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SAE INTERNATIONAL LAUNCHES FIRST HANDS-ON ADVANCED HEV DIAGNOSTICS CREDENTIAL

WARRENDALE, Pa., April 22, 2013 - In an unprecedented move to establish a new industry standard for the automotive service sector, SAE International announces the launch of the first hands-on credential for hybrid and electric vehicle diagnostics. The credential, entitled "SAE International Advanced HEV Diagnostics Certificate of Competency", focuses on the operation and diagnosing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicle (HEV) Systems. SAE International has partnered with Automotive Research and Design (AR&D) to provide the training in support of this Certificate of Competency. Training by AR&D, coupled with the credential from SAE International is available to technicians, engineers, shop owners, instructors, and other automotive professional sectors.

Participants will receive industry-leading training provided by AR&D, along with the additional benefit of a credential from SAE International. The duration of the course is five days, four of which are spent in a hands-on and lecture environment with AR&D instructors. Each day includes daily assessments to ensure each participant will be prepared for a practical hands-on and written exam on the fifth and final day of the course. Upon successful completion of the course and exams, participants will receive the SAE International Advanced HEV Diagnostics Certificate of Competency.

"The practical goal of this credential," says Dr. Mark Quarto, Chief Technical Officer and lead instructor for AR&D, "is to expand the hybrid diagnostic processes and systems information currently used by the service repair industry, and use additional diagnostic testing methods and equipment that will compliment OEM on-board diagnostic systems." In addition to bridging that gap, the credential will also complement and help prepare techs for the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification in Hybrid Vehicle Systems available in 2014. "SAE International is launching the first hands-on credential for HEV Systems in the automotive service industry, and it is a very large step into the future of advanced diagnostics", says Dr. Quarto. Classes in 2013 are limited to 20 participants each and will be hosted in Flat Rock, NC; Madison, WI; Portland, OR; and Port Angeles, WA.

According to Kevin Perry, Managing Director of SAE International's Professional Development program, "This is a great opportunity for SAE to add value to the service sector by affiliating with AR&D's high quality, hands-on training program and adding a rigorous industry-driven exam, giving educators and practitioners an opportunity to earn a recognized credential."

Automotive Research and Design was founded in 1987, providing diagnostic equipment, online and on-ground HEV training, and Hybrid curriculum solutions.

SAE International is a global association of more than 138,000 engineers and related technical experts in the aerospace, automotive and commercial-vehicle industries. SAE International's core competencies are life-long learning and voluntary consensus standards development. SAE International's charitable arm is the SAE Foundation, which supports many programs, including A World In Motion® and the Collegiate Design Series.

- www.sae.org -

The SAE International Advanced HEV Diagnostics Credential training will occur on the following dates:

June 7-13 at Madison Area Technical College (Madison, WI) June 24-28 at Portland Community College (Portland, OR) July 8-12 at Peninsula College (Port Angeles, WA) July 29-August 2 at Blue Ridge Community College (Flat Rock, NC)

For registration information and course outlines please visit www.go2hev.com/training.php

Ariel Quarto
Marketing Representative
Automotive Research and Design, LLC
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA