AAPEX Learning Forum Offers Education for All Aftermarket Segments

ORLAND PARK, IL  – SEPTEMBER 26, 2011 – The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) Learning Forum will feature 30 education sessions with specific classes recommended for general aftermarket audiences, warehouse distributors, manufacturers, retailers, auto repair shops and parts stores. Sessions will take place throughout AAPEX, Tuesday, Nov. 1 through Thursday, Nov. 3, at the Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas, Nev.

Twenty-eight of the 30 Learning Forum sessions are offered at no-cost. The two additional Lunch & Learn sessions: “Not More Social Media! The Continuing Evolution of Social Media Integration within Marketing Campaigns,” and “New Fuel Technologies: Plug Into Profits with Electric and Hybrid Cars,” require registration and a $25 per person fee.

All sessions will be accredited by the University of the Aftermarket and earn continuing education units (CEUs) toward the Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) and Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) professional designations.

Sessions will be held at the Venetian Hotel, on the Venetian/Palazzo Congress Center Level 1, Marco Polo Rooms 701-706. The Lunch & Learn sessions will be held in Marco Polo Rooms 801/802. For information on any of the following sessions and the Learning Forum, visit the AAPEX website, www.aapexshow.com.

Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011

• 2012 Aftermarket Outlook
• Increasing Your Competitive Advantage by Communicating a Stronger Philosophy/Positioning Within Your Markets
• Import Parts Explosion: Are You Taking Your Share?
• Market Intelligence: Don’t Do Business Without It!
• The Four Critical Steps to Increasing Your Sales Management Leadership and Team’s Selling Success
• Not More Social Media! The Continuing Evolution of Social Media Integration within Marketing Campaigns (Lunch and Learn session)
• Building Successful Categories for Aftermarket Products
• Your Business and Your Market Are Being Affected by Your State Legislature
• QR Codes 101: What Are They and How Can They Grow Your Business?
• Advances in Aftermarket Data Standards
• New Vehicle Technologies and their Impact on the Future

Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011

• You’ll Love Working Here! The Performance Power of Workplace Culture
• Packaging That Attracts Consumers: Winning Ideas to Generate Sales in the Automotive Aftermarket
• Salespeople are from Venus: Installers are from Mars
• Emerging Business Models: New Pathways to Growth and Profit
• Selling Process Techniques: The New Age of Selling 
• New Fuel Technologies: Plug Into Profits with Electric and Hybrid Cars (Lunch & Learn)
• 2012 Aftermarket Outlook
• 5 Trends in 5 Minutes: Trends Affecting the Aftermarket Environment
• Your People Are Your Profits – How to Guide Your Employees to be Efficient, Effective and Extraordinary
• How a Revived Auto Industry & Continued Emergence of Import Nameplates Will Shape Aftermarket Decision Making
• Accessing Repair Information on Today’s Vehicles and the Role of NASTF
• Making Packaging a Team Player in Brand Protection

Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011

• Advantages of Internet Access in the Repair Shop to Increase Productivity
• Inside the Shop of Tomorrow and Aftermarket Telematics
• Collaboration: Building Stronger Buyer/Supplier Relations
• Mode $06 Data and Drive Cycle Diagnostics
• Customer Relationship Management for Repair Shops: The Myths and Facts
• Share the Knowledge – Gain the Profits
• Catalytic Converter OBD II Diagnosis

About AAPEX

AAPEX represents the $395 billion global motor vehicle aftermarket, and is jointly sponsored by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). For more information, please visit www.aapexshow.com or e-mail: info@aapexshow.com.

New England Cab Company Improves Global Footprint by Adding 35 CNG-Powered Ford Transit Connect Taxis

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 26, 2011 – The global footprint of a New England cab company is a few sizes smaller after it put 35 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered Ford Transit Connect Taxis into service.
Metro Taxi of West Haven, Conn. added 35 Ford Transit Connect Taxis to its fleet as part of its efforts to reduce reliance on gasoline and greenhouse gas emissions. The cabs are the first CNG-powered Transit Connect Taxis in New England.

The addition of the Transit Connect Taxis to the Metro Taxi fleet is being celebrated as part of an event in West Haven today coinciding with the opening of a Clean Energy-owned CNG fueling station in the city.
A few weeks ago the first CNG Transit Connect Taxis began servicing West Haven, which is near Hartford and about 80 miles northeast of New York City. Bill Scalzi, president of Metro Taxi, said there is already a waiting list of drivers who want Transit Connect Taxis.

