Automotive Art

Automotive Art Praised for Excellent Service - (Nation News- Barbados)

 

 

 

Headlamps Never Looked So Good (Jamaica Gleaner)

 

"The excellent and friendly team who worked on cars' headlamps at the recent car-care clinic, from left: Omar Carter - salesman; Micheal Blake - store supervisor; Ryan Gordon - sales representative; Paul Forte - retail manager, and Kevin Mellad - sales representative at Automotive Art." - Gladstone Taylor / Photographer

 

Barbara Ellington, Public Affairs Editor

If you have noticed the reddish brown hue of many of the headlamps on the cars in recent times, so have I. So when Automotive Art's Technical Manager for the Caribbean Orville Clarke visited from Barbados recently to take the Stewart's Automotive Group's body shop further into the 21st century, I was intrigued. My headlamps had become very dingy and many attempts to clean them were futile.

Clarke introduced new techniques not currently being done in Jamaica. He toured the island at various paint distributors for Automotive Art. In addition, Stewart's Auto, owners of the Jamaican Automotive Art franchise location, hosted a car-care clinic to demonstrate product lines and car-care tips.

At the clinic, customers were advised on refurbishing their cars, and they received free engine and air-pressure checks from the official Valvoline reps at the location. The Meguiar Car Care Clinic that began at 9 a.m. was accompanied by some great background music and facilitated by some very competent and friendly staff.

Peter Johnson, brand/technical manager at Automotive Art, told The Gleaner that the discolouration in the headlamps is caused by oxidation. As he demonstrated the cleaning process using the specially formulated products, the results were amazing.

Cleaning Headlamps

Step 1: Rub away the build-up with a low-grade sandpaper.

 

Step 2: Polish with a compound applied with a special machine.

 

Step 3: Apply plastix and buff to a shine. It is advised to do this monthly to avoid oxidation.

 

Automotive Art has locations in Kingston, Portmore, and Catherine Hall in Montego Bay. Clinics will also be held on December 15 and 16 at all locations, and customers will have their discoloured headlamps cleaned free if they purchase supplies at the stores.

Valvoline Brand Manager Wayne Williams says the Automotive Art stores carry a vast inventory including lubricants for the engine, brake fluid, power-steering fluid and coolant.

Services available at the Automotive Art location include: oil change, battery check and change, balancing and fitting of tyres and rims, headlamp cleaning (severe cases are done by appointment), and tinting.

Automotive Art are the exclusive distributors for Dunlop tyres, Meguiar's car-care products, Glassorate paint, Valvoline products, Lumar tinting and Cyclo Car Care products. The branches open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays, but Portmore opens every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

To remove the oxidation from your headlamps costs $2,500, but severe cases cost $4,500. However, some cases are so bad, nothing can be done about them.

 

 

Automotive Art a Shining Star in Customer Service(The Barbados Advocate) 

 

 

Automotive Art Entrepreneurship Competition A Huge Success.

Entrepreneurship, the pursuit of opportunity beyond the resources you currently control, is one of today’s hottest trending subjects across a wide variety of fields and forums. From new venture creation to social ventures, entrepreneurship has become a discipline in today’s world that is sought after by both global powerhouses and garage start-ups, and is an essential skill for anyone looking to make their mark in today’s competitive business world.

On August 22nd 2012 Automotive Art, a company born from entrepreneurial vision and fuelled by the passion of entrepreneurship for over twenty years, launched the Automotive Art Entrepreneurship Competition in an effort to propagate and highlight entrepreneurship in Barbados. It didn’t matter if you were a University student or independent Barbadian entrepreneur, the competition was designed to give individuals and/or teams the opportunity to turn innovative ideas into real business, as well as share in over $20,000 in cash and prizes.

The competition has been an overwhelming success, with a total of seventy four business concept entries across a range of industries being submitted in the first round of the competition. The field of competitors was narrowed to a total of ten in Round Two, where the business concepts had to be refined into fully developed business plans, along with a supporting presentation. After judging the second round of the competition, a total of five finalists emerged in Round Three, where they were asked to refine their business plan based on primary and/or secondary research they conducted, as well as pitch their concept to a panel of judges.

The awards ceremony for the five finalists was hosted at Champers by the Sea on November 22nd where the prizes for the competition were awarded. The winners were celebrated as below.

Automotive Art offers its wholehearted congratulations to the overall winners of the competition, and celebrates the passion and professionalism each team showed in developing their respective business plans. The company plans to work in coordination with the Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation, a private Angel Investor Network, and independent consultants in an effort to develop venture capital financing opportunities for both finalists and semi-finalists whose business concepts can be refined into new business start-ups.

