Mitchell 1 announces it is accepting applications through May 15th for its annual $2,500 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student Scholarship to be awarded through the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) Education Foundation at its annual conference. The scholarship will recognize one U.S. or Canadian high school senior for outstanding achievement in automotive technology/auto shop repair scholastics.

“Mitchell 1 is proud to join with NACAT for another year to recognize those who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and a strong dedication to pursuing educational excellence in the automotive technology field,” said Karen Wagner, marketing manager for
Mitchell 1.

The recipient will receive the scholarship, a check for $500 and roundtrip airfare and accommodations to attend the NACAT conference with a guest.

Applicants must be current students majoring in automotive technology/auto shop repair course work and meet the following criteria:

• Nominated by his/her NACAT instructor
• Have a minimum overall 3.0 grade point average (GPA)
• Be a high school senior with proof of a commitment to an accredited college or university, or already enrolled in their first year at an accredited college or university
• Be a U.S. or Canadian citizen

Applicants are required to submit the following materials (postmarked by May 15th) for scholarship consideration:

• A nomination letter from their NACAT instructor (limited to two pages). The nominating NACAT instructor must be a member in good standing.
• A cover letter from the applicant indicating his/her career path in the automotive repair industry and thoughts about the future of the industry. The personal educational needs/desires should be typed by the scholarship applicant.
• An unofficial transcript of grades may be submitted by the student, but must be validated by the instructor submitting the nomination letter. An official transcript embossed with the school registrar’s stamp and signed by the registrar will also be accepted.

Scholarship applications will be reviewed during May of each award year by the NACAT Education Foundation Award committee. The committee will select the top candidate and one alternate. Each applicant will be notified before June 1. The winner must accept the scholarship and its terms, in writing, before June 11 of the award year or forfeit the award. A scholarship not accepted by the due date will be awarded to the first alternate.

Applications must be postmarked by May 15, 2008 and sent to:

Mitchell 1 Automotive Technology Scholarship
The NACAT Education Foundation
PO Box 80010
Charleston, SC 29416

Visit www.nacat.com for more information.

As part of its first quarter 2008 updates, Mitchell 1 announces it has enhanced its Activant® eCatalog interface, which enables shop professionals using the Manager and ManagerPlus solutions to enhance operational efficiency through extensive new online parts lookup, sourcing and labor estimating capabilities. As featured in AutoCareProNews.

In addition to integrated online parts lookup using the Activant eCatalog-powered Internet Auto Parts (IAP) solution, the integrated Activant eCatalog features an online version of the Activant Labor and Jobs modules, which enable users to easily calculate and transfer parts costs and shop-specific labor estimates into their Mitchell 1 system.

“The Activant-powered IAP catalog is the most widely used in the industry, offering an extensive range of manufacturer lines and parts,” said John Dwulet, senior product manager, Mitchell 1. “By enhancing our integration to the Activant catalog, we have significantly enhanced the service provider’s ability to increase shop productivity and profitability.”

Mitchell 1’s Manager and ManagerPlus are the hub of Mitchell 1’s TeamWorks suite. Manager and ManagerPlus provide an integrated approach to repair shop productivity and administration, delivering the tools necessary to better manage business and increase profits. Manager and ManagerPlus are the number-one shop management solution in the aftermarket.

Mitchell 1 will hold this year’s first Shop Management System Training Workshop in Atlantic City, N.J., April 3-5, 2008, at the Sheraton Hotel Atlantic City Convention Center. The training workshop, designed for those who have been using their shop management system for six months or more, will guide users through advanced functionality in the OnDemand5 Manager system. Instructors will explore advanced setup, inventory, reporting, management and more, as well as integration with aftermarket cataloging and Customer Retention Marketing (CRM). As featured in AutoCareProNews and Search-AutoParts.com..

The workshop will be led by John Dwulet, senior product manager for Mitchell 1’s management software solutions, and Tim McDonnell, national training manager, who have 24 years of combined Manager and ManagerPlus training experience. Mitchell 1 support personnel will also be on hand. Attendees can expect lively discussions on how to use the management system to energize their business, increase profits and boost productivity.

“This advanced training workshop is designed to turn existing shop management system customers into power-users who get the most out of their software and business,” said Dwulet. “The sessions will uncover strategies allowing attendees to compete successfully against dealerships; maximizing their maintenance and repair opportunities.”

The conference registration fee is $200 for a shop’s first attendee; each additional attendee is only $100. The fee covers seminars, continental breakfast, lunch and refreshments each day. Participants are responsible for transportation to Atlantic City and hotel accommodations. Attendees may reserve rooms at the Sheraton Hotel Atlantic City and receive Mitchell 1’s special hotel rate by mentioning Mitchell 1/ShopKey Manager Training when making the reservation.

