NEWS BRIEFS FOR THE WEEK OF OCT. 26, 2006
NEWS BRIEFS FOR THE WEEK OF
OCT. 26, 2006Pin Purchase at AAPEX Will Help Fund GAAS Scholarships ORLAND PARK, IL - The Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) awarded $1,000 scholarships to a record 159 students in 2006. GAAS is now raising funds for 2007 scholarships, and industry members can support the effort by purchasing the "Our Future Runs on GAAS Scholarships" pin and making a minimum donation of $20. Donations will be accepted at several locations at this year's Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), held Oct. 31 through Nov. 2 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, NV, including at the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) business centers, and at the Advanstar Publications booth (#4023). Individuals from the symposium and scholarship committee - who will be wearing red "Ask Me" ribbons - will also be selling pins on the show floor, as well as at the daily industry events. Donations may also be mailed to GAAS Scholarship Fund, AAIA, c/o Susan Medick, 7101 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1300, Bethesda, MD 20814; contact Medick at (301) 654-6664 or via e-mail at [email protected]. Since 1996, GAAS scholarships have provided financial help to students seeking careers in the automotive aftermarket. Of the 2006 scholarship recipients, 75 percent plan to become automotive technicians and 25 percent are enrolled in four-year colleges or universities. A survey of GAAS scholarship recipients revealed that 67 percent of those who are out of school and working listed an aftermarket company as their employer. Another 18 percent are working as technicians. The deadline to apply for 2007 GAAS scholarships is March 31. To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled full-time in a college-level program or an ASE/NATEF certified automotive technical program. Applicants may apply online at www.automotivescholarships.com. Scholarships will be awarded at the GAAS educational event, held May 8 to 9, 2007, at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago, IL. For additional event information, visit www.globalsymposium.org. The GAAS program is a joint professional education effort of the Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA), Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada, Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (APRA), Automotive Service Association (ASA), Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), Motorist Assurance Program (MAP), Motor Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Tire Industry Association (TIA) and the University of the Aftermarket.(Source: GAAS)NJ State Assembly Considers
Right to Repair ALEXANDRIA, VA (Oct. 19, 2006) - According to an announcement by the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE), the New Jersey Assembly's Consumer Affairs Committee unanimously passed the state's version of The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, A-931. The next stop for A-931 is a second reading on the Assembly Floor. At press time, a date has not yet been scheduled. "This empowers motoring consumers to actually exercise their rights over their own property - this time, their vehicles. It's about who owns the vehicle, the consumers who purchased it or the manufacturers," says CARE President David Parde. "A-931 takes great strides in promoting fairness and equality in the marketplace for both service providers and consumers," says NJ Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Trenton), sponsor of A-931 and a member of the Consumer Affairs Committee. "This bill is pro-small business and creates competition in the auto repair industry, which will give car owners greater options in choosing who can work on their vehicles. In a state like New Jersey, where reliable personal transportation is a necessity, The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act will help control vehicle upkeep costs and ensure that those who rely on their cars can maintain them properly." Three New Jersey residents who are aftermarket technicians testified in favor of passing A-931: Dave Scaler of The Mechanics Education Association (MEA), John O'Connor, owner of Shade Tree Mechanic, and Robert Everett, past president of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP-NJ) and owner of Bayville Auto Parts.(Source: CARE)LA Students Get a Taste of
Auto Industry LOS ANGELES, CA (Oct. 23, 2006) - This week, Los Angeles high school students will learn about rapidly expanding career opportunities in the automotive industry. The Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association (GLANCDA) joins the California Motor Car Dealers Association (CMCDA) and dealerships nationwide to celebrate Automotive Career Month, sponsored by the National Automobile Dealers Association. According to a recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive for Automotive Retailing, there are more than 104,000 job openings nationwide in the automotive industry. Careers such as sales, repair and service, finance, marketing, administration, design, technology and communications will be showcased. The high school students will receive a "behind-the-scenes" tour of several participating dealerships to see first-hand how the business operates in all areas.(Source: California Motor Car Dealers Association)AASP-MN "Lights On" Event a Hit