Automotive Art would like to offer its sincere thanks to the following partner organizations that aided and supported the promotional effort for the competition, which included the Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation, the University of the West Indies; Cave Hill School of Business, BIMAP, the Small Business Association, the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme, and the Barbados Industrial and Development Corporation.

The company would also like to thank its panel of judges who included Andrew Bynoe, CEO of Carlton and Emerald City, Chiryl Newman, CEO of Champers, Roger Cave, Investment Director of Fortress, Adrian Meyer, Deputy Chairman of Cidel, and Annie Bertrand, an independent consultant, for the time and commitment they dedicated to this project. The combined experience of these seasoned entrepreneurs was instrumental in ensuring that the top business concepts were identified from a broad field of talent. The knowledge, ideas and experience they imparted to the finalists along this journey will go a long way in guiding their future plans and decisions.

Last, but by no means least, Automotive Art would like to thank all the participants who were inspired to enter the competition. The company’s management is truly humbled by the trust that was vested in the organization in managing the intellectual property of the competitors, and a competition of this nature. This was a responsibility that was not taken lightly, and it was indeed gratifying to know that the competitors were so trusting of our brand, that they felt comfortable in the company’s ability to responsibly manage the essence of their future prosperity as detailed and shared in the business concepts they submitted. Automotive Art is both humbled and honoured by this sacred trust.

As a consequence of the highly positive feedback Automotive Art has received on this project, along with the company’s on-going initiative on bringing more focus to entrepreneurship and developing future entrepreneurs for Barbados, the company is pleased to announce that it will be sponsoring the Automotive Art Entrepreneurship Competition again in 2013, and will be joining forces with the Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation to make the event even bigger and more effective in assisting entrepreneurs on their journey to becoming “the next big thing.”

 

                

 

 

 

 

Automotive Art Enters Joint Venture in Poland

Automotive Art officially announced today that it has signed a joint venture agreement with Multichem Sp. z.o.o., a manufacturer of automotive paint and ancillary products, with manufacturing facilities based in Poznań, Poland. The agreement, which was signed on July 9th, marks the conclusion of several months of intense negotiations and due diligence by senior executives of Automotive Art with one of the exiting founders of Multichem.

 
Multichem currently employs a staff of fifty one, and exports to countries in the European Union, the States of the Former Soviet Union, Asia, Africa and Australia. Current Co-Founder and CEO of Multichem, Piotr Muszkieta says that he and his team are excited about the new partnership between the two organizations. In particular Mr. Muszkieta said that Automotive Art will bring a new discipline of corporate structure and planning to the organization, as well as access to the North and Latin American markets where the company does not currently trade.

 
Executive Chairman for Automotive Art, Dereck Foster, is extremely optimistic about the new collaboration between the organizations. “The opportunity to buy-in and collaborate with a company like Multichem is a once in a lifetime opportunity; we are over the moon with the prospects we now have before us, and the synergies we will realize between the two companies in the short term.” He went onto say that the new collaboration had already resulted in some new product development, and that this would enhance Automotive Art’s footprint in the US.

 
Mr. Foster was also very complementary about the team at Multichem. He found them to be very professional in their respective roles, and they have embraced the new partnership with great enthusiasm and a view to building a stronger company in the future.

 
CEO for Automotive Art, Doug Armstrong, said that this deal, together with the company’s distribution and logistics company in Miami, will catapult the Group onto a truly international stage, allowing it to service markets across the globe. He went onto say that in addition to these market opportunities, Automotive Art can now control its R&D and production capabilities, which will allow the company to chart its own destiny in terms of product development and branding, and put Automotive Art firmly in control of its supply chain from point of manufacture to retail. 

 
“I would also like to congratulate Chris Maloney, our Group CFO, Glenn Camacho, our President of US Operations, and our Executive Chairman, Dereck Foster for their tireless efforts in these negotiations, and for their contribution in securing what will turn out to be the cornerstone of our future global organization,” Mr. Armstrong closed by saying.
Automotive Art is a Barbadian owned and managed automotive aftermarket company which franchises and distributes in nearly 30 countries  in the Caribbean,  and North, Central & South  America.  

