Challenger Lifts has recently announced the appointment of Ted McQuade to the position of President and CEO. Milo Bryant, Chairman of Challenger Lifts, said: "We are confident that Ted McQuade’s vast experience and leadership will take Challenger to the next level."

McQuade’s background includes 15 years at General Electric, where he served primarily in finance and operations. He spent five years in Louisville, Kentucky’s Appliance Park where he led the purchasing and globalization efforts into Korea, China and India. He left GE in 1995 to join Standard Products, a Detroit-based Tier One automotive supplier, as Executive Vice President of North America. Most recently he was President and CEO of Holm Industries in Scottsburg, IN; a key supplier of plastic parts to the automotive, appliance and building products industry. "Our vision is to make Challenger Lifts an even greater success by becoming more cost competitive, improving our product offering and distribution and becoming more customer focused," said McQuade.

Challenger Lifts has become the largest privately owned lift manufacturer in the United States since 1992, with World Headquarters in Louisville, KY. An Automotive Lifts Institute member, they manufacture lifts models with lift capabilities ranging from 6,000 to 100,000 pounds. For more information call 800.648.5438, 502.625.0700, or visit their web site at www.challengerlifts.com.

HI TECMETAL GROUP INTRODUCES JOINING DEVELOPMENT CENTER

HiTecMetal Group (HTG) recently announced the creation of The Joining Development Center (JDC), a value added service to the existing 100+ metal processes. According to Chandni Dattamajumdar, Senior Applications Engineer, "The purpose of the Joining Development Center is to provide complete metal joining solutions to our customers based on knowledge, technical expertise, and methodical experimentation." HTG’s engineering and technical team, including members of JDC, production managers, quality personnel and HTG executives, boasts over 1000 years of combined experience working with all types of metals.

The JDC provides services such as initial design analysis of components for brazeability, conceptual redesign alternative recommendations, complete metallurgical analysis using Optical microscope, mechanical testing, process development and analysis, material selection and failure analysis.

Based in Cleveland, OH, HTG has become a leader in the metals industry through the startup or acquisition of 21 strategic business units in Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, and South Carolina. More than 100 specialized services are offered, along with total quality management. For more information visit the HTG web site at www.htg.cc or call HTG National Sales at 216.881.8100.

DRIVETEK TRANS ACADEMY FEATURED IN PUBLICATION

Becky Ramer, owner of DriveTek Transmission Academy in Jefferson, IN, recently received the honor of being featured in the publication, Business First. The focus of the article was unique business ventures. Ramer, who bought out four other partners in September of 1999, operates DriveTek, offering a full range of comprehensive year-round training, with hands-on instruction on live cores that includes dyno testing.

DriveTek is certified by the Indiana State Board of Education, and classes are taught by ASE certified instructors. Classes are diverse, and are offered at all skill levels with only six students per instructor. Students have come to the academy from 16 states, and several foreign countries. Housing, as well as transportation to and from the training center is available.

To learn more about DriveTek and the programs they offer, and to learn about the diverse funding options for employers, call 812.284.2930, or send email to DriveTek1@aol.com.

ASC EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW 2002

The ASC Educational Conference is rapidly being recognized as the automotive repair industry’s largest gathering of trainers in the United States. Shop owners and technicians who recognize the need for the latest information and knowledge are taking advantage of this opportunity. This year’s conference will feature over 35 nationally acclaimed industry experts presenting over 50 technical and management seminars. Among the technical presenters are Larry DaShiell, Jim Linder, Dan Marinucci, Kevin McCartney, Jorge Menchu, Grant Swaim, Jerry Truglia, and Mark Warren. Among those presenting management information will be Chris Frederick, Gary Gunn, Maylan Newton, Ned Tomarchio, Thom Tsc hetter, and George Witt.

