CARS Increases 73% in Size at ASRW Expo

The Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) is pleased to announce a 73 percent increase in square footage over CARS 2011. CARS is the event held during Automotive Service & Repair Week (ASRW) dedicated specifically to mechanical service and repair professionals.

Featured exhibitors in the CARS section of the Expo include AutoZone, ACDelco, Autoshop Solutions, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), the NASTF/Secure Data Release Model (SDRM) and CARQUEST.

New to CARS this year, radio talk show host Bobby Likis will broadcast his nationally syndicated Car Clinic show live from the show floor Saturday, Oct. 13, in addition to numerous interviews that will be conducted live from his booth during the Expo.

“CARS is ‘the’ all-call for the automotive service industry, so we’re packing up the Car Clinic show trailer to shine a bright spotlight on the event,” says Likis. “And, we’re bringing with us the Renewable Fuels Association – the trade association for the U.S. ethanol industry – and Ricardo Engineering’s Extreme Boost Direct Injection (EBDI) engine, optimized for the high-octane properties of ethanol. Technology will rock and roll!”

Notable areas within CARS are the Profit Building Pavilion, which is a collection of companies that provide customer-service-related products to shops, and the ASA Marketplace, which includes a variety of vendors who offer special discounts to Automotive Service Association (ASA) members. All attendees are encouraged to visit these vendors to take advantage of their show specials.

“The mechanical service and repair side of the industry has always been a critically important, valuable element of ASRW, and this year, all participants of ASRW can expect CARS to have a bigger footprint than ever in Louisiana” states Ron Pyle, ASA president. “With more vendors, more attendees and 90 hours of mechanical-focused education, this is another positive indicator that the entire industry will be in New Orleans for ASRW.”

Another highlight of the CARS show floor will be live, hands-on scan tool demonstrations taking place Thursday, Oct. 11, and Friday, Oct. 12. Automotive Electronic Solutions, CAS of New England Inc./OEM Tools, Innova Electronics Corp., Autel.us and Drew Technologies will each demo their products during these free 45-minute sessions.

Another highlight of the CARS show floor will be live, hands-on scan tool demonstrations taking place Thursday, Oct. 11, and Friday, Oct. 12. Automotive Electronic Solutions, CAS of New England Inc./OEM Tools, Innova Electronics Corp., Autel.us and Drew Technologies will each demo their products during these free 45-minute sessions.

Mechanical service and repair professionals attending ASRW can expect more exhibiting companies in New Orleans, in addition to the numerous NACE exhibitors who also produce products and services for both sides of the industry.

Additionally, shop owners should also plan to attend the new Mechanical Management Symposium scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 10, from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. This six-hour educational event is led by Chris “Chubby” Frederick and is included in the purchase of a Super Pass or may be purchased separately in online registration for $175. The ASRW Conference Program offers more than 90 hours of education with a mechanical focus