WASHINGTON, DC -- The National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) recently issued an ‘open letter’ to the industry, reaching out to all industry association, organizations and businesses involved in the automotive service industry to ask for their participation on the task force.

The full text of the letter, signed by NASTF Chairman Charlie Gorman, is as follows:

Open Letter to All Auto Service Organizations

Dear Colleague:

Since November 2000 the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) has made steady progress on its mission to identify and address any gaps in the availability and accessibility of automotive service information, tools, and training for service professionals. NASTF is a voluntary, cooperative effort which benefits everyone involved in the automotive service industry.

NASTF provides a single website reference (www.nastf.org) where anyone can find out how to obtain information and tools directly from OEM sources. Furthermore, NASTF provides a single forum where any service industry problem can be brought to the attention of the proper parties.

Several important milestones have recently been reached.

· In July of this year, NASTF was incorporated in the District of Columbia.

· The NASTF Board of Directors has been established. It is comprised of representatives of the major stakeholders, including:

o Technicians

o Shop owners

o Security professionals

o Tool companies

o Training providers

o Parts manufacturers and distributors

o Independent information providers

o Automakers

· NASTF is partnering with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) to handle administration and management of the new incorporated organization.

The major activities of NASTF will continue to be handled through its standing committees:

· Service Information Committee

· Equipment & Tool Committee

· Training Committee

· Vehicle Security Committee

The NASTF Communications Committee will continue to work with the Board of Directors and the other committees to solicit information from, and distribute information to, NASTF participants and other interested parties. The Board will be considering what, if any, new committees or new priorities for existing committees are needed.

We need your help and involvement!

To get our new organization focused on the most important issues for you, you need to be involved. Here’s how:

1. Get on the NASTF distribution list. Participate in the committees.

2. Help get information to colleagues, constituents, and friends. Include NASTF information in your newsletters. Spread the word.

3. Attend the semi-annual NASTF general meetings. The next meeting is November 1, 2006 in Las Vegas.

4. Include NASTF speakers at your next membership meeting. We can provide the speakers.

5. Make suggestions. We are always looking for more promotional ideas and opportunities.

Here are some special efforts that current NASTF participants have taken.

1. Matco Tools posted NASTF placards in all of its tool trucks nationwide.

2. CARQUEST distributed posters to shops with the CARQUEST and NASTF logos along with a list of OEM service websites.

3. Many automotive trainers distribute NASTF information to their students.

4. Associations, such as the Automotive Service Councils of California and the Automotive Service Association, distribute information routinely to their members.

5. Many organizations include a weblink to the NASTF website on their websites.

6. Many organizations acknowledge their support of NASTF on their websites or as a footer on their stationery.

To receive NASTF information, sign up for a committee, or pass along suggestions, please contact one of the following:

Mary Hutchinson, NASTF manager; phone (703) 669-6643; email MHutchinson@ASECert.org

Charlie Gorman, NASTF chairman; phone (815) 943-3810; email cgorman@etools.org

NASTF is a win-win for the service industry!

Sincerely,