Auto Parts Can Cost You Big

Auto parts. Something we really don't think much about. We buy our nice shiny new Honda or Jeep or Lexus or whatever and pray that it runs forever with no problems. And then if there is a problem we hope that the repair isn't too expensive and that the parts can be found with relative ease.

Welcome to the REAL world.

Auto parts sales is one of the largest industries in the world. Makes sense since almost everyone in the world has an automobile except maybe in underdeveloped countries. Some auto parts wear out rather quickly such as oil filters. Some last a little longer like brake shoes and pads. And then you have parts that thank goodness don't wear out very often at all like transmissions or cars would be impossible to maintain cost wise.

But there is more to an auto part than just the part itself. The make and model and year of your car will have a great impact on how much the part will cost to replace and how easy the part is to get.

Let us start with ease of obtaining. Obviously newer car parts will be easier to get than older ones. A friend of mine still has a 1975 Pontiac Lemans. To obtain parts for this car he has to literally go to junk yards and even online. No new car dealers keep parts beyond 10 years or so and even auto parts stores limit their inventory to cars under 20 years. A 30 year old vehicle is almost impossible to find parts for. Plus, if you can find the part, depending on where you get it, the cost could be anywhere from 20 to 100% over the original part cost. To say that late model car owners are taken advantage of would be a gross understatement.

But ease of obtaining is not just limited to the age of the car. Vehicles with a limited production are also hard to get parts for, especially if the vehicle is not a big seller. The reason for this is again obvious. Keeping inventory that is not going to be sold is expensive. So auto parts dealers keep limited supplies for these vehicles.

As for the price of auto parts, aside from the age of the vehicle there is the make and model. In this case foreign car parts are much more expensive than domestically made cars. Most people who buy foreign cars don't realize this or even think about it until it comes time to get their vehicle repaired. Then they get hit with the bill and their eyes pop out of their head. For example, an oil filer for a 2005 Buick Century is about $2.98. The same oil filter for a Honda CRV is $3.98. It's basically the same filter for the Honda but it costs $1.00 more. That comes out to a 33% markup on a relatively cheap part. Imagine that same 33% markup on a part that costs $60 for the Buick. You'd be paying about $80 for the same part for the Honda.

The best way to get the best price for auto parts is to shop around. Look on the Internet. Go to auto parts auctions. Go to junk yards, though you don't want a used part for something critical like an engine. Some things like door handles and non functional items like those are fine. Most likely they won't go bad for a while. But for items that keep your car running, if you can afford it, it is best to get new.

Auto parts is big business. Just don't get caught up in the money pit it can land you in.

Skoda Auto: The Story of the Ugly Duckling

It is no secret that the Czech Republic's biggest car maker Skoda Auto has been in the past - a laughing stock in the automotive world. But things are finally turning around for the automaker and right now it has become a profit producing force for its owner Volkswagen.

The Czech Republic's biggest car maker is also planning to open up new markets in China, India, and Russia. Skoda Auto was bought by Volkswagen in the year 1991 and become one of the forces behind the latter's global force. And as part of Europe's largest automaker, Skoda Auto makes use of quality Volkswagen auto parts for its production like the popular Volkswagen spark plug wires.

Skoda Auto was able to record net profits for the last week of 2006 totaling to 11.06 billion koruna or 392 million euros (515 million dollars). It obtained a 40% increase as compared to its earnings in the previous year.

Skoda Auto's production also increased by 12.6 percent or 556,347 units with successful deliveries of up 11.7 percent resulting to an overall sales increase of 8.7 percent to 203.7 billion koruna. For this year, Europe's largest automaker Volkswagen owner of Skoda is expecting for it to produce more than 600,000 cars.

According to Marc-Rene Tonn an analyst from German bank MM Warburg and Co., "Skoda is an extremely profitable part of the Volkswagen Group." He also stressed that about one in every 10 Volkswagen Group cars are produced in the Czech Republic especially those sold in the year 2005. This was seconded by Stephen Pope, a London-based analyst with financial services group Cantor Fitzgerald Europe, "Volkswagen will rely heavily on Audi and Skoda during this current period." Since he said that the Europe's largest automaker is currently struggling with an ageing range of models and it needs new launches to revive it. "The whole new image of Skoda has changed. It is no longer taken as a joke and is now seen as a pure derivative of Volkswagen, but much more reasonably priced."

Pope also added that this simply shows the remarkable development that Skoda Auto has achieved under the management of Volkswagen for the past 15 years as part of the VW Group. Praises also to Volkswagen for being steadfast in its decision not to scrap the Skoda brand in spite of the not so good image that the brand has in Western Europe (DaimlerChrysler could used some advice from Volkswagen).

The turning of the Skoda into one of Volkswagen's flagship producer of reasonably priced reliable cars just goes to show the effective management style that Europe's largest automaker have. And today, Volkswagen is leading Skoda to become its low-cost spearhead into the booming economies of China, India, and Russia without damaging along the way it attempts to target a more prestige market.

