AKRON, Ohio — Thomas Palermo, chief diagnostician at Preferred Automotive Specialists Inc., Jenkintown, Pa., has been named the 2011 Best Tech of the Year.

Palermo of Mount Laurel, N.J., was selected as the Best Tech of the Year, sponsored by WIX Filters, for his 20 years of service as a technician in the automotive industry, various certifications and training, as well as being the recipient of the 2011 AAIA-ASE World Class Technician Award from the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

This is the first year for the Best Tech award program created by WIX Filters and Babcox Media as a means to recognize the skills and professionalism of today’s automotive technicians.

Palermo said he was very honored and humbled to be named the top automotive technician in the country and proud to be affiliated with the service repair industry.

“Twenty years ago no one could dream that technology would take us to where we currently are,” Palermo said. “This industry is on the brink of amazing and truly groundbreaking technology — whether it’s bio fuels, electric vehicles, hybrids, etc. The traditional view of repair facilities and technicians has changed drastically and will continue to do so.”

Palermo also was recognized for his community service work with the Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Athletics, Cheltenham Township Athletic Association, Holy Redeemer Health Systems and Charities, Cheltenham Township Car Show and the Fox Chase Business Association.

Palermo will be a guest of WIX Filters at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) trade show in Las Vegas Nov. 1-3.

Palermo also will be featured in a profile article in the December issues of Babcox Media’s Brake & Front End, ImportCar and Underhood Service magazines.

“Customers place an extraordinary amount of trust in professional technicians, from recommending the best parts to properly repairing and maintaining their vehicles,” said Mike Harvey, brand manager for WIX Filters. “During his 20-year career, Thomas has displayed a passion for his customers that rivals only his desire to continue learning while performing his best work every day – these attributes make him the ideal winner of the inaugural WIX Filters Best Tech award.”

Runners up for the 2011 Best Tech of the Year contest included:

Doug Andrew of Doug’s Automotive Repair Service, Miami, FL, and Kim Brant of Joe’s Tire and Auto Service, St. Joseph, MO. As runners up, they will receive a gift package from WIX Filters.