with Motorists MINNEAPOLIS (Oct. 20, 2006) - The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASP-MN) says its recent12th annual Lights On For Safety event was a hit with consumers. The event's primary objective is to improve vehicle safety, but it also assists in stocking local food pantry shelves, supporting automotive students with scholarships and industry connections, encouraging interaction among all sectors of the automotive service industry and increasing public awareness and goodwill toward the automotive service industry. AASP-MN volunteers, with help from automotive technical students, conducted free vehicle inspections for consumers and replaced exterior vehicle light bulbs and headlamps. Volunteers at eight sites serviced 325 vehicles and collected more than 1,200 pounds of food and $1,250 for local food pantries. In addition, $4,000 in scholarships were distributed to automotive tech students who participated in the event. At most of the locations, state troopers were on hand to answer traffic safety-related questions. Child passenger safety technicians were also available to inspect the installation of children's car seats. "This is a true, industry-wide event, bringing together automotive shop owners, managers and technicians involved in several associations with automotive students, technical colleges and industry suppliers," says Pat Whelan, chairperson for this year's program. "Overall, it sends a positive message to the public about the professionalism and generosity of the automotive service industry." (Source: AASP-MN)F1 Institutes New 2007 Rules
for More Friday Action INDIANAPOLIS, IN (Oct. 20, 2006) - The governing body for Formula One (F1) racing has announced a number of changes for 2007, according to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Fans at the 2007 United States Grand Prix (USGP) will see more F1 race practice action on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway because of new rules ratified Oct. 18 by the World Motor Sport Council. F1 cars will be on track for three hours, split into two 90-minute practice sessions, on Fridays at all Grand Prix races in 2007. That's up from two hours, split into two 60-minute sessions, in 2006. In another bonus for fans, the rules that limit F1 teams to one engine every two races will apply only to Saturday and Sunday on race weekends in 2007. Teams will have even more incentive to turn laps during Friday practice, as they won't have to restrict mileage to conserve engines. A team's two drivers and a nominated third test driver are eligible to practice Friday, but a team can only use two cars during these sessions. The World Motor Sport Council also instituted new Safety Car rules for 2007. When the Safety Car is deployed, lapped cars between cars running on the lead lap will pass those cars and the Safety Car and then move to the rear of the field for the restart. This will put all lead-lap cars nose-to-tail on the track, allowing those drivers to resume duels for position immediately after the restart without interference from lapped cars. The USGP race date is Sunday, June 17, 2007. It is the seventh event on the 17-race schedule in 2007. The season starts March 18 in Australia, and the Canadian Grand Prix on June 10 precedes the USGP, creating a North American F1 double-header.(Source: Indianapolis Motor Speedway)Is Insurance Antitrust Reform
on the Way?
WASHINGTON (Oct. 18, 2006) - The Antitrust Modernization Commission (AMC) held a public hearing today to discuss the McCarran-Ferguson Act, according to Bob Redding, the Automotive Service Association's (ASA) Washington, DC, representative. Originally, the McCarran-Ferguson Act was enacted in 1945 to permit the states to continue regulating the insurance business. Under the act, the business of insurance is exempt from some federal antitrust statutes to the extent that it is regulated by the states. "Collision repairers should note the discussion of 'safe harbor' exemptions in testimony from both the American Bar Association and the American Insurance Association. These and other proposed exemptions to any repeal of McCarran-Ferguson certainly limit the benefits of insurance reform for consumers and repairers," says Redding. "The November elections will have a tremendous impact on the degree of insurance reform once Congress returns. In addition, the House Financial Services Committee, presently the committee of jurisdiction, will have a new chairman, whether the House is controlled by Democrats or Republicans, with the retirement of the current chair." The testimony of the witnesses in their entirety can be viewed online at ASA's legislative Web site, www.TakingTheHill.com.(Source: ASA)SEMA Reports on
New Alternative Fuel Developments DIAMOND BAR, CA (Oct. 18, 2006) - Ward's Auto recently reported on two new alternative fuel developments, including: * Ford Motor Co. engineers in Europe are developing an experimental V6 diesel, aimed at meeting the "rigid nitrogen oxide [NOx] emissions rules in Europe and North America without expensive exhaust aftertreatment." The engine is based on the 2.7L V6 engine that Ford manufactures with PSA Peugeot Citroen in Dagenham, U.K. and uses a combination of Homogeneous Charge Combustion Ignition (HCCI) cold combustion, as well as ordinary diesel combustion. The biggest difference between this and other diesel engines is a new strategy for controlling combustion. Instead of adjusting the oxygen intake to match the demand for fuel, an engine controller is used to adapt the fuel injection to the oxygen available. HCCI works at lower temperatures than gasoline or diesel engines. Lower temperatures lead to less NOx emissions. Christian Vigild, engineer at Ford's diesel powertrain research center in Aachen, Germany, says that the process of adjusting the fuel injection to match the oxygen available provides better control during transitions. This way, pressure sensors are not required to be in each cylinder. This project is unlikely to see production before Euro VI rules are in place in 2012. * Saab's alternative fuel technologies strategy includes the 9-5 BioPower flex-fuel vehicle, which has been a great success in Sweden and other parts of Europe. General Motors Corp. Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said that BioPower vehicles "definitely are destined for the North American market." The 2.0t BioPower model of the 9-5 was introduced last year, followed by the 9-5 2.3t, released this year. Roughly 80 percent of 9-5s sold in Sweden use E85. These vehicles not only have fewer emissions with the use of an ethanol blend, but the BioPower versions of the turbocharged 2.0L and 2.3L engines have been calibrated for between 15 percent and 20 percent more power when running on ethanol compared with gasoline, according to Carl-Peter Forster, president, General Motors Europe. In a recent SEMA newsletter, the association says that diesel engines appear to be one of the top choices for alternative fuel engines and that automakers are looking at ways to improve on the diesel engine. Furthermore, diesel technology developed for European markets could migrate to the United States as OEMs begin to expand their clean diesel offerings here. Importantly, there might be a potential for aftermarket companies to develop better after-treatment products for diesels that do not result in a loss of fuel economy. On a cautionary note, SEMA notes that GM's Lutz is more excited about the potential of E85, and less enthusiastic about the future of diesels in the United States because of the requirement to meet Tier 2 Bin 5 requirements for emissions in 2007 and the loss of fuel economy from after-treatment measures. Cost continues to be an obstacle, adding $2,000 to the price of a diesel engine, too. Lutz says that the state of California is already looking beyond Bin 5 to even stricter requirements, "which would regulate diesels out of existence [in the United States]." He believes that if diesels get too expensive to rival hybrid-electric systems, the question will become one of choice between the two.(Source: SEMA, Ward's Auto)NASTF Opens Doors to
Auto Service Industry LEESBURG, VA - With the announcement of a formal incorporation in the District of Columbia, the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) is asking all individuals working in or around the automotive service industry to become involved with the organization.CLICK HERE FOR A PDF VERSION OF NASTF'S LETTER TO THE INDUSTRY.
OCT. 26, 2006Pin Purchase at AAPEX Will Help Fund GAAS Scholarships ORLAND PARK, IL - The Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) awarded $1,000 scholarships to a record 159 students in 2006. GAAS is now raising funds for 2007 scholarships, and industry members can support the effort by purchasing the "Our Future Runs on GAAS Scholarships" pin and making a minimum donation of $20. Donations will be accepted at several locations at this year's Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), held Oct. 31 through Nov. 2 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, NV, including at the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) business centers, and at the Advanstar Publications booth (#4023). Individuals from the symposium and scholarship committee - who will be wearing red "Ask Me" ribbons - will also be selling pins on the show floor, as well as at the daily industry events. Donations may also be mailed to GAAS Scholarship Fund, AAIA, c/o Susan Medick, 7101 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1300, Bethesda, MD 20814; contact Medick at (301) 654-6664 or via e-mail at [email protected]. Since 1996, GAAS scholarships have provided financial help to students seeking careers in the automotive aftermarket. Of the 2006 scholarship recipients, 75 percent plan to become automotive technicians and 25 percent are enrolled in four-year colleges or universities. A survey of GAAS scholarship recipients revealed that 67 percent of those who are out of school and working listed an aftermarket company as their employer. Another 18 percent are working as technicians. The deadline to apply for 2007 GAAS scholarships is March 31. To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled full-time in a college-level program or an ASE/NATEF certified automotive technical program. Applicants may apply online at www.automotivescholarships.com. Scholarships will be awarded at the GAAS educational event, held May 8 to 9, 2007, at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago, IL. For additional event information, visit www.globalsymposium.org. The GAAS program is a joint professional education effort of the Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA), Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada, Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (APRA), Automotive Service Association (ASA), Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), Motorist Assurance Program (MAP), Motor Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Tire Industry Association (TIA) and the University of the Aftermarket.(Source: GAAS)NJ State Assembly Considers
