ACDelco joins forces with ASE to give consumers confidence in automotive repair

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 31, 2007) — Independent Service Centers (ISCs) that participate in ACDelco’s Total Service Support (TSS) program already have exclusive access to a wealth of tools, training and benefits to enhance nearly every aspect of their business. Now, existing ACDelco TSS accounts – as well as potential ones – have one more reason to align with ACDelco.

At a media event held during Industry Week, ACDelco announced that it had had joined forces with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) to work towards qualifying over  8,000 U.S.-based  ACDelco TSS accounts for the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition Program (BSRP), thereby increasing the number of ASE-certified technicians at ACDelco TSS shops.

“ASE is pleased to be able to assist ACDelco in their efforts to help their customers provide the highest quality of service to the motoring public,” said Trish Serratore, ASE senior vice president. “We’re honored that our Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition Program (BSRP) has been identified as a standard of excellence for the TSS shops in the ACDelco family and look forward to working with ACDelco to help enhance consumer awareness of the value provided by both ASE and ACDelco for their automotive service needs.”

ASE certifies the technical competence of individual technicians, not repair facilities. To qualify for ASE’s Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition Program (BSRP), an ACDelco TSS account’s technical staff must be comprised of at least 75 percent ASE-certified technicians. While attaining ASE certification is voluntary for automotive technicians, according to ASE, research shows that shops that employ a higher number of certified professionals have better customer satisfaction with service performed.

To attain certification, a technician must sit for an ASE test, administered in May and November nationwide. Technicians who pass at least one exam and fulfill the two-year work experience requirement become ASE-certified. Those who pass a battery of exams (and fulfill the experience requirement) earn Master Technician status. ASE requires technicians to re-test every five years to keep up with technology and to remain certified. All ASE credentials have expiration dates.

“ACDelco’s arrangement with ASE is a ‘win’ for all parties involved,” said Jeff Spitzer, director, ACDelco Service & Business Support. “It is aimed at delivering a higher level of automotive service to consumers. ACDelco is honored to work with such an industry-respected organization as ASE to help give consumers an additional vote of confidence to take their vehicles to ACDelco TSS service centers.”

“By aligning with ASE, ACDelco has the opportunity to increase the concentration of certified technicians employed by service centers aligned with us,” continued Spitzer. Consumers already recognize and trust the ACDelco brand, and ASE’s BSRP gives them one more reason to choose that service center for their automotive needs.”

Added Serratore, “ACDelco is a leader in providing training solutions to the aftermarket, and our encouragement of the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition Program complements that training very effectively.”

ASE tests and certifies automotive professionals in all major technical areas of repair and service. With nearly 400,000 currently certified professionals, the ASE program is national in scope and has industry-wide acceptance and recognition. In addition, technicians in Canada and Brazil hold ASE certifications, and ASE is considering further international expansion, something that complements ACDelco’s global position.

“ACDelco has been in the global arena for some time now and has opened more than 850 ACDelco Service Centers in over 20 countries outside the U.S. and Canada since 1994,” noted Spitzer. “We’re working with ASE to explore how we can potentially get them involved. And, in the U.S., we plan to further enhance the ACDelco TSS program – including additional ASE benefits – and anticipate announcing details in early 2008.”