For more information or to register for Mitchell 1’s management system training workshop, visit the workshop signup page. Registration must be completed by Friday, March 21, 2008.

Mitchell 1 announces it has made first quarter updates to its popular Manager/Manager Plus, Version 5.9 software, to continue to offer increased functionality and productivity for its users. The newest version, 5.9.5 adds even more functionality, highlighted by more catalog integration.

Mitchell 1 now integrates with Nexpart online parts ordering from WHI Solutions (formerly Wrenchead). WHI Solutions, a leading e-business solution provider to the wholesale distribution and retail markets, provides e-commerce capabilities for service providers to increase efficiency.

WHI’s Nexpart Link eCommerce module allows Mitchell 1 users to place orders online with over 3,000 parts distributor locations already integrated to the Nexpart Network.

“The Nexpart catalog has a rich feature-set that improves the parts ordering process,” said John Dwulet, senior product manager, Mitchell 1. “Whether browsing the Nexpart parts catalog or just keying in a part number, the flexibility is there to greatly improve the part look-up and ordering process.”

Nick DiVerde, general manager of Mitchell1’s Shop Management Solutions, adds, “This new integration exemplifies Mitchell 1’s ongoing commitment to connect service providers with the parts providers of their choice. Integrating with WHI’s Nexpart- based sites allows us to improve our product, which enhances our customers’ productivity and profitability.”

Mitchell 1 announced today the establishment of a marketing partnership with National Pronto Association as part of Mitchell 1’s ongoing effort to further extend its national network of connectivity to automotive parts suppliers. This network provides repair shop owners greater flexibility and increased efficiencies in ordering parts when they use Mitchell 1’s Manager and ManagerPlus shop management systems. As featured in autocarepronews.

The union of Mitchell 1 and National Pronto Association creates a true partnership whereby Mitchell 1 customers gain electronic access to National Pronto Association’s line of aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment and accessories. National Pronto Association customers will enjoy special discounts and savings on the entire line of Mitchell 1 software products.

Mitchell 1 and National Pronto Association customers will now benefit from a streamlined Internet-based parts ordering system that dramatically reduces the estimating and invoicing time requirement, virtually eliminates the communication issues that may cause the ordering/receipt of incorrect parts, reduces related shop technician inefficiencies, and ensures that the desired profitability has been obtained on each job before it is quoted.

“Our partnering with National Pronto Association allows thousands of repair shops to both modernize and simplify their parts ordering and related functions while still remaining flexible in choosing their parts supplier,” Dan Kelley, director of strategic partnerships for Mitchell 1. “For Mitchell 1, the goal in adding this new partner to our nationwide network of parts suppliers is to help those National Pronto Association customer repair shops better manage their overall workflow, increase productivity and improve shop profitability.”

Bill Maggs, president, National Pronto Association, stated, “This marketing partnership enhances the value proposition our Smart Choice Advantage and VIP Tech Center service centers receive when joining our program. The Mitchell 1 suite of products complements the entire service center program offered by our distributors.

Mitchell 1 announced today that a new Google™ search feature has been integrated into OnDemand5.com to allow users to find what they’re looking for faster and easier than ever before.

“We are thrilled to have integrated Google, the most effective and trusted search engine on the planet, into OnDemand5.com,” said Gary Hixson, product manager for Mitchell 1. “Unlike other products, OnDemand5.com Google searches provide superior relevancy returns that go beyond the article titles and headlines to find answers within the body of the article. Plus, Google is fast and simple to navigate – everyone knows how to use Google.”

OnDemand5.com’s new Google search incorporates all of the Google features you’ve come to know and love including: 1) Google’s own Spell Check feature, 2) Search results with context information, and 3) a Search Suggest feature that helps users pick exactly the right words they are looking to search. Additionally, Mitchell’s new Google search also searches TSBs and exclusive OnDemandLive Tips so that users can easily find all of the incredible time-saving information stored in OnDemand5.com.

Mitchell 1’s OnDemand5.com delivers comprehensive data for 1983-current domestic and import vehicle models. It includes the new OnDemand Live feature, where users view and share tips, as well as access clear illustrations and full-color wiring diagrams, complete diagnostics, tech bulletins and recalls, scheduled maintenance with labor times, automatic monthly data updates and OEM parts and pricing. To find out more about OnDemand5.com, visit www.ondemand5.com.

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP) has expanded its member benefits to provide an increased cost-savings opportunity from Mitchell 1’s electronic, printed and business performance service offerings. As featured in Aftermarket News.

“We have a wonderful and growing partnership with AASP and we’re excited to enhance our relationship by offering special benefits to the AASP membership,” said Chris Hurst, senior account manager – national accounts, Mitchell 1.

