Florida Automotive Industry Association

In the past some of our members asked if anyone purchases inventories or if anyone has any inventories at discounted prices? We have an FAIA member that does just that. Their name is Downey Automotive and ask for Troy Downey their, toll free number (800) 340-2811 or click to the left Member Web Sites .and then Downey Automotive and it will automaticaly take you to their website.. Below is what you will find.

Auto Parts stocklifts and wholesale auto parts inventory sold at huge discounts. Auto parts closeouts and or by the truckload. We redistribute automotive inventories throughout the United States and to exporters who sell in other countries. Surplus, closeouts, liquidations and excess inventory. Buy , Sell, or Trade.

A special Thanks to two of our members, Greg Haney, Parts Depot / Bumper to Bumper and Bob Greathouse, Carquest Distributors, who have decided to dedicate more of their time to FAIA and join our Board of Directors

A long time FAIA member, has recently changed focus on their business. Bryant family started their business in 1977 and in 1986 expanded into a full auto parts and accessory store. March 8, 2008 Bryant Racing was acquired by O’Reilly Automotive. Tim & Randy Bryant will remain in business exclusively to racing and high performance and will remain in Navarre. They still own Five Flag Speedway in Pensacola, Fl. Tim Bryant expressed they will still continue their membership in FAIA.

Charter member, Wiggins Auto Parts - Napa recently purchased their second store from FAIA member, Ronnie Auto Parts in Panama City Beach. Ronnie Auto Parts also owns a repair shop

It has been my pleasure to serve as President of the Florida Automotive Industry Association for the past year and I will have the unique honor of serving again for the 2008-2009 year. FAIA strives to keep our industry moving forward on a local and state level and I consider it a privilege to be involved with such hard working and capable people.

The rapidly changing nature of our industry forces us to constantly make changes in our businesses if we are to be successful. As an owner of an auto parts store, I don't believe that any of us has the time to address all of the issues that affect us in a negative way so we are very fortunate to be a part of an association that can competently serve this function for us.

I hope all of you can make plans to come to our 2008 FAIA/AAAS Friends & Family Retreat in Sandestin, Florida

I urge all of our members to take advantage of the many benefits and programs that FAIA has to offer and we are working on some new and exciting programs that we will be announcing in the near future that should be helpful and beneficial to all of us.

Sincerely,

June 19 - 22 FAIA / AAAS CONVENTION SANDESTIN, FL. (Hotel deadline for special rate is May 14th!)

Aftermarket Crash Parts Reduce Consumer Insurance and Repair Costs -Wednesday, April 23 , 2008

In the collision repair industry, the introduction of non-original equipment manufacturer [non-OEM] crash parts has reduced the cost of body repair work, resulting in lower insurance premiums and fewer vehicles being "totaled out." Many non-OEM crash parts are priced 20-50% below the comparable vehicle manufacturer part.

In recent years, state legislatures across the country have studied the use of non-OEM crash parts to determine if insurance companies' use of these parts needs to be regulated. Overall, while some states have decided to require greater consumer disclosure, states have found that the availability and use of these parts is beneficial to the public.

Late style automotive machine shop equipment, complete head shop, cylinder block honing & boring machines, align boring machine, crankshaft grinder and balancer. All equipment in good running condition and located in Florida.

FAIA opposes the proposed Clean Car standards in Florida. Although FAIA supports clean car programs, the association believes such programs can exist and prosper in states without expanding or extending warranties at the expense of independent repair facilities. As it stands, the Clean Car proposal will harm Florida’s small business community and limit Florida vehicle owners’ choice for servicing their vehicles. Independent repairers in the state of Florida perform approximately 75% of all non-warranty repairs. Allowing more repairs to move only to franchised new car dealers for warranty repair will arbitrarily limit the repair marketplace in Florida. The loss of repair business for independents could be extreme. Our association believes that these state-induced super warranties are one of the greatest threats to the long-term survival of the independent automotive repairer. FAIA asked that the Department of Environmental Protection conduct an evaluation of the economic impact of such regulation on independent repairers before moving forward with the proposal.