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Serving the automotive and truck parts remanufacturing industry since 1941 |
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Serving the automotive and truck parts remanufacturing industry since 1941 |
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ACDC Issues Hybrid Update by Craig Van Batenburg 2006 was a great year for ACDC. With more hybrids sold, many new models and new advanced technology we have added more information to our technical training classes. Up Your Voltage! 2007, our premier hybrid hands-on training, is now open for enrollments. The dates are March 15-19 and May 3-7. If you want the best hybrid training anywhere, get your seat early as it is limited to only 16 techs per class. 2006 classes sold out in less than three weeks. All classes will be held in Massachusetts. One price, $1999.95, includes everything you need except transportation to the site. If you fly in, we will pick you up at T.F.Green Airport in Providence, Rhode Island. Thanks for All Your Support ACDC has been very fortunate to have so many supporters. I have traveled to Europe, the Caribbean, Canada and all over the States spreading the word. In 2006 over 2,000 techs, shop owners, first responders, insurance company, body shop, recycling yards, air conditioning, parts rebuilders, as well as many consumers have attended an ACDC hybrid class. Camry Hybrid Update Toyota released the Camry Hybrid this year. It sells for a little over $25K. But most people have loaded it up and it goes out the door for $32K. It is selling just fine, no big problems. Make sure you are ready to keep your Toyota customers your customers. The Camry Hybrid is now being built in Kentucky. What’s New ACDC has had a lot of help with Mike, “the Mad Scientist” making new cut-aways for use in our classes. The Red Insight is almost done, as is the Civic and Classic Prius. I have just finished a new hybrid 20-hour classroom training series that breaks the class into 5 parts. It was taught in Portland Oregon last November. Hybrid Safety for First Responders has been very well received. After the class in Erie, PA the word got out. If you know a fireman that needs help, drop them my name. Safety in the Oven For collision shops, don’t bake these hybrids at temperatures over 150 degrees F. Those nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries really don’t like extreme heat. Cook a battery pack in a Prius and you are out almost $4K (or $7K for a Ford) and that is only for parts. Qualified Hybrid Repair Techs Our ACDC program is for L1 techs and the shops they work at. The ACDC web site is often viewed by consumers that own hybrids. By becoming a QHAT / QHAC you will be ahead of the curve and ready to get your fair share of the hybrid service in your town. www.hybridcars.com now lists the QHAC. What is a QHAC? Qualified Hybrid Auto Center. In order for you to be known as an ACDC Qualified Hybrid Auto Center and a Qualified Hybrid Auto tech; ACDC will require the following. 1. You are / have an ASE Certified Tech in A1, A2, A6, A8, L1 and have taken ACDC 8 hour hybrid class. Only a QHAT will service, diagnose or repair the hybrid vehicles left for service. Exceptions are hybrid repairs and service that has absolutely nothing to do with the fact the vehicle is a hybrid. Note: An oil change is a hybrid service but it can be a supervise service by a QHAT. 2. You own ACDC latest Hybrid Repair Manual and subscribe to ACDCs QHAC newsletter (exclusive to QHAT). 3. Have passed the 50 Question ACDC QHAT test with 80% or higher. 4. Own (or the shop you work at) a pair of 1000 volt, Class 0, rubber protective gloves in good condition. 5. Own your own CAT III DVOM, with CAT III leads and ends. 6. You own or have access to a factory scanner with updated software for the hybrid vehicles you work on. 7. You have internet access at your shop and subscribe to the OEM web sites for the Hybrid you work on (It is OK to subscribe as needed). 8. Your service writers have been trained by you or ACDC and will consult their QHAT as needed when hybrids are left for service. 9. You have a way of handling customers complaints that satisfies the state and city laws 10. ACDC QHAT / QHAC certifications for one year from date of test taken and passed. A 20-question quiz will be given yearly to stay updated. Check Out Our Website A Quick Tip: When changing the HV battery pack on a Highlander or RX400h, after removing the rear interior pieces, take a picture of the vent hoses. There are many ways to fit them in but only one is correct. I have pictures on file if it is too late. Ford Diesel Hybrid? The automaker is hinting at its possible powertrain plans with the Mercury Meta One, a concept vehicle debuted this year in January’s North American International Auto Show in downtown Detroit. (ACDC was there) The Meta One’s powertrain combines a fuel-saving electric motor with a twin-turbocharged V-6 diesel engine. The pairing has one big benefit: lower emission levels. “When a driver makes a high-power demand of a diesel engine, that’s when it releases the most (nitrogen oxide), a smog-forming chemical,” said David Wagner, Meta One’s technology manager. “We’re using the electric motor to give you that instant power.” By sharing demand for power between the diesel engine and electric motor, Meta One’s emission levels meet California’s Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle requirement. Diesels also emit less carbon dioxide—a greenhouse gas—than gasoline engines. Ford, which is adding two more gas-electric hybrids to its lineup, isn’t ready to commit to diesel hybrid technology. But preliminary tests are promising. Want Hybrid Training? ACDC will come to you but plan ahead. ACDC travels a lot so why not have the class you need at your shop? If you sign up shops in your area, the class can be free to you. Want to know more? Look over the info on our web site at www.auto-careers.org or call me at 800-939-7909. APRA Global Connection / January 2007 |
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Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association | 4215 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite
3 | Chantilly, VA 20151-1243 703-968-2772 | Fax: 703-968-2878 | mail@apra.org | www.apra.org |
