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Local Student Techs Square Off in State Auto Repair Championship

5 May 1999

ADVISORY/Local Student Techs Square Off in State Auto Repair Championship; Annual FORD/AAA Student Auto Skills Contest Celebrates Golden Anniversary

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WHAT:     FORD/AAA Student Auto Skills, a fast-paced, hands-on contest
          to diagnose and repair deliberately "bugged" 1999 Ford 
          vehicles.
     
WHO:      The state's best high school automotive technology students
          will be competing for more than $10 million in scholarships
          and prizes. AAA has co-sponsored the competition since 1984.
          This is the sixth year that the Ford Motor Company has been
          the co-sponsor of the contest.

WHY:      Dramatic changes in automotive technology have
          revolutionized the skills needed by auto service
          technicians. Computers now control more than 85 percent of
          the functions on a new vehicle. In many cases, the first
          tool a technician reaches for is an advanced diagnostic
          computer, rather than a wrench or a screwdriver.
     
	         There is an increasing demand in the workplace for qualified
          technicians who can accurately diagnose and fix today's
          cars.

	         The state champion team will advance to the national finals
          in Washington, D.C. The team will also earn scholarships and
          prizes, including a Ford vehicle for use by their school's
          auto service program.

WHEN:     May 7, 1999
          7:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
          Contest begins at 10 a.m.

WHERE:    Sacramento County Fair at CalExpo Arena Area
          Exposition Blvd.
          Sacramento

	    Note to Editors: Student names available on request.