On Friday, Nov. 14, the Automotive Service Association (ASA) and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) hosted a Vehicle Safety Inspection and Maintenance Forum in East Norriton, Pa.
Forum attendees heard from presenters from all sectors of the automotive repair industry, including:
• Mary Jo Daley, state representative, Pennsylvania
• John Gross, corporal, the Springfield Police Department
• Cathie Curtis, AAMVA’s director of Vehicle Programs
• Kay Kishbaugh, division manager, Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
• Scott Clapper, director of Vehicle Services, Delaware DMV
• Doug Woolverton, Northeast Division manager and director of Safety Inspection Equipment Division for Hunter Engineering Company
• Bill Hanvey, AASA’s senior vice president for Programs and Member Services
• Trish Serratorre, president of NATEF/AYES
• Tom Gebbie, shop owner and president of ASA-PA
• Two additional panelists
The presenters covered a range of topics including the importance of vehicle safety inspection programs in the prevention of crashes, threats to existing programs and potential changes to the program in Pennsylvania and other states. Audience members contributed to the conversation, providing valuable insight and offering suggestions on how to improve consumer education and safety inspections overall.
At the conclusion of the forum, Gebbie said, “We at ASA-PA could not be more pleased with the outcome of Friday’s forum. The Vehicle Safety Inspection Program is invaluable in Pennsylvania, and we were glad to have the opportunity to showcase its importance to vehicle administrators, industry leaders, and guests from other states in attendance.”
Bob Redding, ASA Washington, D.C., representative, commented: “Due to the positive response from the Pennsylvania program, ASA plans to continue this event in 2015. We appreciate AASA co-hosting the forum and all that our ASA-PA affiliate did to make this a success. Periodic motor vehicle inspection is a top priority for ASA’s board of directors and we look forward to continuing to educate both policymakers and consumers about the importance of these safety inspection programs.”