“The CNG Transit Connect Taxis  have been a tremendous hit all around,” said Scalzi, who was named 2010 Taxicab Operator of the Year by the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association.

“The drivers love the fuel savings that come with CNG along with the overall roominess and the reliability of the Transit Connect taxis,” said Scalzi. “Passengers also love the fact that the new taxis are much easier to get in and out of than traditional car-styled taxis. We are really, really pleased with this new venture of ours.”
Gerry Koss, marketing manager, Ford Fleet, said Scalzi’s comments are echoed around the country.

CNG-powered Transit Connect Taxis are already servicing places such as Chicago, Las Vegas, St. Louis and California’s Orange County.

The addition of CNG Transit Connect Taxis to Metro Taxi’s fleet comes less than a month after California Yellow Cab put California’s first CNG Transit Connect Taxis into service.

“I’ve talked to Transit Connect Taxi drivers in places like Orange County and the response to these greener, cleaner vehicles has been phenomenal,” said Koss. “From a driving standpoint, taxi drivers tell me they love the maneuverability and comfort. Passengers are saying they can’t believe how much room and cargo space there is.”

The standard Ford Transit Connect – 2010 North American Truck of the Year – features a 2.0-liter I-4 engine that gets 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, an estimated 30 percent improvement in fuel economy compared with traditional taxis. Transit Connect Taxi is available with engine preparation packages for conversion to liquefied propane gas (LPG) or CNG.

CNG is used in traditional gasoline internal combustion engines that have been modified to operate on CNG. Dallas-based BAF Technologies, a Clean Energy-owned company, has been certified by Ford as a Quality Vehicle Modifier to convert standard Transit Connect Taxis into CNG-powered cabs.

The fuel cost savings and environmental impact of CNG-powered cars and trucks are two benefits of alternative fuel-powered taxis like the Transit Connect Taxi.

The estimated fuel economy of a CNG-powered Transit Connect Taxi is the same as the standard gasoline version. However, operating costs are lower because the cost of a gasoline gallon equivalent of CNG is much less than a gallon of gasoline. The current national average cost per gasoline gallon equivalent is about $2. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the price per gallon of gasoline has ranged from just over $1 a gallon in early 2002 to nearly $4 a gallon this year. During the same period, however, CNG generally has stayed between $1 and $2 per gasoline gallon equivalent, peaking at a high of $2.34 in July 2008.

Clean Energy, which owns and operates more than 250 CNG stations, said the Ford Transit Connect Taxi fits in with its own mission.

“We are bringing the many benefits of natural gas fuel for transportation to West Haven and the state of Connecticut,” said Andrew J. Littlefair, president and CEO, Clean Energy. “Ford’s CNG Transit Connect Taxis will help measurably in this goal by lowering petroleum use and reducing greenhouse gas emissions up to 30 percent compared to traditional gas vehicles.”

CNG is a nontoxic, extremely clean-burning fuel and significantly reduces CO, CO2 and NOx compared with gasoline. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, use of CNG can result in 30 percent less greenhouse gas emissions. Use is increasing, too. Clean Energy alone, for example, has plans for another 100 stations.

Ford has invested billions in researching and developing new fuel-efficient engines, transmissions and electrified vehicles, even during the depths of the economic downturn when competitors dialed back product spending. Today Ford has 12 vehicles with best-in-class fuel economy and four models with at least 40 mpg – claims no other full-line automaker can match.

Idaho State University Fleet Chooses Agile FleetCommander to Replace Outdated Systems

Chantilly, VA, September 23, 2011 -- Faced with outdated legacy systems and tedious

Idaho State University joins growing list of campuses automating their fleets with FleetCommander.

manual processes, the fleet staff at Idaho State University (ISU) selected the web-based fleet and motor pool software Agile FleetCommander to overhaul the management of their nearly 50 motor pool vehicles and 10 assigned vehicles. The announcement was made today by Agile Access Control, Inc., creator of FleetCommander.

