SUMMER 2003

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I N S I D E

3President’s MessageETI is poised to step upthe next level of service

4Technical ActivitiesHighlights and updatesfrom Charlie Gorman

6Detroit Tech Week 2003Our OE hosts provided detailed,essential information to attendees

12Annual Meeting AlertPartnerships among manufacturers,suppliers and service providers drivethe win-win solution

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News & Viewsis produced by Management Services Group

for the Equipment and Tool Institute, Inc.Statements of fact and/or opinions expressed

are the responsibility of the authors aloneand do not imply an opinion of their officers,

directors or members of ETI. Segments in theirentirety may be reproduced provided ETI News &

Views is credited as the source. ©2003

PO BOX 13966 ■ 10 LABORATORY DRIVE

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC 27709-3966

PHONE 919-406-8844 ■ FAX 919-406-1306

INSIDER INFORMATION FORUM

Detroit Tech Week2003 … Advantage ETI

Weeklong information forum provides ETI membersa competitive edge in the marketplace. Details of 2004

and forward models were revealed. Attendanceswells with the growing awareness of worth.

They came toDetroit in recordnumbers, from ev-ery part of theUnited States —and even fromCanada and Eu-rope. Their questwas design, diag-nostic and repairinformation on MY2004 and 2005U.S. vehicles. Theyfound what theywere seeking in abundance.

As a result, the automotive service in-dustry will benefit as more productivediagnostic and repair equipment is de-veloped. Motorists will also benefit asservice providers enhance their abilitiesto solve problems faster.

Equipment & Tool Institute membershave made this pilgrimage annually for22 consecutive years. Each year thosewho participate register a higher levelof value from the event. That applies tothe OEs — who make their facilitiesavailable and also invest heavily in timeand talent for the presentations — aswell as ETI members, who are direct

benefactors as the receivers of these pre-sentations.

A 22-Year OdysseyDetroit Tech Week — and its counter

part, Japan Tech Week — represent anunprecedented level of cooperation be-tween OE vehicle makers and aftermar-ket tool and equipment makers. Theongoing cooperation and trust attest tothe fact that OEs want to ensure thattheir vehicles can receive proper serviceboth during and after warranty, at thelocation of the vehicle owner’s choice.

The heavy investment that OEs makein opening the doors of their facilities

OPENING NIGHTOPENING NIGHTOPENING NIGHTOPENING NIGHTOPENING NIGHT – SPX attendees enjoy opening night. L to R:Melissa Willert, Jim Kjeer, Brant Story, Bob Klose, Donna Kaspersenand Garret Miller.

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News &Views SUMMER 2003

Detroit TDetroit TDetroit TDetroit TDetroit Tech Wech Wech Wech Wech Weekeekeekeekeekfrom page 1

for these meetings, as well as theircommitment of time and talent forpower point presentations and vehicledisplays, pays off in the creation of in-novative, productive equipment forthe service providers.

The recognition of worth in ETI’sDetroit Tech Week grows steadily. Thisyear, despite economic conditions andthe pervasive corporate cost cutting,more equipment representatives at-tended than prior years — a 35 per-cent increase over last year. They camefrom every section of the UnitedStates, Canada and Europe.

A Full Work ScheduleDetroit Tech Week is definitely a

working session. Buses leave the head-quarters hotel at dawn for the sched-uled OE host facility. Upon the returnto the hotel, an ETI committee im-mediately reviews evaluation sheetsthat ETI members complete on thereturn bus ride. A good natured, butserious admonition is, “You don’t getoff the bus unless you have a com-pleted evaluation form of the day’spresentations.”

This year Ford and VW/Audibrought speakers and vehicles to theCrowne Plaza headquarters hotel forbreakfast kick-off sessions. Ford thentransported ETI members to vertical-group breakout sessions at corporatelocations.

GM sessions were held at the Prov-

ing Grounds in Milford, Mich.DaimlerChrysler sessions were held atthe Auburn Hills headquarters facil-ity. General overview sessions pre-ceded more-detailed breakout ses-sions as the format for eachcorporation’s presentations.

All attendees received a CD of thepresentations offered by the manufac-turer personnel. In all, 118 OEMmanagers and engineers addressedthe ETI group.

Awards AndAppreciation Banquet

At the conclusion of Detroit TechWeek, ETI attendees and vehiclemanufacturer personnel traditionallyassemble at an awards banquet, wheremutual thanks and professional cour-tesies are exchanged.

