Empowering Auto Care

DECEMBER 2019 | FUTUREOFBUSINESSANDTECH.COM

An Independent Supplement by Mediaplanet to USA Today

EMPOWERING AUTO CARE

Jay Leno

The famed TV personality talks about his love of cars

Inside the program that’s increasing transparency and building trust in auto care The star of “Fast N’ Loud” shares what it takes to work on today’s vehicles

Plans as low as America’s #1 Auto Protection Provider

Join over 1 MILLION+ happy vehicle owners with the ultimate in extended vehicle service protection.

$99/ Mo.

FOR A FREE CUSTOMIZED QUOTE FOR YOUR VEHICLE, CALL: 1-800-578-7144 OR VISIT: CarShield.com/usatoday

How High-Tech Helps “Fast N’ Loud” Star Richard Rawlings Keep It Classic

NASCAR Legend Jimmie Johnson Offers Car Care Advice

How has vehicle technology evolved since you first started your NASCAR career?

Smart technology has led to more efficient vehicles, safer vehicles, and more driver awareness and safety. I don’t see that changing, I see it continuing to evolve.

What steps do you take to properly maintain your own vehicle?

At home, it never hurts to get a visual inspection on tires and make sure they are up. If you see any drips or leaks, you obviously have something going on with the transmission, or rear end, or engine. Certainly, paying attention to the dash and any warning lights that go on.

Where do you see the future of mobility and transportation going into the next decade?

It’s moving quickly, and certainly the driverless car and driverless transportation seems to be the hot topic. I just hope it doesn’t work into driverless racecars.

How do you see the electrification of vehicles affecting the future of mobility?

Electrification is massive. Formula One is using it in its racecars, there are forms of electric racing, and I own an electric car and enjoy driving it. From a clean-air standpoint and an affordable, renewable energy, it seems like a very logical thing to pursue and I don’t see it slowing down anytime soon.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF DISCOVERY CHANNEL

Whether it’s on the track or on the roads, seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson knows how to treat his ride right. We asked him for some tips on how motorists can keep their cars in tip-top shape and about what vehicle technologies intrigue him the most.

The man behind Gas Monkey Garage reveals all you need to know about working in today’s auto industry.

Every now and then, you’ll hear a classic car coming down the street before you even see it. It sounds different and deserves a pause as it cruises by, just so you can admire its energetic engine and unique craftsmanship.

You’re transported back in time for a moment. And then it turns the corner, out of sight, and you wonder, “What happened to cars like that?”

The truth is, so many vintage vehicles are sitting in junkyards and open fields across the country, abandoned and forgotten. It’s on those back roads that auto enthusiast Richard Rawlings finds old gems he can restore

to their former glory at his shop in Dallas, Texas.

The Gas Monkey Garage, featured on the Discovery Channel reality hit “Fast N’ Loud,” and now “Misfit Garage,” is where Rawlings and his team “turn rust into gold.”

Their expert work sometimes results in a $500,000 trade-in, making the hunt and labor worth it. If you ask Rawlings, though, fixing up an old car has always been worth the effort to him — even when he barely makes a profit.

Embracing new tech Such advanced equipment calls out to younger generations, who are familiar with a tech-driven world.

“What’s really cool about the auto world is that you’ve got everything you need to know in the palm of your

hand, as long as you’ve got a smart phone,” Rawlings said.

“You can build a ’65 mustang by just watching videos.”

For those thinking about a career in the field, there’s remarkable opportunity, with an estimated shortage of 60,000 auto repair technicians by 2020, according to the Automotive Services Association.

And for auto owners, simply understanding the possibilities of the technology can lengthen your car’s life. Take water damage, for example.

We’re often convinced that a vehicle is totaled after seeing the wrath of floods or hurricanes, but Rawlings says these vehicles can still be restored to their former glory.

Whether because of damage or cost, giving up on a car doesn’t have to be the answer.

Just ask the 12 percent of Americans in a 2017 Harris Poll that saved $1,300 annually by refinancing their auto loans.

