News Briefs

By Levy Joffrion

I-CAR Has New Qualifications

As of Jan. 1, Gold Class Professionals businesses can only qualify under I-CAR's new simplified qualifications. These qualifications were first introduced in March 2001, and businesses were able to qualify for Gold Class status with either the old or new qualifications until Dec. 31, 2001.

Under the new qualifications, each employee must complete 80 percent of his or her position point requirements, or have earned five Gold Class points in the 12 months prior to application or renewal. In addition, new employees have a six-month grace period from their hire date, and there is no longer an overall business point requirement.

In other news, I-CAR is introducing online registration for its 2001 regional conferences (www.i-car.com) and providing credit card payments through a secure connection.

Nissan to Market NISMO Parts

Nissan North America Inc. has announced it will produce and market NISMO high-performance aftermarket parts for Nissan and Infiniti vehicles in the U.S. market. NISMO parts, which will be available next fall, cater to Nissan enthusiasts and will offer a factory warranty. The name NISMO stands for NISsan MOtorsports.

OMB Rejects EPA Rule

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a proposed emissions rule for off-road vehicles, but the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has rejected the EPA's rule and directed the EPA to revise the rule to include alternatives for emissions limits. The EPA proposes regulating emissions such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides for such vehicles.

The EPA reviewed costs related to engineering costs for reducing emissions, but did not evaluate decreased sales and production of certain vehicles. As it stands, the rule will cost the industry $50 to $200 per snowmobile engine, $100 per all-terrain vehicle and $600 per recreational watercraft.

Environmentalists are concerned the OMB weighed the industry costs more heavily than the environmental benefits the rule would bring.

Motor Adds Electronic Estimating

Motor Information Systems has introduced Electronic Estimating, a CD version of its Parts & Labor Guide for domestic and imported vehicles. It is available as a stand-alone product or can be used in conjunction with Shop Director, Motor's shop management program. That gives shops the option to purchase mechanical parts and labor information in print or on CD.

PBEA, AAIA Consolidate

Members of the Paint & Body Equipment Association (PBEA) recently approved their board's recommendation to consolidate association operations with the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

PBEA members will likely elect to participate in AAIA's PBE segment, which will become known as the Paint & Body Equipment Specialists (PBES) segment. For the first two years following consolidation, the combined leadership of PBEA and PBE will manage the new PBES segment.

Newsletter Addresses Bearings Preload

The concept of preload and how it impacts wheel bearings is the focus of the latest issue of Tech Tips, a newsletter produced by The Timken Co. on bearing handling in the heavy-duty truck market. The newsletter promotes safe and proper bearing handling practices for the heavy-duty truck market.

To get a copy of volume 6, issue 3, visit www.timken.com to view it online or request a free hard copy.

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