Bosch is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the pioneering automotive anti-lock braking system (ABS), a landmark contribution to driving safety. Bosch first introduced its first system in 1978.

Since Bosch introduced electronically controlled ABS to the automotive market, this groundbreaking technology has become the basis for all modern brake regulating systems. Today, nearly 75 percent of vehicles are fitted with ABS. Bosch systems such as the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and the Traction Control System (TCS) that are based on ABS are now successfully embraced by the world’s motorists.

Today, Bosch is the largest supplier of ABS systems to the world’s vehicle manufacturers.

“ABS utilizes sensors at each wheel tied to a central computer to prevent the wheels from locking when braking hard, allowing drivers to brake safely in emergency situations,” said Rob Backode, group product manager for Bosch Braking Systems. “A car fitted with ABS will brake effectively without locking the brakes and possibly skidding, allowing the driver to steer and keep the car under control even in sharp braking. The vehicle remains stable, and ABS really improves the way we drive.”

Bosch provides comprehensive technical and marketing support on ABS to installers, and the Bosch technical hotline used in conjunction with Bosch Diagnostics helps ensure that the vehicle receives expert attention and care.

For information on Bosch automotive aftermarket products, visit www.boschautoparts.com.

Snap-on Helps MT2500 Scanner Owners Take Diagnostics to a Higher Level
Snap-on is making it easy for MT2500 Scanner and MTG2500 Scanner owners to take their diagnostic capabilities to a higher level by converting to either MODIS or SOLUS PRO. Until Sept. 30, 2008, technicians can get a $500 Snap-on tool certificate and 90 days same-as-cash financing when they make the switch.

With MODIS and SOLUS PRO, technicians will benefit from more extensive codes, tests and Troubleshooter coverage, as well as blazing fast performance, longer battery life, onboard storage, PC interface, printing capabilities, and large and bright color displays.

To take advantage of this special offer:

Visit http://diagnostics.snapon.com/nextlevel to register and receive a confirmation certificate via e-mail.

Purchase a new SOLUS PRO or MODIS by Sept. 15, 2008.

Mail a copy of the e-mail confirmation certificate and the EC contract by Sept. 30, 2008 to Snap-on Credit, 950 Technology Way, Ste. 301, Libertyville, IL 60048.

Receive $500 tool certificate in four to six weeks.

Other terms and conditions apply, and are available at http://diagnostics.snapon.com/nextlevel.

Federated Introduces New Training Initiative to Help Service Providers Improve Profits
Recognizing the importance of running a profitable business while still keeping pace with ever-changing automotive technology, Federated has introduced a new training initiative to provide professional service providers with business management techniques to improve profits and enhance customer satisfaction.

The Federated Profit Improvement Seminar Program, which was developed in association with Affinia and the Essential Actions Design Group, consists of field training coupled with workbooks and an interactive CD that allows for benchmarking of statistical data and development of profit plans specific to each service providers’ business.

“This new training program is another example of the great tools Federated provides its customers to help them succeed in today’s competitive marketplace,” said Phil Moore, vice president of marketing for Federated Auto Parts. “Our goal is to help our service provider customers see that making small changes in how they do business everyday can make a big difference to their bottom line.”

The Federated Profit Improvement Seminar Program is just another in a long line of Federated’s innovative and comprehensive training programs that have set Federated apart from the competition. More information can be found at www.federatedautoparts.com.

ContiTech Reveals New Interactive Online Catalog
ContiTech’s Power Transmission Group has developed a new interactive online catalog that gives installers, jobbers and distributors the capability of selecting multi-rib belts, timing belts or raw edge belts for a variety of applications right from the service bay or wherever they have Internet access.

“This gives our customers the ability to offer their customers a service that costs them nothing,” said Roger Homer, director of business development for ContiTech’s North America Power Transmission Group. “A great deal of the challenge in the automotive aftermarket is service and speed.”

This new interactive online catalog gives the user links to many products for most vehicles, including all the new 2008 models, and it accomplishes the mission almost instantaneously.”

Access to the site (www.contitech.de) is easy and all one has to do is to follow the prompts.

For additional information, visit the ContiTech website at www.contitech-usa.com.

CHANNELLOCK Kicks Off Ultimate Football Challenge
With football season right around the corner, Channellock Inc., a global leader in the design and manufacture of quality hand tools, is helping kick off this American tradition with the “CHANNELLOCK Football Challenge” sweepstakes.

The sweepstakes, running for 22 consecutive weeks, begins August 4, 2008 and ends January 4, 2009. With a new contest every two weeks, fans must re-enter every other week to have 11 chances to play and win one of 11 CHANNELLOCK tool rolls.

The five-piece tool rolls include a 10-inch tongue-and-groove plier, 6.5-inch tongue-and-groove plier, 7-inch diagonal cutting plier, 7-inch end cutter and an 8-inch long-nose plier with side cutter. To enter the sweepstakes, contestants must visit www.channellocksweepstakes.com.

Contestants must first answer three football and Channellock-related trivia questions before they can be entered into a drawing to win one of the 11 CHANNELLOCK tool rolls, the perfect addition to any toolbox. The approximate retail value of each prize is $100. Football fans can also test their knowledge against friends and family using the website’s buddy referral system.

Champion Labs Names Tim Clarey Director of Sales, Traditional Aftermarket
As Champion Laboratories continues to refine the corporate image it presents to a changing market, the company has added Tim Clarey to its team as director of sales, traditional aftermarket. Clarey brings to his new role more than 20 years of industry experience. For the majority of that time, he was with Moog/Cooper and Federal-Mogul.