SERVICE INFORMATION
BMW Calms the Storm
BMW addresses concerns about its rollout of updated vehicle service information technology

When new technology is launched, bugs can occur. When that technology affects the complete and timely transfer of vehicle service and repair information, those glitches impact our industry. In April 2010, BMW AG launched new hardware and software for the delivery of service information, which dealers access it through physical hardware onsite and independent facilities access through the Internet. Since the launch, BMW has responded to a number of Service Information Requests (SIRs) filed with the NASTF, and continues to do so.

EDUCATION & TRAINING
Collision Training: Flesh on the Bones
I-CAR unveils its performance-focused Professional Development Program

It's one thing to notice declining enrollment in training classes, especially in tough economic times. But when an industry figure told John Edelen, I-CAR president and CEO, that "I-CAR training isn't relevant anymore," it sparked a desire within his organization to do some serious self-examination, seek more industry feedback — from collision repair businesses, technicians, insurance firms, suppliers, educators, students, associations, etc. — and redesign collision repair training.

VOICES
ASE Certification Is a Matter of Common Sense
ASE establishes a minimum documented competency for those who work in the automotive mechanical, collision and parts distribution services

Although the real-world value of ASE certification continues to be an ongoing debate, I found myself signing up for still another series of ASE recertification tests this year. Truthfully, I've lost count of the number of recert tests I've taken since 1973, which was the first year I signed up for the first four of eight skill areas in the auto technician's certification tests.

THIS IS YOUR NATSF
The AutoAlliance Supports the NASTF
NASTF provides a forum and open dialogue to better serve automotive customers

When the first Ford Model T rolled down the assembly line on August 12, 1908, the automotive industry was born. Many things have changed and it is unlikely Henry Ford would recognize the complexity of today's cars and trucks, but the automotive industry remains a single body - suppliers, automakers, dealers, aftermarket suppliers, and independent repair shops - working to one end for one customer.

TOOLS & PARTS

Navigating the Patent Maze
Improper automotive product patent markings and patent trolls can cost millions of dollars

Part of the design and development of any innovative automotive product or procedure is ensuring adequate patent protection is in place before launch. In July 2010, the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) released a special report, titled Product Patent Markings and Patent Trolls, that underscored the need for all automotive manufacturers to not only develop a patent protocol, but also to ensure they don't breach patents of others. Otherwise, it could cost them millions.

CARCHITECTURE
Future Gazing

Making the right design decisions for tomorrow often means keeping as many options open today as possible. For automakers, such as Daimler AG, this is the work of futurologists. But don't confuse futurology with fortune tellers, psychics or soothsayers — it is much more rational, less dramatic and never quite as vague.

MULTIMEDIA
Design: Setting the Tone

For Tesla, choosing a pure electric drivetrain was all about proportion and opportunity. "Proportion sets the tone for how a vehicle is designed,” says Franz von Holzhausen, chief designer for Tesla Motors.“Imagine a skateboard. Having a flat electric powertrain underneath the care set an awesome architecture, everything above an opportunity to maximize the footprint." (Video — Tesla Motors)

MULTIMEDIA
Design: Bionics Meets Mechanics

Mother Nature evolves dynamically. What endures is the Darwinian cornucopia: Improvements in structures, mechanics and technique efficiencies that have been optimized by over time. So when Bioogy meets Mechanics, the result is Bionics — an emerging field that is helping inventors, designers and engineers change the DNA of vehicles and the evolution of future vehicles. (Video — Audi AG)