NEWS BRIEFS FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 7, 2007Celebrate Automotive Service Professionals Week LEESBURG, VA (June 1, 2007) - The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has declared June 11 through 17, 2007, as "National Automotive Service Professionals Week." To honor the commitment and dedication of automotive, truck and collision technicians, along with parts specialists and other support professionals who serve the motoring public, ASE continues this annual recognition launched in 2001 has it listed in Chase's Calendar of
Events. "Twenty-five states, the District of Columbia and Broward County, FL, issued proclamations honoring National Automotive Service Professionals Week in 2006," says Trish Serratore, ASE group vice president, Industry Relations. "We will once again push to have all 50 states recognize the outstanding work done by automotive professionals across the nation in 2007." "We established National Automotive Service Professionals Week to recognize the men and women who service and maintain the highly complex vehicles upon which we depend so much for our day-to-day transportation," says Ron Weiner, ASE president. "This event acknowledges their skill and dedication, and ASE is proud to help recognize these individuals for their commitment to their customers, their craft and the American economy."(Source: ASE)Bosch to Use CDTI's SCR Technology
ARIS System
(Photo: Clean Diesel Technologies)STAMFORD, CT (May 31, 2007) - Robert Bosch GmbH has signed a contract with Clean Diesel Technologies Inc. (CDTI) to secure selected, non-exclusive worldwide rights to CDTI patents for the control of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emission by selective catalytic reduction (SCR). SCR has been recognized as an effective technology for controlling NOx emissions, as well as providing improved fuel economy and reducing vehicle carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas emissions. Bosch has licensed CDTI's Advanced Reagent Injection System (ARIS) method of single-fluid return-flow cooled urea injection for SCR control of NOx emissions. The company also will be employing patents covering the combination of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) with SCR to minimize toxic emissions while optimizing vehicle fuel efficiency. (Source: CDTI) Win a Dream Garage DANBURY, CT (May 24, 2007) - To encourage drivers to stay on top of oil change intervals, FRAM recently launched a new oil change rebate and "Dream Garage" game. Both run until Aug. 31, 2007. Technicians and shop owners are eligible for both. The rebate promotion emphasizes the importance of an oil change and gives consumers $5 off (by mail-in rebate) the purchase of both five quarts of their favorite motor oil and a FRAM oil filter. To receive the $5 off mail-in rebate, consumers simply have to download the rebate coupon from the FRAM Web site at www.fram.com and mail it in for fulfillment. The "My Dream Garage" content on the Web site asks participants to answer five filter-related questions for registration. Six winners, to be randomly selected by August 31, 2007, will receive their very own dream garage provided by Garage Tek and Snap-on Tools. In addition to the six grand prize winners, daily winners receive various prizes, including hats, shirts and other promotional items. (Source: Honeywell Consumer Products Group) Mercedes C-Class Features
New Suspension LAKE FOREST, IL (May 31, 2007) - The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, launched earlier this year, includes a new suspension: the Continuously Controlled Electronic Suspension (CES) system, developed by Tenneco Inc. The vehicle's Agility Control System, based on the CES system, is designed to provide drivers with new levels of safety, comfort and agility.
(Photo: Clean Diesel Technologies)STAMFORD, CT (May 31, 2007) - Robert Bosch GmbH has signed a contract with Clean Diesel Technologies Inc. (CDTI) to secure selected, non-exclusive worldwide rights to CDTI patents for the control of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emission by selective catalytic reduction (SCR). SCR has been recognized as an effective technology for controlling NOx emissions, as well as providing improved fuel economy and reducing vehicle carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas emissions. Bosch has licensed CDTI's Advanced Reagent Injection System (ARIS) method of single-fluid return-flow cooled urea injection for SCR control of NOx emissions. The company also will be employing patents covering the combination of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) with SCR to minimize toxic emissions while optimizing vehicle fuel efficiency. (Source: CDTI) Win a Dream Garage DANBURY, CT (May 24, 2007) - To encourage drivers to stay on top of oil change intervals, FRAM recently launched a new oil change rebate and "Dream Garage" game. Both run until Aug. 31, 2007. Technicians and shop owners are eligible for both. The rebate promotion emphasizes the importance of an oil change and gives consumers $5 off (by mail-in rebate) the purchase of both five quarts of their favorite motor oil and a FRAM oil filter. To receive the $5 off mail-in rebate, consumers simply have to download the rebate coupon from the FRAM Web site at www.fram.com and mail it in for fulfillment. The "My Dream Garage" content on the Web site asks participants to answer five filter-related questions for registration. Six winners, to be randomly selected by August 31, 2007, will receive their very own dream garage provided by Garage Tek and Snap-on Tools. In addition to the six grand prize winners, daily winners receive various prizes, including hats, shirts and other promotional items. (Source: Honeywell Consumer Products Group) Mercedes C-Class Features
New Suspension LAKE FOREST, IL (May 31, 2007) - The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, launched earlier this year, includes a new suspension: the Continuously Controlled Electronic Suspension (CES) system, developed by Tenneco Inc. The vehicle's Agility Control System, based on the CES system, is designed to provide drivers with new levels of safety, comfort and agility.