Pope also said that "Skoda will be designated as the entry level car with the premium part of the market left for Volkswagen."

The boss of Skoda Detlef Wittig has announced last week the company's goal of producing low-cost car for the Asian market, mentioning also that the company plans of opening up markets in India, Russia, and China. The low-cost Fabia and the top-of-the-range Superb are scheduled to be produced for China in partnership with Shanghai Volkswagen. Likewise, launches production of the mid-range Octavia model are set for China this year.

The Czech automaker has already car assembly and production projects in Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Bosnia, and India. Current models lined up for production includes the mid-range Roomster which will complete the current four model range and the three-door sporty vehicle called the Skoda Joyster which is designed for young buyers.

Buying Truck Parts Or Accessories Online

Maybe you have a truck that needs a new transmission. Maybe you're trying to restore an older truck to its previous condition. Maybe you've been having a hard time finding the automotive parts you need for your particular vehicle through your local sources. No matter what your situation you might want to consider looking for the items you need via the Internet.

Good Reasons

Although the Internet may not be the traditional place to go if you're in need of auto parts, it can provide you with more resources so you are more likely to find what you need. Local auto parts stores can only contain a limited supply of items. Their warehouse space is limited, and they need to provide the parts which are going to be required by the largest number of people. That might mean you're just going to be out of luck if you're looking for a foreign model part or for older truck parts that simply aren't in great demand any more.

When you go online, however, you'll be able to find web sites that offer huge selections of these parts so that you can more easily find whatever it is you need with little problem. In many cases, you might even find a lower price because of the reduced overhead associated with running an online store versus a traditional brick and mortar venue.

Other Issues

If you're using the Internet, you'll also have more control over the part you choose and can shop around more for a good price. If you go into an truck parts store and ask for a part, generally you're going to buy that part even if you end up paying a hefty mark-up over what you might have spend at another location. With the Internet, you know how much the part is going to cost and can easily decide not to complete the purchase.

Choosing a Site

There are number of online resources available on the internet that can help you in finding auto parts of your choice from a wide range of products available. You just need to pick right web store that can provide you with quality products at right price and with good service.

Pune Auto Industry Driving Towards Recovery Lane

After witnessing a lean phase for over 9 months, the Pune auto component industry is now gradually showing signs of recovery. The mood among the SME auto part makers, which was once grim, is now turning upbeat as demand in the domestic market has started picking up.

Following the start of the current financial year, orders have once again started pouring in for small-scale automotive equipment players, thereby offering them a new lease of life.

Positive turnaround

More than 4,500 SMEs operating in the automotive and engineering verticals in and around Pune city are now heaving a collective sigh of relief thanks to the resurgence in auto parts demand.

As a direct consequence of the recent surge in sales and increase in orders, capacity utilisation by SME units has also risen significantly, climbing to nearly 70% over the last 3 months.

"A few months back, several auto ancillary units in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Talegaon, Pune, Bhosari and Chakan among others had to reduce their output levels and lay off a large number of their employees in the wake of sluggish demand both on the global and domestic front. However, as the scenario is improving, the SME auto part makers are once again witnessing a rise in capacity utilisation of up to 70%," said N Patil, proprietor of Sudal Industries, an auto component supplying unit in Pune.

The sudden spurt in demand has also provided a boost to the small-scale units engaged in vehicle engineering, prototypes, automation, robotics and material handling services.

"We are witnessing increased inquiries as a result of the recent push in the sales of vehicles seen in the domestic market. New orders by domestic auto companies are being placed, thereby prompting SMEs to work at full capacity," said N Bhave, MD, AUTOMAG India in Pune.

Though the demand has gone up in the recent past, bringing cheer to the Auto Parts Manufacturers hub in Pune, it would still take some time for the global auto market to recover fully.

How to Repair a Scratch on Your Car - Paint Repair and Auto Spray Painting

Car scratches eventually appear in a way of almost every car owner. There are many methods of dealing with them however painting it over with an auto spray gives the best result. If you have enough experience you will be able to paint over even a big scratch but a beginner also can manage to repair imperfections on his vehicle. Here are the steps to follow:

First, it is necessary to clean metal from dirt and rust. Dirt is removed by washing the panel with soapy water. When dry, sand out the scratch and surrounding area with sandpaper. Then you need to apply putty on a surface. It should consist of two components (with a hardener). Do not choose epoxy putty otherwise, it will dry for 24 hours. Use rubber or thin metal pallet for alignment.

It will take 20 minutes to dry up with a temperature of 200C (392F). At this stage, you may also use auto filler primer that is specially designed to fill scratches and imperfections and perfectly replaces putty. It can be found in auto stores but if you are after budget repair - putty will work just fine.

Next step, condition the surface with sandpaper of different calibers starting with sharp and then moving to a fine one. The panel should be ideally smooth to the touch. To make it this way use ultrafine 2000-3000 grit sandpaper and running water.

