The U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs, Foreign Commerce and Tourism held a hearing July 30 on S. 2617, the Motor Vehicle Owner's Right to Repair Act.

In his testimony, Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn., who introduced S. 2617, said, "Fundamentally, this legislation is about a level playing field. Independent automotive repair shop owners have not come to Congress looking for a handout. They simply want to be able to compete for the driving public's repair dollar on the basis of quality, service and price."

He added, "Independents don't mind competition, but they can't stay in business if they don't have access to the information to repair newer cars."

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers testified at the hearing that S. 2617 was not necessary because repair information is readily available.

Testifying on behalf of the Alliance, Greg Dana said, "The automobile industry stands ready to work with all affected parties in resolving remaining differences."

Bill Haas, ASA vice president of divisions, education and training, said, "There are many cases where independent repairers can purchase the same software as the new car dealer, but the independent's software has specific repair items left blank when the tool attempts to read the vehicle's computer. The new car dealer's software contains these items."

Dale Feste, AAM, owner of ASA member shop Feste Automotive in Hopkins, Minn., testified that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not enforced a 1995 regulation requiring the aftermarket to receive, at a reasonable cost, the same emissions information received by the dealer market.

"We thought the legislative language and the 1995 regulation would suffice in protecting our industry. They have not," Feste said.

Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., chairman of the subcommittee, said, "We will let the hearing stand as an area of concern that needs to be resolved fairly and fully. It is not appropriate for the dealers to monopolize information."

Sen. Dorgan also stated he plans to send a letter to the EPA about finalizing the proposed emissions service information rule. He will also inquire as to Federal Trade Commission concerns with the lack of information provided to consumers and independent repairers.

"If progress is not made, Congress will be forced to pass legislation that will require information be given to the independents," said Dorgan.

"We appreciate Chairman Dorgan's intent in this issue," said Bob Redding, ASA's Washington, D.C., representative. "We hope the committee's involvement will escalate the finalization of the emissions service information rule. ASA also believes that vehicle manufacturers have an opportunity for an industry solution through negotiation."

"Independent repairers just need the assurance that all service information will be provided in a timely manner and at a reasonable cost," said Redding.

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and U. S. Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn., hosted a Service Information Demonstration on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. The demonstration was held July 30 in advance of a Senate subcommittee hearing on Senate Bill 2617, The Motor Vehicle Owner's Right to Repair Act.

ASA members John Francis Jr., and his son John Francis III, of Francis Automotive in West Chester, Pa., conducted the demonstration.

Motor vehicles from model year 1996 and newer contain on-board diagnostic (OBD) computers. The demonstration showed that much of the OBD repair information cannot be accessed by independent repair service professionals, thereby limiting consumers' choices when certain repairs are needed.

"Independent repairers continue to lose an increasing number of repairs due to a lack of information. This demonstration allows policymakers to see first-hand the problem with the lack of service information," Bob Redding, ASA's Washington, D.C., representative. "The Francis' did an excellent job illustrating one of the greatest dilemmas for the independent repairer."

Independent repairers service 70 percent of the motor vehicles that are beyond warranty in America. A national survey conducted by ASA found that 15 percent of all incidents of service are unable to be completed by non-dealer professionals due to lack of information. This results in $18.2 billion of economic loss to repairers.

The ASA Mechanical Division has copies of the updated ASE career track video, "Automobile Technician," available for members to purchase.

The video, produced by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) may be used as a resource for shop owners and managers when they participate in school career fairs and similar events.

The 15-minute video provides information on technician education requirements and career opportunities. The cost is $22.95. To order by mail, send a check for $22.95 made payable to ASA, Attn: Mechanical Division, P. O. Box 929, Bedford, TX 76095-0929. To order by credit card, call (800) 272-7467, ext. 246.

The 2002 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) will feature three Automotive Management Institute (AMI) seminars. The seminars scheduled for this year's CARS are:

• Compensating Technicians AND You!
  Instructor: Kelly Bennett
  Course Sponsor: Bottom-Line Impact Groups®
  AMI Credits: 12

  Too often, owners sacrifice profits and even personal earnings in order to attract and retain qualified technicians. Instructor Kelly Bennett will demonstrate how shop owners can afford the best technicians without making such sacrifices.

• The Nuts and Bolts of Dollars and Cents
  Instructor: Mitch Schneider
  Course Sponsor: All Pro/Bumper to Bumper/Auto Value
  AMI Credits: 6

  This seminar will help participants better understand and apply the principles of the cost of doing business, return on investment, pricing policies and recovering expenses.

• The Price of Admission
  Instructor: Mitch Schneider
  Course Sponsor: All Pro/Bumper to Bumper/Auto Value
  AMI Credits: 6

  This seminar introduces 10 principles for achieving customer satisfaction. Attendees will leave this course with specific implementation strategies to improve their bottom line.

The 2002 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) will feature eight technical courses taught by some of the nation's leading instructors. "With the increasingly rapid advancement of automotive technology, ASA believes it is critical to make technical education available to repair professionals," said Bill Haas, ASA's vice president of divisions, education and training.

