Automotive High School Opens Mercedes-Benz Lab Auto Technicians Of Tomorrow Get High-Tech Training Today

BROOKLYN, N.Y., Dec. 14, 2004 -- Automotive High School is dedicating a new laboratory today, a classroom and workshop where tomorrow's automotive technicians will receive specialized training to prepare them for the increasingly-complex work on modern, high-tech cars. Located at 50 Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn, Automotive High School is one of the only schools in the U.S. that offers a comprehensive automotive curriculum at the high school level. Made possible by support and resources from Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), the renovated automotive lab integrates a fully-equipped professional workshop and classroom, designed to help meet the growing demand for skilled automotive technicians.

"Automotive High School is committed to preparing today's youth for a bright future in this rapidly evolving job market, but it needs support and resources from companies like MBUSA," said Melissa Silberman, principal of Automotive High School. "This new lab will enable students to have access to the industry's best resources, making it possible for them to compete in the automotive field upon graduation."

"Automotive technicians require strong diagnostic and computer skills, and our commitment to educational programs like the one at Automotive High School allows Mercedes-Benz and our dealerships to expose students to the latest technology at an earlier age," said Klaus Ulkann, vice president customer services, MBUSA. "We hope to serve the students well by helping them establish a foundation for a lifelong career in the industry."

Open House Features Tech Demonstrations

Automotive High School students and Tom Cassino, lab instructor, will host an open house from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. today to feature demonstrations of their technical knowledge using several project cars. MBUSA training instructors will also be on hand to show the latest automotive technology on vehicles like the new SLK roadster.

Addressing the Shortage of Trained Technicians

The Mercedes-Benz lab was designed to help meet an industry need to develop skilled automotive technicians. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that, by next year, there will be a severe nationwide shortage of 100,000 trained automotive technicians -- a result of growth within the auto industry, the increased complexity of modern cars and misconceptions among young people about an automotive career. There are more motor vehicles on the road every day, and new cars require more sophisticated diagnosis and repair skills than ever before. For example, trouble-shooting a problem on a modern car often involves connecting a laptop computer to the vehicle and conducting a complex series of electronic tests. The Mercedes-Benz lab helps expose students to high-technology vehicles earlier in their training and aims to generate interest in further education.

Diesel Project Car Runs on Cooking Oil

One of the most intriguing and timely projects that Automotive High School students will be involved in involves a diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz sedan donated by a local resident. Beginning with a vehicle that gets at least 30 percent better fuel mileage than a comparable gas-powered car, the students will convert its diesel fuel system to run on vegetable-based cooking oil. This non-petroleum, biologically renewable fuel also results in dramatically reduced exhaust emissions. The students will be working on the diesel project beginning in January 2004.

A Rigorous Curriculum

Automotive High School students pursue an academically rigorous program with majors in auto mechanics, auto body and information technology. The highly specialized school also boasts "Master NATEF Certification" in all eight ASE service areas of the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation and also offers college-credit courses through a partnership with the Bronx Community College.

MBUSA's commitment to automotive training extends beyond Automotive High School. MBUSA's ELITE Technician Training Program, a comprehensive career initiative established for entry-level technicians, is a 16-week intensive training initiative specific to Mercedes-Benz, and recruits students from various automotive high school and college programs around the country. MBUSA trains over 400 skilled Mercedes-Benz technicians annually, where tuition is paid in full by MBUSA authorized dealers.

Headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey near New York City, MBUSA is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. Through its philanthropic program, MBUSA focuses on educating and empowering future generations, particularly those who are underserved. The company views education as an opportunity to ensure that as many of today's youth as possible are given the tools, guidance and support they need to reach their full potential.