Automotive Art Cayman Dominates Show

Automotive Art Cayman recently took part in the Cayman27 Island Living show. Their booth featured a great selection of Meguiar’s Car Care, Rockford Fosgate audio, wheels, accessories and much more. Wayne Kirkconnell, Managing Direct of Automotive Art Cayman commented, “The show came off without a hitch. The crowd loved our booth and the products we were highlighting. I couldn’t have asked for anything more; it was fantastic.”
The Automotive Art booth was also voted “Best Booth” at the show. Congratulations to all those involved! Below are a few pictures of the booth and the show.

 

 

 

 

 

Automotive Art Suriname Opens Second New Location

June 12th 2012: Automotive Art, the Caribbean’s leading auto-care retailer has just opened a brand new retail store in Suriname. Located in Kasabaholo, this store will be the second in Suriname and promises deliver the same great level of service and extensive product range that can be found throughout any Automotive Art.  According Joseph Nouh-Chaia, CEO of Automotive Art Suriname, “when we were presented with the opportunity to open a second location and we jumped right on top the idea. It is a great location and will give us the opportunity to serve some of our customers more conveniently and effectively.”

The brand new 1125sq. ft. store packs a big punch; carrying a full range of wheels, tyres, accessories, car care, paints and chemicals and lubricants. A compliment of 5 staff man the sales floor and service center, which features a lift, a tyre balancing machine as well as a mounting machine. “Although space was limited we really manage to take advantage of every square inch – we think most people would be impressed with what this store has to offer,” commented Joseph Nouh-Chaia.

Anita DaCosta, VP of Franchisee Development and Training stated, “For Automotive Art to be in a position to open a new store in these challenging economic times is a testament to our commitment as a company to success, development and growth. We are thrilled for the team in Suriname and expect great results from this investment.”

Automotive Art is a Barbadian owned and managed automotive aftermarket franchise chain and Distribution Company that operates in 25 countries including the Caribbean, the United States, and Latin America.  For more information log onto www.automotiveart.com. 

 

 

 

Automotive Art Superstore Now Open in Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos, March 7th, 2012: After a few months of operating in the temporary location – Automotive Art Turks and Caicos is now open!

 This store promises to set a new standard for the island; with a modern, state-of-the-art interior design and a wide product range, Turks and Caicos is about to be blown away.

This is the 9^th franchise for Automotive Art as we’re excited to have the Turks and Caicos team on board.

Check out some of the pictures below and stay tuned for more information!

 

 

            

 

Automotive Art Facilitates Training in Miami

Miami, Jan. 13^th, 2012: Automotive Art, together with it’s vendor partners Valvoline, Meguiar’s and Cyclo, facilitated technical training in Miami for their regional distribution partners in the Caribbean on a range of new products due to hit the market in 2012. In attendance were twenty four participants from ten countries, including St. Kitts, Jamaica, Suriname, Antigua, Guyana, St. Lucia, Curacao, Cayman, Barbados and the USA

Valvoline opened the week long session with training from Regional Sales Manager, Frederico Granados, on the technical aspects of lubricants, as well as an overview of their complete product line, and their respective competitive advantages. Participants particularly enjoyed the knowledge imparted on how to sell commercial accounts using oil analysis as a support service to customers with large fleets, and how using Valvoline as a brand of choice in their fleets can save them money in operating costs, and extend the life of their engines.

Next up was Meguiar’s where the 2012 New Product lineup was presented to participants by Technical Support Specialist David Pedre, inclusive of demonstration videos and product information. In particular the new Hot Rims All Wheel and Tire Shine impressed participants on its ability to quickly and effectively clean rims and tyres in a all-in-one product. Equally impressive was the new Meguiar’s Hot Rims Barrier Spray, which protects rims from harmful brake dust, and allows liquid contaminants hitting the wheels to easily bead off, leaving wheels cleaner and brighter for longer. The Meguiar’s training concluded with an introduction to the new two step Dual Action Correction System, where participants got their hands dirty, and put this new system, which will be of interest to garages and body shops, to the test.

The week concluded with Cyclo, where owner Larry Pesin, his son Jack, and their trainer Mike McGlynn, were on hand to take participants through their entire product line. Participants were excited about the performance of Cyclo products when compared to their competitive equivalent, especially their Break-Away, Z-Lube and Brake Cleaner products that left their competition in the dust. The highlight of the training, however, was the new Cyclo headlight cleaner, which outperformed some of the best in class products currently on the market at a competitive price.

Doug Armstrong, CEO for Automotive Art, who was on-hand for the week’s training, said training events such as the one hosted in Miami lay at the core of Automotive Art’s belief in ensuring their regional partners, and their respective staff, have the best product knowledge available to them . “Our vendors look to us to support their brands in the Caribbean with the best and most up-to-date knowledge available for their products, and we take pride in supporting our customers in the same, and assisting them in growing their businesses.” He went onto say he was extremely pleased with the quality of the training delivered, and was proud that the Automotive Art brand was affiliated with brands of the caliber of Valvoline, Meguiar’s and Cyclo.