This year the banquet was held atthe Detroit Historical Museum amidartifacts, displays and reproductionsof Detroit’s rich manufacturing heri-tage. Dining tables set up on repro-ductions of the “Streets of Detroit”served as the buffet/banquet setting.Nearly 200 OE and aftermarket per-sonnel were scheduled to attend thisfamily-like session. ❃

BURGERS &BRATS – Welcomereception at CrownePlaza was informal. Inthe self-serve line fromfront are JasonBartanen, I-CAR; SteveMarks, I-CAR; DonRodemann, Actron;Phil Freshour, Actron;John Espino, GaleBanks Engineering.

SWEDEN CONTINGENT – Michelle Duggins, ETI, greets guestsfrom Autocom Diagnostic Partners, AB in Sweden. R to L: Martin Larsson,Tobias Molin, Rick Pettersson.

BEVERAGES FIRST – Attending to thirst before sampling the buffet are (L to R)Dennis Williamson, Snap-on; Fabian DeNobrega and Anton Rajah, Blue Streak; StephenEichmann and Sajen Mathew, CARDONE.

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SUMMER 2003 News &Views

P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E

Rob WilsonMarketing Sensors Inc.

Leveraging Current StrengthsTo Attain the Next Level

Solid internal achievements and increasing recognitionas an industry leader poise ETI for a step up to a new level of

service to the aftermarket and to broadened membership.

The Institute’s Detroit Tech Weekwas, again, a tremendous success asattendance was up 35 percent over theprevious year. Tech Week drew attend-ees from all over the United States andfrom other parts of the world.

Our hosts, GM, Ford, Daimler-Chrysler and Volkswagen/Audi weretruly accommodating. They provideddetailed, essential information that iscritical to prod-uct developmentactivities of ourmembers. Thisi n f o r m a t i o ntransfer is evi-dence of the in-creasingly im-proving relation-ship betweenOEs and ourmembers.

Detroit Tech Week will continue togrow in importance and attendanceas we near promulgation of CAN-based vehicles and standardized re-programming methods. Special rec-ognition goes to Charlie Gorman,who put together a terrific program,and to Jim Lawrence and MichelleDuggins, who assisted Charlie withevent logistics.

Leveraging TechnicalSuccess

Given our strong financial positionand our standing as an aftermarketassociation that is making a differ-ence, the Institute is poised to lever-age these assets in a way that will con-

tinue to expand and strengthen ourmembership.

To accomplish this, ETI mustmatch its technical capability withequivalent marketing resources. Ac-cordingly, I am pleased to announcethat ETI has initiated a search to fillthe newly created position of market-ing manager. We are working with ourmanagement group, MEMA, to iden-

tify and recruit aperson who will bespecifically re-sponsible formembership re-cruitment and re-tention; programdevelopment andpromotion; andoutreach to otherautomotive after-market organiza-

tions worldwide.I am also happy to report that pro-

viding this resource will come at noadditional cost to the Institute. Thisaddition is something I personallybelieve is critical to our continuedsuccess, and I am particularly excitedwith the prospect.

Annual MeetingIs Power Packed

Finally, I would like to encourageeveryone to attend this year’s AnnualMeeting. Greg Potter and the Pro-gram Committee have put togetheran interesting, power-packed andchallenging program. The theme is“Cooperation … The Win-Win Solu-

tion.” After the stage-setting keynoteaddress from Tom Willis, MATCOpresident, other speakers and panel-ists will delve into details of such sig-nificant issues as EPA’s InformationAccess Rule; the Right to Repair (adiscussion of legislation and of theNASTF approaches of informing theindustry of critical data); ownershipand stewardship of tool and equip-ment information (security of scantool data OEs provide to ETI); andcrash worthiness and continuing com-pliance.

The popular one-on-one sessionshave been expanded to accommodatethe interests of our members. SeveralOEs and national accounts will haverepresentatives available during themeeting for private sessions. I urgeall of you to take advantage of thisunique ETI opportunity.

The event will be held in New Jer-sey, at the Seaview Marriott Resort andSpa, Wednesday through Friday, Sept.17-19. It’s a terrific venue, offering allof the amenities we have come to ex-pect during “The Meeting.”

I look forward to seeing and meet-ing with all of you during thisevent. ❃

“… ETI has initiated asearch to fill the newlycreated position of mar-keting manager.”

Rob Wilson

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News &Views SUMMER 2003

Based on notes of CharlieGorman, Technical Man-ager

Separate Vertical GroupProposed for OBDDiagnostics andReprogramming

The industry is changing rapidly,and, as a result, the Equipment & ToolInstitute is considering a proposal torestructure its Vertical Groups to bet-ter cope with these developments.On-board diagnostics (OBD) andController Area Network (CAN), asexamples, will heavily impact the fu-ture.

The current Subcommittee onOBD & Protocol Interface Reviewwould assume full vertical group sta-tus, and be renamed the OBD & Re-programming Group.

Since its inception the subcommit-tee has operated as a subset of theUnderhood Technology Group. Theanticipated change would allow mem-bers from the Undercar Group andthe Collision Repair Group to partici-pate equally with scan tool companiesin OBD and reprogramming activi-ties, if they care to do so.

Also, the restructuring will have thenet effect of changing the emphasisof the Underhood Technology Grouptoward a concentration on “nuts andbolts” issues (e.g., test points, settings,values, adjustments, etc.).

Information Access RuleSigned and Soon Effective

It has been a long struggle, but thissummer the document known as the

Technical Activities …Highlights and Update

A new vertical group, the information access rule, NASTF matrices,the TEK-NET library and Japan Tech Week are just a few of the

things receiving attention from ETI committees.

EPA InformationAccess Rule wassigned by Adminis-trator ChristineTodd Whitman be-fore she left office.The document canbe found in theFederal Register us-ing the referenceFR. No 124 Friday,June 27, 2003, pg.38428 to 38461.

The Equipment& Tool Institute wasa major advocatefor the InformationRule, which man-dates that the inde-pendent service market must haveaccess to all emissions-related infor-mation and tools that are made avail-able to the OE’s car dealer network.This has the direct effect of levelingthe playing field for the independentsector on emissions inspection andrepair. Many indirect benefits, beyondemissions, have also accrued to the in-dustry in the arena of informationaccess through the prolonged nego-tiations.

What specifically do ETI membersgain as a result of the EPA Informa-tion Access Rule?

Emission-related scan tool infor-mation must be provided in elec-tronic format.

Emission-related manual informa-tion must be provided to third-party information providers inelectronic format.

Reprogramming information mustbe provided to the tool companies.

The overall benefits are highly sig-nificant. It is expected that they willreceive a full airing in discussion atthe Annual Meeting, Wednesdaythrough Friday, Sept. 17-19.

ETI Active on NASTFMatrices Seen as a Way ToTrack Missing Information

The National Automotive ServiceTask Force (NASTF) is a voluntary,not-for-profit organization that iden-tifies gaps in the availability of infor-mation needed for vehicle manufac-turers to be in compliance with thespirit of information sharing with in-dependent service providers. ETI hasplayed a major role in the design andupdate of the equipment informationavailability matrix.

Recently, a new matrix that keepstabs on reprogramming informationhas been drafted and is being circu-lated among the NASTF EquipmentCommittee members for commentand suggestions.

NASTF DISCUSSION – Keith Kreft (left) has been in ETI’s leadposition on formulating and updating the Equipment InformationMatrix for the NASTF projects. Here, he discusses with CharlieGorman the new Reprogramming Information matrix.

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SUMMER 2003 News &Views

The NASTF matrices are used byOEM and aftermarket stakeholdersalike. They provide a quick referenceas to what information is available andwhat information still needs to be pro-vided.

TEK-NET Library Digi-tized; New Access RulesComing

The TEK-NET Library, an impor-tant ETI information resource, con-tinues to add 21st century improve-ments. All files have been digitizedand all repair manuals have been sentto schools, other libraries or dis-carded.

The next improvements will in-clude:

Categorize, index and review alldocuments received since 1998.

Index all files on a CD powered bya database.

TEK-NET library information iscurrently available to all memberswithout cost. However, certain accessrules apply in special cases where theOEMs have requested them. For ex-ample, some OEMs require licenseagreements that include annual fees.In the near future, because of OE con-cerns about appropriate stewardshipand security of confidential data, ac-cess may be in part based on:

Need-to-know-requesters might berequired to be engaged in the de-sign and manufacture of scan tools.

A license agreement either throughthe OEM directly or through ETI

Product liability insurance

Indemnification of ETI and theOEM providing the information

Japan Tech WeekOn U.S. Soil in 2003

Japan’s vehicle makers and ETI en-

tered into an agreement in the mid-1990s to rotate the venue for JapanTech Week between Japan and theUnited States (California).

In 2003, the event comes to U.S.soil. Monday through Wednesday,Nov. 17-19, the Crowne Plaza Hotelat Redondo Beach, will be headquar-ters for Japan Tech Week 2003. Joe’sGarage in Tustin, Calif., will serve asthe location for the traditional con-cluding banquet.

