Media Advisory - Automotive students demonstrate their technical know-how at
the Canadian International AutoShow

TORONTO , Feb. 9 /CNW/ - Toronto-area high schools are sending their best automotive students to the Canadian International AutoShow on Thursday to test their mechanical aptitude and skills coveted by the automobile industry.

Two-member student teams from GTA secondary schools will have 80 minutes to diagnose and repair 10 brand-new Volkswagen New Beetle Convertibles deliberately rigged with identical operating problems by Centennial College's automotive technician instructors.

The students, all of whom are studying automotive service technology at the high school level, will be vying for valuable prizes and the chance to represent the Toronto Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) at the National Automotive Technology Competition at the New York International Auto Show in April.

The Canadians are a formidable force in New York: Last year's winners from Northview Heights Secondary School placed second, while a team from Central Tech beat all of the U.S. teams and collected prizes worth $250,000 in 2008.

The 11th annual Toronto Automotive Technology Competition enjoys outstanding support from the industry. Sponsors include: TADA, the Canadian International AutoShow, Volkswagen Canada , General Motors Canada , Snap-On/Sun Tools, Consulab, Canadian Tire, Ryder Truck, Thomson Nelson, Pearson Education, Auto-Know Inc., TecMate and Centennial College.

    
                              Photo Opportunity

    When:  Thursday, February 11 (Media Day), 9:30 am to 2:30 pm

    Where: Canadian International Auto Show
           Metro Toronto Convention Centre
           600 Level, South Building (near escalators)
    

For further information: Media contact: Mark Toljagic, Communications Officer, Centennial College, [phone], ext. 7142 or [phone], [email protected]