ASA, EPA offer OE Tools Forum at Industry Week

BEDFORD, Texas – The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are sponsoring the OEM Tool Forum, an informational session preceding the opening of the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS). The OEM Tool Forum will be and educational session to provide attendees with an opportunity to learn about several OE tools directly from the manufacturer.

The session will be offered Weds. Oct. 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Flamingo Las Vegas in the El Dorado Ballroom. Although the program agenda is still being developed, BMW, Subaru and Toyota are currently expected to participate. The association is anticipating confirmation from at least one other automaker to participate in the event.

Each automaker will make a presentation or perform a live demonstration of the capabilities of its diagnostic tool. They will also provide information regarding tool purchases or leases, and hardware and software support. Time permitting, the presenters will take questions from the audience.

“There tends to be misinformation in the industry regarding diagnostic tool availability and support. I encourage anyone who performs any type of diagnostic work to attend the OEM Tool Forum and learn firsthand from the vehicle manufacturer,” says Bill Haas, ASA’s vice president of education and training.

The session is open to everyone and no registration is required.
CARS is “the meeting place for Automotive Service and Repair Professionals” and is the premier event of ASA’s Mechanical Division. CARS will be held Nov. 1-3. In addition to the OE Tools Forum, CARS will feature 12 technical classes and four Automotive Management Institute-approved management courses. CARS also provides several networking opportunities, including the Service Professionals Industry Reception co-sponsored by the International Automotive Technicians’ Network (iATN) and ASA, and an exhibitor showcase featuring the latest in automotive products and services.

Online registration will be available on the CARS Web site (www.CARSonline.org) until Oct. 24. ASA members and nonmembers who sign up for the complete CARS registration package before the early-bird deadline Sept. 20 will save money. The CARS Web site also includes a list of exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, presentations and more.