Contact:	Angie Wilson (800) 272-7467, ext. 216 angie@asashop.org
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin ASA-26 Sept. 19, 2006

The Most Technical Training Education Offered In CARS History

BEDFORD, TEXAS, Sept. 19, 2006 - From EVAP systems to hybrids to technology trends, the Automotive Service Association's (ASA) Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) will offer 12 technical courses for this year's event - the most technical training in CARS history. Automotive experts and the nation's leading instructors will teach these technical training courses at The Mirage in Las Vegas, Nov. 2-4, making CARS 2006 "The Best Deal in Town."

Online registration will be open until Oct. 20, 2006, and is the most convenient way to register. ASA members and nonmembers who sign up for the full CARS registration package before the early-bird deadline Sept. 22 will save money. New this year, attendees may also register for single-day packages, allowing visitors of other Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) shows to experience CARS technical and management education on the day of their choice.

"We are excited to have an outstanding line-up of automotive authorities to present technical information at CARS. Attending these technical sessions will position shops to face the challenges of advancing technology head on," said Bill Haas, ASA's vice president of education and training.

In addition to technical courses, CARS will offer three AMI-approved management courses; an exhibitor showcase featuring the latest in automotive products and services; a legislative update by Bob Redding, ASA's Washington, D.C., representative; and a keynote presentation by Tom Easton, who recognizes the challenges repair professionals face every day. W. Howard Lewis, AAM, owner of L&B Auto Repair in Snohomish, Wash., will be chairman of CARS 2006. Full details, including course descriptions and the complete CARS schedule, are available on the CARS Web site at www.CARSonline.org or call Carol Dennis, CARS housing and registration specialist, at (800) 272-7467, ext. 220.

CARS 2006 will offer the following lineup of technical courses:

• J2534 Reprogramming Live!: John Cabral, sponsored by Standard Motor Products. Students will learn new reprogramming tips, key re-learn procedures and other initialization procedures.
• EVAP System Test Strategies: Jerry "G" Truliga, sponsored by STAR Envirotech. Students will become more familiar with EVAP systems, their components, functions and DTCs. A hands-on demonstration will be performed using an EVAP system test board, smoke machine and lab scope.
• Honda Hybrid Vehicles and Service Express: instructor to be announced, sponsored by American Honda. This course will cover hybrid technology and provide a demonstration of Service Express, Honda's Web site for service information and parts ordering.
• Technology Trends and the Quest to Provide Service: Al Krenz, sponsored by Bosch. Attendees will get an in-depth look at systems developed to manage technological advancements in store for automobiles they will work on in the near and distant future.
• Current Ramping Then and Now!: Jim Linder, sponsored by Linder Technical Services. Whether you're a veteran "current ramper" or technician just starting out, this course offers a look at new methods, improved equipment and realistic specifications on current ramping.
• European Programming Strategies: Allen Osborne, Chris Mackey and Rob Morrell, sponsored by WORLDPAC Training Institute and the CARQUEST Technical Institute. Students will learn three European automakers' strategies for reprogramming. Each manufacturer will explain software and hardware requirements, tool and equipment issues, subscriptions and the programming process.
• Ford Powerstroke Diesel 6.0: Bruce Amacker, sponsored by Turbo Training. The 6.0L version of the Powerstroke diesel is discussed in detail. The course will cover pattern failures and causes, diagnostic tips and tricks, maintenance peculiarities, wiring harness issues, and PCM programming.
• Vehicle Communication Problems: Norm "Doc" Nall, sponsored by AUTOINC. This course will specifically address how to diagnose scan tool communication and module communication problems, with or without a DTC.
• Diagnostic Strategies: Jeff Masterman, sponsored by Standard Motor Products. Students will learn field-tested techniques designed to minimize diagnostic time, and develop a diagnostic strategy using tools that are readily available.
• J2534 Asian and Domestic Programming Strategies: Chris Chesney, sponsored by CARQUEST Technical Institute and WORLDPAC Training Institute. This class will illustrate the benefits of a J2534 programming strategy for your shop while highlighting the challenges that J2534 presents.
• F.R.E.D. Busses the Body - GM Body Control Electronics: Dave Hobbs, sponsored by Automotive Video Inc. This class includes information on centralized BCMs, zoned body electronics modules and BCMs built into fuse/relay centers, as well as how to diagnose and repair GM body electronic systems.
• The Alphabet Soup of Networking Computers in Your Business: Donny Seyfer, sponsored by Automotive Management Institute (AMI). Attendees will be prepared to create a trouble-free and safe networking environment in their shop after a thorough examination of network security, virus protection, firewalls, software and hardware investments and the advantages and disadvantages of both wired and wireless networks.

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind serving an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from all segments of the automotive service industry. ASA's headquarters is in Bedford, Texas.

ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to www.asashop.org, or visit ASA's legislative Web site at www.TakingTheHill.com.

###