AASP members who begin new subscriptions or renew existing subscriptions to Mitchell 1’s OnDemand5 (Online or DVD Repair and Estimator), OnDemand5 Manager/ManagerPlus management system, tire pressure monitoring system manual, mechanical parts and labor estimating guides, and emission control application tables manuals will be eligible for an enhanced price savings on the monthly subscription fees and purchase prices.

As for Mitchell 1’s Business Performance Services, AASP members will receive special discounts on Mitchell 1 products including Customer Retention Marketing (CRM) and ServiceIntelligence (SI).

“AASP considers Mitchell 1 a valuable partner to both the association and its members,” said Pat Andersen, AASP president. “We’re extremely pleased to be able to offer AASP members enhanced pricing on Mitchell 1 products.”

Mitchell 1 announces the availability of its 2008 Mechanical Labor Estimating Guide (MLE08), which provides a comprehensive collection of accurate labor times for domestic and import cars, light trucks and vans for model years 1988 - 2008. As featured on autocarepronews.com and aftermarketnews.com.

“The Mitchell 1 Mechanical Labor Estimating Guide has been updated for 2008 to include the very latest estimating information for particular vehicle services in an easy-to-use and portable format,” said Nick DiVerde, general manager, Shop Management Solutions.

The Mitchell 1 Mechanical Labor Estimating Guide is a convenient print version of the industry-standard estimating information offered through Mitchell 1’s OnDemand5 desktop and online software products.

Content features:
• Most domestic labor times include both factory warranty times and researched Mitchell 1 repair times
• Import labor times include researched Mitchell 1 repair times
• All applicable times include additional and combination times
• All information inspected throughout the year to ensure the most accurate and updated labor times upon release
• Skill level codes help assign each job to the right technician
• General manufacturer information
• VIN decoding information

The 2008 Mechanical Labor Estimating Guide has an enhanced format, allowing users to find the exact information they need in an extremely fast and simple manner. It includes an alphabetical index that takes advantage of the detail created in the Mitchell 1 relational database, tabs to each manufacturer and a Quick Group index at the top of each manufacturer’s index. All information in the body of the text is model-specific to make navigation efficient.

The guide includes 21 categories:

• Tune-up and Emission
• Fuel and Exhaust
• Generator, Alternator and Starter
• Engine
• Cooling
• Brakes and Wheels
• Front Suspension
• Steering Gear, Linkage and Pumps
• Rear Suspension
• Flywheel, Clutch and Gearshift
• Manual Transmission
• Automatic Transmission
• Transaxle
• Transfer Case
• Driveshaft and Axles
• Battery, Wiring, Lights and Radio
• Body Electrical
• Heating and Air Conditioning
• Body and Hardware
• Window Motors and Regulators
• Cruise Control

Mitchell 1 announces the availability of its 2008 Emission Control Application Guide (ECAT08) for domestic and import cars, light trucks, vans and Class ‘A’ motor homes with gasoline engines, model years 1966 – 2008. It provides vehicle-specific emission system information for repair shops that perform smog inspections.

“Mitchell 1’s new Emission Control Application Guide delivers detailed information that is more complete, accurate and easier to use as a reference guide for emission control applications, than any other guide available in the industry,” said Dan Ramirez, general manager, Automotive Repair Solutions.

Content features include:
• Traction control disable procedures
• Drive cycle section
• The latest EPA emission recall bulletins and reference listings for major systems, devices and components
• I/M areas that require ignition timing and EGR function testing

The 2008 Emission Control Application Guide offers clear and concise content, which is organized by general information, emission control applications, EGR function testing, base ignition timing specifications and EPA emission recalls. The consistent format allows users to locate information easily, regardless of the manufacturer. It also meets the California Bureau of Automotive Repair’s minimum requirements for emission control application guides used in smog check stations.

Mitchell 1 announces it has made fourth quarter updates to its popular OnDemand5 Manager/Manager Plus, Version 5.9 software to continue to increase its customers’ productivity. Even more functionality and enhancements have been added to the integrated NAPA catalog, including an upgrade to display the NAPA stores’ quantity on-hand, cost, and distribution center quantities. As featured in AfterMarket News.

“The NAPA catalog has a rich feature-set that improves the parts ordering process,” said John Dwulet, senior product manager, Mitchell 1. “Whether browsing the NAPA parts catalog or just keying in a part number, the flexibility is there to help get the part ordered as quickly as possible.”

The Parts Search feature provides the ability to locate parts quickly, quantity per car, suggested list prices, cost, distribution center quantity, and allows users to order directly from their NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

The NAPA catalog also provides the NAPA Interchange feature, which allows users to enter most manufacturers and OEM part numbers and interchange them to NAPA. In addition, the catalog includes a parts detail screen that contains attributes, warranties, and comments in dynamically sized windows.
The catalog setup within Mitchell 1’s management software allows users to configure the Web-based catalog for either U.S. or Canadian stores and distribution centers.