COLLEYVILLE, Texas – The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is reporting that much of this year’s Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) will be all-new.
Cars have changed and so has CARS, said Donny Seyfer, ASA’s chairman-elect. ASA sponsors CARS, which this year will be held July 30 through Aug. 2 in Detroit, as part of Industry Week.
Seyfer said CARS is intended to be a place where “the best and brightest can learn, discuss and improve. Our focus is to give the repair industry an event – and a week – that is dedicated to them.”
This year’s show will feature topic-driven training that answers the questions members are asking the most. Those questions include:
• How do I adjust my business model for the future?
• What are the cutting-edge diagnostic techniques that will help my techs every day?
• How do I move my less-experienced techs forward?
• What’s happening in vehicle and repair technology?
With those questions in mind, CARS event planners scheduled live demo areas, a technology & telematics forum and a solid lineup of classes by some of the industry’s favorite trainers. The live demo areas will be where showgoers can learn about the latest in scan tool technology from the folks who make them.
Sponsored by the Alliance of Automotive Manufacturers, a new telematics and technology forum will afford an excellent opportunity to meet OE engineers and learn about technologies that will soon be in automotive service and repair shops. Automakers are designing remarkable innovations for new vehicles, recognizing that technology provides many solutions to meet consumer needs. Several of the world’s leading automakers will join experts in vehicle security, telematics technology and diagnostics and repair to discuss how advanced technologies, connectivity and the Internet are changing modern automobiles. An in-depth panel discussion and keynote speaker will highlight the session, in addition to a technology demonstration and workshop designed to discuss practical repair topics in the modern shop.
Classes and trainers lined up for CARS 2014 include:
• Vin Waterhouse – Does it seem like everyone else is setting your rates?
• Bill Haas – Creating a culture for new hires to succeed.
• Young Technicians’ Symposium, powered by Bosch – A two-day special program to bring daily electronics skills to techs with two to three years of experience.
• Pete Rudloff – Unraveling the Mysteries of Chrysler Diagnostics, an all-new class by ASA’s Chrysler expert.
• Donny Seyfer – Ford Ecoboost, Sync and Integrated Diagnostic System; Ford’s total approach from design to diagnosis. This will be a new class sponsored by Ford’s training group.
• Chris Chesney – Technician Challenges in Understanding and Recognizing Feedgas Anomalies, Diagnosis on the edge by CARQUEST’s diagnostic wizard.
Also new this year will be a special vendor area for CARS-specific exhibitors and a host of tours, including visits to:
• The General Motors Co. Heritage Center
• Chrysler Museum (which is closed to the public)
• The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village
• Windsor, Canada
• The Ford Motor Co. F-150 plant
• Chevy Volt Plant
• BASF Color Trends
• OnStar Facility
Dan Risley, ASA’s president and executive director, said, “Since CARS will be held in the Motor City, original equipment manufacturers will have a bigger presence than ever.” He also pointed out that CARS is part of a new Industry Week with an overriding purpose to bring the industry together. Among industry organizations that will host meetings, events and/or exhibit during the week are I-CAR, CIC, ASE, CEICA, NABC, SCRS, AMI, CCIF, OEM Collision Roundtable, CREF, Alcoa Aluminum Transportation Board, MERA, AASA and ETI.
“This gathering of the industry – plus the fact several of the world’s major car manufacturers are headquartered in Detroit and will participate in Industry Week – creates tremendous opportunity for education, collaboration and networking,” said Risley. “Our focus is giving the service and repair industry an event – and a week – that is dedicated to them. It will be good to see the entire industry come together.”
Also part of Industry Week is NACE, which is dedicated to collision repair professionals. For additional event information, visit www.NACEexpo.com or www.CARSevent.com.