According to ISU fleet staff, FleetCommander was selected in large part because it will be able to integrate with Arsenault's Dossier fleet maintenance software already in place there.  It will also integrate with Banner, ISU's current accounting system.  "Arsenault themselves recommended we bring on the FleetCommander software," said ISU Fleet Manager Terry French. "We are happy to replace our 20-year-old in-house system with FleetCommander and still be able to use the Dossier maintenance system that is working for us," he says.

"We are thrilled to add Idaho State University to our list of campuses using FleetCommander to manage their fleets, says Ed Smith, president and founder of Agile FleetCommander. "We are confident there will be a smooth integration with Arsenault's Dossier maintenance program.  By choosing FleetCommander, ISU can keep what's already working in place, and replace their outdated in-house system with our solution.  By teaming two feature-rich applications together, it's a win-win for everybody," he says.

Access to billing data on demand was another reason ISU chose FleetCommander. "Right now, we are only able to generate billing once a month, but many of our departments need billing information right after the trip is done," French says.  "With FleetCommander, users can get immediate access to their vehicle use charges from their desks.  We can provide our departments with what they need, when they need it," says French. In addition, French says using FleetCommander will help his staff eliminate many manual steps in their current reservation process, which will be a major improvement.  "We are also looking forward to having Agile host the solution for us," he says. "It will definitely make things simpler for everybody."

Besides hosting the 100% web-based solution for ISU, Agile will assist the university's transition to FleetCommander by: 

• Importing user, department, and asset data from legacy systems
• Developing a custom billing and export process to automate accounting processes
• Providing hands-on training for staff
• Offering assistance and advice on configuring FleetCommander to meet their unique needs 

ISU joins a growing list of colleges and universities using FleetCommander to manage their fleets.  These include Cornell University, Villanova University, Western Wyoming Community College, University of Alberta, Cedarville University, Eastern Illinois University, University of Cumberlands, University of Minnesota, Alcorn State University, Southern Illinois University, Walla Walla Community College, Ball State University, and more. Thirty-four percent of FleetCommander users are in the education market space.     

About Agile Access Control, Inc.

Agile FleetCommander creator Agile Access Control, Inc. is a technology company headquartered in Chantilly, Va., which serves fleet and motor pool managers in the commercial, university and government sectors. Agile's FleetCommander is a web-based application that streamlines the use of vehicles through easy-to-use software, and presents real-time data in the form of intuitive dashboards, graphs, gauges, online forms, and a wide variety of reports. The suite of FleetCommander tools also includes unstaffed key control kiosks tied into the FleetCommander reservation system, as well as in-vehicle utilization and diagnostic devices, integration with GPS solutions, and more. Resulting in lower vehicle and personnel costs and higher customer satisfaction, FleetCommander can be used as a stand-alone, customized fleet management system or integrated with an organization's existing fleet systems. For more information, contact Matthew Wade at 408-213-9555 x555 or mwade@agilefleet.com or visit http://www.agilefleet.com. 

New AAPEX Training Programs OfferedforTechnicians and Shop Owners

ORLAND PARK, IL – SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 – Two timely technical training programs for technicians and shop owners, sponsored by the Car Care Professionals Network (CCPN) and AWDA Manufacturers Advisory Council (MAC), are among the 30 education sessions scheduled for the Learning Forum at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX).

All AAPEX education sessions are free andwill be heldTuesday, Nov. 1 through Thursday, Nov. 3 in Marco Polo Rooms 701-706and 801-802 on the Venetian/Palazzo Congress Center Level 1 in the Venetian Hotel.Topics for the training program sessions are:

Mode $06 Data and Drive Cycle Diagnostics

David Hobbs, Delphi Corp.

Mode $06 data is some of the most misunderstood and underused scan tool data available on today’s vehicles. This session will help you understand and interpret Mode $06 data in order to use it to its full advantage. Mode $06 diagnostic skills will also give the technician the opportunity to identify marginallyperforming components and advise the vehicle owner of future potential problems. Combined with drive cycle diagnostics, Mode $06 diagnostic skills can be looked at as a kind of “insurance policy” against unnecessary comebacks.

Catalytic Converter OBD II Diagnosis

Gary Stamberger, Magnaflow Exhaust Products

For the first 20 years of its existence, the catalytic converter was treated as nothing more than a restriction in the exhaust. For shops located in states with an emission testing program, it generated income with little or no downside. Then came OBD II and the game changed. It has changed yet again with the advent of advances in technology and tighter emission regulation. This session will discuss today’s issues and concerns, as well as how new technologies in fuel delivery will impact catalytic converters.