"At the CARS convention, ASA presents courses that will truly help technicians improve their skills," Haas said. "The courses are taught on Friday and Saturday, making it easy for techs to maximize the value of this convention. There is no better training opportunity available anywhere." To enable technician participation in the CARS technical training, ASA is offering a discounted technician registration fee when an owner or another employee from the same shop pays a full registration.

The technical courses scheduled for this year's CARS are:

• Fuel Injection Service Today
  Instructor: Doug Garriott, Linder Technical Services

  Led by one of the nation's top fuel injection experts, this is the newest course being taught at Linder Technical Services. It covers all aspects of fuel injection and fuel injection service, both on and off the vehicle.

• Creative Lab Scope Technique and Instrument Limitations
  Instructor: Tom Roberts, Autonerdz.com

  Having a sound creative lab scope technique for automotive performance diagnostics will enable you to make the best use of your experience and knowledge. Different scopes have their own unique limitations. Once those limitations are exceeded, a scope cannot be trusted. This class explores the limitations of common instruments and equips you with the ability to discover your scope's limits.

• OBD II Diagnostic Case Studies
  Instructor: Jeff Masterman, Standard Motor Products

  Hands-on and interactive, this class will challenge and improve your diagnostic skills. Case studies covering DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General Motors vehicles give you opportunities to test and demonstrate your diagnostic abilities. A wireless reply device will record your decisions as the class works through real-world OBD II scenarios.

• Critical Thinking Skills for the Automotive Technician
  Instructor: Chris Chesney, CARQUEST Technical Institute

  Think like a "Super Tech." This course teaches a logical and philosophical approach to diagnostic routines. By helping you establish new approaches to critical thinking, you'll quickly increase your diagnostic efficiency and accuracy. Making better decisions in less time means more profitable diagnostics.

• Electronic Service Information in the Service Bay
  Instructor: Jim Linder, Linder Technical Services

  Electronic Service Information (ESI) is the emerging tool for technicians. This course explores the utilization of the personal computer in the service bay. Improve efficiency, production, accuracy and profits. Many Internet programs and online information services, including the National Automotive Service Task Force's Service Matrix, will be viewed during the class. Also, students will participate in real-time, online auto repairs. When you leave this class, you'll know where and how to fine online technical assistance and how to put together a "technician terminal" that empowers techs to do their jobs better.

• BMW Tips, Techniques and Problem Solving
  Instructor: Dave Tidaback, Identifix

  This problem-solving course will provide BMW-specific instruction covering fuel injection, ignition systems, computer controlled engine systems, diagnostic procedures and causes and corrections of common failures. This course will equip technicians with useful knowledge and information that's difficult to find elsewhere.

• OBD II Past, Present and Future
  Instructor: Mark Warren, EASE Diagnostics

  This course is divided into three sections. First, you'll look at OBD II as an overall emissions program, complete with guidance on how the emissions program works, overcoming its challenges, and repairing vehicles to pass emissions tests. The second section covers "Mode 6" in OBD II and how to use it when diagnosing and repairing powertrain systems. The course concludes with a look to the future. Learn the new requirements of OBD II and when to expect new technologies in your service bays.

• Understanding Emissions
  Instructor: David Mitchell, Melior, Inc.

  This comprehensive course provides an overview of combustion chemistry and primary emissions gases. You'll look at emissions control systems and the operating failures that cause excessive HC, CO, NOx and CO2. You'll also benefit from practical applications of gas analyzers, particularly 5-gas units, in diagnosing and repairing vehicles with emissions failures. I/M 240 and some OBD II specifications and testing will be covered to assist you in maintaining compliance with EPA regulations. The course concludes with instruction on using diagnostic test results to repair vehicles with excessive emissions.

Standard Motor Products has made available FREE to ASA National members copies of the Ford Engine Performance service manual. It covers most 1998-2000 Ford models. This book covers the diagnostic process, scan testing, no code diagnosis, ignition systems, fuel systems, OBD II and component tests. Also included is a reference section that contains diagnostic trouble code (DTC) descriptions, DTC and elevation reference tables, sensor range charts, wiring diagrams and other useful information.

ASA requests that you pay a small shipping and handling cost of $5 for each free book that you order. To order by credit card, call Membership Services at (800) 272-7467, ext. 246, or send a check for shipping and handling to ASA, Attention: Membership Services, P.O. Box 929, Bedford, Texas 76095-0929.

Attendees to the 2002 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) will have the opportunity to win one of more than 22 door prizes with a total value exceeding $28,000. CARS, sponsored annually by the Automotive Service Association (ASA), will be held Nov. 7-9 at the Tropicana Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

The following are among the sponsored door prizes scheduled to be given away during CARS 2002.

