MEDIA RELEASE

Edmonton, April 14th, 2003: The Automobile Protection Association (APA) has just released the results of their 2003 Mystery Shopper effort at shops in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary. While the Automotive Service and Repair Association (ASRA) has concerns about the APA's sample selection and research methodologies, the investigation did expose some significant problems at chain owned and operated repair shops. ASRA wishes to remind consumers of what to look for when choosing a mechanical repair shop.

ASRA acknowledges that while there are a few bad apples in the industry, generally consumers are very well served by taking their vehicles to well equipped independently owned mechanical repair shops.

First, Choose a qualified shop and establish a long-term relationship. Kevin Johnson, ASRA President, reminds consumers that the best way to save money is to develop a relationship with a shop by scheduling your maintenance at that shop. "Regularly scheduled maintenance minimizes unexpected failures and establishes experience and a track record on your vehicle with one set of experts. Just as you would want your personal physician to know your entire medical record, you want the shop fixing your car to have as complete a service record as possible. A shop that knows your car will make the correct diagnosis quicker and more often. That will save you money!"

• Are Licensed. If they don't display their AMVIC license, go elsewhere!
• Have invested in access to the latest technology. Ask them about the latest in On-board Diagnostic equipment and electronic diagnostic and repair information services, such as ALLDATA.
• Encourage on-going training for their staff. They are easy to spot--they display the certificates and diplomas!

Then, make sure that you give the shop as detailed a description of the symptoms as you can. Always remind the shop about recent repairs. Details about instances when the problem occurred and instances when the problem did not, are particularly helpful. The more you tell the shop the better your chances of getting the correct repair quickly and inexpensively.

Finally, have the shop carefully and completely explain the diagnosis and estimated repair to you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek clarification – Good shops make sure their customers understand!