Contact:	Angie Wilson (800) 272-7467, ext. 216 angie@asashop.org
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin ASA-16 April 1, 2009

ASA Announces Audatex Benefit for Lean Six Sigma Online Training Course

BEDFORD, TEXAS, April 1, 2009 - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is announcing a new discount offer from Audatex for ASA collision shop owners interested in adopting its Lean Six Sigma for Collision Repair training course.

Audatex North America Inc., a leading global claims solutions provider serving the automotive industry, is offering a 10 percent discount for ASA members who enter into a new multi-user agreement for the training course. A pricing table is available from your local Audatex sales representative by calling (800) 237-4968.

The 10-module, online course is the first of its kind for the industry and provides a convenient and cost-effective way of learning how to apply proven lean principles specifically to auto collision repair. The self-paced program provides targeted methodologies for cycle-time reduction, waste elimination, and process improvement that can help quickly improve shop productivity, customer satisfaction and business-growth potential. The course also provides optional continuing education units and Audatex certification.

"ASA thanks Audatex for this discount program," said John Scully, ASA executive vice president. "Lean processes are becoming increasingly important to collision repairers. The additional flexibility of being able to learn the intricacies of lean operations online in the shop or from any Internet connection just increases the value of this program."

Unlike traditional classroom-based Lean Six Sigma training programs or full-day seminars, the Audatex course does not require travel, hotel or meal expenses - making it economically attractive for collision repair facilities that are just taking the first step toward becoming lean.

"This is a great opportunity to train everyone in your shop for less than $100 per employee," said David Trissel, associate vice president of process excellence for Audatex. "The course provides comprehensive coverage of Six Sigma and Lean principles and concepts including 5S, waste, pull, flow, value stream mapping, mistake-proofing and Kaizen."

The Audatex course is being used - and lean principles are being implemented - at several collision repair facilities across North America, including one that anticipates a 35 percent increase in efficiency and a dramatic decrease in cycle time. A leading U.S. collision repair company with more than two dozen facilities in three states is implementing the Audatex course as part of its continuing education and training for all staff.

To learn more about the course, visit www.audatex.us, go to Collision Repair Facility Solutions and click on "Lean Six Sigma." To learn more about the concept of lean, download a free document, "Making the Journey to a Lean Shop," at www.audatex.us/thinktank.aspx.

"It's nice to see a program like the Lean Six Sigma package finally delivered to the industry that is not a 'cookie-cutter' approach, but focuses instead on theory and principles that can be customized to empower you to better execute regardless of your collision repair facility size or scope of operation," said Ray Fisher, ASA-Michigan vice president.

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA serves an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from both the mechanical and collision repair 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.

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