Help ensure your business survival into the 21st century by taking advantage of these seminars. The ASC Educational Conference is held in conjunction with the ASC Trade Show at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, CA. The show for 2002 is scheduled for April 5-7. For more information call 800.810.4272, or visit the web site at www.ascca.com/tradeshow/.

LIFE ’S LUBE-N-WIN CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED

The recent Powertrain Expo in Providence, RI, was the site for the Lube-N-Win prize drawings, sponsored by Life Automotive Products, Inc. And the big winner – with a trip to the Richard Petty Driving School in Florida – was Bill Gagne, of AAMCO Transmission in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Everyone who came into the Life booth at the expo had a chance at drawing one of seven winning tickets. Stickers were given away that could be redeemed for prizes such as a mountain bike, color television, portable CD player and more.

To find out how you can be a winner, call your local parts distributor for Life Automotive Products, or call Life at 800.525.6816.

DACCO OPENS TWO NEW RETAIL STORES

Dacco, Inc., has recently opened their 40th and 41st retail stores in Baltimore, MD, and Naperville, IL. According to Jack Lorimer, president of the Cookeville, TN based company, "… many businesses discuss how they’ re going to make cutbacks. Instead, Dacco continues to grow and expand our reach. The new stores allow us to provide affordable, quality automatic transmission parts to their local markets, quickly and efficiently as possible, helping us achieve our goal of exceeding our customers’ expectations every day."

Each manager, Randy Miller (Baltimore) and Cliff Heinenman (Naperville) have decades of automotive and transmission parts aftermarket experience between them.

Founded in 1965, Dacco, Inc., specializes in the remanufacturing of torque converters, and distributes transmission kits, hard parts, soft parts, and electronic components for both foreign and domestic automatic transmission applications. For more information, contact Dacco at 800.44.DACCO, or visit their web site at www.daccoat-parts.com.

HARTER APPOINTED ZF SACHS GROUP EXECUTIVE

Effective January 1, 2002, Hans-Georg Harter will take over as Group Executive of ZF Sachs AG in Schweinfurt, Germany. The company is a wholly-owned division of international automotive supplier ZF Friedrichshafen AG. Harter is a member of the Board of management ZF Group and former Group Executive of ZF Passau GmbH in Passau, Germany.

According to ZF Friedrichshafen AG CEO Dr. Siegfried Goll: "As the former head of Off-Road Driveline Technology and Axle Systems division, Hans-Georg Harter takes over at ZF Sachs with a proven track record of success in a very competitive industry sector." As a member of the Board of management ZF Group, Harter will be responsible for ZF Sachs activities in four business units: Powertrain, Chassis, Rubber-Metal (Boge) and Commercial Sales.

Dr. Manfred Schwab will succeed Harter as Group Executive of ZF Passau GmbH.

ZF Friedrichshafen AG is a global automotive industry supplier for transmission and chassis technology. With 117 locations in 22 countries, combined revenues for the group total $7.6 Billion (US).

NEW LINE OF PORTABLE HOT-WATER WASHERS FROM TUFF

Tuff Pressure Washers has introduced a new line of electric-powered hot-water pressure washers using a vertical burner, and ease of maneuverability hand truck design. The TVT series has a cleaning range of up to 4.2 GPM (Gallons Per Minute), and 3,000 PSI of pressure. There are 12 models, six with a belt-drive high-pressure pump, and six with a direct-drive or direct-coupled pump. All feature the Legacy high-pressure pump, and have a five-year warranty. Multiple power options are available, including 120V; 230V, 1-phase; 230V 3-phase, and 460 3-phase.

Also featured are industrial-grade components, such as cold-rolled heating coils made of half-inch Schedule 80 pipe, steel chassis, high-efficiency burner with transformer, safety rupture disk, thermal pump saver, water-resistant control box, adjustable thermostat, rust-free fuel tanks, 50’ of wire-braided hose rated to 3000 PSI, and much more.

Tuff has been a major supplier or pressure washers since 1990, distributing their products throughout North America. For more information contact Rob Smith at 800.772.8833.

