NACE Automechanika 2018 Heading To The Southland

Following two successful trade events in Chicago, NACE Automechanika is relocating to the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The 2018 edition, set to take place August 8-10, will showcase the latest technology covering the entire spectrum of the automotive industry. Billed as the largest U.S. trade show for high-end technical and management-related training for automotive collision and service repairs shops, the event will include technical and management classes built around current trends and techniques. Attendees can select a one, two or three-day training pass, including a complimentary three-day show-floor pass as well. www.naceautomechanika.com/reg1.

3M’s exhibit at last year’s NACE Automechanika was a beehive of activity, thanks to the celebrity appearance of renowned customizer Chip Foose

Technical and management seminars are a big draw at NACE Automechanika

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 Saleen Automotive Showcases Snazzy Supercar

Steve Saleen’s newest venture, the Saleen 1 supercar, is slated to go on sale this year for a whopping $100,000.

Corona, California-based Saleen Automotive debuted its turbocharged Saleen 1 coupe at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  The car, slated to go on sale this year at a cool $100,000, has an aluminum tub and carbon fiber body. It features a 2.5 liter, inline four, high-output, turbocharged Saleen-designed engine that generates 450hp and a top speed of 180mph. The luxury interior sports high-end leather and suede, along with the latest electronic connectivity, Sirius radio and Apple Play wrapped in a six-speaker sound system. The company plans an annual production run of 1,500 models, which will be available in exclusive Saleen colors, including Smoke Pearl White, Candy Apple Red and Copper.

Detailer Justin Labato Launches Extreme Detailing Training Center

Justin Labato, a dually certified detailer by the Detailing Success Network and an IDA Recognized Trainer, is now offering a one-day certification training program at his Melbourne, Florida, facility.

Justin Labato (CD, SV, RT), owner of JL’s Showroom Detailing in Melbourne, Florida, and the current president of the International Detailing Association (IDA), has launched one of only four Detailing Success “Extreme Detailing” Training Centers at his company’s headquarters. The training sessions are held quarterly, with the next date set for Saturday, July 7, and another session slated for the fall. The one-day Extreme Detailing courses focus on certifications in the use of Double Black’s Game Changer car-care line, Inspiration ceramic coating, the proper operation of Flex power buffers, and the application of Glassparency glass protection. For more information, contact Labato at 321.722.2255.

Classic Auto Show Heads To Chicagoland Marketplace

Leftfield Media, producers of the Los Angeles Classic Auto Show, is bringing its next event to the Windy City, September 8-9 at the Stephens Convention Center.  The Chicago event will showcase more than 600 domestic and foreign classic cars, including hot rods, vintage vehicles and lowriders, along with 200 exhibitors offering a range of auto detailing and restoration products, services, tools, accessories and memorabilia.  In addition to celebrity appearances by Wayne Carini and Dave Kindig, the show also will feature Restoration Station and Auto Detailing Studio, where industry pros will offer tips and tricks of the trade.

“Chicago was a very logical choice as the next city to roll out our newest edition of the Classic Auto Show,” said Mike Carlucci, SVP. “The Chicagoland area and beyond boasts a large concentration of classic car owners and enthusiasts who support the hobby—and we are thrilled to enter the marketplace.” www.classicautoshow.com.

Ninth Annual Collector Car Appreciation Day Celebrates Automotive Heritage

In keeping with a tradition first established in 2009, when the U.S. Senate passed a resolution honoring the heritage of the automotive industry, the ninth annual Collector Car Appreciation Day is slated for Friday, July 13. In preparation for the event, which aims to raise awareness of the important role of automotive restoration, car clubs, restorers, enthusiasts and hobbyists nationwide are once again planning to host cruise-ins, open houses and education events to celebrate the occasion. A popular event in Canada as well, many Canadian provinces will also pay tribute to the industry’s legacy with celebrations of Collector Appreciation Day on Saturday, July 14.  www.san@sema.org.

Mike’s Carwash Hosts Successful Fundraiser

Mike’s Carwash, headquartered in Loveland, Ohio, recently held its ninth annual Get a Wash, Give a Future fundraiser to benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. The one-day event, held at all 23 Mike’s Carwash locations in Ohio and Indiana, raised an impressive $76,053.64, which was donated to seven local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapters.

“Year after year, the Mike’s Carwash event is an amazing day for Big Brothers Big Sisters…and we cannot thank Mike’s Carwash enough for this commitment, generosity and support,” said Deb Haas, the organization’s marketing and PR director. Added Mike Dahm, president of Mike’s Carwash: “Thank you to all of our customers that came out during our annual Get a Wash, Give a Future fundraiser in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters. “We look forward to this fundraiser every year and could not give back in such a way without the support of all our team members and customers.”

www.mikescarwash.com.

Mike’s Carwash, based in Loveland, Ohio, recently held a successful fundraiser to benefit local chapters of the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.

BMW To Certify More Body Shops

BMW has announced an addition to its certified collision repair program. The BMW certified collision repair program has been around since the early 2000s.  The new initiative is designed to create more dealer-owned body shops across the country. However, it now also allows for a dealer to sponsor up to two independent shops in its primary market. The shops can then apply to become a BMW certified repair center, thereby helping to fill a need for repair facilities in regions where dealers do not own a body shop.  To become eligible, independent shops will have to comply with the tooling, training and facility requirements of the BMW program.