For expanded parts and equipment news, be sure to check daily for updates in the "News" and "Forum" sections of the new www.PTEN.com.
Diagnostics Expo
Features Competition
Andrew Gibson from Mike's Auto Tune & Tire in Provo, Utah, was named "Utah's Top Tech” at the inaugural Auto Diagnostics Expo 2007, hosted by Utah Valley State College. He qualified through a 334-question written test, and then competed with four other top-ranking Utah auto techs in the hands-on final.
ADE 2007 Utah was the first of several expos which will be convened across the country by National Automotive Diagnostics Institute, a diagnostic training and support association. Each Expo will feature Top Tech competitions, equipment demonstrations and training. Expo sponsors included BG Products, CARQUEST Auto Parts, Cornwell Tools, Matco Tools, NAPA Auto & Truck Parts, and Snap-on Tools. NADI is preparing for their next expo in Phoenix in August. For more information, log onto www.nadiauto.com
ASA Names Directors
The Automotive Service Association board of directors was sworn in recently during the ASA's Celebration of Excellence annual convention in Nashville. Aaron Clements, AAM, C&C Automotive, Augusta, Ga., was named chairman of ASA's board of directors for 2007-'08.
For more details, log onto www.asashop.org or www.asashop.org/about/board.htm.
Thomson Delmar Offers Training, Assessments
Thompson Delmar Learning offers a self-paced, interactive learning series with must-have training for today's professional technicians. Each course contains up-to-date content available in CD-ROM and web-based formats. For details, log onto www.techniciantraining.com.
The company also offers a low-cost benefit for individual technicians and business owners/trainers in online tests to identify strengths and areas needing improvement. Find out more at www.skillanalysis.com/truck/.
Snap-On Unveils Classic Car Rebuild Website
Snap-on Tools Co.'s custom chopper has been traveling the world for nearly three years, and its follow-up project, a 1957 Chevy Nomad, has been unveiled at www.aintstreetlegal.com. Webcams will capture the daily activity of the build; video summaries will be posted as significant milestones pass, and discussion groups will be asked for their input.
Instead of two hours on TV, the story will unfold in real time online. The construction will take place in Asheville, N.C., under the direction of street rodder, Dr. Neon, to be completed in time for the 2007 SEMA show in Las Vegas.
Lincoln Electric Aadds Training Facility
The Lincoln Electric Co., manufacturer of arc welding products, has opened a new regional distribution and training center in Chicago. The company, headquartered in Cleveland, opened its first distribution facility in Atlanta in 2006. The new facility combines sales, distribution, training and demonstrations, as well as continuing education for customers, distributors and the public.
Product demonstrations include anything from large, industrial robotics to smaller equipment for repair shops. For more information, visit www.lincolnelectric.com.
SPX Receives
EPA Recognition
SPX Corp. announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized the company and one of its engineering managers for their work to reduce atmospheric pollution caused by R-134a. The EPA awarded SPX the 2007 Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award for the development of the SPX Robinair 34788 Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging Unit that is fully compliant with the SAE's new standard J2788 requirements.
Gary Murray, manager of mechanical product engineering for SPX Service Solutions, was recognized by the EPA with the 2007 Climate Protection Award for his work as a member of the Improved Mobile Air Conditioning Service Emissions Reduction Team. For details, visit www.spx.com.
Tracer Products Ggains 'Top 10' award
The China Auto Maintenance Equipment Industry presented its 2006 Top 10 Imported Auto Maintenance Equipment award to Tracer Products, a division of Spectronics Corp., for its Tracerline fluorescent leak-detection products. The award was based on votes by technicians and auto industry experts.For more information, visit www.tracerline.com.
Identifix Founder
Gains AMI Award
Identifix, an online and hotline diagnostic and repair information source, announced that founder Bill Sauer, AAM, was awarded the Automotive Management Institute's Annual Recognition Award. The award is presented to an individual who has taken specific and significant action to encourage, enhance and support opportunities for automotive service industry professionals to improve their management and business skills.For more information, visit www.identifix.com or www.amionline.org.
Recycling Targets Rechargeable Batteries
The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp. has introduced a Call2Recycle program for rechargeable batteries found around the shop. Signing up is free, as are the collection boxes, shipment and processing. For more information, log onto www.call2recycle.org.
