ST. JOHNS, Fla. – The Fall 2013 General Meeting of the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), which takes place Wednesday, Nov. 6, will include a discussion of counterfeit tools.
 
Bob Stewart, manager of aftermarket service support for General Motors, was recently charged with coordinating the GM response to this threat and has agreed to share his knowledge with the independent aftermarket in a session titled "Who’s Cheating Whom."
 
"It’s an issue that was raised with NASTF by a technician earlier this year," explained Skip Potter, executive director of NASTF. "Since NASTF is the primary connection in the industry between independent technicians and the OEMs, our General Meeting in Las Vegas is a great opportunity for us to bring them the OEM perspective on this topic."
 
"We suspect," Potter continued, "that the problem of counterfeit tools is a greater threat in independent shops than it is in franchise dealerships so NASTF hopes to use this presentation to close that gap."
 
Stewart plans to share some identifying characteristics of counterfeit tools that will help technicians avoid costly mistakes. "There are significant risks in the use of counterfeit tools," noted Stewart. "I have interesting findings to share with those attending this NASTF meeting."
 
The NASTF Fall General Meeting will be held from 1-4:30 p.m. (PST) in Casanova Room 605 at the Sands Expo/Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, during the AAPEX/SEMA trade shows.
 
NASTF General Meetings are free to attend and no pre-registration with NASTF is necessary. However, registration for the AAPEX/SEMA trade shows is highly recommended. AAPEX/SEMA registration is available online, with a discounted rate as low as $25, effective through Oct. 14. To register for a show badge, visit www.aapexshow.com.