Automotive Art is a Barbadian owned and managed automotive aftermarket franchise chain and distribution company that operates in 32 countries including the Caribbean, the United States, and Latin America.

Participants listen attentively to the training being delivered.	Regional Sales Manager for Valvoline. Frederico Granados, teaches lubricant theory.
David Pedre, Technical Support Specialist for Meguiar's, showcases a new polish.	Robert Shoul from Automotive Art Antigua being shown the ropes on the art of polishing.
The Automotive Art Regional Training Group.

 

Here is a press release that ran in the local newspaper in Turks and Caicos.

We are really excited about this new endeavour! Read below for full details. 

Automotive Art brings New Franchise to the Shores of Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos, November 12th:  Automotive Art, the Caribbean’s leading aftermarket auto-care retailer, has launched its new franchise in Turks and Caicos. Todd Foss, C.E.O of Automotive Art TCI stated, “Automotive Art has over 20 years of experience in the automotive refinish and aftermarket industry. With 8 franchises and 15 stores spread through the Caribbean, to say Automotive Art has a great deal of experience would be an understatement.” He went on to say that with those valuable years of success come a wealth of knowledge, leading-edge technology and a wide range of products and services; “the opportunity for us to open this franchise in Turks and Caicos was one that could not be missed”. 

With the roots of the company firmly entrenched in the automotive paint business, the company markets its state-of-the-art Automotive Art refinish system in 27 markets across the Caribbean and Central America.  At the heart of the system is their computerized colour matching technology that offers over 100,000 vehicle colours for every make and model.  Complementing the cutting edge paint system is a range of products such as body fillers, primers, top clears and hardeners, as well as ancillary products such as sandpaper and masking tape. In addition they carry the high quality Meguiars brand of car care and professional polishing and detailing products that make Automotive Art a one-stop-shop for today’s painters. “It is clear to us that no one in Turks and Caicos was bringing to the table what Automotive Art could. We are confident that our products will truly change the way vehicle refinishing is done”, said Automotive Art General Manager, Michael Hutchinson. He continued, “with our competitive pricing and incredible quality, coupled with our unbeatable technical support, we know we will be a success!” 

The company launched the Automotive Art refinish system and product lines with a demo and training session to professional painters on November 12^th.  Alberto Martinez, Sales Manager for Automotive Art’s Autobody supply division commented ‘We are extremely pleased to introduce our systems to the Turks & Caicos market and our partners here on the ground have made us proud in their professionalism and overall approach to this project. We opened everyone’s eyes today, and I look forward to the team here being able to meet our customers’ expectations of us everytime!’. 

Initially Automotive Art will operate out of a temporary facility on the New Leeward Highway and will only be offering their high quality Automotive Art paint system. Bodyshops and Garages will be able to immediately benefit from the full range of products, backed by computerized colour matching ability. 

However the main store, which will be in operation in early 2012, will include a huge selection of wheels and tires, giving customers unbelievable choice and access to all the new styles available, allowing them to create really unique looks. The store will also feature a wide range of car care products to suit any customer’s needs – from car wash, waxes and tire shine, all the way to chemicals and lubricants. Customers will also find a selection of aftermarket accessories such as car mats, seat covers, gear knobs and LED strip lights, to name a few. 

This facility will also feature a customer friendly service center capable of performing everything from battery and tire changes, to oil change and vehicle service. 

Service Center Manager, Reed Hartley stated, “we stand ready to give our customers a comprehensive one-stop shopping experience in servicing their vehicle’s needs, at very competitive prices.”

Regional Director of Training & Franchise Development for Automotive Art, Anita Da Costa, commented, “we were really looking to bring something ground breaking to Turks and Caicos.  With Automotive Art, that is exactly what we have achieved. The level of customer service, the range and depth of products and the overall service experience of interacting with a brand like this, I think, will truly impress our new customer base in Turks and Caicos. We are bringing an amazing brand to the market, with fantastic new local partners, and their team; it’s incredibly exciting”. 