The bottom line: cars can last a long time. They’ve always been something you can take apart, figure out, and put back together. And with today’s tech, Rawlings says this is still the case. He’s hoping he can inspire others to see the potential under the hood.

“I tell the kids I meet, ‘Does your dad have a lawn mower?

Take it apart,’” Rawlings said. n Megan Troise

Publisher James Cannino Business Developer Abe Freedberg Managing Director Luciana Olson Lead Designer Tiffany Pryor Designer Celia Hazard Lead Editor Mina Fanous Copy Editor Dustin Brennan Director of Sales Shannon Ruggiero Director of Business Development Jourdan Snyder Director of Product Faye Godfrey Content Strategist Vanessa Rodriguez Cover Photo Courtesy of Jay Leno’s Garage LLC All photos are credited to Getty Images unless otherwise specified. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve USA Today.

FOLLOW US: @MEDIAPLANETUSA

2 • FUTUREOFBUSINESSANDTECH.COM

INQUIRIES: US.EDITORIAL@MEDIAPLANET.COM AND US.ADVERTISE@MEDIAPLANET.COM

PLEASE RECYCLE

MEDIAPLANET

Courtney Force Leads the Pack for Female Gearheads Drag-racing champ Courtney Force says there’s never been a better time for women to make a career in auto tech.

Force was practically born behind the wheel of a racecar. As the daughter of John Force — a racer with over 20 championships as a driver and owner — and sister of fellow racers Ashley and Brittany, it’s safe to say that racing fuel runs in Courtney Force’s blood.

After recently surpassing her sister Ashley for the most Funny Car wins for a female racer, Courtney credits a supportive environment for helping her succeed in what has long been a male-dominated sport.

“When I was just getting into it, there were only a few females that I could look up to at that point,” Force said. “I always looked up to my sister Ashley … I was cheering for them (my sisters) even if they had to go against my dad. It’s cool to now be a part of breaking down these barriers, helping grow the sport, and showing girls that they can beat the guys and have success.”

Empowering female auto techs Now Force is trying to be a supportive voice for young women the way her family was for her, encouraging them to get involved in the automotive industry. According to a recent study by the National Institute for Automotive Service, hiring managers said their No. 1 challenge in 2018 was a lack of available talent. The same study reported just 17 percent of new hires in the industry were women, far behind other industries.

“There’s a lot of different areas to make a career,” Force explained.

“There’s a lot of female technicians that are working on great race cars out there. They’re looking for people that are positive, motivated, and have a love and passion for cars. That’s what we need both in racing and in automotive tech.”

Dash Lunde 4 • FUTUREOFBUSINESSANDTECH.COM

Why Advanced Training Can Give You a Leg up in the Garage of the Future Advancing vehicle technology creates new career opportunities for those with the right technical training. It’s not your father’s job anymore.

T

he demand for technical workers is skyrocketing.

Nowhere is that more true than in the automotive industry, where the future is bright for talented young people with science, technology, engineering, art, and math skills.

That’s right, we’ve added an “A” to STEM skills to reflect the need for creative thinking in solving problems in the 21st Century.

Along with the change in educational focus to provide students with the skills relevant to today’s workplace, the roles in STEAM careers are also evolving.

Unlike many hightech careers that require advanced college degrees, most of the technical roles in the automotive industry can begin with a certificate program. The ability to find secure, well-paying jobs without having to incur a mountain of student debt is certainly a plus, but it’s only the beginning.

Many opportunities exist for those with the right technical training and a STEAM career can be a gateway to a much wider working world with more choices than most realize.

The new garage Today’s dealership service departments and independent repair shops are a far cry from what you might envision. Modern vehicle service facilities are clean, well-organized operations stocked with some of the latest computer technology.

What used to be purely mechanical systems like brakes, steering, and suspension are now part of a rolling computer network.