NEW LUBEGARD PLATINUM UNIVERSAL ATF BY ILI

International Lubricants, Inc. (ILI) has introduced the high quality LUBE-GARD PLATINUM Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Protectant, which saves time, space and money. LUBEGARD PLATINUM may be used with any ATF (except Ford Type F ATF) Protectant and in all CVTs that require Dextron ATF. It also enhances the performance of Dextron/Mercon ATF to that of a Mercon V ATF or a Highly Friction Modified ATF (such as Honda Genuine, Toyota Type T/TII/TIV, Mopar ATF+3 and ATF+4).

LUBEGARD PLATINUM ATF Protectant incorporates LUBEGARD’s unique, patented synthetic LXE (Liquid Wax Ester) technology and a new patent pending synthetic, SYNERGOL TMS technology. Together they provide the most powerful and complete transmission fluid performance additive ever invented. When added to ATF, it reduces wear on parts and metal surfaces. In fact, Synergol is not consumed and makes the lubricant’s performance extend far beyond normal fluid life. LXE molecules have exceptional lubricity (wetting agent) and heat resistance, which is why the LUBEGARD ATF Protectant with LXE has been used, endorsed, designated, and approved by multiple OEMs, and used by professionals around the world.

ILI is a leading manufacturer of lubricants for the automotive, industrial and chemical markets, and currently holds more than 80 U.S. and foreign patents. For more information on LUBEGARD, DR.TRANNY and Squeak Relief products, contact International Lubricants, Inc., at 800.333.5823 (LUBE), or visit their web site at www.Lubegard.com.

HI TECMETAL GROUP PRESENT PAPERS AT CONVENTION &WINS AWARD

Several HI TecMetal Group (HTG) engineers presented a host of technical papers on topics related to metal technologies at the annual American Society for Metals (ASM) convention, held this year in Indianapolis, IN.

HTG Rimes Logistics Services, a member company, was also recently honored as a winner of the 2001 lake-Geauga Fast Track 50 Award. The award honors the 50 fastest growing companies in Lake and Geauga counties based on average sales and employment growth for the last five years. This is the second year in a row that HTG Rimes has been honored with the award. Rimes has more than doubled its sales since being acquired by HTG in 1998.

Cleveland-based HI TecMetal Group (HTG) has become a leader in the metals industry through the start-up or acquisition of 21 strategic business units in Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, and South Carolina. HTG offers unparalleled technological expertise through their collective experience and operation of a state-of-the-art materials lab. For more information visit their web site at www.htg.cc or call HTG National Sales at 216.881.8100.

NEW PRODUCTS FROM SUPERIOR TRANSMISSION PARTS

Superior Transmission Parts has introduced two new problem solvers. The first is the new 518 steel replacement governor valve for the A518 transmission, 1989 through 1995 RH units (part# K038). This valve is designed to replace the commonly mushroomed-out aluminum OE valve in these units. The mushroomed valve is the leading cause for a sticking governor. The second addition is the E4OD/4R100 spring package (part# K035), that includes three outer accumulator springs to replace the commonly broken original springs. One additional spring will also be added to the Shift Correction Package for this unit as a convenience to users.

ATC SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH AAMCO

Aftermarket Technology Corp. (ATC) recently announced that it has signed an agreement with the National AAMCO Dealers Association (NADA) to provide PROFormance brand remanufactured transmissions to more than 600 AAMCO transmission centers throughout the United States and Canada. Mike Dubose, Chairman and CEO of ATC said, "I am particularly pleased that we have signed this precedent setting agreement with our partner, NADA. This is a strategic win for the Company, providing us with a solid platform to penetrate the automotive after-market with our ‘best in class’ remanufactured units."

Mike Ganjei, President of NADA, said, "This agreement with Aftermarket Technology Corp. will provide our members with another progressive tool in the operation of their centers, and complements well the other member-benefits NADA provides. Our partner-ship with Aftermarket Technology Corp. will enable our members to continue to be the leaders in transmission repairs."