Japan Tech Week has the prospectsof rising to the level of Detroit Weekin value of information received. The2002 meeting in Japan was considereda break-through event in that regard.Members are encouraged to take ad-vantage of the opportunity to visitwith technical representatives ofJapan’s vehicle manufacturers at theCalifornia venue.

ETI’s Web site, www.etools.org, hasmore details. ❃

Several leading tool and equipment companies will be demonstrating their latest cutting-edge tools and equip-ment at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in the Sands Expo Center, Tuesday and Wednesday,Nov 5 - 6, 2003.

Whether it’s the latest techniques in changing and balancing high performance tires and wheels for fast and furiouscustomers or the speediest and easiest transmission service west of the Mississippi, the AAPEX tool and equipmentdemonstrations are expected to be a popular feature at this year’s show. All demonstrations will take place at theend of aisle 6100 in the Sands.

Companies making demonstrations include:■ Delphi Integrated Service Solutions: Delphi DS800 – Maximize the Profit Potential of Your Repair Shop

Business.■ SPX: OTC Diagnostics■ McCourt Industries: How to Change the Customer Wheels of Today■ Robinair SPX: The Complete Process for Air Conditioning Service■ Pro-Tool Manufacturing: Drill Doctor DD500/750 – Why You Should Sharpen Drill Bits■ Pro-Tool Manufacturing: VersaSaw – Turns Your Power Drill Into a Power Saw■ Bright Solutions: Electro-Pro V-12 – What Good is a Battery Tester That Can’t Test Discharged Batteries?■ MotorVac Technologies: Fast and Easy Transmission Fluid Service With the TransTech ATF Exchanger■ Ingersoll-Rand: Improving Productivity – Compressed Air System Design

If you are attending AAPEX, be certain to look for the many ETI member exhibitors.

Cool Tool & EquipmentDemos Slated at AAPEX

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News &Views SUMMER 2003

Chrysler Blends PerformanceReviews With In-Depth TechBreakout SessionsCAN, a new specialized scan tool and the expand-ing importance of SIR were prominent in Daimler-Chrysler presentations. Safety systems get in-creased focus.

On arrival at the Auburn Hills facility, several advancedChrysler Group vehicles, which ETI members were privi-leged to examine, were on display.

Highlights over the course of the day included: 1) Con-troller Area Network (CAN); 2) the 2004 Durango (all CAN);3) the all new LX Platform; 4) Supplemental Inflatable Re-straints (SIR); 5) Brake and suspension design innovations;6) Collision repair considerations; and 7) a next-genera-tion scan tool to support CAN vehicles.

‘Why Do We Do This?’The Chrysler Group was well prepared and highly in-

formative. Opening remarks by Ron McDaniel, Dealer Tech-nical Operations, summed it up nicely when he asked andanswered the poignant question: “Why do we do this? [thecommitment of time, talent and corporate assets to TechWeek].” He answered: “To get our cars fixed properly. Fixon the first visit is our objective. We learn a lot from theseexchanges with the aftermarket. Whether it’s new or whetherit’s used, the easier it is for our vehicles to be worked onand repaired, the more the cars are saleable.”

That statement typifies the growing recognition by OEsthat serviceability affects vehicle sales and that good equip-ment is a major factor in serviceability on the first visit.

CAN and The Next Generation (NGC)Heavy emphasis was placed on the 2004 Durango. It is a

totally CAN-equipped vehicle. It has bold, in-your-face grillestyling with “old-fashioned hemi power.”

This session served as a first alert to tool and equipmentmakers who might be lagging in scan tool developmentthat CAN is not only the future, CAN is here now!

The Chrysler Group also introduced in a presentationby Sam Bellestri the first of a family of CAN-capable toolsfor their dealers and others. Independents will be able tobuy these through similar methods developed last year forthe sale of DRBIII®.

This device will be assembled/distributed by Miller/SPXto support the Chrysler Group’s CAN vehicle’s diagnosticinterface using KWP 2000, and provides SCI flash supportfor the Next Generation Controller (NGC). It has had atwo-year gestation period.

Abundant Safety AdvancesOn the safety side, there are a lot of new developments:

OPENING REMARKS – The PowerPoint presentationby Ron McDaniel, Dealer Technical Operations, holds theauditorium crowd in attention. “Why do we do this?” he asked.“To get our cars fixed properly.”

SETTING THEAGENDA –

Todd McCall set theagenda for outstandingpresentations on newmodels like Durango,

Magnum, 300LX, Vipertruck and the breakout

sessions that followed.

BREAKOUTS – Among the many veteran presenters atDaimlerChrysler were Al Riffenburg, whose knowledge ofundercar systems always impresses. An engine cutawayprop just happened to be in the training room.

