AUTO 450 - Variable and Fixed Operations of the Automotive Industry

Prerequisite: Enrollment requires special approval from the Automotive Technology Department.
Advisory:ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, MATH 130 or MATH 130H, PHY 120
Transfers to:CSU

This course provides students with a detailed, practical study of variable and fixed operations of new and used vehicle sales, as well as the operations of service and parts, at successful automotive retail centers. Topics include new and used vehicle sales operations, finance, service, parts, and financial return. Emphasis is placed on maximizing and balancing inventory turnaround, wholesale practices, trade-in appraising, vehicle reconditioning, the role that auctions play, the important relationship between the parts and service departments, technician productivity and efficiency, wholesale and retail parts sales, stock and non-stock parts inventory and ordering practices, and part phase-in/phase-out criteria. Current automotive industry practices and relevant case studies are discussed and demonstrated throughout the course. Students apply and demonstrate knowledge and skills that will enable them to advance their employment in the vehicle sales and service fixed operations management spectrum.