Engines and transmissions use electronic fuel delivery and powertrain management computers to achieve low emissions and greater efficiency, leading to better performance and lower fuel consumption.

Hybrid and electric drivetrains point to the

Tony Molla Vice President, Industry Relations, Automotive Service Association future of mobility, and all of these systems work together through the onboard network to provide safe, reliable, economical, and environmentally friendly transportation options that didn’t exist when many of today’s students were born.

The new mechanic Finding the talent to maintain, service, and repair an increasingly complex vehicle fleet is one of the largest challenges facing the automotive industry. That translates into opportunities for those with the skills and knowledge to fill those jobs. But there’s even more.

Working in a STEAM career means keeping up with advancing technology and that means ongoing training. Most employers include ongoing training as part of their benefits package. They’re willing to make the investment in their workforce to stay competitive, and that investment not only benefits their business, it benefits their employees by keeping their skills sharp and on the cutting edge of what’s next.

That translates into secure jobs and employable talent, which ensures career growth and increased opportunities down the road.

If you’re looking for a high-tech career, the future is STEAM. n MEDIAPLANET

PHOTO:COURTESY OF SANDRO

Marcus Lemonis Shares What It Takes to Succeed in Small Business

On his primetime series “The Profit,” Marcus Lemonis rescues struggling small businesses — but there are no free rides.

When asked about the biggest obstacle facing small businesses, the CEO, inventor, and reality TV personality doesn’t hesitate.

“The No. 1 problem is that you have two different sectors in small business,” Lemonis said. “Those that understand the importance of numbers and having their people focused and having a good product, and those that decided to get into business because they thought it was cool and hip, and forgot they needed to bring money to the table and have a business plan.”

According to Lemonis, the Small Business Administration should provide financial literacy tools to people before they apply for loans, so they can appear knowledgeable about their businesses when dealing with an investor or bank. This includes the basics, such as understanding the difference between a credit and a debit, and being able to create a balance sheet.

“We’re not putting any sort of resources behind teaching people and we’re not giving any sort of education about the process,” Lemonis said.

Lemonis adds that the key to a good partnership isn’t about how much an entrepreneur has in the bank but rather the relationships that are formed. Honesty and transparency make for good business.

“I want to hear humility from people, that they understand what they’re good at, and what they’re not good at,” he said.

“I want them to acknowledge where their weaknesses are, and be willing to ask for help and be willing to change.”

Cindy Riley 6 • FUTUREOFBUSINESSANDTECH.COM

Building Trust and Transparency in Automotive Care Through Standards Finding an auto shop you trust can be difficult. These are some things that a trustworthy shop should be doing for its customers.

W

ith the increasing complexity of vehicle systems and components, it is important for motorists to have a service provider they trust to perform the repairs and maintenance that keep their vehicles safely on the road.

That is why the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) is dedicated to improving the customer experience by using a standardized program that creates consistency and transparency, resulting in greater trust between the customer and the service provider.

Closing the gap If given a choice, many motorists would rather go to the dentist than go to a repair shop to get their vehicle serviced. Why is that?

Most of the challenges of trust between consumers and service providers can be attributed to the knowledge gap many motorists have regarding the complex automotive systems that exist on today’s vehicles. This leads to the questions many of us have like “Do I really need that done?,” when we are told that our vehicle requires multiple maintenance services or repairs. Fortunately, there is a program

that ensures the answers to the questions you have on vehicle repair and maintenance are articulated to you in a consistent and transparent way through the MAP’s Uniform Inspection and Communication Standards, which have been developed by experts over the past 28 years.

Do I really need that done?

The MAP was created by the Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association (a nonprofit, industry-based organization) in order to bridge the trust gap between motorists and service providers through a consistent, transparent customer experience.

A uniform standard Shops that participate in the program are required to use the MAP inspection standards when recommending parts and services for vehicles. These standards

are a great benefit to consumers because any and all recommendations the service provider makes must fall within the inspection standard that is based on the actual condition of the part or system, thus eliminating any over-recommending of parts and services.

