Included in the program are a keynote address by Bob Greenwood, an award-winning automotive aftermarket industry expert; seven industry seminars; and nine educational courses.

From hybrids, Ford diagnosis and repair, to marketing strategies, sales effectiveness, and shop profitability, the 2008 Automechanika Canada educational classes and workshops will provide relevant, accessible learning to the automotive aftermarket.

The following are sessions being announced:

Hybrid Service…Getting Started, Hybrid Case Studies and Management Skills for Men and Women
Craig Van Batenburg, of the Automotive Career Development Center, will facilitate three educational sessions including a practical class detailing what every automotive business owner needs to know about servicing hybrid vehicles, and a new session in which he explains the various issues his training company has encountered with their six hybrid vehicles over the past eight years. In addition, Craig's wife, Deb, will join him in leading a class on management skills for men and women. With the industry's need for competent help and the increase in women entering the workforce, this session offers effective ways to communicate across gender lines.

Troubleshooting TPMS Problems
Whether you hear of it as Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) or Pressure Sensor or Under Inflated Alert System, these advanced monitoring systems not only are able to detect a sudden loss of pressure (flat), but they can also alert the driver when the pressure simply needs adjustment.  With tire maintenance being such an important driving factor, Jean-Luc Sauriol, of OBD3 Solutions, will facilitate a session on the importance of proper tire pressure and its implications.

Marketing! It's More Than Just Advertising and Effective Selling Without Sacrificing Customer Service
Business Training International's Kelly Bennett will address two of the industry's greatest challenges in these workshops designed to assist participants in developing actionable plans. By analyzing the skills required to develop and execute a marketing strategy, and assess sales and customer service effectiveness, Bennett guides participants to improved skills and lasting and profitable impact.

Your Future is in the Relationship – Developing Your New Profit Opportunity
The seminar program's keynote speaker, Bob Greenwood, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre Ltd. (AAEC) and E.K. Williams & Co. (Ontario) Ltd. (EKW), will lead a class addressing how jobbers can deliver value to their shop customers by understanding sales capability, technician efficiency and labor profitability.

Ford Electronic Transmission Diagnostics and Ford 6.0 Powerstroke Diesel Diagnostics
Mike Cleary, of Automotive Technical Support Services, will facilitate two classes specific to Ford diagnosis and repair. The fundamentals required for successfully diagnosing Ford electronic transmission controls highlight the first class.  This course focuses on the electronic control systems of Ford's 4R100, E40D, 4R70W, 5R55E, A4LD, AX4N and AX4S transmissions. Efficiently diagnosing and repairing the electronic engine control system of the Ford 6.0L Powerstroke Diesel is the focus of Cleary's second class. This course centers on the procedures involved in diagnosing the various no-start, hard-starting and performance concerns with this engine.

For more information and a schedule of the seminar and educational opportunties, visit www.AutomechanikaCanada.com.