ASA, EPA bring OE tools forum to Industry Week

An informational session regarding OE diagnostic tools will take place before the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS). The event, sponsored by the Automotive Service Association (ASA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn about these tools directly from the manufacturer.

The session will be offered on 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.

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

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA serves an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from both the mechanical and collision repair 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, visit the organization's Web site.