Aftermarket Technology Corp. is headquartered in Westmont, IL. The company’s operations include drivetrain remanufacturing, third party logistics, and material recovery services. The National AAMCO Dealers Association is headquartered in Chicago, IL, and has offices in Bethesda, MD.

100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY PROMO FOR RAYBESTOS BRAND BRAKES

Brake Parts Inc.’s Raybestos Brand Brakes will implement a new promotional campaign as part of its 100-year anniversary celebration in 2002. According to Marketing Manager Chris George, "Raybestos has been the ‘best in brakes’ for 100 years, and we plan to highlight this landmark year through four very special and unique promotional campaigns."

• 100 Year Apparel Program – during 2002 only, unique and distinguished clothing items will be available.
• Cutting Edge – in commemoration of Raybestos’ 100 years of cutting edge technology, 2002 limited edition sets of nostalgia knives will be available.
• Full Steam Ahead – 2002 limited edition train sets will be available just in time for the Holidays.
• Who Wants To Be A Hundredaire? – this program rewards installers for every 100 box tops of premium Raybestos products returned to a special redemption center.

Raybestos brand brakes are produced by Brake Parts, Inc., of McHenry, IL, and is the leading manufacturer of braking systems and components for the automotive industry. For more information, call 815.363.9000, or visit their web site at www.raybestos.com.

ILI INTRODUCES INNOVATIVE LUBEGARD CUBE

International Lubricants, Inc., (ILI) has created a fun, interactive, cube-shaped counter display with nine distinct images that highlight the features of their revolutionary LUBEGARD products. "The LUBEGARD Cube is a great educational toy that helps get customers interested in LUBEGARD products," said Frank Erickson, President and CEO of ILI. "It also is a sales tool to help illustrate to customers the benefits of the products." The interchangeable images on the LUBEGARD cube include a chart showing the results of tests comparing LUBEGARD with competitive products, and a service bulletin from one of LUBEGARD’s endorsing OEMs, specifying that LUBEGARD ATF Protectant has been tested and approved for use as a service solution in their vehicles.

ILI is based in Seattle, WA, and is a leading manufacturer of lubricants for the automotive, industrial and chemical markets, and holds more than 80 U.S. and foreign patents. For more information on LUBEGARD, DR.TRANNY, and Squeak Relief products by ILI call 800.333.5823 (LUBE) or visit their web site at www.Lubegard.com.

DYNO-MITE PERFORMANCE FOR DURAMAX

The DuraMax 6.6 can be a mountain tamer by adding a Dyno-Mite performance box. The performance gains are made by simply attaching a set of plugs to the engine electronic controls. The amount of fuel, and the time that it is injected, is tuned with the amount of turbo boost that can be developed throughout the engine’s rpm. This is good, clean power that exceeds the fact ory power settings. Caution is suggested as the DuraMax, used with a Dyno-Mite box is powerful!

You can select from three different power settings with the switch option. The first position is stock power, the second is a tow mode that produces an extra 30 rear - wheel horsepower. The third position provides a power increase of 70 rear-wheel horsepower, and 140 foot-pounds of torque. The field and consumer tests have shown the power increases are handled easily by the engine and transmission.

ATI HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPONENTS NOW ONLINE

The high performance components from ATI Performance Products, Inc., is now just a click away on the World Wide Web. The new web site, found at www.atiperformanceproducts.com, will display all of ATI’s products, along with in-depth information. ATI manufactures high performance components for a variety of drag, oval track, and specialized race applications, including Competition Transmissions, Treemaster Converters, Compu-Flow Valve Bodies, Superwheel Flexplates, Adapter Kits, a variety of performance enhancing internal components, and the ATI Super Damper; possibly the best engine protection on the market today. These products are now viewable online, along with part numbers, product descriptions, and prices. Also available will be order and warranty information, contact information, and ATI contingency information.

