BETHESDA, MD – Of the more than 850,000 automotive technicians working in the United States, 18 individuals have qualified for the AAIA World Class Technician Award, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) announced. Each of these professional technicians tested and obtained ASE certification in 22 specialty areas during the 2007 test administrated by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

The 18 World Class Technicians are: Jason Hajek, Algonquin, IL; William Hambor, Mount Laurel, NJ; William Hart, Gurnee, IL; Timothy Hassett, Cooper City, FL; Paul Heschke, Red Wing, MN; Louis Luchsinger III, Rahway, NJ; Michael Porcelli, Glendale, NY; Teddy Rader, Nashville, TN; Dennis Ragosa, Surgoinsville, TN; Max Thomas, Walnut Creek, CA; John Titus, Imlay, MI; Mark Weller, Corona, CA; Jack Werner, Horizon City, TX; Charles Cloud, Cody, WY; Jeffrey Bambling, Orlando, FL; Andy Fletcher, Seattle, WA; Jeffrey Hansen, Big Rapids, MI; and Raymond Shagner, Los Angeles, CA.

"The AAIA World Class Technician Award is for automotive diagnostic and repair professionals what the Super Bowl is for professional football players," said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. "Just imagine the knowledge and skills needed by a technician to pass 22 ASE tests. These folks are truly the best of the best and we are proud to be associated with them through our annual recognition in conjunction with ASE."

Since the World Class recognition was established 21 years ago, just 1,723 technicians have been honored. Recipients receive a special certificate, an engraved toolbox plate and an embroidered shoulder insignia. Additionally, their names are perpetually inscribed in an honor book located in the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, MI.

For more information about AAIA, go to: www.aftermarket.org.

For more information about ASE, visit: www.ase.com.

BETHESDA, MD – Of the more than 871,000 automotive technicians working in the United States, nine outstanding individuals have qualified for the AAIA World Class Technician Award, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) announced today. Each of these professional technicians tested and obtained ASE certification in 22 specialty areas during the 2006 test administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

The nine World Class Technicians are: David Clark, Hollywood, FL; Glenn Costello, Las Vegas; Jason Dube, The Woodlands, TX; Steven Franklin, Oxnard, CA; Matthew Gareis, Round Lake Beach, IL; Chuck Harvey, Hackettstown, NJ; Neil Martin, Clinton, MD; Gary Stonestreet, Fontana, CA; and Albert Unruh, Philadelphia, PA.

"The AAIA World Class Technician Award is for automotive diagnostic and repair professionals what the Super Bowl is for professional football players," said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. "Just imagine the knowledge and skills needed by a technician to pass 22 ASE tests. These folks are truly the best of the best and we are proud to be associated with them through our annual recognition in conjunction with ASE."

Since the World Class recognition was established 20 years ago, just 1,741 technicians have been honored. Recipients receive a special certificate, an engraved toolbox plate and an embroidered shoulder insignia. Additionally, their name is perpetually inscribed in an honor book located in the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, MI.