For Immediate Release
Contact: Mary Hutchinson
(703) 669-6643
E-mail: mhutchinson@ase.com

October 7, 2008, Leesburg, VA – The National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) Fall general meeting in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay’s South Pacific C Room on Tuesday, November 4th at 1:30 pm, will offer attendees the latest information on developments in the Secure Data Release Module (SDRM), which is designed to provide access to key codes and vehicle security information for automotive service professionals and locksmiths.

“The SDRM has been growing in acceptance and participation by the vehicle manufacturers, and NASTF wants to bring the value this capability provides to the attention of the industry at large,” said Charlie Gorman, NASTF Chairman. “The Fall meeting in Las Vegas will give us a great opportunity to provide the latest updates on participation and a glimpse at a new online tutorial being developed to make the registration process easier to use and understand by the industry at large.”

The full list of OEM carmakers participating in the SDRM is available on the NASTF website at www.nastf.org. “By year’s end, over 95 percent of the vehicles in the U.S. fleet with security systems will be covered by the program,” said Gorman.

In addition to the SDRM update during the meeting, a training panel discussion will outline the various training information resources available to the aftermarket. “The panel discussion will involve OEM representatives from the major vehicle manufacturers,” said Gorman. “The presentations will include information on a variety of training material, available in different formats, which will help aftermarket technicians prepare for the vehicle systems which will challenge them today and in the near future.” The NASTF general meeting will also offer committee reports and organization updates, along with allowing participants the opportunity to provide input and comment directly to NASTF. “We invite all automotive professionals to attend and participate. No registration is necessary,” concluded Gorman.

NASTF was established in 2000 to maintain an open dialogue between automobile manufacturers (or OEMs) and aftermarket repair technicians and to identify, communicate and resolve gaps in the availability and accessibility of automotive service information, service training, diagnostic tools, and equipment for the benefit of automotive service professionals and their customers. NASTF was incorporated in 2006. Additional details can be found at www.nastf.org.

As a 501(c)6 not-for profit organization, NASTF takes no position on any legislation that may be proposed or pending in state or national legislative bodies.