VALLEY CITY, Ohio — Schaeffler Group USA Inc. introduced the new REPXPERT LIVE technical training offering for the Automotive Aftermarket at two unique events that combined technical training and go-kart racing. The inaugural training events took place over two weekends in North America this June in Los Angeles, Calif., and Toronto, Ontario. The events provided automotive service professionals, instructors and students a full day of comprehensive, hands-on technical training developed to improve and expand their skills, increase efficiencies and improve customer satisfaction through the reduction of repair bay time, warranties and comebacks.

Introduced in 2014, REPXPERT is Schaeffler’s new global service brand, representing the touch points between Schaeffler experts and the automotive industry to provide technical and product knowledge, expertise, and experience in person, online, and on the phone. The REPXPERT LIVE training events are but one feature in Schaeffler’s pursuit of improving customer relationships and partnerships in the auto care industry. Schaeffler is continuously developing training for the automotive aftermarket product lines and will launch its new REPXPERT web portal for the United States and Canadian markets in the fall of 2015. The portal will be a key service for the customers to easily and efficiently obtain technical documents, product information, online training and more.

The full-day training events were held June 13-14, 2015 at K1 Speed in Torrance, Calif., and June 27-28, 2015, at Grand Prix Kartways in Toronto, Canada. Held over weekends, attendees were able to select the training day of their choice as their schedule permitted. Schaeffler experts provided attendees with detailed product and vehicle system training, proper installation methods, as well as tips/tricks and best practices on clutch systems, engine components, wheel bearing and hub assemblies, brake systems and timing chain systems. The training curriculum featured innovative automotive products such as the double clutch technology featured in the 2012 Ford Focus and Fiesta, as well as service and repair solutions including the INA FEAD KIT. Participants had the opportunity to see these unique products and take part in hands-on repair procedures. Between training sessions, attendees were able to join in team building exercises by testing their racing skills on the indoor race track competing for prizes and trophies awarded to the top speeds on each team.

“Schaeffler is excited to provide this level of hands-on technical training to our customers,” said Urs Stuckenbruck, director product management and marketing, North America for Schaeffler Group USA. “We recognize the need for training and technical support in the Aftermarket and Schaeffler is committed to continually improve our service offerings to the market.”