Bedford, TX — The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) is calling for applications for the 2004 Tom B. Babcox Memorial Scholarship. AMI’s resource development effort, EXCEL, in conjunction with Babcox Publications, established the $1,000 scholarship, which is awarded annually to an Automotive Service Association (ASA) Mechanical Division member who strives to be, or is presently, working in a management capacity.
The scholarship will be applied toward the recipient’s expenses to attend the 2004 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) in Las Vegas, Nov. 4-6. CARS is sponsored by ASA, and offers AMI seminars, technical courses, an exhibitor showcase and the opportunity to network with other automotive service professionals.
To be eligible for the award, the following requirements must be met: applicants must work in the mechanical repair industry; must demonstrate an interest in self-improvement through management education; must own or work for a business that is an ASA member in good standing; and, if the applicant is not the business owner, must be recommended by the business owner.
To request a scholarship application, call AMI at 800-272-7467, ext. 239, or fill out a scholarship application online at www.amionline.org Applications must be received by AMI on or before Aug. 20, 2004. The scholarship recipient will be notified by AMI on or before Sept. 10, 2004.
Snap-on, Rusty Wallace Team-Up on Film to Help Repair Shops Increase Fluid Maintenance Business
Kenosha, WI – Snap-on Tools and NASCAR champion Rusty Wallace have joined forces to produce a series of films demonstrating to consumers the importance of regular maintenance of cooling, fuel, power steering and transmission fluid systems.
Wallace narrates each of the four episodes, explaining the function of cooling, fuel, power steering and transmission fluid systems and the benefits consumers realize by properly maintaining those systems.
Snap-on Tools developed the film with Wallace to provide shop owners, dealerships and service retailers with a business-building tool that their customers could watch in a waiting room or customer area.
The film’s four segments each run under three minutes and are available on DVDs, allowing consumers to select and view the individual segments of greatest interest or all four segments. The film is available to Snap-on customers free-of-charge with the purchase of one of the following Snap-on products: FuelKare comprehensive fuel system service unit, Automatic Transmission Fluid Exchanger, Multi-Fluid Automatic Transmission & Power Steering Fluid Exchanger and Coolant Exchange complete drain and fill unit.
The film is essentially unbranded, making it suitable for any shop offering fluid maintenance service.
Technicians and shop owners can find out more by visiting www.snapon.com or calling 877-SNAPON-2.
Chemical Engine De-carbonization Service May Be Suggested at Specific Interval
Bethesda, MD – The Maintenance Services Task Force of the Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association (AMRA) recommends that a chemical engine de-carbonization service be suggested for preventive maintenance at the interval of 15,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first. The task force reached its conclusion after extensive study of industry data, including a review of technical service bulletins, SAE papers, independent laboratory studies and other resources. The data showed that fuel system deposits that may occur without this service, including those among many different combustion chambers and valve components, have an adverse effect on vehicle performance, fuel economy and emissions.
AMRA representatives presented this recommendation, along with others, and with extensive supporting materials to members of the National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators (NACAA). The association’s members include regulators and enforcers of consumer-oriented laws, including those that affect auto repair. While not endorsing this or any other recommendation, NACAA members provided input and suggestions to the AMRA recommendations.
For more information, call 301-634-4954 or email [email protected].
Radiator Service Association to Join AAPEX
Nashville – An agreement between the National Automotive Radiator Service Association (NARSA) and the sponsoring associations of the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) establishes a new Heat Transfer & Mobile A/C Section at the 2004 AAPEX show. The announcement was made last month at the 51st Annual NARSA Convention & Tradeshow in Nashville, jointly by executives from NARSA and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA).
AAPEX will take place Nov. 2-5, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas.
The new 15,000-square-foot section for exhibitors of heat transfer and mobile air conditioning products will be located on the lobby level of the Sands Expo Center.
“In recent years, many industry groups have recognized the advantages of holding their annual meetings in conjunction with AAPEX, and NARSA is incredibly proud to now be included amongst this elite group,” said Mike Dwyer, CAE, NARSA’s executive director.
“NARSA’s decision to join AAPEX this year will add value and energy to what has become North America’s largest trade-only show,” said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA’s president and CEO. “This further demonstrates to the aftermarket industry the desire by trade associations to deliver on sensible trade show consolidation so companies will benefit from economies of scale.”
“This agreement is the latest step in the consolidation of industry events, which provides increased value for all attendees and opens the AAPEX Show to a broader audience of manufacturers, buyers and service professionals,” said MEMA President and CEO Chris Bates.
MACS Creates Downloadable Video Car Care Message, Recognizes Airsept’s Innovations
Lansdale, PA – In a continuing effort to educate drivers on the importance of professional mobile A/C and engine cooling system repair, the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide has created a 30-second video public service announcement. The mobile A/C and engine cooling system message can be viewed on the MACS homepage at www.macsw.org by clicking on the TV logo. The message also can be downloaded for use on other websites or for use in customer waiting areas.
“Part of MACS’ mission is to make drivers aware of the need for professional service and repair when their mobile A/C or engine cooling system is not delivering peak performance. It is not only better for their vehicle but also for the preservation of our environment, as refrigerant must be recovered and recycled properly,” explained Elvis Hoffpauir, MACS president and COO.
MACS would like to thank Automotive Video Inc. of Fort Myers, FL, for their generous donation of time and resources to create the video.
In other MACS news, the association presented its Industry Innovations Career Achievement Award to Airsept, Inc.’s founder and CEO, Myron Stein, at the MACS 2004 Annual Convention. Stein is the owner of 12 patents for unique automotive products.
Airsept’s Cooling Coil Coating reduces odor in mobile A/C systems. Recycle Guard is the first tool to filter out sealants, dye and lubricant during A/C refrigerant recovery. It prevents these contaminants from entering and damaging recovery equipment. Compressor Guard is an inline filter that protects compressors from debris in the system. Permatube allows technicians to repair plastic radiator overflow tubes.
Airsept’s innovative polarity sensing circuitry updated blower control module technology. The Electronic Evaporator Dryer is available in one part number that fits all vehicle applications, domestic or import. And Airsept’s Transguard is a unique filter that protects replacement transmissions against debris left in the oil cooler after flushing.
