Why You Must Be in Detroit July 30-Aug. 2: CARS 2014: ‘Not Your Father’s Oldsmobile’

Cars have changed, and so have CARS and NACE!

CARS 2014, which will be held July 30-Aug. 2 in Detroit, is “NOT your father’s Oldsmobile.” Cars have changed and so has CARS. The focus this year will be on younger techs.

For example, there will be a two-day, intensive program called the “Young Technician’s Symposium.” Donny Seyfer, chairman-elect of the Automotive Service Association, which sponsors CARS, reports the program will be “powered” by Bosch. “It’s the brainchild of Bob Pattengale,” said Seyfer, “and will feature cutting-edge learning techniques and thorough introductions to the electronic systems that control modern cars. Targeting the two- to three-year tech, Bosch’s trainers will use hands-on techniques mixed with classroom training to move young techs from maintenance service and light repair to adding routine diagnostic skills to their toolbox.”

Each program at CARS this year has been handpicked with an eye toward making your shop better, said Seyfer. Management sessions will be limited so that the “meeting after the meeting” networking opportunities will be enhanced.

Seyfer said the “crown jewel” of the CARS lineup will be Friday’s Telematics and Technology forum sponsored by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. “We will bring you face-to-face with the future,” said Seyfer. “Learn about what cars are doing today and tomorrow from the engineers who build them. How does the independent repair shop fit into this world? You will only know if you attend CARS and attend this session.”

Business has changed, said Seyfer, “and things that were effective a few years ago are no longer working.” To help bring attendees up-to-date, ASA is enlisting the aid of notables such as Vin Waterhouse, Rissy Sutherland, Danny Sanchez and Margie Seyfer – experts, all, in their respective fields.

Always a concern are employee issues, including successfully integrating new employees into the business. Bill Haas, industry consultant and trainer, has a new class that will provide shop owners the tools they need to help new employees fit right in.

In short, said Seyfer, CARS is built for shop owners. “It’s built for your technicians and it is built for your sales staff,” he said. “ASA puts on a few ‘must attend’ programs each year. This year, CARS will at the top of that list. SEE YOU IN DETROIT!

AMI to Honor 20th Class of Graduates

AMI will honor its 20th class of Accredited Automotive Managers (AAMs) with a formal cap and gown ceremony the evening of
Friday, Aug. 1, during the new Industry Week 2014 in Detroit, Mich.

The graduation ceremony will be held in conjunction with ASA “Celebration of Excellence” at the Henry Ford Museum.

“Many events are planned for Industry Week 2014, giving our new graduates an exciting forum during which to be honored,” said Toni Slaton, AAM, AMI executive director. “This year’s event will also offer more training, education and networking opportunities than ever before for our new graduates and students.”