Modern Clear Coats, Auto Detailers and visit to Lexus of North America

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

---

How to Become Successful in the Field of Financial Consultants

Financial Consultants are one of the fastest growing industries today.... Read More

Why Small Business Must Turn to PR

If small business had no important outside audiences, it wouldn't... Read More

Sexual Harassment - Its just not on!

Sexual Harassment is a disturbing part of employment life in... Read More

Online Search: Small Businesses Level The Playing Field

Seventy percent of US households use the web when shopping... Read More

Secrets to Washing Fleets of Trucks from a Nationwide Fleet Washing Service

Washing the exterior of a truck. Sounds easy right? Well,... Read More

Real World Accounting for Small Business Owners

If you're like me, you love accounting. It's so fascinating... Read More

Motorcycle Detailing Procedures Manual Sample Outline

If you are a motorcycle detailer and need to expand... Read More

Franchising Pros and Cons

Last week's question from Anthony R. on how to choose... Read More

Questions to Ask as Your Business Grows

Here are some of the questions that you need to... Read More

WARNING to Home Based and Small Business Who Want to Buy Television Cable Advertising

Most small businesses will not even try to advertise on... Read More

Business Owner--Educate Thyself!

Remember the training programs, seminars, and workshops you had to... Read More

Going Public: Now that You Have Successfully Made the Transition, What Do You Do?

Ok, you have successfully accomplished your dream of being the... Read More

What are the COSTS Associated with joining Leads Groups?

When it comes to cost, how much can you afford... Read More

QSR Quick Service - Fast Food Restaurants Labor Situation in United States

One of the major complaints in the QSR Quick Service-Fast... Read More

Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Joining a Professional Association

I'll be the first to admit that I went a... Read More

Franchising Companies Relationship Strategies

Franchising Corporations need to maintain an iron fist when it... Read More

How to Use Graphs and Charts in Your Business Plan

Many people ask how many graphs or charts they should... Read More

Recognizing Employees? Contributions Can Go a Long Way

Every employee would like to earn as high a salary... Read More

Three Small Business Secrets to Getting More Billable Time

As small business owners we're in business to make money... Read More

How To Build Business Credit

Having their own business is something many millions of people... Read More

Basic Psychology of Franchisee Ownership and Expansion

If you are a franchisee of a large franchise system;... Read More

The 5 Traits of Baby Boomer Business Owners

As a practitioner and student of Small Business Marketing, I... Read More

Grants vs. Contracts

Commonly folks have asked me what the technical difference is... Read More

Data Loss - Can Your Company Survive? (Most Do Not)

Data. Most people think it is a term relegated to... Read More

Do You Microbifer in Your Cleaning Business?

Microfiber cleaning towels have been around for about ten years... Read More

11 Things Small Business Owners Can Learn From The Supreme Court

1. Have A Strong Constitution ? Justices deliver decisions by... Read More

The Beauty of Focus and Plan B

Did you ever have one of those days or weeks... Read More

Entrepreneurs Ask: What Can a Virtual Assistant Do For Me?

Great question!Freeing your time is an indisputably key element in... Read More

Mission Statements: More Important Than You Thought

If an organization lacks a mission statement, it is worthwhile... Read More

How to Start Home Based Travel Businesses

Home based travel businesses are no longer the wave of... Read More

Franchising and Royalty Payments

If you are thinking of turning your current into a... Read More

FFP vs. CPFF Contracts

SBIR Corner: FFP vs. CPFF contracts:In the SBIR/STTR world, the... Read More

Small Business Newsletter Dilemma: Which Day Do I Send?

If you're just ramping up your small business email newsletter,... Read More