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UNDERCARGROUP – An

opportunity to examinea 2004 chassis,

drivetrain, suspensionset-ups, unencumbered

by body structures, wasavailable to the undercar

group in the laboratoryand training center.

Detroit Tech

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SUMMER 2003 News &Views

self-sealing tires, tire pressure sensors, GPS full-screen navi-gation, front and rear side air cushions, and passenger sens-ing and classification systems.

Alison Rahm, Chrysler, described the FMVSS-208 re-quirement for occupant classification systems, which directthe air-bag system on how to react to varying-sized passen-gers in the front seat. Two types of sensing systems are em-ployed, both which basically weigh the seated passenger. Aspecial tool, a “load form,” simulates occupants of varioussizes in order to verify the proper operation of the sensorsafter any serious seat work — including a collision.

Ford Reveals DetailsOf 10-Year Planning CycleTo ETI MembersFrom the Escape Hybrid to the Freestyle Crossover,Ford revealed insider details of the future to ETImembers.

Malcolm Barrett, Rotunda sales and marketing manager,brought the Ford presentation and new products to theCrowne Plaza headquarters hotel for an innovative, first-of-a-kind presentation. Joining him were Dave Werthmann,the man everyone must convince that their equipment isRotunda worthy if they want to enter the Ford dealer pro-gram, and Dan Whittle, technical publications director.

A Ford highlight was the confidential presentation ofElizabeth Kao of the Cycle Planning Department, who re-vealed enough of the next 10 years in Ford’s product plan-ning cycle for ETI members to get a grip on what theyneed to be thinking about.

Ford has several new vehicle introductions for 2004 in-cluding the Escape Hybrid and the Ford Freestyle, a cross-over vehicle. The F-Series truck gets some big-time advance-ments with a 5.4 liter engine.

The all new Ford Futura continues the comprehensiverevitalization of the Ford car lineup. The Futura architec-ture will form the basis for up to 10 new products and800,000 units of volume across the Ford, Lincoln and Mer-cury ranges within the next several years.

Ford is proud of its performance vehicles, like the$130,000 GT with its 5.4 liter modular V-8. There is alsothe far-out Mustang Cobra, with a 4.6 liter engine and a 6-speed transmission. ETI members got a preview of thesemodels and other insider details from Kao.

ETI has never been privileged in this way to see so farinto the future on OEM product planning. It representedanother signal that OEs want to be sure their products willhave abundant thinking on service equipment to supporttheir planned new products.

OCCUPANT CLASSI-FICATION SYSTEM –At government behest,operation of SIR systems(airbags) are controlled byweighing devices built intopassenger seats. Alison Rahmexplained the two types ofweighing setups; one is abased on displacement in asilicon bladder and the other onstrain-gauge measurement involtage.

INSIDE ROTUNDA –Malcolm Barrett, Rotundasales and marketingmanager, set the stage forFord’s presenters. He alsointroduced Dave Werthmann,who all equipment makersmust convince their productsare “Rotunda worthy.”

THE LONG VIEW– Elizabeth Kao, FordCycle Planning,refreshes after aunique, 10-yearoverview presentationof Ford’s productdirection. Futura (CAN)and Escape (Hybrid)come up large.

SUSPENSIONCOMPONENTS– Heath Ehlingerholds forged-steelknuckle from front-end suspension onthe new LX model.Mike Detoto pre-sented on rearsuspension.

DIAGNOSTIC TOOL – Tosupport the 2004 HB Durango,which is totally CAN equipped, aCAN-capable tool was developedby the Chrysler Group and will beassembled/distributed by SPX/Miller. Sam Bellestri, DealerTechnical Operations, demon-strates and explains. Bellestri saidthis is the first in a family of newtools being developed to supportCAN vehicles.

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Mazda InsightsLarry Mooney and Mark Garcia addressed the new

Mazda Renesis (which means “rebirth”) rotary engine. Thehigh power model has 247-hp, rated at 9500 rpm. The com-bined transmission is a six-speed manual shift. There is noautomatic transmission option, mainly because torque con-verters can’t handle 9500 rpm.

The standard engine has 207 hp. It also has undergone aredesign to reduce emissions. Side-port exhaust is employedto ensure that no exhaust gases remain in the cylinder todilute the mixture — marking a significant advance. Thedriveshaft is made of carbon fiber. An interesting designmove is that the vehicle does not have a spare tire, but an airpump and a repair kit are incorporated into the trunk. Thetire pressure monitoring system is a Siemens design. Sensorsmust be changed when wheel positions are changed. Miataand RX-8 use several of the design features described here.