Three-way celebration for Automotive Art at BAH

Over 100 Chamber members turned up to Automotive Art’s Business After Hours event on Thursday, 9 June as the company celebrated its 10th anniversary. The occasion was also used to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Coconut Car Rentals and the launch of Automotive Art’s new Yamaha Dealership.Takahiko Goan, Executive Officer and Executive General Manger for Yamaha’s Overseas Market Development Operation, flew in to assist in the grand opening ceremony and offer his congratulations to Automotive Art.Vice President of the Chamber, Chris Duggan gave the welcoming remarks and Wayne Kirkconnell, Manager Director of Automotive Art made comments on the history of the company and their plans for a successful future. Takahiko Goan said it was his first visit to the Cayman Islands and has found his stay to be delightful. He expressed sentiments of progress and looking forward to work with its Cayman partners in the long term.Each guests received a giveaway bag with goodies from Automotive Art and entertainment included steel pan music by Panoramaz as well as a number of product demonstrations. Refreshments were provided by Food For Thought and Liquid Ice.Lucy Tibbetts was the lucky Chamber member who won the brand new Yamaha 2600 generator in a special prize draw.A surprise presentation of a long-service award was also made to Paul Bodden, who had been with the company since 1979.

 

Automotive Art hosts 2011 Franchise and Distributor Conference

Barbados, June 6th, 2011:  Automotive Art hosted its bi-annual Franchise and Distributor Conference this year from June 2nd to June 4^th at the Barbados Hilton, which was attended by 42 delegates from 25 countries throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.

 The three day agenda commenced with a tour of Automotive Art’s new flagship store in Welches, St. Thomas, which gave the regional franchisees and distributors the opportunity to see the new retail standard being set for Automotive Art stores, as well as a chance to discuss how the model can be applied to their local retail operations. Following the store tour, the group made their way to Mullins Restaurant where they were entertained, and enjoyed an informal “meet and greet” session amongst themselves and Automotive Art’s management staff.

 The following day, the group gathered in the conference facilities at the Barbados Hilton where various presentations took place ranging from upcoming new products and the importance of online safety, to new marketing initiatives and concepts on optimizing profitability. After a brief lunch break, the group separated into franchise and distributor subgroups to participate in more focused discussions.  The distributors met to view product demos and received in-depth explanations and information regarding new products being launched in the near future, while the franchisees met to discuss products and services being offered, as well as mobile sales operations.

 Automotive Art also recognized delegates for their contributions over the 2010 and 2011 period by hosting a formal dinner and awards ceremony at the Barbados Hilton. Some of the awards presented were:

• Recognition for the Opening of a Training Center - (Kuzeta N.V. – Curacao)
• 10 Year Service Awards - Antigua, Curacao, Grand Cayman, Grenada, Suriname.
• 15 Year Service Awards – Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia.
• Exceptional Sales (Distributors, 2011) – Marshall Motors, St. Maarten and Juar-Gon Corp. Puerto-Rico
• Store Performance Award – Guyana (2010, 2011), Barbados (2010), Jamaica (2011)
• Business Development Award - Grand Cayman (2010), Barbados (2011)
• Franchisee of the Year – St. Lucia (2010), Barbados (2011) 

 

The conference culminated at the Automotive Art/SOL Orange Hill Special Stage of Rally Barbados, where delegates had the opportunity to experience motor sport at its highest level from the VIP tent erected by the Barbados Rally Club. Many of Automotive Art’s guests had never experienced this form of motor sport, and were delighted by the thrills and spills they saw during the first day of competition. Several delegates commented it was a day they would never forget.

Automotive Art would like to take this opportunity to thank the following partners for making its 2011 Franchise and Distributor Conference a resounding success.

•  Barbados Hilton
•  The Barbados Rally Club
•  Mullins Restaurant
•  Foster & Ince
•  Island Treats
•  Events Unusual

 The Board of Directors and Executive Management of Automotive Art would especially like to offer its sincere thanks to staff of Automotive Art for their hard work and dedication to making the 2011 Conference a resounding success.

 

Automotive Art Facilitates Training in Curacao

Curacao, April 27^th, 2011: Automotive Art, together with its local distributor in Curacao, Kuzeta N.V., facilitated technical training for its Automotive Art of refinish products, as well as Meguiar’s products, the distribution of which the company manages across the Caribbean.

In attendance were approximately 60 participants from the islands of Curacao and Bonaire. The training was facilitated by Peter Padmore, a senior technical trainer for Automotive Art, who took the attendees through a detailed training agenda designed to enhance their skills and proficiencies in the use and application of Automotive Art and Meguiar’s products.

