion engine will be the powerplant of choice for vehicles well into the future. Fukui told Automotive News that the best way to make hybrid powerplants more efficient is to make the internal combustion engine component more efficient.

Fukui also hinted that he foresees a day when automotive engines and transmissions are single components, much like they are in motorcycles.

Lubes in the News

Oil change companies making headlines this week:

• Police arrest two for quick lube break-in.

• Wisconsin TV station discourses on synthetic motor oil (Bonus video).

• A Jiffy Lube's experience with mobile marketing.

• Lube/carwash hits the auction block.

• Shop joins "Welcome Neighbor" campaign.

• Express Oil Change opens its first shop in Louisiana.

• U.S. News & World Report stresses oil changes.

• Lube techs injured in shop accident.

Most GM Dealers Sign Agreements

According to Automotive News, 98 percent of the 1,138 dealerships GM targeted for termination have signed agreements to wind down operations. Only 30 dealerships refused to sign the agreement; GM has lumped them into the "bad" GM whose assets will be distributed through bankruptcy. GM did reverse 60 terminations on appeal.

No Diesel for Ram 1500

Chrysler has announced that it is canceling plans to add a Cummins diesel engine to its Ram 1500 pickups. First announced last year, the plan would have seen a smaller version of Cummins venerable inline six-cylinder diesel engine already used in heavy-duty Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups installed in the Ram 1500. But Chrysler's recent bankruptcy has scuttled those plans going forward.

Lubes in the News

Oil change companies making headlines in recent weeks (as I've been on a much-deserved vacation):

• A free registration is required, but here's an update on EZ Lube's bankruptcy case. Anyone want to buy a lube company?

• Report on the results of a new Web-based loyalty program.

• Minnesota lube shop reopens under new management.

• Jiffy Lube hands out scholarships.

• Thieves pry into a fast lube's safe. Bonus video.

• The "Car Guys" talk about a Walmart oil change.

• Valvoline Instant Oil Changes raise money for kids.

• Groundbreaking for the first Lucas Oil Service Center. More here.

• More on Valvoline's groundbreaking "Engine Guarantee."

Congress Fights for Dealerships

Now that every American man, woman and child owns about $167 of Government, er, General Motors, Congress is weighing in and trying to prevent bankrupt Chrysler and GM from closing their dealerships, a move most experts in the auto industry have stated is key to the companies returning to profitability and paying the taxpayers back our $50 billion. (Like that's ever going to happen!) Read all about it here.

Car Sales Rise (Sort Of)

Okay, so maybe the "rise" is in reality just a lessening of the overall decline. Read more here.

GM Cuts Oil Costs

Better late than never, GM cuts the cost of its motor oil.

By the way, the $30 billion that U.S. taxpayers have poured into GM would have purchased some 1.5 million new cars (at $20,000 each). It's just me, but wouldn't it have been better business to simply buy 1.5 million new vehicles from GM and auction or raffle those off to needy families or businesses? Of course, that would make too much sense, and the government is anything but sensible!

Lubes in the News

Oil change companies making headlines this week:

• A New York carwash/fast lube is honored by a popular magazine. More here.

• A customer shares a bad experience at a Walmart Tire & Lube Express.

• Spotlighting a VIOC employee's sweet ride.

• Arizona Jiffy Lubes partner with local food banks.

• Giving kudos to a Grease Monkey for good service.