ASA-Ohio

The Automotive Management Institute is accepting applications for six scholarships for Automotive Service and Repair Week this coming October. ASRW which houses NACE and CARS will be held in Orlando, Florida, October 5-8th. NACE and CARS, both of which are sponsored by ASA, offer a comprehensive lineup of AMI, industry and technical seminars, a trade show and the opportunity to network with other automotive service professionals. All of the scholarships are $1000 to help pay for the expenses with NACE and CARS.

The scholarships for NACE are:

• Emil Stanley Merit Award Richard Cossette/Gale Westerlund Memorial Scholarship
• BodyShop Business Magazine Scholarship
• Richard Cossette/Gale Westerlund Memorial Scholarship

The scholarships for CARS are:

• Automotive Video Inc. (AVI) Education Scholarship
• Tom B. Babcox Memorial Scholarship
• Zurich “High Octane” Scholarship

For more information and to apply visit AMI’s scholarship page at http://tinyurl.com/6ymvr37.

For more information on ASRW visit http://www.asrwevents.com/.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has changed rules, making it easier for manufacturers to sell fuel conversion systems. The fuel conversion systems allow vehicles to run on alternative fuels.

The revised procedures will vary based on the age of the vehicle or engine being converted. The EPA has found that the procedures for converting the fuel systems of older vehicles and engines can be streamlined, while maintaining environmental safety precautions. As opposed to a one-size-fits-all approach, the EPA’s process is now based on whether a vehicle or engine is new, intermediate age, or outside its expected useful life.

Conversion systems alter an existing vehicle or engine to enable it to run on a different type of fuel. An example of this type of conversion includes switching a car designed for gasoline to run on compressed natural gas. Properly engineered conversion systems can reduce emissions.

To view information regarding the EPA’s vehicle fuel conversion system regulations, please visit ASA’s
legislative website, www.TakingTheHill.com.

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) launched its expanded benefits portfolio, the “ASA Marketplace,” one year ago and the site continues to offer members the largest benefits package in the association’s 60-year history. Housing convenient money-saving offers for automotive repair businesses, the ASA Marketplace provides one-stop shopping for the products and services repairers need to stay successful.

In addition, the site hosts many new offers previously unavailable through ASA, such as special discounts through Grainger, Sprint, Constant Contact and OfficeMax. These expanded offers allow ASA members to take advantage of pre-negotiated services with selected vendors for increased savings.

“When combined with ASA’s traditional benefit programs, the ASA Marketplace provides unmatched value to today’s repair professional,” said Ron Pyle, president and chief staff executive. “As important as the
pre-negotiated savings is the convenience of having these product and service providers in one place.”

Members have immediate access to the ASA Marketplace through the links provided on the Member Benefits pages on both the public and Members Only sections of the ASA Web site, www.ASAshop.org. Direct access is also available at ASA.bizunite.com. ASA members may access the site using their e-mail address and the password “asa.” A guest account can be accessed for prospective ASA members, allowing visitors to view the numerous discount programs available through ASA membership. Nonmembers may access the site using the username “guest” and the password “asa.”

The ASA Marketplace is continually updated and contains numerous categories for easy navigation, including insurance, wireless services, shipping, estimating and diagnostics, office supplies and finance. The site also includes access to Employee Perks, which offers discounts at more than 25,000 merchants in categories ranging from restaurants to theaters to apparel to electronics. This particular benefit can conveniently be shared with shop employees at the discretion of the shop owner or manager.

To learn more about ASA’s dedication to service and repair professionals, the benefits of ASA membership and how to join, visit www.ASAshop.org or call (800) 272-7467, ext. 295.

BEDFORD, TEXAS, May 13, 2011 – The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced its new board of directors, which was sworn in during the association’s annual business meeting May 9-11 in the Washington, D.C., area.

Ron Nagy, AAM, Nagy’s Collision Centers, Orville, Ohio, was named chairman of ASA’s board of directors for 2011-2012. Nagy assumed the chairman’s post at the conclusion of the annual business meeting. He succeeds Jerry Burns, AAM, Automotive Impressions Inc., Rio Rancho, N.M., who moves to the immediate past chairman’s seat on the board of directors for one year.

Additional members of the board include Darrell Amberson, AAM, chairman-elect, Lehman’s Garage, Bloomington, Minn.; and Diane Rodenhouse, AAM, secretary/treasurer, Rodenhouse Body Shop Inc., Grand Rapids, Mich.

