| The oil change industry in 2005 saw many changes | | | | tightening of emissions regulations. Daimler Chrysler |
| and emerging trends. Competition is getting a little | | | | for instance is now offering free fuel for two-years |
| tougher in both large and smaller regional markets. | | | | and free maintenance for as long as you own the |
| Wal-Mart Super Centers are challenging price points. | | | | vehicle if you buy a new Jeep. Other AutoMakers will |
| Labor and technician shortages are troubling and | | | | follow and match such deals. Meaning the oil changes |
| turnover rates are killing franchise and chain operators | | | | will be done where they are free, at the dealership |
| as costs of oil, supplies and materials rise, while | | | | and not the independent oil change shop or franchise |
| regulation increases and price points fall. 2005 did not | | | | oil change chain outlet. BMW now has specialty oil, as |
| see the predicted problems associated with hybrids | | | | do other AutoMakers that must be used to uphold |
| and fuel cell cars, which would not need oil changes | | | | the warranty and offers free oil changes as well. |
| that many industry analysts had feared. | | | | Free will continue to be the consumers favorite price |
| One trend we will continue to see is Auto Dealers will | | | | and extremely hard to compete against, as was the |
| do more in-house services such as oil changes due to | | | | $12.95 oil change price point of the past few years |
| the trend of AutoMakers to offer free-maintenance | | | | offered by Wal-Mart Super Centers. Think on this. |
| and specialty oil to help them comply with further | | | | |