Continuously Controlled Electronic Suspension
(Photo: Tenneco Inc.) CES is a semiactive suspension system that continuously adjusts damping levels according to road conditions and vehicle dynamics, such as speed, turning and cornering - as well as driver inputs. The system enables vehicles to be tuned to adapt to different driving factors such as braking, accelerating, steering and vehicle load, which increases the range of ride comfort and handling capability, says Tenneco. The key to the system is an electronic control unit (ECU) that processes driver inputs and data from sensors placed at strategic locations on the vehicle. The sensors include three accelerometers mounted on the vehicle body and four suspension position sensors. They provide data on steering wheel angle, vehicle speed, brake pressure and other chassis control factors. The ECU uses control software that processes the sensor information in real time and sends signals - typically within 10 milliseconds - that independently adjust the damping level of each shock absorber valve. This adjustment speed provides effective control of wheel resonant vibrations up to 20 Hz. As a result, wheel hop frequency control is achieved, in addition to body frequency control. The electronic dampers allow a large range between maximum and minimum damping levels, and adjust instantaneously to ensure ride comfort and firm vehicle control. (Source: Tenneco Inc.) Automakers Pressure Congress
on CAFE Standards WASHINGTON (June 1, 2007) - Automakers and their respective associations are gearing up to pressure Congress to revisit implementing higher Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards without considering other alternatives. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM) says that extreme, unrealistic CAFE increases could force manufacturers into offering vehicles for sale that do not match up with consumer demand for versatility, performance, affordability, and passenger and cargo space. If higher standards make vehicles less attractive to consumers, vehicle sales will drop, negatively impacting the auto industry and the U.S. economy. "Automakers support reforming and raising car fuel economy standards, consistent with the need to preserve jobs and consumer choice," says Dave McCurdy, AAM president and CEO. "Determining the right level for the future will require sound science and engineering, in an open process that involves everyone." AAM says the United States cannot achieve energy security through CAFE alone because it is a one-dimensional approach to a complex, national issue. Instead, the United States needs "a multisector, integrated energy policy that motivates all stakeholders to make decisions consistent with the shared goal of reducing petroleum imports." To help promote their view, the Alliance has launched a new Web site, www.drivecongress.com, which provides information on contacting elected officials. In addition, the alliance will run radio ads and print ads in at least 10 states, including Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin Some automakers also are taking action individually to apply pressure. General Motors has launched www.drivingamericasfuture.com, dedicated to advocating alternative fuels as another solution. Chrysler is using its www.grabdemocracybythehorns.com Web site for visitors to learn more about fuel economy regulations and advice and form letters for contacting elected officials. (Source: AAM) AMI Announces New Board
and Large Donation
BEDFORD, TX (May 15, 2007) - The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) has announced the members of its 2007-2008 board of trustees. George Witt, AAM, George Witt Service Inc., Lincoln, NE, was elected as chairman, while Bob Pearson, AAM, Precision Auto Collision Center, Shakopee, MN, was re-elected as treasurer. Other board members include Keith Benline, AAM, Robert's Auto Service, San Diego; Freda Thompson, Ace Auto Body Inc., Hartselle, AL; Ron Pyle, president, Automotive Service Association, Bedford, TX; Ron Ray, executive director, I-CAR Education Foundation, Hoffman Estates, IL; and Dave Willett, vice president and general manager, Central Division, Automotive Specialty Division, Zurich North America, Overland Park, KS. The group also announced that Witt recently committed $10,000 to AMI's resource development effort, EXCEL. The donation will be combined with other leadership contributions to continue AMI's mission of providing and promoting practical business management education tailored to the automotive service and collision repair industry. "AMI classes have been a significant reason for the success of my business," says Witt. "Without AMI training, I'd be struggling. I felt it was time to give back to AMI a small part of the benefits the training has given me." ' (Source: AMI) WORLDPAC Launches
Next-Generation Catalog NEWARK, CA (June 1, 2007) - WORLDPAC has announced the release of Next Generation speedDIAL, an upgraded version of its automotive aftermarket industry free online catalog and fulfillment ordering system. The catalog's enhancements include a VIN decoder function that allows users to search for unique vehicle products; integrated Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association Catalog Enhanced Standards (ACES) vehicle identification recognition; and advanced technology enabling future developments of illustrated diagrams, exploded views and technical service bulletins (TSBs) to improve overall accuracy and search times. (Source: WORLDPAC) Global Symposium Awards
154 Scholarships
