HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2007-04-12, Page 22(MS) - Pickup trucks and sport-
utility vehicles (SUVs) continue to
be some of the most popular
automobiles on the road today.
Statistics show that new light truck
sales (pickups and SUVs) have
increased annually by 39.2 per cent
in recent years, showing sales of
over 9.2 million in 2004.
And those light truck owners do
more than just drive their vehicles.
They’re one of the largest segments
of automotive customers who spend
thousands on accessorizing their
vehicles after purchase.
Oftentimes, these improvements
occur mere months after purchase.
For automotive repair shops and
vehicle-accessory businesses,
appealing to this consumer can be a
profitable way to expand upon
business. Adding items such as step
bars, trailer hitches and tonneau
covers to the list of regular service
items can help to gain a better
bottom line.
Diversifying the number of
services and options your business
can handle will ensure increased
business traffic and help solidify
your place as a one-stop shopping
resource for automotive needs. It
may also help set your shop apart
from some of the mega-chains that
do not specialize in these
aftermarket accessories or
installation.
Here’s a look at some of the more
popular truck accessories:
· Step bars: These are both
practical and attractive. They enable
easy access to trucks that sit higher
than traditional vehicles. They’re
also particularly attractive to women
who desire the tall stance of a truck,
but prefer ease in entering.
· Tonneau (sometimes seen as
“tonno”) covers: These covers come
in a variety of styles, from flip-up to
folding to one-piece plastic varieties.
The main objective of a tonneau
cover is to keep items kept in a
pickup truck bed covered, protected
and out of sight.
· Grilles and grille inserts: Drivers
enjoy customizing their truck grilles
with LED lights, patterns and
cutouts.
· Bed covers: Covers can prolong
the appearance and life of truck beds
and protect them against nicks and
scratches. They also work to protect
items that are hauled within beds.
· Hitch covers: When not towing,
empty receiver hitches can look
unsightly. Personalized or custom
covers can offer a clean look.
· Back-up sensor kits: Some trucks
now have back-up cameras and
sensors standard. For those that do
not, they can be installed aftermarket
to add safety when driving a larger
vehicle in reverse.
PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2007.Light truck accessories mean big business
No-fault auto insurance means
that if you are injured, or if your car
is damaged in an accident, you deal
with your own insurance company,
regardless of who is at fault.
But no matter how an automobile
accident happens, “fault” matters,
says the Financial Services
Commission of Ontario (FSCO), the
provincial insurance industry
regulator.
Fault is relevant because insurance
companies use it to apply the
appropriate coverages to an
accident, and to ensure that the at-
fault driver’s premiums are adjusted
appropriately.
Fault Determination Rules
In Ontario, fault is determined by
the Fault Determination Rules made
under the Insurance Act. These rules
are in place to help insurance
companies provide consumers with
prompt claims service and
consistent treatment.
A driver can be between 100 per
cent and zero per cent at fault
following a collision. A driver who
is more than zero per cent at fault
will have an at-fault accident go on
his or her insurance record – and
more than likely, the premiums will
go up on renewal of the policy. To
confirm how your rates will be
affected, check with your agent,
broker, or company representative.
More information about insurance
and the Fault Determination Rules is
available online at
www.fsco.gov.on.ca. The electronic
brochure, What to Do After An Auto
Accident, helps to better understand
the claims process.
- News Canada
Fault still does
matter in no-fault
auto insurance
front or rear
disc brakes
TIME TO REPLACE YOUR BRAKES?
ASK ABOUT OUR FULL RANGE OF
GM-APPROVED BRAKE PADS TODAY.
BRAKE MAINTENANCE SERVICE
Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sat. 9 a.m. - 1p.m.
Service Dept. Hours
Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sat. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
115 Josephine Street,
WINGHAM, ON
519-357-2323
Featured Tire
Installed From
Fits most '95-'05
Sunfire/Cavalier
$8995
per tire
plus tax
Tiger Paw®Freedom™ P195/70R14 Laredo®Cross Country™ P245/75R16Featured Tire
Installed From
Fits most '97-'04
Sierra/Silverado
$14595
per tire
plus tax
BATTERIES
• ACDelco 75-60
$8995Installed
f r o m
$5995
WIPERS
$1495
I n s t a l l e d
f r o m
• ACDelco 22"
all-season wipers
• Fits any Cavalier/Sunfire
• Clean debris & corrosion, lubricate caliper
sliders/pins and backing plates, adjust
parking brake cable (rear only), road test
$5995
SEMI-ANNUAL MAINTENANCE SERVICE
$5495
plus
tax
Toll Free
1.800.320.0666
Web:
huronfuelinjection.com
Highway #4 South
Clinton
PAT & HEATHER DEJONG
“FUEL INJECTION SYSTEMS”
519.482.7971
Serving Diesel Pumps and Injectors
Cleaning and Flow Testing Gasoline Injectors
Turbo Charger Service
Alternator and Starter Service
On Site Service Available
HHHH UUUU RRRR OOOO NNNN TTTT iiii rrrr eeee
&&&&
AAAA uuuu tttt oooo
AAUUTTOO -- TTRRUUCCKK -- FFAARRMM -- SSPPEECCIIAALLIISSTT
MIKE McNICHOL DOUG RIEHL
519-482-3752 519-482-9796
Hwy. 4 South, Clinton, Ont.
FULL
MECHANICAL
SERVICE
&CUSTOMIZING
519-523-9726
email: countryside@tcc.on.ca
82589 London Rd.
South of Blyth
• Insurance claims • Collision repairs
• Refinishing • Restoration
• Spray in truck box liners
CCllaassssiiffiieedd
aaddvveerrttiisseemmeennttss
ppuubblliisshheedd iinn
TThhee CCiittiizzeenn
aarree nnooww aavvaaiillaabbllee oonn oouurr
wweebbssiittee aatt
wwwwww..nnoorrtthhhhuurroonn..oonn..ccaa