Paint and Body Tech CenterTechnical breakout sessions included a visit to the Ford

Paint and Body Technology Center in Ypsilanti, Mich. FrankWassilak, damageability engineering senior technical spe-cialist, coordinated the paint and body presentations; andJohn Hughes, who selected the site and directs the activi-ties of the Paint and Body Technology Center, conductedan informative tour of the 8,000-square-foot facility wherepainting, welding and other body repair techniques areevaluated. Several administrative and classroom spaces arealso part of the facility.

Seven companies assisted in equipping the facility andare listed as sponsors. Five of these are paint companies,one is an adhesive company and the other is a frame andbody aligner.

Anatomy of an Aston MartinThis breakout session was privileged to have a presenta-

tion by Andy Hopkins, Aston Martin (England), on the con-struction methods and the approved repair procedures forthe V-12 Vanquish vehicle. Suffice to say that the Vanquishis not assembled using mass production techniques. Thereis a lot of aluminum-welded sheet involved, as well as ad-hesive bonding.

Hopkins said that if the vehicles were to be sold in theUnited States, Aston Martin was immediately aware it facesa major challenge in body repair. The vehicle is built arounda passenger “tub,” much like a Formula race car. Each ve-hicle is assembled in a jig. Approved repair procedures andtimes have been painstakingly worked out.

Currently, 10 facilities in the world have been approvedto perform Vanquish body repairs, with four located in theUnited States. Hopkins said the mission statement is to“Develop an aftermarket infrastructure to emulate the qual-ity of the manufacturing methods and procedures.” Thisdoes not allow for on-site innovations, but basically means“fix it the same way we built it.”

Ford Undercar SessionThe Undercar Group breakout session was conducted at

CRASH CENTER – The Collision Repair Group learned ofnew materials and methods at the Collision center in Ypsilanti.John Hughes (center, white shirt) conducts a tour of the facilitysponsored by seven companies.

TRUCK MARKET – TheF-150 remains dominant in

Ford’s plans. Tom Green toldof five different product

segments for this vehicle fromXL, STX, XLT, FX4 to Lariat.

MAZDA RENESIS –Larry Mooney described a247-hp Mazda with side-port exhaust and variabledynamic intake valves.

UP THERE – Ford Model Program Manager Glen Duval goesinto soaring description of the Ford GT. A 12-quart, dry-sump oilsystem in a 500-hpsupercharged engine — and “stiff,” body-on-frame structure point to some challenges.

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SUMMER 2003 News &Views

the Ford Technical Institute in Allen Park, Mich. Wheel andtire presentations included details of the tire pressure moni-toring systems. Doug Tomayko and Tom Green discussedextensive alignment procedures on the Cross Trainer Ford500 and the 2004 F-150.

GM Elects ProvingGround Site for TechWeek PresentationsAmid the high security at Milford, GM discussedCAN, Displacement On Demand, the DuraMaxdiesel and the Pontiac GTO. Scan tool licensees gotsuper insider airing.

The GM portion of Tech Week was staged in an environ-ment that put a special focus on engineering. Just the prov-ing ground environment made every presentation take onan aura of “insider information.” The presence of proto-types and concept vehicles limited photo opportunities.

Displacement On DemandA highlight of GM’s presentation was the MY 2005 Dis-

placement On Demand (DOD) engine. It moves seamlesslyfor the driver, from V-8 to V-4 and back to V-8, as drivingconditions require. The driver has almost no awareness thatthe change is taking place. DOD will show up first on theTrailblazer and Buick Rainer, a new SUV. Ron Budzisz madean impressive presentation, describing the Lifter Oil Mani-fold Assist (LOMA) that shuts down and reenergizes thesame four cylinders. Nine DTCs support the system, withnine more on the way.

For anyone who doubts the oncoming of CAN, it wasannounced as a big-time feature for GM vehicles in MY2004 and 2005.

The DuraMax diesel occupies a special spot in GM’s fu-ture vehicles — as does the Parallel Hybrid Truck (PHT),which uses a 42-volt power net.

GM’s undercar presentations were judged outstandingon post-session critiques.

A special breakout session for scan tool makers was heldat Romulus, while vertical groups attended their breakoutsat Milford.

Australia played a special role in the 2004 presentationsbecause the Holden Manaro, marketed there, has such aheavy influence on the Pontiac GTO to be marketed here.Finally, SIR systems (air bags) are becoming more promi-nent, more sophisticated and more susceptible to serviceand calibration. In particular, the Passenger Present Sys-tem Indicator (PPSI) will be a mandated safety feature inthe near future (MY 2006), but many carmakers are install-ing it now, as part of the collision black-box informationsystem. Some of the subsystems, which feed info to the blackbox brain via Class 2 connectors, will become automaticwhen CAN is incorporated.

