Journey to the Future

“Servicing the Machine of 2015” will be the keynote presentation and theme at this year's Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS).

CARS 2001 will be held Nov. 1-3 at the Tropicana Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

During the day Nov. 2-3, education will be the focus of CARS with 10 technical courses and four management seminars. The opening general session will feature a dynamic keynote presentation, and luncheon speakers will both inform and entertain attendees.

A hospitality reception will be held Thursday evening, Nov. 1. Attendees will enjoy great food and be able to visit the booths of more than 30 vendors displaying their products and services. Friday night, an exclusive Las Vegas dinner show promises to be the "don't-miss" event of CARS 2001.

Steve Ford, The Car Guy, will deliver the opening keynote address. He is an ASE advanced-level, certified technician-instructor who has successfully transferred his shop experience to a career as an award-winning radio, television and print journalist. His presentation will be punctuated with enthusiasm, energy and optimism.

Based in Detroit, Ford is actively involved with a professional network of automotive journalists, engineers, analysts, historians, factory and aftermarket technology experts, educators and legislative representatives. This collective alliance has equipped him with unique insights into automotive technolgy - in both its evolving current state as well as concepts that are certain to be realities in the shops of 2015.

Ford's keynote will let you know why there are reasons for optimism about your service bay of today, 2015 and every year between. His presentation is so dynamic and insightful, we've built the entire theme of CARS around it!

Bob O'Connor

Has owning and managing a business become more complicated or less complicated in recent years? How complicated will it be in 2015?

To prepare shop owners for the challenges they'll face next week and in the next decade, four Automotive Management Institute (AMI) courses have been specially selected for CARS, featuring instructors Bob O'Connor and Ned Tomarchio. Each course earns six credits toward the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation.

Ned Tomarchio

CARS will feature 10 technical courses over two days. These superior courses will be taught by prominent instructors, including Jim Linder, Todd Erickson, Jeff Masterman, Dave Mitchell and Craig Van Batenburg. With a focus on the newest technologies, CARS technical training isn't just for mechanical technicians. Collision techs will benefit as well. Hybrids, 42-volt systems, new powertrains, multiplexing and other new technologies will be featured in many of the 10 technical courses.

Invest in your shop's future by investing in your technicians' education. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is offering discounted technician registration to make it possible for you to bring your best techs to CARS!

For once, you can count on a sure thing when you visit Las Vegas. Three great prizes will be given away during CARS 2001.

Two lucky winners will receive free tuition to Jim Linder's Guru School at Linder Technical Services (LTS), each valued at $1,500. The prize includes a one-week training class at LTS in Indianapolis, double occupancy lodging, meals and training materials. Each ASA member registration to CARS is an automatic entry for the Guru School prizes.

A third lucky winner will receive an Automotive Leadership Institute (ALI) scholarship, valued at $6,385. To enter this contest, you must complete an application that can be obtained by visiting the ASA Web site (www.asa shop.org) or by calling the ASA Mechanical Division at (800) 272-7467, ext. 224. Act now because the application deadline is Oct. 12.

The ALI scholarship will cover all expenses, including airfare, tuition, lodging, meals and course materials for the four-day Shop Management Service Supremacy class.

ASA and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators will co-host the second annual Forum on the Future of Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) and Safety Inspections.

An optional prelude to CARS, the forum will be held Thursday, Nov. 1, and will consist of two breakout sessions, one for emissions I/M and the other for safety inspections. The breakouts will include panel discussions, question and answer periods, and open discussions. At the end of the day, both groups will come together to share ideas and plan future strategies.

The forum is open to anyone concerned with the future of safety and emissions I/M. It's free, but there is a fee for lunch.

The Tropicana Resort & Casino, located on one of the most exciting and glamorous corners in the world, will host this year's CARS. A wealth of gaming fun and amenities await you. The Tropicana has 1,874 guest rooms, seven restaurants, on-site shopping, a fitness center and much more in its two towers.

You can also take in the warmth of the November desert sun by touring the Tropicana's five acres of beautiful gardens and pools.

Register Today and Save!

A CARS brochure, complete with registration form, has been sent to ASA Mechanical Division members. However, anyone may attend CARS. If you did not receive a brochure, you may register online through the CARS 2001 Web site. Or, call the ASA Meetings Department at (800) 272-7467, ext. 241 or 235.

Register before Sept. 20 and save $100.