INDUSTRY EVENTS
NASTF Highlights Growth, Accomplishments

Alternative uses of SDRM, future challenges and how to meet them on agenda.

By Angie Kilbourne, AutoInc. correspondent

Charlie Gorman, NASTF chairman.

Mary Hutchinson, NASTF administrator, announced that the information request module had been permanently moved to the NASTF.org Web site. Previously hosted on the International Automotive Technicians Network (iATN), the move ensures all interested parties have the ability to file a request for service information assistance. In addition, submitted information requests are posted online and are searchable by state, category of request or by manufacturer.

Dave Zwalina, Service Information Committee co-chairman, also told attendees that the information request form would soon include fields asking about scan tool information and software used.

Hutchinson also announced the new Reprogramming Information section on the NASTF.org Web site. Designed as a clearinghouse of information on reprogramming information, it features links to each automaker that provide details on tools, reprogramming capabilities and requirements.

Communications enhancements
Hutchinson outlined the launch of the new NASTF eNews, a quarterly digital newsletter, and its new Web site, NASTFenews.org. She pointed out that subscription forms are available on both the NASTF and eNews Web sites, and encouraged those who hadn’t received the inaugural edition to sign up before the next issue, scheduled for mid-November.

John Cabaniss, NASTF Communications Committee chairman, reported that the August newsletter was sent to 650 direct recipients, and what surprised them was the thousands of pass-along readers they received as the newsletter was forwarded by subcribers to friends and colleagues.

Cabaniss also reported that the NASTF.org Web site has seen a 30 percent increase in traffic for 2009, and that the committee is examining enhancing its communication efforts through podcasts and video, as well as through other more traditional media.

Committee Briefs
The Equipment & Tool Committee update from Charlie Gorman, NASTF chairman, included the news that the recently appointed committee chairman will be unable to fulfill his duties; the Equipment & Tool Committee is seeking recommendations to fill the vacancy. In addition, the group’s Information Request subcommittee is seeking a representative from one of the automakers for the group. Gorman requested individuals interested in serving on the committee contact him directly.

He outlined some of the challenges the committee plans to address in the future, including the current Tool and Equipment Matrix. Gorman acknowledged that it has become difficult to manage – too many modules with too many data points. He reported they are considering an approach that provides information on “what’s not available, as opposed to everything that is available.”

Claude Hensley, co-chairman of the Vehicle Security Committee, reported on the continued growth and use of the Secure Data Registry Model (SDRM). He told attendees that presently, 12 automakers were using the SDRM to securely distribute service information on keys and immobilizers. The SDRM has 387 registered primary account users made up of 301 locksmiths and 86 repair shops. An additional 126 subordinate users are registered through their primary account employers.

Hensley also reported SDRM use continues to climb and that in October 2009, there were an average of 260 daily service information transactions occurring. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is reporting it has more than 140,000 transactions a month currently.

Meeting extras
The meeting was balanced with additional presentations from:

• Steve Handschuh, president and chief operating officer of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and vice president of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), who discussed the state of the automotive aftermarket.
• Rene Young, director of communications, Automotive Retailers Association, and a member of the National Automotive Trades Association of Canada (NATA), on the recent Canadian service information agreement, also known as CASIS.
• A panel discussion about the industry’s reprogramming informational needs and the Secure Data Release Model (SDRM). The panel was led by Gorman with presentations from John Jenkins, CAS of New England; Donny Seyfer, director of operations, Seyfer Automotive, Wheat Ridge, Colo.; and Valerie Sullivan, technical editor, North American Honda Corp.

Look for additional coverage on these presentations in upcoming editions of ASRW Now.