Right to Repair ALEXANDRIA, VA (Oct. 19, 2006) - According to an announcement by the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE), the New Jersey Assembly's Consumer Affairs Committee unanimously passed the state's version of The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, A-931. The next stop for A-931 is a second reading on the Assembly Floor. At press time, a date has not yet been scheduled. "This empowers motoring consumers to actually exercise their rights over their own property - this time, their vehicles. It's about who owns the vehicle, the consumers who purchased it or the manufacturers," says CARE President David Parde. "A-931 takes great strides in promoting fairness and equality in the marketplace for both service providers and consumers," says NJ Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Trenton), sponsor of A-931 and a member of the Consumer Affairs Committee. "This bill is pro-small business and creates competition in the auto repair industry, which will give car owners greater options in choosing who can work on their vehicles. In a state like New Jersey, where reliable personal transportation is a necessity, The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act will help control vehicle upkeep costs and ensure that those who rely on their cars can maintain them properly." Three New Jersey residents who are aftermarket technicians testified in favor of passing A-931: Dave Scaler of The Mechanics Education Association (MEA), John O'Connor, owner of Shade Tree Mechanic, and Robert Everett, past president of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP-NJ) and owner of Bayville Auto Parts.(Source: CARE)LA Students Get a Taste of
Auto Industry LOS ANGELES, CA (Oct. 23, 2006) - This week, Los Angeles high school students will learn about rapidly expanding career opportunities in the automotive industry. The Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association (GLANCDA) joins the California Motor Car Dealers Association (CMCDA) and dealerships nationwide to celebrate Automotive Career Month, sponsored by the National Automobile Dealers Association. According to a recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive for Automotive Retailing, there are more than 104,000 job openings nationwide in the automotive industry. Careers such as sales, repair and service, finance, marketing, administration, design, technology and communications will be showcased. The high school students will receive a "behind-the-scenes" tour of several participating dealerships to see first-hand how the business operates in all areas.(Source: California Motor Car Dealers Association)AASP-MN "Lights On" Event a Hit
with Motorists MINNEAPOLIS (Oct. 20, 2006) - The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASP-MN) says its recent12th annual Lights On For Safety event was a hit with consumers. The event's primary objective is to improve vehicle safety, but it also assists in stocking local food pantry shelves, supporting automotive students with scholarships and industry connections, encouraging interaction among all sectors of the automotive service industry and increasing public awareness and goodwill toward the automotive service industry. AASP-MN volunteers, with help from automotive technical students, conducted free vehicle inspections for consumers and replaced exterior vehicle light bulbs and headlamps. Volunteers at eight sites serviced 325 vehicles and collected more than 1,200 pounds of food and $1,250 for local food pantries. In addition, $4,000 in scholarships were distributed to automotive tech students who participated in the event. At most of the locations, state troopers were on hand to answer traffic safety-related questions. Child passenger safety technicians were also available to inspect the installation of children's car seats. "This is a true, industry-wide event, bringing together automotive shop owners, managers and technicians involved in several associations with automotive students, technical colleges and industry suppliers," says Pat Whelan, chairperson for this year's program. "Overall, it sends a positive message to the public about the professionalism and generosity of the automotive service industry." (Source: AASP-MN)F1 Institutes New 2007 Rules
for More Friday Action INDIANAPOLIS, IN (Oct. 20, 2006) - The governing body for Formula One (F1) racing has announced a number of changes for 2007, according to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Fans at the 2007 United States Grand Prix (USGP) will see more F1 race practice action on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway because of new rules ratified Oct. 18 by the World Motor Sport Council. F1 cars will be on track for three hours, split into two 90-minute practice sessions, on Fridays at all Grand Prix races in 2007. That's up from two hours, split into two 60-minute sessions, in 2006. In another bonus for fans, the rules that limit F1 teams to one engine every two races will apply only to Saturday and Sunday on race weekends in 2007. Teams will have even more incentive to turn laps during Friday practice, as they won't have to restrict mileage to conserve engines. A team's two drivers and a nominated third test driver are eligible to practice Friday, but a team can only use two cars during these sessions. The World Motor Sport Council also instituted new Safety Car rules for 2007. When the Safety Car is deployed, lapped cars between cars running on the lead lap will pass those cars and the Safety Car and then move to the rear of the field for the restart. This will put all lead-lap cars nose-to-tail on the track, allowing those drivers to resume duels for position immediately after the restart without interference from lapped cars. The USGP race date is Sunday, June 17, 2007. It is the seventh event on the 17-race schedule in 2007. The season starts March 18 in Australia, and the Canadian Grand Prix on June 10 precedes the USGP, creating a North American F1 double-header.(Source: Indianapolis Motor Speedway)Is Insurance Antitrust Reform
on the Way?
