F.Y.I.

Motor, May 2008

Permatex introduced the 2008 edition of its new training initiative for student technicians during the 2008 National Automotive Technology Competition finals, which were held in late March at the New York International Auto Show. The winning NATC team will attend an NHRA event and work side-by-side with Jay Blake and his crew. The training program is designed to teach aspiring technicians the proper use and specific applications of Permatex chemical tools for gasketing, threadlocking and thread sealing. The program is available to accredited National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) schools at no charge.

Circle #125

CustomerLink, a provider of customer development services for independent automotive service shops and tire dealers, has launched a new website design and hosting service. It creates sites that are highly customized with personalized, shop-specific domain names and extensive information about the shop, including services offered, car care tips, online appointment scheduling and email addresses for the shop staff. The company says that minimal involvement on the part of the shop is required, and that a website can be up and running very quickly. Call 888-942-5448 ext. 119 for more information.

SPAL USA announces that its Web store, located at www.spaliisa.com, is now open for business. The store provides users with a single point of purchase for its fans, blowers and other automotive accessories. The new e-commerce store is integrated into the main SPAL USA website and can be accessed by clicking on the "webstore" link. The site also features a number of Web-only special sale and clearance items.

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced a new member benefit agreement with Automotive Service Leaders, an industry-focused company that offers the AutoShop lifeLine program, TurnAroundTour seminars and other events, as well as Webbased products to help independent automotive repair professionals stay successful. ASA members can enjoy a 50% savings off the published price of the LifeLine program, which helps shop owners create a how-to manual for their business via webinar classes, and which offers numerous other business aids for shop owners and managers. LifeLine webinars are available at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. CST Monday through Thursday each week. To register, visit www.turnaroundtour/lifeline.html, or call 270-782-6455.

Tenneco expects 18,000 members to participate in its expanded Expert Plus promotional incentive and marketing program, which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary. The program is offered exclusively through Monroe shocks and struts, Monroe brakes, Walker exhaust, DynoMax performance exhaust, Thrush exhaust and Rancho performance suspension. One new feature of the 2008 program is "Learn and Earn," where members can earn points for successful completion of online training tests to use for rewards or with online auctions. Membership in the 2008 Expert Plus program is $59.99 per business location. To learn more or to register, call 800-603-6834 or e-mail to expert plus@pmh.com. In other news, Tenneco has launched a comprehensive Spanish-language website covering the Monroe brand of ride-control products. The new site, at www.espanol. rrumroe.com, features the same interactive functionality and extensive content as the brand's English-language website. There's also a website for French-speaking aftermarket professionals, at iixcw.francais.monroe.com.

CADNA Automotive has a new website at www.CADNA.com that contains information on Prestone thermostats, caps, serpentine and V belts, hose timing belts, timing belt tensioners and timing belt system kits. The site includes maintenance tips on these products, as well as access to the company's electronic catalog.

Circle #126

Mighty Auto Parts is offering a new Spring Customer Loyalty Incentive. When your customers purchase one or more qualifying Mighty products as part of a preventive maintenance service from now through June 30, they can receive in the mail a certificate worth up to $60 on their next service at your shop. Qualifying PM services include fuel system cleaning with air filter replacement, cabin air filter replacement and brake pad replacement. For further details call 800-829-3900, or visit www.mighty autoparts, com/loveijourcar.

Standard Motor Products has launched a new corporate website, www.smpcorp.com, that contains company and career information, as well as industry information with direct links to helpful automotive and marketing group websites. The site also provides direct links to the company's two major operating segments-Engine Management and Temperature Control-each of which focuses on a specific line of replacement parts.

For the 13th straight year, Federated Auto Parts will sponsor the Federated Auto Parts 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. It will be held June 7 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, TN, and broadcast nationally on ESPN2.