Latest Articles
Companies adjust, diversify to stay strong through the recession
April 16, 2009
While the U.S. economy quickly slid into a recession during 2008, many contract glazing firms continued to report strong sales growth during the year. Of the firms included in Glass Magazine’s 50 Glaziers list this year, 84 percent reported sales growth from 2007 to 2008. However, some company owners say they expect sales to drop for many glaziers during 2009 and 2010 as current backlogs ...
November 6, 2008
The weekly price of regular-grade gasoline, which peaked at $4.11 per gallon on July 14, averaged $3.65 per gallon Sept. 8, according to the Energy Information Administration’s Sept. 9 “Short-Term Energy Outlook." Annual average retail gasoline and diesel prices in 2008 are projected to be $3.61 and $4.09 per gallon, respectively, compared with $2.81 for gasoline and $2.88 for ...
November 6, 2008
Since fuel costs are critical to the health of auto glass repair and replacement retailers, I decided to take a look at the energy policies of presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain. Following are some key points, excerpted from their respective energy plans.
October 3, 2008
Ninety-seven percent of respondents to the 2008 National Glass Association Competitiveness Survey reported they offer employees vacation days. Seventy-five percent offer medical benefits, according to a study conducted by The MPI Group, Shaker Heights, Ohio. Survey participants consisted primarily of representatives from privately held auto glass repair and replacement companies with annual sales ...
Survey shows members use common strategies
September 12, 2008
The 2007 NGA Competitiveness Survey examined the operations practices and performance metrics of contract glaziers, glass manufacturers and dealers/retailers.
May 1, 2008
Fuel efficiency winners and losers The Dodge Dakota two-wheel drive and Mitsubishi Raider 2WD pickup trucks are the most fuel-efficient standard-size pickups for the 2008 model year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy site www.fueleconomy.gov. Both trucks get 16 miles to the gallon in the city and 20 on the highway. The 2008 Roush Performance Stage 3 F150 2WD and 4WD ...
A look at AGR's role in the U.S. auto repair industry
January 1, 2008
The big pictureAuto glass replacement and repair accounts for 15 percent of U.S. automotive body, paint, interior and glass repair industry revenue, according to the July 2007 IBISWorld “Automotive Body, Paint, Interior and Glass Repair in the U.S.” report. Distributed through ReportLinker.com, the study examines key growth trends and issues, as well as the competitive ...
Cost hikes offset volume, price increases for some retailers
January 1, 2008
Auto glass repair and replacement retailers anticipated net income would decline 3 percent in 2007, according to the 2007 National Glass Association Competitiveness Survey. The primary culprits: rising energy, fuel and insurance costs. Conducted by The MPI Group, Shaker Heights, Ohio, the survey provides a comprehensive view of the performance and business practices of 22 U.S. auto glass repair ...