ATI is committed to providing the best racing components in the industry, along with the best customer service. The new web site offers an additional dimension to that level of service.

TOMMY G.MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT HELD

Key Transmission Parts, Inc., held its 4th Annual Tommy G. Golf Tournament on September 29, 2001, sponsored by Life Automotive Products, Inc. Winner of this year’s event with a four under score was the Stellar Group, Inc. team, captained by Andy Stuthard. The foursome included Roger Limer (closest to the pin), Brian Dunn (longest drive), and Ross Leonardo (new clubs).

The Tixe Inc. team, with the dynamic duo of Fred Burkhart and Tommy G. Jr. (closest to the pin), also shot four under, but somehow lost on a match of cards.

The Life Automotive team, captained by Key salesman Frank "Oak" Iocco, won the Canada Cup, sponsored by Auto Trans, with 12 over par. The prized trophy had to be shipped from Thom Mendola’s house via next-day air (thanks, Thom!) Stellar Group’s Pat (also known as "Putt") O’Sullivan, fooled everyone by not only knocking in a 40’ putt, but by taking the Longest Drive award as well.

The DACCO Inc. team, captained by DACCO salesman Ed Fox has yet to turn in their scorecards.

Key Transmission Parts, Inc. would like to thank Life Automotive, Raybestos, Stellar Group, Precision International, Tansgo, Teckpak, SPX Filtran, Southeast, Roadway, UPS, Weyerhauser, Borg Warner, Hayden Inc., ATEC Transtool, DACCO Inc., TIXE Inc., ATSG, Alto Products, Sonnax, and AFLAC for their support.

LIFE PRODUCT DISPLAY STIMULATES SALES

Life Automotive Products, Inc. is now offering a full line Point of Purchase (POP) displays that will stimulate product sales and increases shelf space. The POP display is easy to assemble and provides an attractive way to increase parts counter sales. Smart Blend synthetics, Trans Flush, and other products can be featured in the eye-catching display. For more information call your local parts distributor or Life Automotive Products at 800.525.6816.

TUFF INTRODUCES NEW "SUPER SKID " WASHER

Tuff Pressure Washers recently rolled out a line of self-contained, skid-mounted, gasoline and diesel-powered hot-water pressure washers. The "Super Skid" TNT line has 12 models – eight gas and four diesel powered – with cleaning power that ranges from 3.5 to 5.6 GPM, and 3,000 to 3,500 PSI of pressure. All 12 models are encased in a rugged steel cage made of 1.25" steel tubing, and pained with an epoxy powder coat finish for all-weather protection. TNT models are powered by either a Honda or Vanguard electric-start engine. Diesel models are powered by Lombardini engines. A host of other fine features include heavy-duty heating coils of steel pipe, protected and insulated by a stainless steel wrap; a low-maintenance, belt-drive, triplex, oil-bath Legacy high-pressure pump; engine and pump power platforms cushioned by multiple vibration isolators; high pressure detergent injection system; and much more.

Tuff has been a major supplier of pressure washers since 1990, distributing products through cleaning equipment dealers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. For more information, contact Rob Smith at 800.772.8833.

LOW-VOLUME WASTE OIL HEATER BY SHENANDOAH

Shenandoah Manufacturing Co. Inc. has recently introduced an affordable heater for those small shops that may produce a low volume of waste oil. The Model 145 heater delivers 144,200 BTU/hr. of warmth at an affordable price, efficiently burning waste oil, transmission fluid, and regular heating oil. The smallest heater made by Shenandoah, the Model 145 includes all the features that make the large heaters so popular.

Shenandoah Used-Oil Fired Heaters are designed to recycle used oil into free heat while meeting EPA guidelines. These heaters quickly pay for themselves by eliminating the cost of heating fuel, and by eliminating the expense of used oil disposal. Units range in rating from 145,000 to 500,000 BTUs/hr, and four models are available as ductable furnace units. For more information contact Shenandoah Manufacturing Co. at 800.476.7436, or visit their web site at www.usedoilheaters.com.