These standards ensure that whether your vehicle is in New York or Alaska, it will be inspected consistently and you will be told that the component or system is either OK, or that a repair is required or suggested based on its actual condition.

If consumers are looking for a shop that follows the MAP guidelines, they can utilize the “Find My Shop” feature on www.motorist. org. They can also find great articles and videos that can help educate them about vehicle ownership and repairs.

Programs like MAP will continue to be important as the complexity of vehicles continues to increase and, therefore, the complexity of repairs. Luckily, with technology at their fingertips, motorists can become educated quickly to make more informed decisions. n Jeffrey Cox, President, Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association MEDIAPLANET

No time to get out from under the hood?

Our simple business loan application takes just 10 minutes.

Your go-to for small business loans Whether you need funds to purchase a new vehicle bay or to bridge the winter months, we've got options.

Term Loans $5K–$500K

Lines of Credit $6K–$100K

Visit ondeck.com/autocare or call us at 800Ð325Ð6381 Loans subject to lender approval. Depending on the state where your business is located and other attributes of the loan, your business loan may be issued by Celtic Bank, a Utah-Chartered Industrial Bank, Member FDIC. Your loan agreement will identify the loan issuer prior to your signing.

OnDeck® is a Registered Trademark. All rights reserved. 1400 Broadway, New York, New York.

Upcoming Events Collision Industry Conference January 15-16 Palm Springs, CA ciclink.com

ASA Colorado Summit January 24-25 Denver, CO asashop.org

ASA Arizona Training & Expo February, 2020 Phoenix, AZ

ASA Northwest Automotive Training Expo March 27-29 Seatac, WA

The Portland Swap Meet April 3-5 Portland, OR portlandswapmeet.com

Collision Industry Conference April 8-9 Jacksonville, FL ciclink.com

ASA Annual Business Meeting May 2020 Hurst, TX asashop.org

8 • FUTUREOFBUSINESSANDTECH.COM

How You Can Help Drive America on the Road to Zero The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates at least 40,000 people died last year on U.S. roads.

They want to bring that number down to zero.

Ask yourself, how many members of your own family would you sacrifice to exercise the privilege of driving? I am sure your answer is zero.

While it may not be easy, we should make zero our goal. The Road to Zero Coalition — 900 members strong and managed by the NSC — has given us a plan to get there.

“The Road to Zero: A Vision for Achieving Zero Roadway Deaths by 2050” proposes three interconnected approaches that, taken together, can eliminate roadway deaths in the United States:

1. Double down on what works

We already have successful traffic safety strategies to address hazards such as speed and impairment — ­ from automated speed enforcement to alcohol ignition interlocks.

The problem is, we inconsistently apply best practices. By refocusing our efforts to support proven countermeasures, we can save lives with the tools already at our disposal.

Take another example, the use of seat belts, which has increased dramatically over the past several decades. Ninety percent of all front-seat occupants buckle up, according to Injury Facts, yet almost half of all vehicle occupant fatalities today are unbelted.

If we increased seat belt use by only a few percentage points, we could save thousands of lives. Next time you are in a vehicle, including a rideshare or cab, make sure to buckle up, even if you are in the back seat.

Drive defensively. Don’t speed. Don’t drive impaired and don’t drive distracted.

2. Accelerate advanced technology

If we are to achieve even more significant, near-term gains in roadway safety, it will require a commitment to advancing, adopting, and accelerating technology throughout the vehicle fleet and in our roadway design.

Automakers have announced plans to make certain advanced safety features stan-

dard equipment on new vehicles, but it will take wider adoption and increased education around these technologies to make the biggest difference. You can do your part by considering purchasing a vehicle with advanced safety features and learning how to use its technologies. Remember, no vehicles for sale today are self-driving. Even with advanced technology, drivers must stay fully engaged at all times while driving.

But the promise of life-saving technology doesn’t end with the vehicle; it also applies to the environment and emergency response.