WHERE ITHAPPENED –Headquarters hotel wasthe Crowne Plaza,where an openingreception Ford, VW/Audiand other presentationstook place.

GETTING IT TOGETHER – Making sure alldata and presentation visuals are in order, Peter Stuyck(L) and Karl Heinz Kohler (R) confer on respectivepresentations. Stuyck discussed erWin; Kohler dis-cussed specific diagnostic procedures.

IN APPRECIATION – Mike Cohen, VW/Audi (L),accepts an ETI logo shirt as a token of appreciation for hisoutstanding presentation on the Touareg SUV. JohnHaralamos, Robert Bosch Corp., presents the shirt.

UNDERHOOD– Charlie Gorman,ETI, makesobservationswhile checkingunder the hood ofTouareg withother ETImembers. JohnWalton, Snap-on(R), is similarlyinterested.

continued on page 10

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1010101010

News &Views SUMMER 2003

VW/Audi SolidifiesWillingness to Join TheBig Three PresentationsOverview design remarks and detailed technicalpresentations impress ETI members. Permanentparticipation is now the goal.

Ray Solt, VW/Audi of North America, discussed the ex-panded product lineup that will keep VW/Audi moving to-ward its long-range goal of 1 million unit sales — whichwould be about four to five years down the road.

He called attention to definite high-performance fea-tures on several vehicles. Audi’s participation in racing —it has won at LeMans three years in a row — is an indicatorof this interest in performance. Developments like the 12-cylinder engine in the VW Phaeton, a new V-10 diesel en-gine, 6-speed automatic transmissions with fill-for-life, werecited as developments that equipment makers might con-sider to direct their planning.

Touareg Features RevealedMike Cohen delivered a technical presentation on the

VW Touareg, which is intended to put VW squarely in theSUV market. Touareg’s design recognizes that most SUVdriving is done on highways, not off road. It delivers a touchof luxury, but not at the expense of serious off-road capa-bility.

Touareg will perform in a 45-degree climb angle and a35-degree bank. The engine uses a deep oil sump to makeextreme-angle driving possible. The aluminum block en-gine employs two air filters, drawing air from both sides ofthe engine.

Brakes and suspension also have interesting SUV-typefeatures. Brakes have an “assist” that increases pedal pres-sure to ensure full advantage of ABS as most drivers don’thold down the brake pedal enough. A hill incline assist keepsthe vehicle from rolling backward on a hill, and a counter-part hill decline assist eliminates the need for braking whengoing over a rise and then descending.

On the list of technical developments was a twin turbo,V-10 diesel with an all-aluminum block and no steel liners.The cylinder facings are plasma deposited.

Drive Belts EliminatedReally unique is the fact that there are no drive belts on

the V-10 as accessories are all gear driven, including waterpump, air conditioning, power steering, oil pump and al-ternator. All gear drives are positioned at the rear of theengine. Viewing them gives the impression of a giant Swisswatch.

Information Access and DistributionPeter Stuyck, director of service publications for VW of

America, described information access and distribution for

RECEPTION LINE – ETI member company executives greetattendees at the Detroit Historical Museum: (R to L) John Leddy,Celette; Lorraine Carter and Larry Carter, Car-O-Liner; JudyCunningham and Chuck Cunningham, Hennessy; Kevin Keefe,Hennessy.

LEARNING EXPERIENCE – Touring thehistory-tracing exhibits at the Detroit museum are (L toR) Bill Haas, ASA; Lucyna Rurek, Ford; Bill Miller,AutoXray; Rob Wilson, Sensors Inc. and ETI president.

WHAT A COUN-TRY! – DaimlerChrysler’s

Claude Caponi, whocoordinated the 2002

technical sessions andhandled closing remarks

this year, escorted hisdaughter Christina to the

banquet. A measure ofcloseness is developingwithin the professional

seriousness of Tech Week.

FULL HOUSE – The auditorium section of DetroitHistorical Museum had a standing-room-only crowd forhonors and “roasting” events.

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1111111111

SUMMER 2003 News &Views

VW/Audi in an interesting presentation. VW has developeda system called erWin, which stands for Electronic Repairand Workshop Information. erWin shows service person-nel, at lightning speed, everything they might need to knowabout servicing and repairing a VW or Audi. The informa-tion is supplied online and is always up to date. All minordifferences between models are stored in erWin.