MANAGEMENT TRAINING TRACKS FEATURED AT ASC CONFERENCE

The line up of "Cutting Edge" management trainers has been selected to present at the ASC Educational Conference for 2002. Returning trainer favorites Gary Gunn, Ernie LeBlanc, Maylan Newton, Anthony Romano, Ned Tomarchio, Thom Tschetter and George Witt will be joined by new trainers Chris "Chubby" Frederick, Mark Hambaum, Craig & Deb Van Batenburg and Kevin Wolfe. "It is very exciting to add some fresh energetic trainers to our already outstanding panel of management experts," said ASC Trade Show Chair Alan Cherko. "These new trainers will address some new topics such as men and women in the workplace, job delegation, increasing profits, and service advisor skills."

The Management Training Tracks will feature: Employee & Performance Management, Profitability & Finance, Service Writing & Customer Service, Marketing and Sales, and Leadership & Management. Each track consists of at least three four-hour seminars, and attendees can select to take all the courses within a Training Track, or courses can be taken independently. Most of the management seminars are Automotive Management Institute (AMI) approved for six credits.

The ASC Educational Conference is held in conjunction with the ASC Trade Show at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, CA, scheduled for April 5-7, 2002. For more information, please call 800.810.4272, or visit the ASC web site at www.ascca.com/tradeshow/.

NEW 18 " SHORTY EXTENSION HOUSING BY ATI PERFORMANCE

ATI Performance Products, Inc., has recently introduced a new 18" Shorty Extension Housing with roller bearing (part# 200039) for the Aluminum Powerglide OEM Case or Dedenbear Transmission Case. This new replacement housing will retro fit to any Powerglide with a standard shorty extension without having to perform any machining or modification to the drive shaft yoke. The two most important advantages of using the Shorty Extension Housing are reduced friction and longer transmission life. To enhance the performance of the Shorty Extension Housing, it can be used in conjunction with the installed Optional Case Bearing (part# 983040).

For more information, or to request an ATI catalog, call the ATI technical staff at 800.284.3433.

NEW LINE OF COMPACT,NATURAL GAS PRESSURE WASHERS FROM LANDA

Landa has introduced a new line of natural gas, or propane-heated, hot water pressure washers with one of the most compact footprints ever.

The Vertical Hot water Gas (VHG) line has nine stationary models that range from 3.5 to 4.8 GPM in volume and 2000 to 3000 PSI of pressure. All models fit within a footprint of only 24" X 53" and stands 49" tall.

The new line features an industrial grade electric motor coupled to a tri-plunger General pump, as well as Landa’s high-efficiency vertical burner with Robertshaw Millivolt Ignition and standing pilot light (electronic ignition is optional).

The heat is retained in Landa’s carefully crafted heating coils, made of leak-free, cold-rolled, half-inch, Schedule 80 steel pipe.

Other features include: insulated variable pressure wand and trigger gun; brass, anti-siphon detergent metering valve; rugged steel frame painted with an epoxy powder-coat finish (optional stainless steel coil wrap, 4-panel skirt and cover); hinged top lid; rust-free, polyethylene float tank for high-pressure application of detergents; and 50’of Tuff-Skin hose with 24" hose guard for burst protection.

All models have been certified by ETL Testing Laboratories to the UL-1776 safety standards for high-pressure washers. Landa, one of the first pressure washer manufacturers to earn the internationally recognized ISO-9001 quality certification, has one of the world’s largest line of hot- and cold-water pressure washers with more than 200 models.

For more information, contact Crismon Lewis at 1-800-547-8672 Ext. 175.