Smart grid technologies, automated enforcement, real-time transmission of crash forces, and vital health information for first responders can all reduce the death toll.

3

. Prioritize safety The third and final step is to create a safe system approach and an overall safety culture in the United States. We demand 100 percent safe operations in aviation, marine, rail, and transit; we should cultivate a corresponding societal demand for safe roads.

In urban areas, slowing down traffic makes it more likely pedestrians and bicyclists will survive a collision. Driving down the higher per capita death toll in rural settings will require improving crash notifications and creating greater access to trauma centers.

Simple technology like rumble strips and cable barriers can keep vehicles from running off the road and save lives. You can get involved by advocating for such changes in your community.

It’s up to us If we take no action, we will continue to lose around 40,000 of our friends, neighbors, and family members each year to preventable crashes. The Road to Zero report shows us how to get to zero traffic deaths, but it’s up to us to make it a personal commitment. Learn more at nsc.org/roadtozero. n Alex Epstein, Director of Transportation Safety, National Safety Council MEDIAPLANET

What Drives Danica Patrick on the Track and in Business?

As a NASCAR and IndyCar driver, Danica Patrick challenged the status quo on gender in auto racing. Now a year into retirement, we asked her about what it takes to reach the top level of racing and what she’s learned in her recent success as an entrepreneur.

Danica Patrick Former Racecar Driver, NASCAR and IndyCar Series

wanted to be a racecar driver.

I dreamed big, believed in myself, worked really hard, took chances, and made the most of every opportunity I was given.

What would be your advice to young people who are looking to pursue a career in professional auto care?

I would say stay true to yourself and what you believe in.

I think that’s how I’ve gotten to this point in my career and my life in general. I decided when I was 10 years old that I

The automotive industry has long been male-dominated and you have been instrumental in challenging that status quo.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in this regard throughout your career?

When I first started racing go-karts, I didn’t think about gender at all and I’m sure that had a lot to do with the fact

that my parents didn’t point that out. It wasn’t until a few years in, when I was winning a lot and I started getting media attention because I was a girl, that I really noticed it.

My dad always told me to be the best driver, so that’s what I focused on. I’ve faced a lot of challenges in my career, but I don’t know that I could say any part of what I’ve experienced over the years was specifically because I was a female in a male-dominated sport.

Racing is hard. Getting to the level I’ve competed at isn’t easy for anyone, regardless of their gender.

Why is it important for women to be represented not only in NASCAR, but throughout the entire auto industry?

Women weren’t really welcomed in racing very early on.

When I raced at Indy in 2005, I remember that I think it was only like 30 years earlier that women weren’t even allowed in the pits. That’s crazy to think about, but times change.

In my career, I’ve seen women working at all levels of the sport and throughout the auto industry, and I think it’s great if that’s what they’re passionate about.” n

Aston Martin DB11

Total powers Aston Martin’s excellence

Total is proud to be the official Energy Partner of Aston Martin for three consecutive years. This prestigious unity of automotive excellence, powered by the cutting-edge technology of TOTAL QUARTZ engine oil, ensures outstanding performance to meet every driver’s highest demands. totalspecialties.com

10 • FUTUREOFBUSINESSANDTECH.COM

Looking Under the Hood of the Auto Industry Matt Bernhard Head of Sales, OnDeck Capital

Keeping your car on the road requires many moving parts (both literally and figuratively) to work together in harmony. We spoke with leaders from several different facets of the auto industry about what motorists can do to save time and money, and maintain peace of mind while keeping their vehicles running smoothly.

What are the most important financial factors someone should consider before starting a small business in auto care?

Starting an auto care business comes with some fixed upfront costs. Before starting, put together a plan for what you’ll need and how much capital you have on hand to invest in your business. Make sure you have enough funding to outfit a garage and get the necessary certifications (e.g., state agencies, EPA).

Additionally, you’ll want to budget for purchasing replacement car parts and other inventory up front. If you need to borrow to cover the initial investment, make sure you explore all of your loan options, from your bank to online lenders.

