In the old days, everyone knew how to tend their horse. Not to be able to do so was life threatening, uneconomical, and unkind. Now, few people know how to tend their major mode of transportation. They are very dependent upon others for help, a tow truck, or a day or so in the garage. In a region where people and communities are widely dispersed, using a vehicle without the fundamental ability to make minor repairs and to be able to interpret problems can be dangerous or very expensive. Delays may be intolerable. As the availability of fossil fuel becomes more limited it is essential that great efficiencies be gained, that vehicles "last" and are serviceable, and that transportation remain readily available for all of the vital processes of the region and Rural System, Inc. activities within it.
Having a safe, effective car can free people to leave the home, visit, relate to others in the region, and participate in local employment, recreation, education, and artistic activities.
Under the Hood is an organization with memberships. Its objective is profit-making by means of
- Local automotive schools within existing garages (fees for classes and membership)
- Insurance sales
- Membership sales
- Credit card "percentages"
- Tool sales
- Auto / truck sales (commission on select promotions)
- Tire sale commissions
- Safety kit sales
- GPS sales
- Book and map sales
- Manual and text sales
- Equipment sales including safety equipment (e.g., auto-phone sales)
- Internet advertisements for the members site
- Magazine subscription "percentages"
It real objectives are resident and visitor safety and security, regional employment, and assured transportation into the forests and other areas of the region.
Members display pride in the region, gain confidence in new safety and security, achieve a new regional "can do" attitude, and expand on the widening interests and abilities of all people of the region - youths, females, older people.
Said not to be a natural-resource company, Under the Hood works with transportation elements of the enterprise, deals with safety and security, extends the abilities of people within the region and with activities outside the region and allows connections to be made between employees and the resources of the region. It provides a marketing strategy, uses the internet, links people to the enterprise, attracts special visitors, and may provide alternative units of employment within the region.
See Belles and Whistles and the Four x Four Group.
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