We visited Lexus USA, home of the Lexus North America Head Quarters to help us better understand the latest innovations in automotive clear coast. As professional auto detailers we must know our customers cars and finishes. We are continually studying the different materials and automotive finishes on vehicles to determine the best after market auto waxes and polishes to use to prolong life and crate the most brilliance in shine and reflection.
When we visit such corporate HQs we always have tons of questions to ask executives and research people about upcoming trends, innovations and things that will affect the market. Usually it is a difficult task, because such companies are not likely to answer all your questions due to secrecy needed to compete at that level. Sometimes you can learn information, by which questions they will not answer, which questions they dodge and which questions they answer only half way. Information gathering is difficult and Japanese Companies are some of the closest guarded companies for secrets in the free world. We are finding information at Starbucks Coffee talking to workers and at parties during dealer introductions to new models, events, which we often invite ourselves too. Professional Party Crasher comes to mind for those who understand college life, but in the real world being in the right place at the right time keeps our team in the winner's circle.
Since the year 2000 billions of dollars have been poured into research and development by the Japanese Auto Makers due to the value of the Yen dropping against the Dollar causing higher profits during pre-911 quarters of 2001. Today of course we see an opposite trend as the dollar has slid against other world currencies. As the Yen went down against the dollar re-invested research money started to show itself in the market as Lexus's new SUVs came out with all-wheel drive and soon the fuel cells will be on the scene to replace many of the hybrid test markets of 2000-2002 and 2003 and 2004. As these companies continue to innovate and we as consumers buy these new features we will find a growing need to learn more information faster to keep up with the changes. It will not be easy.
We, as auto detailing professionals must persevere in our efforts to attain the latest data and learn of the newest materials to be used in future cars so that we can be prepared to deliver excellence in service to all our customers.
As many auto professionals know in the auto body, car washing, auto after market accessory and detailing industries, that Lexus has one of the best finishes of any production automobile. Nine years ago when Lexus began to produce their luxury sedans with a "Pearl White" laser painted and oven baked paint job we rushed to the scene to find a wax that would preserve and enhance this finish. We had tried everything from self proclaimed Teflon waxes which purported a 3 year guarantee from DuPont to Silicon waxes which the aviation industry had actually banned as per FARs (federal Aviation Regulations) on certain paint such as Poly Urethane and Imron (Originally used on F-14's by the US Navy for Salt Water Resistance). Imron, Poly Urethane and other specialized paints needed to breath and sealing the paint caused corrosion by trapping in moisture. Some things you learn the hard way. We also learned that the makers of Teflon Waxes falsely claimed a guarantee by DuPont. Dupont did guarantee its coatings on pots and pans for three years but only when applied at oven temperatures of over 275 Degrees F. Of course that was impossible since that would have melted all of the rubber seals, tires, windshield wipers and probably have burned down the car itself. Not exactly good customer service and it would probably get you into trouble at the BBB-Better Business Bureau.
Many great waxes and products have been found to work on Enamel, Urethane, Lacquer, Fiber Glass and all clear coats, and when you find one you'll know you have a winner by the reflective depth of the shine. Our company the Detail Guys (www.detailguys.com ) had found many such products over the years and one in fact that we really are fond of. Question was could this product enhance the already nearly perfect paint jobs of Lexus Luxury cars, if so, it would be unstoppable. And it did, it also removed surface scratches, road tar, rust from chrome, swirl marks (from competition detailing mistakes) and oxidation; something that none of us expected or were even trying for. The product was later featured in Popular Hot Rodding, Drive, Truckin', Muscle Cars, Porsche Owners and Auto Enthusiast Magazines.
This case study is just one example of why all professional auto detailers must continually check out new innovations in auto paint, materials, composites and manufacturing processes to stay leading edge with State of the Art products. It is not every day when you can be on either leading edge of such innovations in the market place. Most professional auto detailers do agree that sometimes you have to look past the hype of the products and see for yourself. Lexus of North America has limited tours and so do other major manufacturers, we have found in our travels that their PR departments will find out the answers to all your questions when you contact them. Every once in a while they will not divulge information, but it does not hurt to ask. Also remember a little experimentation goes along way to unlocking the secrets of today's modern detailing professional. Think on it.
"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.worldthinktank.net/wttbbs
residential cleaning services Morton Grove ...Commonly folks have asked me what the technical difference is... Read More
Senior citizens are generally not a large marketing segment for... Read More
We visited Lexus USA, home of the Lexus North America... Read More
Unfortunately for all buyers, each selling organization and their individual... Read More
Mobile detailers will find themselves with lots of competition even... Read More
How to identify future solutions and opportunities?Your power page, if... Read More
What is the best time to expand a mobile car... Read More
If you are just starting your business, or if you... Read More
As a solo entrepreneur or small business owner, one of... Read More
Buyers want both online and local information about where to... Read More
Many job applicants want a job but often do not... Read More
I propose this thought on the subject of Franchisee territory... Read More
It's a commonly quoted statistic: 80% of all small businesses... Read More
If you are the boss and you think your job... Read More
Under the Securities Act of 1933, any offer to sell... Read More
If you run a pressure washing business it is a... Read More
Manufactured and Mobile Home owners know that the weather this... Read More
One of the best ways to make money in the... Read More
Last year, trillions of dollars transferred hands on the internet... Read More
Are you -- like 70 percent of small business owners... Read More
If you're like me, you love accounting. It's so fascinating... Read More
Just as you are about to say "good-bye" to your... Read More
As I am preparing for my attendance to the CoachVille's... Read More
The less a business pays for goods and services the... Read More
If you intend to franchise your company you will need... Read More
interior house cleaning Bannockburn ...1. TargetYou are not all things to all people. Decide... Read More
If you run a pressure washing company in a rural... Read More
If you're starting your own business or currently work for... Read More
If you are in the pressure washing business and are... Read More
As an Investment Representative you've worked hard to build trust... Read More
Do you have a Business Plan? Congratulations, but you are... Read More
There is a great deal of abuse going on in... Read More
Am I the only one that does not have an... Read More
My 16 year-old daughter said, "Gee Dad! You look just... Read More
It's Monday morning and Connie the Consultant sits in her... Read More
All legitimate home business entrepreneurs insist and announce loud and... Read More
I believe the number one reason why a business will... Read More
As a successful small business owner,you're accustomed to long hours;... Read More
One thing I have noticed in my travels to different... Read More
Are you a home or small business owner and you're... Read More
You make the decision to go into business and for... Read More
The success of your business is critically dependent on how... Read More
A Mattress Cleaning Business might be just for you if... Read More
"The way to develop self-confidence is to do the thing... Read More
The FTC- Mighty Federal Trade Commission has unilaterally decided to... Read More
What is a guru?A guru is a teacher. A mentor.... Read More
Due to the over regulation in the Franchising Industry and... Read More
In a perfect world, starting a small business would be... Read More
You know your prospects need what you sell. You know... Read More
A tongue-in-cheek look at the skills required to operate a... Read More
Small Business |