Do you have any tips on how small business owners can best manage their finances?

In general, one of the best ways to manage your finances as a small business owner is to expect (and prepare for) the unexpected. Things are always going to come up when you run a small business, whether that’s a piece of equipment breaking down, a slow month, or just managing your cash flow. Having easy access to funds — through a line of credit, for example — can make these unexpected expenses less disruptive. n

Ford McAlexander Sales Program Manager, Lucas Oil

Steve Proetz President of Operations, CarShield

Paul Faletti, Jr. President and CEO, NCM® Associates, Inc.

How does the way you take care of your vehicle affect its performance?

What are some steps people can take to protect their car?

What would be your advice to young people looking to pursue a career in retail automotive?

Although changing your oil may not be the most exciting aspect of owning a vehicle, it can be one of the most important responsibilities you have as a vehicle owner. The oil in your vehicle is responsible for many parts of your vehicle’s performance including its fuel efficiency, engine performance, and overall long-term health.

It’s important to perform all of the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance. While that’s a good way to prevent many issues from occurring unnecessarily, it’s also important to protect your vehicle with a vehicle service contract. That’s because most breakdowns happen after the factory warranty ends. If you have coverage from CarShield, you will be protected after the warranty expires.

What should people keep in mind when changing the oil in their vehicles?

There shouldn’t be too many issues when changing your oil, however, you should first review your owner’s manual if your vehicle requires any specific product specification and the engine’s required oil viscosity, including its API specification. An owner’s manual will also share helpful tips regarding fluids if you live in a particularly cold or warm area.

Next, you should consider your vehicle’s mileage. There are high-mileage motor oils and oil additives that are designed specifically for your older engine to help improve its performance. n

When choosing a mechanic, what are things drivers should take into account?

Two things drivers often consider when choosing a mechanic or repair technician are price and convenience. But they should also think about the quality of the work being provided. With CarShield, one of the best features is that you can use any ASE Certified Mechanic that you want. n

Regardless of your industry of choice, select one in which you have a passion for the product or service you are representing.

At a minimum, you have to truly believe in what you are doing.

Your superiors will notice and so will your customers.

What are some major steps someone in business can take to be successful?

Be a great listener and treat each person as your peer. Business is all about human interaction, and you’ll win every time if people see that you are interested in them and you treat them with respect.

How can a business prepare for tough economic conditions?

If you want to be prepared for tough times, you need to ensure this goal is a component of your daily operating procedure and not merely an exercise in preparation.

When times get tough, those who have actively and intentionally prepared will excel and separate themselves from the pack. n MEDIAPLANET • 11

America’s Car Guy Jay Leno on His Love of Cars and the Automotive Industry’s Future Jay Leno is known for comedy but his real passion is cars.

Here he reflects on the automotive industry and shares his car insights for consumers.

T

New vs. vintage Growing up in Massachusetts, Leno tinkered with cars from a young age. He bought his first car in 1964 when he was 14, paying $350 for a 30-year-old Ford truck that didn’t run. That’s when he learned to fix cars. Later, he got his driver’s license.

“You hear ‘they don’t make ‘em like they used to,’ thank God!’’ Leno said with a laugh.

He says while older cars are pretty simple and logical, they require a lot of maintenance. He jokes that when you have an older vehicle, you spend half the time on the road and the rest of the time fixing your ride.

In comparison with contemporary cars, “It’s all electronic.”

Leno said when something breaks in a modern car, it gets replaced, not repaired.

PHOTO:COURTESY OF JAY LENO’S GARAGE LLC

he former host of “The Tonight Show” is said to have a collection of more than 180 cars and 160 motorcycles, ranging from steam cars, to firetrucks, to high-end sports cars.

DuPont Registry, the worldwide luxury marketplace for exotic cars, luxury cars, supercars, and sports cars, values Leno’s collection at $52 million.

His collection isn’t just for looks — Leno makes sure the cars are always ready to cruise.

