I-CAR Adds Training Classes

The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) has recently added electric and electric hybrid vehicles and hybrid electric and alternative fuel vehicles to its online delivery format. Both of these programs are also available in instructor-led (live) format.

I-CAR has also kicked off a new training opportunity for collision repair industry professionals. It will be focused on Ford's vehicle-specific parts and repair procedures. The course, "Collision Repair for Ford and Lincoln Vehicles (FOR05), was developed by I-CAR in conjunction with Ford Paint & Body Technology Center. Registration is open and new classes will be added on a continual basis.

For more information, visit I-CAR's website, www.i-car.com, or call (800) 422-7872.

ASE Schedules Final Written Tests

The last written tests to be offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) are scheduled for November.

The full complement of 40-plus certification tests for repair professionals and parts specialists will be offered over the course of three evenings on Nov. 10, 15 and 17. The final written tests will be given at hundreds of locations throughout the United States.

Thereafter, tests will be offered in computer-based format.

For more information, visit www.ase.com or call (888) 273-8378.

Apply Now for GAAS Scholarships

If someone you know is thinking about a career in automotive service and repair, suggest they apply for one of the scholarships to be awarded by the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS).

Collision and mechanical students are urged to apply now through March 31 for 2012 scholarships to be awarded by GAAS. Net proceeds from the annual symposium fund the scholarships for students pursuing industry careers.

More than 1,500 students have received scholarships.

For more information, visit www.automotivescholarships.com.

NASTF Meets Oct. 4

The National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) will hold its fall meeting Oct. 4 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Orange County Convention Center during Automotive Service and Repair Week in Orlando, Fla.

Part of the meeting will be a 90-minute panel that will include representatives from two or more OEMs and a shop owner who has used the information matrix. Ron Pyle, chairman of NASTF, will moderate the panel. Pyle also is president of the Automotive Service Association.

IBIS to Meet in Spain

The International Bodyshop Industry Symposium (IBIS) will meet May 21-23 at the Hotel Arts in Barcelona, Spain.

For more information, visit www.ibisworldwide.com.

MACS Convention Set

Registration is now open for the 32nd annual Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Convention and Trade Show, which will be held Jan. 18-20 at the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev.

For more information, visit the MACS website, www.macsw.org.