Teams from Agoura High School and Southeast ROP distinguished themselves from among 15 other area high school teams, each winning an opportunity to send two teammates to compete in the 2007 National Automotive Technology Competition April 10 and 11 during the New York International Auto Show. GLANCDA and SMCDA and will each sponsor Agoura HS and Southeast ROP, respectively, in representing the association's region at the nationals.

 

The winning Agoura High School team was comprised of students Michael Amodio and John Theodsiou, along with their advisor John Andersen. From Southeast ROP were students Nathaniel Haugh of La Palma and Jared Hindman of Lakewood with their advisor Israel Andrade.

 

During the competition, teams consisting of two students compete by diagnosing and repairing a number of pre-assigned problems or “bugs” under a car's hood within an allotted amount of time. Each "bug" correctly repaired is worth a number of points, depending on the level of difficulty. To prepare for the competition, students train with their high school instructors and with certified technicians at local franchised automobile dealerships.

 

“We're very pleased to be able to support these talented students,” said Todd Leutheuser, executive director of SMCDA.

 

“Every year, these students rise to the challenge of testing and handling sophisticated vehicles. The skills they develop during these hands-on competitions will be invaluable in their careers.”

 

GLANCDA Executive Director Charlie Gill agreed. “This contest between local high school’s best and brightest future technicians is every bit as intense as a championship football game,” he said.

 

During the competition, student teams exhibited their auto technology skills by reporting diagnostic conclusions in categories such as automatic transmission, fuel injection and emission, heating and air conditioning, brakes, basic electrical, tools and measurements.

 

“This competition offers the students a chance to apply what they’ve learned in class,” said instructor Kevin Taylor, of Cerritos College's Automotive Technology program.

 

“Their hands-on experience provides them with a tremendous sense of accomplishment and confidence.”

 

MATCO Tools donated approx $6,000 worth of prizes to the winning students teams; the first-place Agoura High School students received tool box sets; second place students received four-drawer roll carts; and the third place students received a combination wrench set and screwdriver set. Additionally, the Agoura High School auto shop class will receive a late Ford Mustang courtesy of the Ford ASSET Program. SMCDA also gave $500 MATCO Tool gift certificates to students enrolling at the Cerritos College Automotive Tech Education Program this fall and an additional $500 MATCO Tool gift certificate for those continuing their education in the auto program in spring 2008.

 

Schools that participated in the competition are Agoura, Artesia, Canyon, Mark Keppel, Monrovia, North Hollywood, Palmdale, Van Nuys, California, Bell Gardens, Narbonne, the Southern California Regional Occupational Center and the Southeast Regional Occupational Program.  

 

Los Angeles County has been one of the largest retail automotive markets in the world for quite some time. Automotive dealers in Los Angeles County have set the standards in innovation and selling. The consumer market in Los Angeles County is one of the most sophisticated and enthusiastic markets in the country. However, one problem facing the dealers in Los Angeles County is the ever-growing shortage of high-quality technicians to repair and maintain the high-volume of vehicles sold each year.

 

The Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association and Southland Motor Car Dealers Association have joined forces to support this local competition. As a group both associations represent more than 300 new car dealers in Los Angeles County. The association members realize the importance of investing in new talent for the industry. 

 

GLANCDA and SMCDA have joined other state and metro associations throughout the United States in a program to encourage young people with an aptitude and passion for automotive technology to consider a career in the retail automotive industry. This program is the Automotive Technology Competition for High School Seniors.

 

Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers degrees and certificates in more than 180 areas of study in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently surpasses 20,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.