News Briefs

By Levy Joffrion

Training Alliance Adds Two

The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) has announced that Akzo Nobel Coatings Inc., Car Finishes and Spies Hecker Inc. are now members of the Industry Training Alliance. Formed by I-CAR, the alliance brings together technical training providers and vocational schools to coordinate their training efforts and increase the availability and quality of training to the collision industry.

Other training providers include BASF Corp., Chief Automotive Systems, DuPont Automotive Finishes, Martin Senour Paints, PPG Automotive Refinishes and Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes.

70,000 Attend Industry Week

Approximately 70,000 people attended the two trade shows that comprise the annual Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week. Show organizers report that attendees from 124 foreign countries participated in the two trade shows: the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) and the SEMA Show*ITE.

Charles R. Blum, president of the Specialty Equipment Market Association, said the 2002 SEMA Show*ITE will be even larger than this year's sold-out event, based on the results of the show's space selection. Next year's event is planned for Nov. 5-8 in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Held in conjunction with Industry Week, the 2002 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS), will be Nov. 7-9 at the Tropicana Resort and Casino. For more information, visit the CARS Web site at www.CARSonline.org. (See highlights from CARS 2001 in this issue.)

Firm Offers Training on Web Site

Bergwall Productions Inc., a training materials provider, has launched its Internet-delivered training programs. Geared to the professional technician, the site - www.Bergwall.com - allows one to select from a variety of programs including Bergwall's “ASE Test Preparation Series” and the new “Shop Talk Series.”

This same information is also provided in books, video and CD-ROM formats by Bergwall Productions.

Talks to Return to Michigan

The 10th annual SEMA/OEM Tech Talks will return to Dearborn, Mich., April 29-May 2, 2002. These talks allow SEMA members to meet with key OEM decision-makers and discuss new product development. The sold-out 2001 event featured presentations by the Big Three and top tier-level suppliers.

Details are available from Bill Wolf, (909) 396-0289, ext. 177, or billw@sema.org, and Carl Sheffer at (909) 396-0289, ext. 187, or carls@sema.org.

PPG Unit Offers Marketing Program

A reminder that the Automotive Refinish unit of PPG Industries has launched a national co-brand marketing program called the CertifiedFirst Network. The program is designed to promote an image of professionalism, quality and high customer satisfaction for participating collision centers.

Approved shops will be able to purchase CertifiedFirst Network branded products such as business cards, stationery, floor mats, brochures, postcards, computer paper and greeting cards. The CertifiedFirst Network logo is displayed on these products to help customers identify the shop as a professionally recognized top-quality business.

Rate This Article:

ASA Main Page || AutoInc. Main Page || How's Your Business? || I/M and Safety Forum || A Key Issue: Information Availability || Air Bags: How They Work || Keeping Customers Happy || CARS 2001 Recap || 50th Anniversary Column || Guest Editorial || Tech to Tech || Tech Tips || News Briefs || Taking the Hill || Around ASA || Net Worth || Stat Corner || Shop Profile || Chairman's Message