Looking ahead The comedian, who still performs standup across the country, has been hosting his current show “Jay Leno’s Garage” on CNBC since 2015.

The show and companion website (lenosgarage.com) offer car enthusiasts an inside look at the auto industry, including videos of Leno’s cars and trips to the racetrack, plus detailing tips and product reviews.

Leno predicts alternative vehicles, especially electric cars, are the future. According to Forbes, 1 million electric vehicles were sold in the United States in 2018.

“A kid born today will probably ride in a gas car as often as peo-

12 • FUTUREOFBUSINESSANDTECH.COM

ple now ride in a car with a stick shift,” Leno said.

The comedian said he sees lots of electric cars on the road, especially in California. He said these alternative vehicles will “last forever.”

Longevity Today’s vehicles are built to last.

“Cars are better built now,” said Leno, who’s impressed by all the technology being used.

“Precision is an art form that’s at almost unbelievable levels.”

Innovations in design keep getting better and even the little things are improving. For example, these days, most cars don’t come with a spare tire anymore

because most tires are so well made, they won’t need to be replaced for a long time.

“One of the myths about cars is that they’re worn out at 50,000 to 60,000 miles,” he said. “I have a ‘68 Mercedes that has 326,000 miles and it runs fine.”

Leno says people nowadays get rid of cars because they don’t fit their lifestyle, not because the vehicles don’t run anymore.

Leno is 69, but he and his passion for cars aren’t slowing down anytime soon. Fans often see him driving his classic and exotic cars around Los Angeles. Honk and he’ll wave. n Kristen Castillo MEDIAPLANET

“Urban Outlaw” Magnus Walker on His Addiction to the Open Road

PHOTO:COURTESY OF LARRY CHEN

When it comes to maintaining or collecting cars, using the right DIY guidebook and lubricants are paramount to ensuring your prized automobile remains stylish, runs at peak performance, and lasts as long as possible. This may be hard work, but if you’re emotionally invested, you can be richly rewarded and enjoy each step of the journey.

We chatted with famed fashion designer and classic car collector Magnus Walker about his passion for Porsches, and he offered advice about driving and maintaining cars.

What should every car owner know about their vehicle from a maintenance perspective?

The greatest thing about the automotive industry is that everyone speaks the same language. Maintenance is important. Cars were built to be driven and I have very little interest in a car with limited miles. A car with 500,000 miles obviously holds a lot of history.

I always say it’s the people that make the cars interesting. Without people driving them, cars are just appliances that sit still.

From a maintenance point of view, the best maintenance for any car is to drive it. And older cars — in a sense — are also simpler to work on. They don’t get plugged into a computer for diagnostic.

14 • FUTUREOFBUSINESSANDTECH.COM

I think as long as people have fun tinkering around with cars, there will always be a place for fossil fuel cars and internal combustion engines. Routine maintenance and hands-on tinkering, whether you do it yourself or send it out to a performance or service shop, is pretty important. When it comes to classic cars, I also think the more you drive them, the better they become.

What about cars appeals to you?

I always say that, for me, life’s a journey and the vehicle that takes you on that road is the car. The car is the great equalizer.

In my experience, I’ve been able to travel all over the world and meet a lot of interesting car-cultured people. Automobiles

are common bonds that bring everybody together from different economic and social backgrounds. I think true car enthusiasts can relate to the passion of the automobile being the vehicle that essentially can take you anywhere you want to go. It’s just a matter of piloting that car down the open road with your two eyes, your two feet, your two hands, and your brain.

I like to get in the car and drive while some other people like to go to the gym. For me, driving is a sort of therapy or meditation. So I guess my message would be: Get out there and drive, and see what the future on the open road brings.

I always say commuting to work is not driving. Freedom ultimately is the drive on the open road. n MEDIAPLANET

Fill up your life.

Clean your engine and have some good clean fun when you fuel your journeys with DINOCARE®, our TOP TIER™ gasoline.

Find a station at SinclairOil.com