TENNECO BOOSTS TRAINING INVESTMENT FOR SHOP OWNERS, TECHNICIANS AND PARTS PROFESSIONALS

Tenneco Inc. is increasing its investment in technical training for repair shop owners, technicians and parts professionals through an expanded Tenneco Technology Tour (T3) and Monroe Ride and Drive training experience.

The popular T3 and Monroe Ride and Drive programs are expected to reach more than 9,000 participants in 34 major North American markets in 2011.

The tour, which features an in-depth clinic and behind-the-wheel training regarding the symptoms of worn ride control components, attracted more than 8,000 aftermarket professionals in 2010. This year’s tour also will include a special educational seminar about the Monroe exclusive OESpectrum® shocks and struts, a revolutionary new shock and strut design utilizing technologies first developed for global OEMs. To illustrate the road profile and handling capability of the new Monroe OESpectrum shocks and struts, the Monroe Ride and Drive demo uses a pair of 2007 Mercedes C280 passenger cars.

“T3 and the Monroe Ride and Drive feature exciting, new ‘real-world’ educational elements to help technicians and shop owners correctly diagnose ride control problems while gaining the confidence to better educate their customers about the need for shock and strut replacement,” said Chuck Osgood, manager of training and operations, North American aftermarket, Tenneco.

The 2011 tour returns to several popular cities from previous years as well as a number of new markets, with stops in Philadelphia; Spokane, WA.; Eugene, OR.; Owens Sound, Ontario; Salt Lake City; and Albuquerque, NM. The tour began March 8 in Fayetteville, NC, and concludes in Albuquerque, NM, in late September. In total, the T3 experience will reach aftermarket professionals in 19 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces.

In addition to the behind-the-wheel Monroe Ride and Drive experience – which demonstrates the effects of worn shocks and struts on vehicle steering, stopping and stability – the curriculum includes diagnostic tips and selling skills training related to ride control, brakes and emission control systems.

The program prominently features materials from the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) “Know Your Parts” campaign, an initiative aimed at protecting customers from low-quality replacement parts. Participants also will receive a Monroe Guide to Understanding Ride Control Flip Chart for attending the event.

For the complete T3 and Monroe Ride and Drive schedule and additional information on other Monroe and Walker training initiatives, please contact your Tenneco supplier or visit www.monroe.com.