Review complete details on the Web at www.erWin.VW.com or www.erWin.VW.Audi.com.

A Fitting Finale: Dinner On‘The Streets of Detroit’Vehicle OE presenters and managers join ETIattendees for the honors banquet.

Nearly 200 people attended the Detroit Tech Week grandfinale banquet. It was held, as has become a custom, at asignificant landmark location. This year the Detroit His-torical Museum was the site.

Charlie Gorman, ETI technical manager, and ETI Pro-gram Director Greg Potter, Pro-Spot, shared masters of cer-emonies duties.

ETI honored all OE coordinators and presenters in anauditorium section of the museum. Dinner was then sharedamid Motor City memorabilia in a simulated “Streets ofDetroit” environment.

It was a fitting finale to an outstanding Detroit Tech WeekInformation Forum. The entire event was definitely a plan-ning and marketing advantage for ETI members who at-tended.

MCs Gorman and Potter kept the speeches lighthearted,but the seriousness and the importance of the formal TechWeek agenda were never lost. The sincere, mutual respectthat vehicle manufacturers and aftermarket equipment pro-viders share always prevails. ❃

MASTERS OF CEREMONIES – Charlie Gorman, ETItechnical manager, and Greg Potter, Pro Spot Intl., kept it light butnever let the seriousness of the event slip away. Potter remindedeveryone that “the station wagon lives” despite all of the SUV andcrossover names. Gorman played on the theme of everything in theplace being so old. “It’s a museum, man!”

HERE’S TO THE OEs – Each of the OE leaders had his chance at the microphone for thanks and return jibes. (L to R): John Elias,General Motors; Brian Lewandowski, DaimlerChrysler recognized his coworker Todd McCall for job well done; Dave Williams, Ford; RaySolt, VW/Audi.

NOTHINGLIKE ABUFFET – Thewide selection ofbuffet servingsgave John Leddy,Celette; and otherattendeesabundant choicesin preparingplates for dinnerin the historicalsetting.

STREETS OF DETROIT – Settling in at asimulated sidewalk dinner table are (Front) John Ostlingand son Micba, DaimlerChrysler; (Rear) Rebecca Sullivanwith Jim McCusker, DaimlerChrysler; Greg Potter, ProSpot; Chris Micha, DaimlerChrysler.

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1212121212

News &Views SUMMER 2003

On Wednesday, Thursday and Fri-day, Sept. 17-19, the Annual Meetingof the Equipment and Tool Institutewill take place at the Seaview MarriottResort & Spa, near Atlantic City, N.J.

The Meeting’s theme is “Coopera-tion — Driving the Win-Win Solu-tion.” Individual speakers and panel-ists will discuss the advantages ofpartnering by manufacturers, suppli-ers and service providers.

Annual Meeting Alert

The Win-Win Service SolutionIs Found in Sector Cooperation

Partnerships among manufacturers, suppliers and service providers can makeall sectors winners. Hence, “Cooperation Drives the Win-Win Solution.”

Industry problems canusually be overcome tothe benefit of all if eachmarket sector under-stands and respects theperspective of the others.

Speakers AndPanelists

Vice President of Pro-gramming Greg Potterand the Program Com-mittee have arranged anoutstanding array ofspeakers and panelists.They will air major issuesin both the mechanicaland the collision repairsectors of the aftermarket.

Tom Willis, president of MATCO,will deliver the keynote. Followingthat, the key spokesmen for NASTF,Vehicle Owner’s Right to Repair andthe National Information Access Rulewill discuss the best way to ensure thatthe flow of technical information tothe repair market is unabated.

Also, a panel will discuss the needto keep insider information diagnos-tics and scan tools from becoming so

“What makes successful partnerships work? Come. Youmay find out!” … Greg Potter

freely available that it could come intothe possession of those who would useit for illegal or unsafe purposes.

The Collision Repair Group willtake its turn on the second day of themeeting with sessions concerningcrash worthiness, cost-effective repairsand the whole spectrum of those ubiq-uitous air bags.

One-on-One ConferencesDon’t miss this one! It will also fea-

ture the highly successful one-on-oneconferences with vehicle makers andnational accounts.

Seaview is an outstanding venue.It is near New Jersey’s historical sites— including Cape May — AtlanticCity and also an abundance of recre-ational and dining locations. TheMarriott Resort and Spa has enoughon-site facilities to occupy golf andtennis enthusiasts.

Register online at the ETI Web site,www.etools.org. ❃

ETI Annual MeetingWednesday—Friday, Sept. 17-19, 2003

Atlantic City, N.J.

Registration details at www.etools.org