(Photo: Tenneco Inc.) CES is a semiactive suspension system that continuously adjusts damping levels according to road conditions and vehicle dynamics, such as speed, turning and cornering - as well as driver inputs. The system enables vehicles to be tuned to adapt to different driving factors such as braking, accelerating, steering and vehicle load, which increases the range of ride comfort and handling capability, says Tenneco. The key to the system is an electronic control unit (ECU) that processes driver inputs and data from sensors placed at strategic locations on the vehicle. The sensors include three accelerometers mounted on the vehicle body and four suspension position sensors. They provide data on steering wheel angle, vehicle speed, brake pressure and other chassis control factors. The ECU uses control software that processes the sensor information in real time and sends signals - typically within 10 milliseconds - that independently adjust the damping level of each shock absorber valve. This adjustment speed provides effective control of wheel resonant vibrations up to 20 Hz. As a result, wheel hop frequency control is achieved, in addition to body frequency control. The electronic dampers allow a large range between maximum and minimum damping levels, and adjust instantaneously to ensure ride comfort and firm vehicle control. (Source: Tenneco Inc.) Automakers Pressure Congress
on CAFE Standards WASHINGTON (June 1, 2007) - Automakers and their respective associations are gearing up to pressure Congress to revisit implementing higher Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards without considering other alternatives. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM) says that extreme, unrealistic CAFE increases could force manufacturers into offering vehicles for sale that do not match up with consumer demand for versatility, performance, affordability, and passenger and cargo space. If higher standards make vehicles less attractive to consumers, vehicle sales will drop, negatively impacting the auto industry and the U.S. economy. "Automakers support reforming and raising car fuel economy standards, consistent with the need to preserve jobs and consumer choice," says Dave McCurdy, AAM president and CEO. "Determining the right level for the future will require sound science and engineering, in an open process that involves everyone." AAM says the United States cannot achieve energy security through CAFE alone because it is a one-dimensional approach to a complex, national issue. Instead, the United States needs "a multisector, integrated energy policy that motivates all stakeholders to make decisions consistent with the shared goal of reducing petroleum imports." To help promote their view, the Alliance has launched a new Web site, www.drivecongress.com, which provides information on contacting elected officials. In addition, the alliance will run radio ads and print ads in at least 10 states, including Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin Some automakers also are taking action individually to apply pressure. General Motors has launched www.drivingamericasfuture.com, dedicated to advocating alternative fuels as another solution. Chrysler is using its www.grabdemocracybythehorns.com Web site for visitors to learn more about fuel economy regulations and advice and form letters for contacting elected officials. (Source: AAM) AMI Announces New Board
and Large Donation
BEDFORD, TX (May 15, 2007) - The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) has announced the members of its 2007-2008 board of trustees. George Witt, AAM, George Witt Service Inc., Lincoln, NE, was elected as chairman, while Bob Pearson, AAM, Precision Auto Collision Center, Shakopee, MN, was re-elected as treasurer. Other board members include Keith Benline, AAM, Robert's Auto Service, San Diego; Freda Thompson, Ace Auto Body Inc., Hartselle, AL; Ron Pyle, president, Automotive Service Association, Bedford, TX; Ron Ray, executive director, I-CAR Education Foundation, Hoffman Estates, IL; and Dave Willett, vice president and general manager, Central Division, Automotive Specialty Division, Zurich North America, Overland Park, KS. The group also announced that Witt recently committed $10,000 to AMI's resource development effort, EXCEL. The donation will be combined with other leadership contributions to continue AMI's mission of providing and promoting practical business management education tailored to the automotive service and collision repair industry. "AMI classes have been a significant reason for the success of my business," says Witt. "Without AMI training, I'd be struggling. I felt it was time to give back to AMI a small part of the benefits the training has given me." ' (Source: AMI) WORLDPAC Launches
Next-Generation Catalog NEWARK, CA (June 1, 2007) - WORLDPAC has announced the release of Next Generation speedDIAL, an upgraded version of its automotive aftermarket industry free online catalog and fulfillment ordering system. The catalog's enhancements include a VIN decoder function that allows users to search for unique vehicle products; integrated Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association Catalog Enhanced Standards (ACES) vehicle identification recognition; and advanced technology enabling future developments of illustrated diagrams, exploded views and technical service bulletins (TSBs) to improve overall accuracy and search times. (Source: WORLDPAC) Global Symposium Awards
154 Scholarships
ROSEMONT, IL (May 15, 2007) - The Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship Committee announced that 154 students received scholarships in 2007. The $1,000 scholarships were awarded to 142 students in the United States and 12 in Canada. Since its inception, the program has provided $1.3 million to more than 1,300 students pursuing aftermarket careers.