The training was facilitated in the company’s new, state-of-the-art training facility in Curacao, located adjacent to Kuzeta’s retail store. The training centre features a top quality spray booth, along with modern tools and equipment; all designed to maximize the training experience of participants who sign up for technical training. Managing Director of Kuzeta, Osvaldo Marchena Jr., stated that he was very pleased with his new Automotive Art Training Centre, and said he fully intends to host Automotive Art Technical Training, and a three day refinishing course, several times a year. He went onto say that the Training Centre will be a powerful tool that will be used to promote and gain the trust of both current and potential clients in using the Automotive Art Refinish System.

Sales Manager for Automotive Art, Alberto Martinez, said he was extremely pleased with how the training was organized, and congratulated the Kuzeta team on the launch of their new state-of-the-art Training Centre. “I have watched the team at Kuzeta grow from strength to strength over the years in building the Automotive brand in Curacao, and congratulate them on this worthy achievement of opening their new Training Centre in Curacao.” He went onto say that Automotive Art was extremely proud of their association with Kuzeta over the past thirteen years, and pledged the company’s ongoing technical support and product development in continuing to make Kuzeta a success in the Curacao market.

Meguiars Classroom Training	Meguiars Classroom Training
Osvaldo Marchena Jr with a Meguiar's Partiscipant	Osvaldo Marchena Jr. (far left) with certified Automotive Art Refinish System Partiscipants

 

Automotive Art Sponsors Entrepreneurs in Action Program

Barbados, April 8^th 2011: Automotive Art, in coordination with the Rotary Club of Barbados South and First Citizens Investment Services, sponsored the first ever Entrepreneurs in Action Business Challenge held in Barbados. Entrepreneurs in Action (EIA), a UK based consultancy firm, works in partnership with organisations to give students a real taste of enterprise through exciting, hands-on business challenges and learning programmes.

Derek Browne, CEO and Founder of EIA, who facilitated the first business challenge on the island, said “We want to inspire young people of all backgrounds and abilities to follow their passions. We want to open their minds to the possibilities and opportunities out there for them in the business world.” Browne went onto say, “We give young people a positive taste of a real-life working environment. Learning activities are structured to encourage young people to be innovative, to experiment and to develop their potential as future entrepreneurs, creators and leaders.”

In the case of Automotive Art, the business challenge was issued to nineteen secondary school children, ages fourteen to nineteen years of age, where the group was challenged to develop a plan for taking the company’s new website forward, by making specific recommendations on its content and functionality, especially as it relates to young people. In addition, the participants were asked to develop a plan for the marketing of the website to the company’s target markets. This challenge was issued on Monday, April 4^th, with the expectation being that in five days the group would present to a panel consisting of Automotive Art senior executives, as well of various business leaders and entrepreneurs within the community.

Mr. Browne then spent the next four days coaching the participants, teaching them skill sets ranging from leadership and self confidence, to team work and marketing. The group formed a simulated company, appointed a CEO and department heads, and set themselves to the task of developing workable recommendations for Automotive Art’s website. These recommendations were then presented to the business panel using a Powerpoint presentation developed by the group.

On day five the group presented their recommendations to the business panel, all of whom were thoroughly impressed not only by the quality of the presentation and the recommendations therein, but by the self confidence and teamwork demonstrated by the working group.

Doug Armstrong, CEO of Automotive Art, stated that he was astounded at how the group, using EIA’s techniques applied by Derek Browne, had produced not only legitimate feedback and solutions to the business challenge, but had come together as a functional and cohesive team. “It was truly inspiring to see such young people come together on their own time and work with Derek to learn and perfect life changing skill sets in such a short space of time. The transformation these kids went through is nothing short of incredible; I am immensely proud of what they have achieved.”

Dereck Foster, Chairman and Co-Founder of Automotive Art, was also thoroughly impressed with the groups progress over the course of the week. He said what amazed him was how kids who never even knew one another prior to this program, and who came from a variety of different schools, could come together in five days and deliver workable solutions to a large organization using the skill sets they were taught. “These kids have gone on a journey,” said Foster. “They have gone from the classroom to the boardroom, and now have the rudimentary knowledge, skills and attitudes they will need in the business and the working world. This knowledge and experience are the building blocks of entrepreneurs and business people of tomorrow.”