NEW LUBEGARD TRANSPORTER FLUID EVACUATOR-INJECTOR BY ILI

International Lubricants Inc. has recently introduced the innovative, high quality LUBEGARD Transporter Fluid Evacuator-Injector. The LUBEGARD Transporter Fluid Evacuator-Injector enables the drainage and refilling of any power steering pump through a simple and quick three-step process. It can also be used for differential and transfer cases, and helps to drain/refill the differential without removing the cover. The Transporter incorporates a patented design that fits into hard-to-reach openings, and helps eliminate messy spillage.

"The addition of the LUBEGARD Transporter Fluid Evacuator-Injector to our existing product offerings will allow us to provide enhanced services and benefits to our customers," said Frank Erickson, president and CEO of ILI. The Transporter Fluid Evacuator-Injector helps to increase efficiency and grow profits by saving physical efforts and reducing labor costs."

ILI also manufactures fine automotive products under the trade names LUBEGARD, DR.TRANNY, and Squeak Relief. LUBEGARD is the only product of its kind to be endorsed, designated and recommended by multiple OEMs. Based in Seattle, WA, ILI is a leading manufacturer of lubricants for the automotive, industrial, and chemical markets, and currently holds over 80 U.S. and foreign patents. For more information call 800.333.5823 (LUBE) or visit the web site at www.Lubegard.com.

CLUTCH DRUM KIT FOR POWER-GLIDE AVAILABLE FROM TCS

TCS Performance Products of Langley, British Columbia, Canada, has announced the availability of a new steel clutch drum for the Powerglide transmission. When used in conjunction with the Extra Clutch Piston and Hub from TCS, you can obtain 15% more clutch area. The Clutch Drum is sold separately, or in a kit that contains the clutch piston, clutch hub, nine Alto Red Eagle clutch plates and steels, and all the necessary springs, retainers, etc.

For more information call 604.533.8675, or visit the TCS web site at www.tcsproducts.com.

FREUDENBERG-NOK ALIGNS AFTERMARKET PRODUCT LINE

Freudenberg-NOK has aligned its aftermarket product line into a single business unit called Corteco. The company has also appointed Gregory Gyllstrom as the CEO of Corteco, and unveiled two new brands of aftermarket products which will be marketed under the Corteco banner. Freudenberg-NOK Chairman Joseph Day said that the Corteco line will incorporate a range of OE-quality products for the aftermarket and sets a new industry standard.

"Now we are able to offer a complete lineup of aftermarket sealing products that reflect the full depth of our original equipment engineering experience," Day explained. This includes: CorTec engine cylinder head gaskets, seals and rebuild kits; MounTec engine mounts, transmission mounts, torque struts and suspension strut mounts; TransTec transmission and power steering overhaul kits, and; Oil seals, in-vehicle crankshaft seal kits, brake hoses and cabin air filters.

AXI-LINE PRECISION PRODUCTS RELOCATING

Scott Giles, President and CEO of the HELC Group, recently announced that the operations of Axi-Line Precision Products division, located in Green Bay, WI, will move to a new 56,000 sq. ft. facility in Des Moines, IA. Another component of the HELC Group, Hicklin Engineering, relocated to the new facility from Urbandale several weeks ago. "We outgrew our old locations and need the additional space for our continued expansion," said Giles. "We’re able to improve our support for our valued Axi-Line customers by tapping into the engineering and software expertise of the Hicklin team. All Green Bay personnel have been given the opportunity to move to Des Moines."

Axi-Line products include testing equipment for automatic and manual transmissions. Axi-Line transmission dynamometers lead the industry with advanced, computerized testing technology. The HELC Group is a leader in design, manufacturing, and marketing of equipment used for rebuilding and testing driveline components. Products are marketed under the names Axi-Line Precision Products, Hicklin Engineering, and TCRS (Torque Converter Rebuilding Systems).

ILI NAMES GLENN TROUB TECHNICAL ADVISOR

Lubegard by International Lubricants Inc. (ILI), has recently announced that Glenn Troub, a well-known industry veteran, is joining them as a spokesperson and technical advisor.