Serving as general directors are Gary Keyes, AAM, E&M Motors Inc., Stuart, Fla.; Donny Seyfer, AAM, Seyfer
Automotive Inc., Wheat Ridge, Colo.; and Bob Wills, AAM, Wills Auto Service, Battle Creek, Mich.

Serving as affiliate directors are Joel Baxter, AAM, B&B Auto and Truck Repair, Bremerton, Wash.; Mark Gurnsey, AAM, Accountable Auto Care Inc., Broomfield, Colo.; and Roy Schnepper, AAM, Butler’s Collision Inc., Roseville, Mich.

The final two board positions are held by ASA’s Collision Division and Mechanical Division directors: Dan Stander, Jerry Stander’s Collision Works, Littleton, Colo. (Collision Division); and Bill Moss, AAM, Ferris Automotive Inc., Warrenton, Va. (Mechanical Division).

Ron Pyle, ASA president and chief staff executive, also serves on the ASA board of directors in an ex officio capacity. Members of the ASA Executive Committee are Nagy, Amberson, Rodenhouse, Burns, Wills and Pyle. Wills serves in the position of fifth seat.

The next function scheduled from the national office is Automotive Service and Repair Week (ASRW) Oct. 5-8, 2011, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. ASA is pleased to bring its annual trade shows – the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) and the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) – to the East Coast during ASRW, and has received positive feedback from members, exhibitors and the industry at large regarding the return to a rotating schedule. For more information about ASRW, including NACE or CARS, visit www.ASRWevents.com.

As fuel prices continue to climb, drivers pushing gas tanks to their limits could end up with costly repair bills in addition to putting themselves in potentially dangerous situations

With gas prices nearing record levels, motorists who attempt to stretch a tank of gas too far could end up stranded at the roadside. AAA cautions drivers that allowing their car to run out of fuel can not only put them in a potentially dangerous situation, but also could result in costly repair bills.

“We realize some motorists are trying to be resourceful and delay fuel expenditures by driving their car until the gas tank is nearly empty, but this can sometimes do more harm than good,” said John Nielsen, AAA National Director of Auto Repair, Buying Services and Consumer Information.

Potential Costly Repairs from Running on Empty

Running a vehicle extremely low on fuel may cause sediment in the bottom of the tank to clog the fuel pump pickup, the fuel filter or even the fuel injectors. In addition, when a minimum level of fuel is not maintained it could cause the electric fuel pump inside the tank to overheat. The cost to replace that one component alone can be $500 or more in parts and labor.

Dangers of Running Out of Gas

Running out of gas also can put the personal safety of a motorist and their passengers in jeopardy should the vehicle suddenly become immobilized on the roadway. “Power steering and brakes can be lost when the engine dies, and drivers can end up stranded in the middle of a busy highway without the ability to move their vehicle. Fortunately, out-of-gas situations are completely avoidable just by keeping an eye on the fuel gauge,” noted Nielsen.

Finding the Lowest Priced Gas before Hitting E

AAA recommends drivers always maintain at least a quarter tank of fuel. “We understand everyone today is looking to save money by finding the lowest priced gas before they fill up. AAA can help in that quest with several free tools drivers can use to plan their fill ups in advance so they both save money and avoid running out of gas,” explained Nielsen.

Both the TripTik Travel Planner on AAA.com and the free AAA TripTik Mobile iPhone app can help drivers plan efficient routes for errands and locate the best places to stop for gas along the way. And on the go, AAA TripTik Mobile provides motorists with turn-by-turn navigation and audible directions. Both tools allow drivers to compare frequently updated fuel costs at gas stations near their location.

Safe, Smart Ways to Save on Gas

Rather than stretching their fuel supply too far, AAA urges motorists to make a few simple changes in their driving habits that can greatly improve fuel economy.

“Instead of making quick starts and sudden stops, go easy on the gas and brake pedals. If there is a red light ahead, ease off the gas and coast up to it rather than waiting until the last second to brake. Once the light turns green, accelerate gently rather than making a “jack rabbit” start,” said Nielsen.

The U.S. Department of Energy reports aggressive driving can reduce a car”s fuel economy up to 33 percent.

Speed also is a key factor in conserving fuel. The fuel efficiency of most vehicles decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. “Every additional 5 mph above 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas. Take it easy on the road and you”ll see a tremendous savings at the pump,” added Nielsen.

AAA offers more than 40 ways motorists can reduce the amount of fuel they consume in its “Gas Watchers Guide“ available online at AAA.com/PublicAffairs.

As North America”s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 52 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.