The Driving Machine is a certified participant of the Santa Clara County Green Business Program. The Bay Area Green Business Program is a successful partnership of environmental agencies and utilities that assists, recognizes and promotes businesses and government agencies that volunteer to operate in a more environmentally responsible way. To be certified "green," participants must be in compliance with all regulations and meet program standards for conserving resources, preventing pollution and minimizing waste.
The core purpose of ASCCA is to elevate and unite automotive professionals, and give them voice in a way that promotes integrity, compassion, individuality and continuous self-improvement. Members must adhere to a strict code of ethics in all of their business dealings. This organization also acts as a conduit for continued technician and management training. Outreach to consumers in some cases involves legislation alerts such as the "Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act", at a state and local level. ASCCA also supports mandatory certification for auto technicians in California. Jim Payne is current Vice President of the Local Chapter 42.
The International Association of Independent BMW Service Professionals (BIMRS) is an organization of independent BMW repair shops who share a commitment to caring for BMW cars and BMW Owners.
ASE is the nationally recognized organization that develops, and administers testing and certification of Automotive Technicians throughout the U.S.. Believe it or not, there is no mandatory test that is required to service or repair vehicles. Their blue seal is a sign that you have someone who has taken the time to be educated and qualified to work on your car.
The Driving Machine is a certified member of Bosch technicians. Bosch provides services, comprehensive know-how and state-of-the-art technology for drivers around the world and certifies businesses which meet their standards.
Automotive manufacturer industry standards, such as crash testing, lubrication fluids, mileage standards, are just some of the work of SAE - world wide organization of automotive engineers, of which Jim is a member.
The BBB is the oldest consumer action company in the U.S.. It is non-profit. If you need mediation or in the worst case, a place to report fraudulent activity, they are the ones to contact. In the Bay area they recently alerted the public to two Internet sales operations that were deceptive, saving consumers untold amounts of money and disappointment. Look for a shop that belongs to the Better Business Bureau.
ASA is a national organization that is involved in consumer outreach, automotive technical education, and legislative awareness. They have not only a division devoted to mechanical shops, but also collision repair shops. They are currently involved in legislation to reform some of the laws regulating insurance companies, and ultimately have a positive impact for consumers and repair facilities. There are some states that are pushing to allow insurance companies to start their own collision repair shops! Our industry should do all it can to avoid that type of situation.
The Driving Machine is an approved member of AAA. The AAA Approved Auto Repair program approves only facilities that meet the highest standards in vehicle repair, competency, reliability, cleanliness, overall experience and fair pricing. These repair facilities must also employ only trained, certified technicians, and offer timely repairs, convenient hours and courteous service. AAA makes sure that your automobile repairs are conducted only by professionals.