On Friday evening, the working group, their families, members of the Rotary Club and business community, gathered at the Island Inn to celebrate the group’s achievement, and to issue certificates for their stellar contribution and participation.  At the presentation, Dereck Browne stated that the Barbados Business Challenge group, and Automotive Art, ranked among the best he had encountered in the world, and reaffirmed that he was immeasurably proud about what the group had achieved over the course of the week. He went onto say that at the core of EIA’s vision is the passionate belief that academic, vocational and core skills, whilst critically important, are not enough to ensure that young people emerge into the working world with the best chance of maximising their potential. He concluded by saying he believed that increasing the economic engagement of young people can be achieved by driving the 3 E’s:

Education

Improving the return on investment, so that students leaving school/college have greater aspirations, having achieved improved results while in education and had the chance to develop the core soft skills and mindset required for employment and higher education.

Employment

Encouraging young people to think about opportunities and creating role models for the local community - young people who have gone on to jobs not normally expected of their age group or background, and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

Entrepreneurship

Delivering more young people with the confidence to set up businesses and back their ideas, which previously they thought impossible. Creating jobs for local people and developing positive role models for students and young people.

 

 

Automotive Art Opens New Welches Store

Barbados, December 1st, 2010: Automotive Art has opened its newest state-of-the-art store in the group’s regional franchise chain at its Welches, St. Thomas location, which promises to raise the bar in automotive aftermarket retailing in the region. According to Doug Armstrong, CEO for Automotive Art, “We have sought to take our twenty years of experience in the business, and combine this with some very new, innovative merchandising and retailing concepts to create a truly unique retail experience for our customers.”

Mr. Armstrong went onto say that he and his retail team were proud to be a part of such a revolutionary new approach to retailing automotive products in the island, and that the new store was a significant milestone in many respects. “First and foremost, this year is our 20^th anniversary and the new store represents a crowning achievement for the company, and symbolizes the success we have achieved through the hard work and dedication of all of our team throughout the years. Additionally, its state-of-the-art design represents our commitment to innovation, and reinforces our positioning as the leading supplier of automotive products and services in Barbados, and beyond“

The new 14,000 sq. ft. facility will employ 32 people, and includes eight service bays catering to the tyre and battery needs of customers. Mr. Armstrong also pointed out that the facility could now service the tyre and battery needs of commercial vehicles, which the company could not cater for in the old facility. The company has also invested in expanding its car audio department, which prominently displays the latest in car stereos, amplifiers and speakers, as well as all the accessories to achieve the ultimate audio experience in your car.

The focal point in the middle of the store will be a display area for new model cars from local dealers, exotic and classic cars, as well as rally and tuner cars on loan from their owners. Doug Armstrong explained that the idea is to create a dynamic retail experience for customers by changing the model on display monthly, as well as to give valued dealership customers, and private car owners, a retail forum where they can showcase their cars. “We feel it will add another level of interest for our customers, where they can learn a bit of what’s new and different in the industry, while shopping in our cutting edge retail environment,” Armstrong went onto say.

Dereck Foster, Chairman of Art Holdings Inc (parent company for Automotive Art), said he was extremely pleased with how well the new retail format had come together, and praised his collaborators on the project, namely Rotherly Construction who constructed the facility, and Total Project Services who provided consulting services. “The design concept really showcases how cutting edge design and new state-of-art finishes can come together to deliver a truly unique and differential retail experience,” Foster went onto say.

Foster also said he was proud that the company could make an investment of this nature at a time when the country needed it most, and looked forward to the prospect of rolling out this new format to in both current and new retail operations throughout the Caribbean.

Automotive Art is a Barbadian owned and managed automotive aftermarket franchise chain and distribution company that operates in 25 countries including the Caribbean, the United States, and Latin America.  The company’s new Welches store is open 8am to 8 pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 5pm on Saturday’s.

Barbados, December 3^rd, 2009:  Automotive Art broke ground today at its Welches location for its new state-of-the-art store.  According to Automotive Art’s CEO, Mr. Doug Armstrong, the store will be the newest installment in the group’s regional franchise chain, and the new retail format will raise the bar in automotive aftermarket retailing in the region.  “We have sought to take our twenty years of experience in the business, and combine this with some very new, innovative merchandising and retailing concepts to create a truly unique retail experience for our customers.”

Dereck Foster, Executive Chairman for the group, says the decision to build the new Welches store is significant in many respects.  “First and foremost, as next year is our 20^th anniversary, the new store will come to represent a crowning achievement for the company, and symbolize the success we have achieved through the hard work and dedication of all of our team throughout the years.  Additionally, its state-of-the-art design will be representative of our commitment to innovation, and reinforce our positioning as the leading supplier of automotive products and services in Barbados, and beyond.”