WASHINGTON (Oct. 18, 2006) - The Antitrust Modernization Commission (AMC) held a public hearing today to discuss the McCarran-Ferguson Act, according to Bob Redding, the Automotive Service Association's (ASA) Washington, DC, representative. Originally, the McCarran-Ferguson Act was enacted in 1945 to permit the states to continue regulating the insurance business. Under the act, the business of insurance is exempt from some federal antitrust statutes to the extent that it is regulated by the states. "Collision repairers should note the discussion of 'safe harbor' exemptions in testimony from both the American Bar Association and the American Insurance Association. These and other proposed exemptions to any repeal of McCarran-Ferguson certainly limit the benefits of insurance reform for consumers and repairers," says Redding. "The November elections will have a tremendous impact on the degree of insurance reform once Congress returns. In addition, the House Financial Services Committee, presently the committee of jurisdiction, will have a new chairman, whether the House is controlled by Democrats or Republicans, with the retirement of the current chair." The testimony of the witnesses in their entirety can be viewed online at ASA's legislative Web site, www.TakingTheHill.com.(Source: ASA)SEMA Reports on
New Alternative Fuel Developments DIAMOND BAR, CA (Oct. 18, 2006) - Ward's Auto recently reported on two new alternative fuel developments, including: * Ford Motor Co. engineers in Europe are developing an experimental V6 diesel, aimed at meeting the "rigid nitrogen oxide [NOx] emissions rules in Europe and North America without expensive exhaust aftertreatment." The engine is based on the 2.7L V6 engine that Ford manufactures with PSA Peugeot Citroen in Dagenham, U.K. and uses a combination of Homogeneous Charge Combustion Ignition (HCCI) cold combustion, as well as ordinary diesel combustion. The biggest difference between this and other diesel engines is a new strategy for controlling combustion. Instead of adjusting the oxygen intake to match the demand for fuel, an engine controller is used to adapt the fuel injection to the oxygen available. HCCI works at lower temperatures than gasoline or diesel engines. Lower temperatures lead to less NOx emissions. Christian Vigild, engineer at Ford's diesel powertrain research center in Aachen, Germany, says that the process of adjusting the fuel injection to match the oxygen available provides better control during transitions. This way, pressure sensors are not required to be in each cylinder. This project is unlikely to see production before Euro VI rules are in place in 2012. * Saab's alternative fuel technologies strategy includes the 9-5 BioPower flex-fuel vehicle, which has been a great success in Sweden and other parts of Europe. General Motors Corp. Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said that BioPower vehicles "definitely are destined for the North American market." The 2.0t BioPower model of the 9-5 was introduced last year, followed by the 9-5 2.3t, released this year. Roughly 80 percent of 9-5s sold in Sweden use E85. These vehicles not only have fewer emissions with the use of an ethanol blend, but the BioPower versions of the turbocharged 2.0L and 2.3L engines have been calibrated for between 15 percent and 20 percent more power when running on ethanol compared with gasoline, according to Carl-Peter Forster, president, General Motors Europe. In a recent SEMA newsletter, the association says that diesel engines appear to be one of the top choices for alternative fuel engines and that automakers are looking at ways to improve on the diesel engine. Furthermore, diesel technology developed for European markets could migrate to the United States as OEMs begin to expand their clean diesel offerings here. Importantly, there might be a potential for aftermarket companies to develop better after-treatment products for diesels that do not result in a loss of fuel economy. On a cautionary note, SEMA notes that GM's Lutz is more excited about the potential of E85, and less enthusiastic about the future of diesels in the United States because of the requirement to meet Tier 2 Bin 5 requirements for emissions in 2007 and the loss of fuel economy from after-treatment measures. Cost continues to be an obstacle, adding $2,000 to the price of a diesel engine, too. Lutz says that the state of California is already looking beyond Bin 5 to even stricter requirements, "which would regulate diesels out of existence [in the United States]." He believes that if diesels get too expensive to rival hybrid-electric systems, the question will become one of choice between the two.(Source: SEMA, Ward's Auto)NASTF Opens Doors to
Auto Service Industry LEESBURG, VA - With the announcement of a formal incorporation in the District of Columbia, the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) is asking all individuals working in or around the automotive service industry to become involved with the organization.CLICK HERE FOR A PDF VERSION OF NASTF'S LETTER TO THE INDUSTRY.
In a formal open letter to the industry, NASTF Chairman Charlie Gorman outlines the organization's committees and activities, as well as requesting individuals to participate and providing ideas on how to help promote the group's mission.
NASTF also reminds everyone that its semiannual member meeting will be held Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 1:30 p.m., at the Mirage Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas in Room C2 of the event center. As an open meeting, NASTF says that registration is not required, and all interested parties are welcome to attend and encouraged to participate.