Local Student Techs Square Off in State Auto Repair Championship
5 May 1999
ADVISORY/Local Student Techs Square Off in State Auto Repair Championship; Annual FORD/AAA Student Auto Skills Contest Celebrates Golden Anniversary
--WHAT: FORD/AAA Student Auto Skills, a fast-paced, hands-on contest to diagnose and repair deliberately "bugged" 1999 Ford vehicles. WHO: The state's best high school automotive technology students will be competing for more than $10 million in scholarships and prizes. AAA has co-sponsored the competition since 1984. This is the sixth year that the Ford Motor Company has been the co-sponsor of the contest. WHY: Dramatic changes in automotive technology have revolutionized the skills needed by auto service technicians. Computers now control more than 85 percent of the functions on a new vehicle. In many cases, the first tool a technician reaches for is an advanced diagnostic computer, rather than a wrench or a screwdriver. There is an increasing demand in the workplace for qualified technicians who can accurately diagnose and fix today's cars. The state champion team will advance to the national finals in Washington, D.C. The team will also earn scholarships and prizes, including a Ford vehicle for use by their school's auto service program. WHEN: May 7, 1999 7:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contest begins at 10 a.m. WHERE: Sacramento County Fair at CalExpo Arena Area Exposition Blvd. Sacramento Note to Editors: Student names available on request.