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Time to Gear Up for AAIW, CARS
Attendees at Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) 2000 will find it easy to conduct business using online services while in Las Vegas. AAIW, which features the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show and International Tire Expo at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) at the Sands Expo Center, will be held October 31 to November 3. E-mail and Internet access centers will be available at both locations.Held in conjunction with AAIW will be the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) event, Nov. 2-4 at the Tropicana Hotel. CARS, which is sponsored by the Automotive Service Association (ASA), will include three management seminars and eight technical courses. For more information or to register for CARS, go to the ASA Events section of the ASA Web site (www.asashop.org).
Companies Offer Services Using Internet
Information providers are making more and more use of the Internet.Mitchell International has announced that FirstEstimate.com, its Internet-based estimating system for the automotive collision repair industry, has entered online beta testing with various repair shops.
FirstEstimate.com is part of Mitchell's wider e-business strategy to create new partnering opportunities and shared efficiencies throughout the industry. “Our goal is to offer the entire industry lowered cost structures, more efficient claims management and supply chain processes, and improved collision repair quality,” said Jim Lindner, Mitchell's president and chief executive officer. “FirstEstimate.com is a significant step toward this goal.”
From CCC Information Services Inc. comes word that its e-commerce business, to be called DriveLogic Inc., will launch a comprehensive, end-to-end Internet collaborative interchange and online applications for the automotive collision supply chain.
DriveLogic's strategy is to combine a collaborative Internet interchange with multiple, integrated e-commerce solutions delivered via an application service provider (ASP) model. DriveLogic's solutions will target the entire auto claims process, and is designed to benefit supply chain participants and consumers by increasing efficiencies and decreasing cycle time.
ASE Slates New Test, Changes
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has announced two changes in the requirements to earn ASE-certified master technician status in the medium/heavy truck category. ASE also has introduced its latest recertification test for medium/heavy truck technicians. The registration deadline for the new recertification test is September 29. The test will be offered during the fall session Nov. 14.
To maintain ASE certification, technicians are required to recertify every five years. Changes in the requirements to earn master technician status in the medium/heavy truck category are due to the declining use of gasoline engines in the trucking field, as most now use diesel engines.
Effective Jan. 1, 2001, the Gasoline Engines (T1) test may no longer be used to help fulfill the master requirement, although the class will continue to be offered. Certification in Diesel Engines (T2) will be required.
A second change also goes into effect Jan. 1, 2001 - ASE's Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems (T7) test will also be required for master status. Truck technicians with current master credentials (including those who might certify this November) will retain their master status until the first of their certifications expires. At such time, they must fulfill the new requirements in place.
Registration information can be obtained by writing to ASE, 13505 Dulles Technology Drive, Suite 2, Herndon, VA 20171-3421; by calling the ASE toll-free information line at (877) ASE-TECH; or by visiting ASE's Web site (http://www.asecert.org). Test takers may also register for any of the fall 2000 ASE tests right on the ASE Web site.
I-CAR seeking more instructors
The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) is looking for instructors for several topics, including air conditioning, anti-lock brake and traction control systems, damage analysis, electrical and electronics, and heating and cooling systems. If you are interested, visit the I-CAR Web site at www.i-car.com and download an application form or call I-CAR's instructor training manager at (877) 21-TRAIN.
Oil, Chemical Recyclers Merge
The National Oil Recyclers Association (NORA) has merged with the National Association of Chemical Recyclers (NACR). The 220-member association, which will retain the NORA name for the present, will hold its annual conference and trade show on Sanibel Island, Fla., Sept. 27-30.
AutoInc. Magazine ® Vol.XLVIII, September 2000
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