All AAPEX education sessions are accredited for 0.1 continuing education units (CEUs) by the University of the Aftermarket toward the AAP and MAAP professional designations.

For more information on these sessions, as well as information on all education sessions, visithttp://aftermarket.org/Education/AAPEX-Learning-Forum/2011FullSchedule.aspx or call Sue Kalish, AAIA, at 240-333-1047 or e-mail sue.kalish@aftermarket.org.

About AAPEX

AAPEX is the annual business-to-business trade show representing the global automotive aftermarket and features more than 2,000 exhibitors. AAPEX is jointly sponsored by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the aftermarket affiliate of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). For more information, visit www.aapexshow.com.

Chrysler Group LLC Providing Duke Energy in Charlotte With Test Fleet of PHEV Ram 1500 Pickup Trucks

Chrysler Group LLC, working in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), will deliver 10 demonstration fleet Ram 1500 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) pickup trucks to Duke Energy of Charlotte, N.C. this week.
The PHEV Ram 1500 pickups, delivered by Abdullah Bazzi, senior manager of the Chrysler Group's advanced hybrid vehicle project, are part of a national demonstration fleet of 140 vehicles that will be used during the next three years to evaluate customer usage, drive cycles, charging, thermal management, fuel economy, emissions and impact on the region's electric grid. In addition to Duke Energy, nine other partners across the United States are slated to receive vehicles for demonstration and testing purposes.

"Cities have been carefully selected to help the Chrysler Group LLC collect a wide range of data," explained Abdullah Bazzi, senior manager of Chrysler's advanced hybrid vehicle project. "Charlotte offers heavy traffic and urban driving that are ideal city test cycles along and rural areas that include inclines on mountain grades. The constant charging will allow us to measure the impact on battery life and charging efficiency."

Earlier this year, Chrysler Group LLC delivered 10 Ram 1500 PHEV trucks to the city of Yuma, Ariz., to take full advantage of hot weather and conduct thermal testing in the desert southwest. Other cities that have received the demonstration Ram 1500 pickups include San Francisco and Sacramento, Calif.
 
"Duke Energy is pleased to have the opportunity to take part in this demonstration program with Chrysler LLC and the U.S. Department of Energy," said Jim Stanley, Duke Energy's senior vice president of power delivery. "The information from Duke Energy provided to both Chrysler and the Department of Energy will help shape product development within the automotive industry and electric utility programs and infrastructure that could lead to more of these vehicles in the future."

Strictly a demonstration program, there are no plans for a production version of the PHEV Ram 1500 truck at this time.

Cities and states were selected to evaluate temperature extremes, urban traffic cycles and diverse climates and geographies.

The Ram 1500 PHEV includes a liquid-cooled 12.9kWhr lithium ion battery pack and a 6.6 kilowatt (kW) on-board charger. Additional features include AC power generation of up to 6.6kW; directional charging; reverse power flow and full regenerative braking used to capture more energy. For fuel economy improvements, the front axle of the four-wheel-drive automatic transmission can be disconnected when not needed. The powertrain also includes a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine and a two-mode hybrid transmission. The 5.7-liter Hemi is equipped with a Fuel Saver technology that improves fuel efficiency at highway speeds by shutting down fuel delivery to up to four cylinders.

The battery pack is located under the second-row seat of the pickup and is liquid cooled to help maintain a consistent battery temperature. For on-the-job electrical power tools, a 240 volt/30 amp four-prong outlet and 120volt/20amp duplex outlet power strip is located in the rear box.

Urban use will be tracked to measure battery performance and overall hybrid efficiency with the demonstration fleet of pickups. Other uses include military bases where vehicles will be able to provide power back to the electric grid in what is termed "reverse power flow" of up to 6.6kW.

Funding for the program in part is provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 through the Transportation Electrification Initiative sponsored by the DOE. The grant, totaling $48 million from DOE and $49.4 million from Chrysler Group LLC, was designed to develop vehicles that will be cost efficient for consumers, satisfy safety concerns of daily travel without recharging and help reduce dependence on foreign oil.

The Chrysler Group LLC also is developing a similar fleet of 25 Town & Country minivans with plug-in hybrid technology for demonstration and evaluation that will be allocated to select cities later this year.