Scholarship applications for 2008 will be available online in September 2007. The deadline for submitting 2008 scholarship applications is March 31, 2008.
To be eligible for a GAAS scholarship, applicants must be enrolled full-time in a college-level program or a National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF)-certified automotive technical program. Graduate programs and part-time undergraduate programs do not qualify.
In addition, recipients who graduate from their program and show proof of employment as a technician in the automotive aftermarket for at least six months after graduation can receive a second matching grant.
Pete Kornafel, chair of the GAAS Scholarship Committee, notes that this year's selection process included a new collaborative effort with the Breslow Foundation and APSA, the wholesaler association headquartered in Texas that represents nine southwestern states.
"We were able to pool all applications from these groups, allowing APSA, [the] Breslow Foundation and GAAS to each make their own selections by reviewing applicants who met their unique requirements and criteria," says Kornafel. The awards included GAAS Scholarships funded by donations from the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, ASC Industries and R.L. Polk & Co.
"This year's pooling of resources opens the door for www.automotivescholarships.com to become a Web site where a student can be considered for several automotive scholarships by submitting just one application," Kornafel adds. "This is a great new service for students, and improves their opportunity to get financial help for training to enter our industry. I hope other organizations who provide scholarships for the aftermarket will consider joining this new flexible and collaborative effort."
(Source: GAAS)
'57 Chevy Nomad Build KENOSHA, WI (May 1, 2007) - What's next after the cable TV motorcycle and street rod reality shows? How do you bring together everyone who loves cool cars in an innovative, communal project? Snap-on Tools Co. has taken the next step. "Working with another TV show was a possibility," explains Alicia Smales, vice president, marketing for Snap-on Tools. "But it only works in one direction. People sit and watch. We wanted to get our customers, franchisees and everyone who might be interested involved and participating." So rather than building the next project - a custom car based on the classic 1957 Chevy Nomad design - in two hours on TV, the story will unfold in real-time online, starting now at a new Web site, www.aintstreetlegal.com. "It will be a total Web 2.0 experience," Smales says, "building the car live in an online community setting." Web cams will capture the daily activity; video summaries will be posted as significant milestones pass, and discussion groups will be asked for their input on design and construction. There will be places to post their own stories of their projects and pictures of their cars. They will be able to talk to the crew doing the car - they will be part of the project. There will also be a contest to name the car. The actual construction will take place in Asheville, NC, under the direction of motorcycle and street rod customizer Dr. Neon, whose most recent project was an Air Force Thunderbirds motorcycle that was auctioned at Barrett-Jackson earlier this year. Neon will assemble a crew of celebrities, specialists and partner companies to assist with the Snap-on project, which will be completed in time for this year's Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas. Known for his innovative use of neon lighting, Dr. Neon will surely incorporate the medium into the rebirth of the car. Everything else, however, is still up in the air. "I won't really know what's going to happen until I start taking it apart," he says. "I know it will be cutting-edge with music, lights, a flat screen television - the works. But it'll still be a classic street rod. The art is in creating a modern, kinetic vehicle that is still recognizable as the classic car that it has always been." (Source: Snap-on Tools Co.)'Nanoglue' Can Bond Nearly
Anything Together
A new method allows a self-assembled molecular nanolayer to become a powerful nanoglue by "hooking" together any two surfaces that normally don't stick well. When sandwiched between a thin copper film and silica underlayer and exposed to heat, the structure's adhesion strength increases dramatically. This discovery could lead to commercial applications in
nano- and microelectronics, as well as coatings for turbines and engines, and adhesives for high-heat environments.
(Photo: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute/G. Ramanath)
(Photo: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute/G. Ramanath)
TROY, NY (June 2, 2007) - Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new method to bond materials that don't normally stick together. The adhesive, which is based on self-assembling nanoscale chains, could impact everything from next-generation computer chip manufacturing to energy production. And because of their small size, these enhanced nanolayers could be useful as adhesives in a number of micro- and nanoelectronic devices where thicker adhesive layers just won't fit.
Less than a nanometer (i.e. one billionth of a meter) thick, the nanoglue can withstand temperatures up to 700