Now it is time to apply a primer. When primer layer is dry, you can start painting. To make sure the colour will match your car, enamel should be selected under number specified in the service book of the car. If you will paint your car in garage, take care that dust and moisture in it would be as little as possible otherwise fine motes will definitely get on a fresh paint.

Use masking tape and thick paper to cover parts that are not going to be painted. Make several light applications of a spray paint on a surface. Paint is put in two layers. First - thin, second - thicker. Time interval before applying second layer is 6 to 8 minutes. Average time of drying is about 2 hours, and full fixing of paint takes 24 hours.

When paint is dry, you can remove paper and masking tape. If you notice some imperfections such as drips or rough edges, you can fix it using ultrafine sandpaper. When finished apply a top coat over the painted surface and let it dry. There is no scratch anymore!

How To Find Parts And Accessories For Your Volkswagen Jetta

The Volkswagen Jetta has been the corporation's fastest selling model on the American Market, as it captivates the American consumer more than it does the European ones. Its continued growth and appeal is tied almost directly to the all-important American automobile market.

Throughout Volkswagen's 50 years in the US it has consistently caught the attention of every type of American consumer; the young, the old, the man, the woman, the rich and the not so rich. Even though VW had a few slips in performance and availability, it has still captured and held the attention of the American driver; much to the chagrin of its rivals.

The Jetta's completely recreated frame and body now features a longer wheelbase, wider stance, chrome-framed grille in front, and is, undeniably, the new face of VW. Chrome is a recurring feature of the Jetta. Chrome is also employed in the making of the eyebrows above the engine's air inlets, and on similar models for their side-window surrounds.

There are many stores that can be found online that specialize in Volkswagen parts, including the Jetta's grille. Since they specialize in the parts, they never compromise the caliber of the Jetta grille and promises that any Jetta part you purchase will be of the highest quality, meeting the Volkswagen standards for quality every time. You need not worry that this quality comes with a hefty price tag. These web stores offer these Jetta parts for the lowest prices and are just a click on the mouse away.

The Volkswagen Jetta's most appealing attribute is the prominent thrust and slope of the car's snout. The headlights, inlets, and grilles are all blended into the Jetta's raked rear flow. At the Jetta's rear, is a multi-link independent suspension, which greatly enhances the ride and the driver's control on the road. Jetta's steering is power assisted. This assistance is electro-mechanical, not hydraulic as some would think.

If you're in the market for Jetta's headlights and suspension, online automotive stores feature high caliber parts at low prices. They can assure you that purchasing from them will guarantee 100% customer satisfaction. By using these stores to supply you with your Volkswagen needs, you can experience excellent service staff and easy shopping for your replacement Jetta parts. Since they specialize in these parts, they offer a Jetta suspension that is the best on the market, unlike the suspension systems that some auto parts dealers would try to pawn off on you.

The Volkswagen Jetta is well known for being the most economically priced of the European sedans in America. This status has remained unchanged even after the release of the 2005 model. By using an online store that specializes in Volkswagen parts, you can be assured that the Jetta parts you want are in stock, will be shipped quickly if ordered from the online store, and are perfectly priced for your pocketbook.

Why Chinese Auto Parts Stocks Could Be Valuable

The invasion has begun and there's nothing we can do about it. If I were an auto parts manufacturer in North American, I'd be concerned.

In early February, I wrote about an auto parts manufacturer in this column that's planning a major global expansion. The company recently announced its first sales order in the North American market.

Based in Jinzhou City, Liaoning, China, Wonder Auto Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ/WATG) operates through a number of subsidiaries that design and manufacture automotive electrical parts and suspension components. In 2006, the company ranked second in sales of automotive alternators and starters in the China market.

Wonder Auto Technology currently sells five different series and over 150 models of alternators, 70 models of starters and various suspension-related parts, supplying a number of auto makers, engine producers and auto parts suppliers in China and abroad. Some of the company's customers include Beijing Hyundai Motor Company, Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi Motors Engine Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Harbin Dongan Automotive Engine Manufacturing Co., Ltd., and Tianjin FAW Xiali Automotive Co., Ltd.

Recently, Wonder Auto Technology opened an office in Detroit and hired a former executive from Delphi. The company just reported that one of its subsidiaries, Jinzhou Halla Electrical Equipment Co., Ltd., received a four-year supply agreement for its starter and alternator products from a major North American OEM automotive manufacturer. The company didn't offer the name of the customer.

All of the units will be delivered directly to the customer's facility in North America and the total value of the contracts is expected to be over thirteen and a half million dollars. Now, this is a small order by any measure, but I think it's the beginning of a major offensive by this company to penetrate the domestic auto parts business.

The great advantage that Chinese manufacturers have is their extremely low labor costs. The auto parts business is already extremely competitive in the domestic market and now there's a new entrant that offers enormous economies of scale.

The Chinese are about to invade the domestic auto parts business and, to be blunt, I'd much rather be an investor than a competitor in that industry.