• Automotive Training Institute. One-year participation in training and consulting program. ($15,123 value)
• Bottom-Line Impact Groups. Two gift certificates to attend "Advanced Selling Skills for the Service Advisor" course. ($5,990 total value) Two Off-site Business Analysis and Improvement Packages. ($5,990 total value)
• Melior, Inc. Two Web-based technician training prizes. ($2,000 total value)
• Linder Technical Services. Free tuition to a one-week training class at the Jim Linder's Guru School. ($1,500 value). One enhanced Fuel Injection Service Kit ($99.95 value)
• IDENTIFIX. One 12-month, unlimited use subscription to Repair-Trac. ($379 value)
• Moving Targets. Bag of Tropicana Resort & Casino Chips. ($250 value)
• MasterTech Procedures Systems. Fifty customized Car Care Guides for customer distribution ($200 value)
• NWZ WORX Multimedia. NASCAR Legends Jacket ($200 value)
• GE Card Services. One Wal-Mart Gift Card ($100 value) One Lowe's Gift Card ($100 value)
• Goodtool Brake Service Tools & Supplies. Sturdy Step Safety Platform and Side Kick Tool Tray ($189.99 value)
• CustomerLink Systems, Inc. Limited Edition Platinum Game Boy Advance plus game cartridge ($125 value)
• CINTAS. Three picnic packs, each consisting of embroidered cooler and embroidered stadium blanket ($120 total value)
• Motor Age Training. Set of ASE Certification Study Guides for cars/light trucks and P2 Parts Specialist ($120 total value)
• CPS, Inc. 4 cash prizes of $25 each ($100 total value)
• CSK Auto/Proshop. Set of 131 piece SAE & Metric Mechanics Tool Set. ($100 Value)
• Universal Underwriters Group. Three travel duffel bags ($100 total value)
• Automotive Service Leaders. Five copies of the book, The E-myth Revisited ($100 total value)
• Hunter Engineering Company. Leather Travel Bag ($50 value)

ASA recently announced early-bird registration discounts for CARS 2002. Attendees who register prior to Sept. 30 will save $50. For ASA members, the early-bird registration is $325. Spouses, shop managers and technicians may take advantage of reduced registration fees on top of the early-bird discounts when one full registration is paid from the same shop. Spouses and shop managers from ASA member shops may register for $225, while the technician fee is only $150. Fees are slightly higher for individuals from shops that are not ASA members.

CARS will feature three Automotive Management Institute seminars and eight technical courses. By offering discounted registration fees, ASA is encouraging shop owners to bring additional personnel to CARS and take full advantage of the education and training programs.

As a prelude to CARS, ASA will host on Wednesday, Nov. 6, the third annual Forum on the Future of Emissions I/M and Safety Inspections.

The National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) has just released an updated version of the Vehicle Manufacturers Service Information Matrix. The matrix is a directory of each manufacturer or their intermediary to contact in order to obtain service information or diagnostic equipment and tools.

The California Legislature has approved Assembly Bill 1058, which mandates reduction of harmful emissions from motor vehicles. The California Assembly passed the bill by a vote of 41-30. The state Senate had previously passed the bill by a vote of 42-24.

The bill requires the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to develop rules to achieve the maximum feasible and cost-effective reductions of carbon dioxide and other harmful motor vehicle emissions beginning with the 2009 model year.

The legislation is the nation's first to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from motor vehicles. Massachusetts, Oregon and New Hampshire have passed laws that regulate carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.

California Democratic Gov. Gray Davis said the bill demonstrates "good public policy," but he also warned the bill had several amendments and would require some study to determine the economic impact on the state. He has not signed the bill.

California is the only state allowed to set its own motor vehicle emission standards, which are stricter than the federal governments' requirements. Many environmental groups are pleased with the passage of AB 1058.

"If this legislation is enacted in California, it will set a powerful precedent," said Bob Redding, ASA's Washington, D.C., representative. "If vehicles in California mandate more advanced technologies, our technicians will be required to have more training. This will only heighten the necessity for the Environmental Protection Agency's stalled service information availability regulation."

The Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide has received a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Climate Protection Partnership Division. The grant will benefit the environment by supporting efforts of independent motor vehicle air conditioning service shops to recover and recycle refrigerant gases that are used to cool automobile interior cabins.

The grant also will be used for MACS participation in the development of service procedures that minimize the emissions of refrigerants and maintain the energy performance of air conditioning systems, to develop service procedures for new mobile air conditioning technology such as hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles, to update technician training materials and promote consumer awareness of the advantages of proper service to their automobile and the environment.

ASA has expanded its national benefit program with Cartrak Online. Cartrak offers Internet services designed specifically to help independent automotive shops attract and retain quality customers. Cartrak offers ASA members discounted pricing on its Netprofit and Gold Wrench Services.

Shops with an existing Web site can utilize Netprofit to provide motorists compelling and helpful content. This includes a personalized "Everything Automotive" page that can be added to Web sites to provide customers access to a range of automotive products, services and information.

Shops without a Web site, or shops looking to create a new or updated site, could consider Cartrak's Gold Wrench Services. Among the features available for shops are a custom designed Web site, customer e-mail service reminders, online appointment scheduling, shop information and photographs, and more.

In announcing the expanded member benefit, John Scully, ASA's vice president of membership services and operations, said, "Cartrak Online was one of the earliest dot-com companies to serve ASA members. The quality of their services has enabled them to not just survive but thrive during the fallout of e-commerce companies."