ASA News Release
BEDFORD, TEXAS, Nov. 10, 2004 - Independent repair shop owners and technicians got an opportunity Thursday, Nov. 4, to prepare for the vehicles they will be servicing in the near future. A first for the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS), which was held Nov. 4-6 at the Flamingo Las Vegas, representatives of seven automobile manufacturers held new product technology sessions. Representatives of Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Isuzu, Toyota and Volkswagen presented the sessions.
These individual sessions allowed each manufacturer an opportunity to provide attendees specific information on new systems or features that are being incorporated in automobiles of the future.
The Automotive Service Association (ASA), which sponsors CARS, saw the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) sessions as a great opportunity to give shops and technicians a competitive advantage.
"The automobile manufacturers' participation at CARS to deliver information and training is another example of their commitment to automotive service and repair professionals. Who better to prepare our members for the future than the companies that build the vehicles our member shops will service?" said Bill Haas, ASA's vice president, service repair markets. "Participation exceeded our expectations, and we look forward to these OEM new product technology sessions becoming a regular part of the CARS schedule of events in the future."
Ford representative Kevin Brady gave attendees an overview of three technologies: Ford's controller area network, continuously variable transmission and the Escape hybrid.
Honda's Bill Boyer included information on features of the new Acura coming out next year.
GM's Duane Curto discussed technologies technicians will see tomorrow, including displacement on demand and GMLAN communication.
Isuzu's Lewis Thompson and Ken Schoffstoll told attendees about Isuzu's direct injection engine, ION sense ignition system, tire pressure monitor system and intelligent suspension control.
Chrysler's Brian Whittles talked about how Chrysler is responding to government regulations on airbag occupant classification systems.
Volkwagen's Peter Stuyck and Raymond Solt concentrated their presentation on the new Audi A-6, new Volkswagen Golf and Jetta, and the Golf and Jetta engine.
Toyota's Darrel Halsey discussed general maintenance of power trains for Toyota's hybrid Prius.
CARS 2005 will be held Nov. 3-5 in Las Vegas. Visit www.CARSonline.org for the latest announcements.
The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind, serving 12,000 businesses and approximately 65,000 professionals from all segments of the automotive service industry. ASA's headquarters is in Bedford, Texas.
ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to www.asashop.org, or visit ASA's legislative Web site at www.TakingTheHill.com.