News Briefs

By Levy Joffrion

Do You Have A Story?

Got a good "Chicken Soup for the Soul" story? An inspirational, emotional or humorous true story that opens the heart and rekindles the spirit? A personal account of a relationship, lesson learned or dream fulfilled that will help readers discover basic principles they can use in their own lives? If so, it might be good material for Chicken Soup for the Soul of NASCAR, scheduled for release in the spring of 2003. The authors are looking for great stories that will motivate and tug at the heartstrings of their readers.

Among topics to be included are Insurmountable Odds, The Checkered Flag, Pure Dedication, Giving Back, A Family Affair, Unstoppable Courage, Trackside and The Front Stretch. Most stories average 1,200 words and writers whose stories are chosen for the book will be compensated while still retaining their copyright.

Send your story to Jeff Aubery, co-author, at SoupStory@aol.com. The deadline for submitting a manuscript is Dec. 31.

MACS to Meet Jan. 30 - Feb. 1

The Mobile Air Conditioning Society Worldwide (MACS) has announced that its 23rd annual convention and trade show, "Reality Check 2003," will be held at the Marriott New Orleans, Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2003.

Airbag Diagnosis CD Available

MOTOR Information Systems has announced the release of its new Airbag Systems Diagnosis CD. The three-CD set is part of the MOTOR e-tech - Service Information Library and covers all model years from 1997 to 2001. For more information, call (800) 4-A-MOTOR.

Longtime Supplier Gets New Name, Identity

American Linen, American Industrial and Servitex, longtime suppliers to thousands of automotive-related businesses, have announced a new shared name - Alsco - and with the new name, introduced a new look.

The company's new name is an acronym for the original company name - American Linen Supply Company. Its new identity is designed to unite a worldwide group of businesses under a single name and logo. As part of the new identity introduction, Alsco is launching a new Web site - www.alsco.com - offering enhanced e-business capabilities to its customers.

Techs Reveal Purchase Plans

Almost a third of automotive technicians planned to spend more than $2,500 in tool and equipment purchases in 2002, according to the third Tool & Equipment Purchasing Trends Survey published by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). More than 700 technicians responded to the survey designed to gain insight into current and future purchasing decisions of professional users of automotive tools and equipment.

Matrix to Be Updated in January

The next quarterly update of the Vehicle Manufacturer Service Information Matrix will be in January 2003, according to the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF). It was last updated Oct. 14.

The matrix provides original equipment manufacturer (OEM) contacts for obtaining service information, training materials and tools. It includes a complaint form if a technician identifies an error in the matrix or has a problem accessing the information being sought. The complaint form can be completed online or a PDF file can be downloaded and faxed to NASTF. A printed version is available from the collision and mechanical divisions of ASA by calling (800) 272-7467, ext. 222. Complaints are forwarded to the specific OEM for review and resolution.

The matrix can be accessed through the Members' Only area of the Automotive Service Association Web site (www.asashop.org), by clicking on either "Mechanical Division" or "Collision Division." The matrix can also be found at www.nastf.org or www.iatn.net.

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