Tech Week is an opportunity for the engineers and designers from the OE companies to meet with the makers of tools and equipment. These valuable information exchange forums are the place where engineers discuss and resolve issues before the products hit the market.

The automakers shared with ETI members information regarding their vehicles to ensure that the industry has the necessary information to provide the needed tools and equipment. The group discussed new technologies that may affect the aftermarket tool and equipment industry.

DaimlerChrysler presentations included discussions of powertrain and emissions, scan tool information and vehicle overviews. General Motors presented information on fuel cells and TPMS. Ford presentations included Volvo, hybrid, TPMS, DCT and OBD II information and usage of MDX. VW/Audi provided information on Clean Diesel Technology. ETI members were treated to frank discussion on OBD II information and updates on diesel models.

In other ETI news, the association welcomes the new 2007-’08 officers and board members on their election to office beginning June 1, 2007:

Officers: President John Wiedemann (JS Products); Vice President, Programs Dave Schaar (SPX Service Solutions); Vice President, Marketing Randy Gard (Chief Automotive Technologies); and Secretary/Treasurer Steve Gill (ALLDATA).

Directors: Neil Davis (Snap-on Diagnostics); Richard Amador (Innova Electronics Corp.); Mike Cable (Hickok), Don Vanderheyden (Hennessy Industries); and Alan Tecmire (Integrated Supply Network).

Rounding out the Board of Directors completing terms previous elected to are: Dan Brass (Stride Tool); Andrew Richardson (Shure Manufacturing); Garret Miller (SPX Service Solutions); and Sylvain Julien (Celette North America).