Mr. Foster went onto say that he was also proud that the company could make an investment of this nature at a time when the country needed it most, and that he hoped the initiative would inspire other companies to re-look at opportunities in their business, and perhaps dust off any projects they had on hold on account of the recession.  He said his Board felt that with the prices of many building commodities at all time lows, and contractors more flexible and competitive in the tight marketplace, now was the right time to build.  With the global recession starting to show signs of abatement, he felt confident that if other companies could bring their projects on-line, this would go a long way in kick starting the economy, and assist in ushering in a new period of prosperity in Barbados.

Automotive Art is a Barbadian owned and managed automotive aftermarket franchise chain and distribution company that operates in 25 countries including the Caribbean, the United States, and Latin America. 

 Barbados, November 9^th, 2009:  Automotive Art exhibited its private label Refinish System at the International Auto-body Congress and Exposition (NACE) held in Las Vegas from November 5^th – 7^th.  It is the second time the company has exhibited its Automotive Refinish System at the show, having launched in the US market last November.  The NACE conference is held annually, and is the world’s premiere event for auto body related products and services for the collision repair industry. 

Doug Armstrong, CEO for Automotive Art, attended this year’s event, and was very pleased with the momentum the brand is gaining in the US market.  “It has been one year since our launch in the US market, and I am very pleased with the results of our US initiative thus far, and the feedback we are getting from our US customers on the performance of our refinish system.”

Mr. Armstrong went on to say that on top of procuring qualified prospects from across the US, the company also received some promising interest from prospective distributors in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico.  He added that on top of developing potential new products for the refinish line, the show was also a great forum to interact with current customers, especially those developed since last year’s launch.  “The show provides a great platform from which we can interface with our customers, gain useful insights into the on-going development of the product line, and enhance our on-going business relationships.”

Automotive Art has been extremely aggressive in the expansion of its international business over the course of the past two years; however the US market remains at the core of the company’s drive for growth.  Glenn Camacho, President of the company’s US operations, stated that with growing interest in the company’s product line, the US market has the potential to dwarf anything the company has undertaken thus far.  “We are excited about our products, encouraged about our opportunities, and I am confident in our team; together I feel extremely optimistic about our US business, and the prospects for growth that lie before us.”

Barbados, September 12^th, 2008:  If you are one of the 85% of Barbadians who do not regularly check their tyre pressure, then you need nitrogen.  Every day as you drive to and from work, drop the children at school or cricket practice, and buy groceries, air is constantly escaping through the walls of your tyres.  Oxygen molecules, which are smaller than nitrogen molecules, seep through three to four times faster, leading to under inflation, which cause 90% of all tyre blowouts. 

A tyre filled with “plain old air” will lose 1.5 psi in less than a month; with nitrogen, this can take six months, allowing you to maintain a more consistent tyre pressure for longer.  Properly inflated tyres not only reduce the chance of a blowout, they also ensure that the recommended “contact patch” is on the road.  That improves your vehicle’s handling so you can react more quickly and decisively in potentially dangerous road conditions and situations.

But increased safety is not the only benefit that nitrogen offers.  With gas prices hitting new price highs, every little bit saved in gas helps.  By having a more consistent pressure for longer periods of time, the rolling resistance of your tyres is decreased, translating into better fuel economy.  In fact, properly inflated tyres can improve your gas mileage by about 4 percent, which translates into good savings at today’s gas prices.

There’s more; with nitrogen maintaining more consistent pressure, your tyres won’t wear as fast on the shoulders from under-inflation, or in the center from over-inflation.  Additionally, by replacing oxygen with nitrogen, there is less oxidation in your tyres.  Oxidation occurs when oxygen reacts at high temperatures and pressures, and can make rubber brittle and cause it to lose tensile strength.  In addition, at high temperatures and pressures, oxygen reacts and damages inner tyre liners and belt packages.  In fact, some tyre manufacturers claim nitrogen use extends tyre life as much as 25 percent.  So with nitrogen, you won’t need to have your tyres serviced as often and, in the long run, you’ll buy fewer tyres.  This is not only great news for the environment, but for both car and fleet owners alike!

Nitrogen has been around for years in commercial applications such as aircraft and racing car tyres, primarily for the same safety and performance reasons that technology is now being made popular among today’s safety and economically minded drivers.  Just think, if nitrogen is good enough for NASA, the U.S. Military and Nascar racing car drivers, should it not be good enough for you?

Nitrogen is now being dispensed exclusively by the automotive professionals at Automotive Art at their Wildey branch, and is used as standard inflation for all customers purchasing and installing four tyres on their vehicle.  Customers wishing to upgrade their current tyre to nitrogen can do so at a nominal cost of five dollars per tyre.