Austin Community College Offers Hybrid Training Classes for Technicians
Austin Community College in Austin, TX, recently received a $98,860 grant from the state to spend on alternative fuel training. The school is offering training classes on hybrids, as well as classes covering other “green” cars including ones powered by propane, natural gas and biodiesel.
The Bendix Brand Leads the Way with Aftermarket’s First Hybrid Brake Service Class
To address the growing number of hybrid vehicles making their way into the aftermarket’s independent repair shops, the Bendix Training Team has developed a comprehensive program called the Hybrid Brake Service Class.
Tech Feature: Handling Hybrid Service
Right now, the service opportunities lie mainly in the future as hybrids move out of warranty and into the independent service bays. However, it’s entirely realistic to expect hybrids to become a growing part of the automotive service market.
Directions: Fueling Your Appetite for Knowledge
In the manual Changes in Gasoline IV, every attempt is made to focus on the auto technician’s areas of interest and to cover current topics. A new chapter on Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) and E85 has been added, as E85 appears to be emerging as the renewable fuel of choice.
Remy International, Inc. Supplying HVH Electric Motors to Daimler for 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid
Remy International, Inc. recently announced it is supplying Daimler with the Remy HVH electric motor used in the 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid recently released to the United States market.
Servicing Hybrids: 10 Must Read Articles for Servicing Hybrid Vehicles from Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda and Nissan
Currently, there are about 1.2 million hybrid vehicles on the road. Within five years, hybrids are expected to account for 20 to 25% of all new car and light-truck sales. So sooner or later, you’ll be working on these vehicles at your shop. These vehicles have the same service opportunities like brake pads, filters and suspension parts that need replacement. Also, battery packs, electric motors and computers will need service soon. Below are the top ten hybrid articles so you can cash in.
GM Builds First Lithium-ion Battery for Chevrolet Volt
GM is the first major automaker to manufacture an advanced lithium-ion battery pack in the U.S.
DENSO Develops Battery Monitoring Unit for Lithium-ion Batteries
The new product is installed in the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, which Toyota introduced at the end of 2009.
Tech Feature: Engine Technology Gets a Boost
As a technician, you’ll need to understand how Ford’s EcoBoost turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine works, since the automaker plans to incorporate it in 90% of its new vehicles over the next three years.
Directions: Turbocharging’s Not Just A Lot of Hot Air
In a recent study of U.S. consumers by Honeywell, more than half of those who plan to purchase a vehicle in the next two years believe fuel efficiency is more important than it was during their last vehicle purchase.
Hybrid Service: Nissan Altima
While the Toyota Prius dominates most of the hybrid discussion, the Nissan Altima Hybrid warrants some attention too.
Power Assist: Servicing Saturn VUE Hybrids
The hybrid version of the Saturn VUE was initially referred to as the “Green Line” model because of its improved fuel economy: 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway versus 22/27 for the regular version of the VUE. The Green Line moniker has since been dropped for the 2009 model year.