CARS, the event for automotive service professionals, announced its expanded agenda at the NACE | CARS 2015 conference and exposition, taking place at the COBO Center in Detroit July 21-25. The CARS program will feature more mechanical specialty and technical training than ever before, with additional sessions focused on leadership from all segments of the automotive service repair industry.

“ASA has listened to the industry and we’ve made significant updates to CARS and the programming. The CARS content was and will continue to be driven by the very best in the service repair industry. Our industry is changing at an accelerated rate. Staying ahead of the latest advancements in technology isn’t something you can ignore,” said Donny Seyfer, co-owner of Seyfer Automotive, Inc., and chairman of ASA.

Some highlighted opportunities include:

• The Service Repair Leadership Forum (SRLF) – Inaugural event led by Bob Greenwood & Maylan Newton
• The Technology & Telematics Forum – Sponsored by Auto Alliance and ASA
• Service Ready Sessions – by Volkswagen and Honda
• Evaporative System Diagnosis Training – With trainer Kevin McCartney from NAPA Autotech
• Young Technicians Symposium – Powered by Bosch

The inaugural Service Repair Leadership Forum will provide an opportunity for the industry to discuss issues, share knowledge, network with decision-makers and gain insight into the future of the industry. SRLF will take place on Friday, July 24 and is open to all individuals and companies interested in advancing the automotive industry. The event will include a private reception the day preceding the event (July 23 from 4-6 p.m.), a continental breakfast on the day of (7:30-8 a.m.), a half-day program (8 a.m.-noon), and a keynote luncheon immediately following (noon-1p.m.) Newton and Greenwood will partner for the first time in their instruction of two programs at the Forum on the topics of marketing in the industry and shop profitability & efficiency, in addition to acting as co-masters of ceremony. Other topics will include the state of the industry, parts quality, motor vehicle inspections, multi-shop operators and emissions programs.

The Technology & Telematics Forum, sponsored by Auto Alliance and ASA, will provide a look into the future of shops and an overview of emerging technology for the industry. In its second year, the 2015 program will feature an expanded agenda with 5 key discussion areas – a telematics update and overview, a connected car technology panel discussion, driver assistance communication and electronic stability control, telematics innovation with aftermarket software and Serial Edge Nibble Transmission (SENT). The event will take place in the afternoon of Thursday, July 23 from 2 p.m.-4 p.m., and a reception will follow immediately after, concluding at 6 p.m.

Service Ready sessions will also be offered by Honda and Volkswagen. Valerie Sullivan will speak on behalf of American Honda to give a manufacturer’s point-of-view on what it takes to be ready when a Honda product is in your shop. The Honda Service Ready session will take place on July 22 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Volkswagen is bringing in Service Publications Regulatory Specialist Kurt Immekus to share knowledge on what it takes to be ready when a VW or Audi product is brought into your shop. This will take place July 22 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Presented by the manufacturer, these sessions will focus on service information, tooling (scan and otherwise) and tips from the OEM on understanding their culture and successfully servicing their brand.

The Young Technicians Symposium will be back, as well, on July 24 from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Powered by Bosch, this Symposium will offer a two-part program to evaluate electrical system knowledge, and diagnostic approach to help you improve your skills. Part one of the program will cover pertinent topics in automotive electronics, and part two will focus on engine management fundamentals. A live training simulator will be used to demonstrate real world diagnostic examples and student response buttons will provide instant feedback on progress.

Saturday will offer training for Journeyman Technicians with topics ranging from Evaporative System Diagnosis to Electrical Diagnosis.?Dan Risley, president and executive director of ASA, stated, “CARS is committed to ensuring that you have the information and knowledge you need for today and the future. We look forward to seeing the leaders in the industry in Detroit and sharing information that you can’t get anywhere else.”

Visit the full conference program to view all available sessions and learn more about the opportunities above.