Tenneco Inc. has announced the expansion of the Tenneco Technology Tour (T3) and Monroe Ride and Drive technical training experiences for 2010. Tenneco’s signature undercar service training programs for North American automotive technicians and parts professionals are expected to reach more than 8,000 participants over the course of a nearly 40-city schedule.
The program features several new training initiatives and materials while continuing Tenneco’s focus on diagnostics and selling skills related to automotive ride control, emissions control systems and brakes. The curriculum is also expanding to include materials from the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) “Know Your Parts” campaign, an initiative aimed at protecting customers from low quality replacement parts.
“The T3 Tour is one of the most popular and successful training programs in the entire aftermarket. Technicians and shop owners consistently tell us that this initiative helps drive sales and profitability,” said Chuck Osgood, manager of training and operations, North America aftermarket, Tenneco. “In addition to shop professionals, we also expect to reach a record number of students and technical programs across North America.”
The tour kicked off March 16 in Savannah, GA, and will conclude September 30 in Nashville, TN. It will visit 19 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces. New markets for this year’s tour include St. John, Newfoundland; Monroe, LA; Des Moines, IA; Livonia, MI; and Nashville.
Featuring 2007 Mercedes C280, Toyota Sequoia and Chrysler Town & Country models, this year’s Monroe Ride and Drive experience enables technicians to feel the ride and handling differences between popular vehicles equipped with new ride control components and identical vehicles fitted with worn original equipment shocks and struts. Participants drive the vehicles on a specially designed closed test track.
The Monroe Ride and Drive fleet will feature all-new graphics highlighting the brand’s “Save a Squirrel” campaign and supporting the aftermarket’s 50,000-mile/80,000-kilometer ride control replacement recommendation.
Note: For many popular-selling vehicles, replacing worn shocks and struts that have been driven for 50,000 miles or 80,000 kilometers can improve the vehicle’s handling characteristics and comfort. Actual mileage may vary depending on driver ability, vehicle type and type of driving and road conditions.
In addition to the interactive session, certified T3 instructors will help participants learn how to explain to consumers the value of ride control replacement. Participants also will receive a free 2010 Ride Height and Alignment Manual (valued at $25) for attending an event.
For the complete T3 and Monroe Ride and Drive schedule as well as information on other Monroe training initiatives, contact your Tenneco supplier, visit www.monroe.com or call (734) 384-7846.