Troub is an experienced rebuilder, shop manager and electronics expert. In 1989, he joined the technical staff at the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA), and became their director of online services, web master, and creator of ATRA Online. He also became one of the industry’s most sought after seminar presenters.

Frank Erickson, president and CEO of ILI, said "We value our 12 year association with Glenn, and are proud of his endorsement and use of our LUBE-GARD and DR.TRANNY brand products. Glenn brings in-depth industry knowledge and experience to us in his new position at ILI. He is a valuable addition to our company."

LUBEGARD and DR.TRANNY brand products are the finest, high performance lubricant protectants in the world, and are the only products of their kind to be endorsed, designated and recommended by several Original Equipment Manufacturers.

ILI is based in Seattle, Washington, and is a leading manufacturer of lubricants for the automotive, industrial and chemical markets, and currently holds more than 80 U.S. and foreign patents. For more information on products by ILI please contact: ILI, 7930 Occidental South, Seattle, WA 98108. Call (800) 333-5823 (LUBE), or visit the web site at www.Lubegard.com.

TRANSTAR RANKS #17 ON CENTURIONS AWARD LIST

Transtar Industries, Inc., has been honored with the 2001 Weatherhead 100 Centurions award, and is recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in northeast Ohio. The Centurions award specifically acknowledges companies who had over $100 million in sales. The 2001 award marks the third time Transtar has been honored with the prestigious title. "We are very pleased to have been honored with this award," said Monte Ahuja, Chairman, CEO and President of Transtar Industries. "We take pride in our local community and are happy to be recognized for our accomplishments."

Transtar Industries Inc. is a world-wide distributor of quality transmission parts and services to the motor vehicle replacement parts industry. Over its 26-year history, Transtar has expanded into 23 locations nationwide, and services over 60 countries.

VANGUARD ENGINE GIVEAWAY BIGGER THAN EVER

Vanguard’s second annual engine giveaway has had a new twist added this year, with a C-4 transmission and a high stall torque converter added to the engine giveaway. Thanks to Art Carr performance products out of Abilene, Texas, the AERA Vanguard 347 Ford will be backed up by an Art Carr transmission with the following upgrades: full roller bearings in place of factory thrust washers, 300m steel performance input shaft for added strength, an "H" sized billet super servo, and Raysbestos Blue Plate Special® racing clutches used throughout.

For the Vanguard build up: fully automatic valve body with significant upgrades to improve shift timing, replace stock input drum with a modified, performance input drum, and a deep aluminum pan.

The competition C-4 10" torque converter includes: custom one-piece billet steel front cover, full roller bearings in place of factory thrust washers, hardened pump, and hardened splines. The converter is fully furnace brazed and tig welding is performed as necessary.

Thanks to all our sponsors: Enginequest, Goodson, Lunati, Probe Industries, Clevite Engine Parts, Victor Reinz, Keith Black, University of Tec hnologies Hi Performance Department, and Art Carr Performance Products.

Tickets can be purchased from AERA for $5 each. Contact Steve Fox or Heather Foley by calling AERA at 888.326.2372.

UNIVERSAL REBUILDING STAND BY RN REBUILDER

RN Rebuilder is a universal rebuilding stand specifically designed for the professional transmission technician. The Add-A-Plate mounting system allows easy hook-up from the transmission jack, eliminating the need to lift loaded units. Additional sleeves are available to convert to existing bench mount brackets (ATEC, GM, Kent Moore, Snap-On). After two-and-a-half years of development, RN Rebuilder is now a qualified vendor in the General Motors Dealers program, as it can easily handle the 1000-2000 series of Allison transmissions.

We are dedicated to the continued supply of safe and affordable lifting and holding devises for the transmission rebuilding industry. For more information call RN Rebuilder at 866.767.5438, or visit their web site at www.rnre-builder.com.

SONNAX INTRODUCES ITS LINE OF SURE CURE KITS