For almost 20 years, the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) has served as a cooperative effort among the automotive service industry, the equipment and tool industry, and automobile manufacturers. In keeping with that spirit of cooperation, NASTF is requesting industry participation as it expands its heavy duty capabilities.
Why now?
NASTF has seen great success as the go-to source of repair information for aftermarket technicians by continuously correcting gaps and working to proactively improve delivery systems.
While NASTF’s mission of ensuring access to service information remains the same, the types and delivery systems for that information have been modernized. In the coming months, NASTF will be rolling out a redesigned website. The new site will allow members to customize their user experience, focusing exclusively on information relevant to their business.
NASTF has engaged with the heavy duty industry since its inception but now has the opportunity to build out its capabilities with the new, personalized site interface. This means that heavy duty technicians will only see information relating to the specific brands, makes or models that they service.
What will it look like?
NASTF will post a similar offering like its light duty side. It is expected that there might be some variations as it may have websites for components like powertrains and braking systems that are not brand-specific. The NASTF web team will determine an effective way to display the information once some feedback from NASTF’s Heavy Duty Team is received, which consists of representatives throughout the heavy duty industry.
NASTF is a hyperlink farm for the most part. This means NASTF will be providing URLs that lead directly to the information source the user is looking for wherever possible. NASTF will also host online forums for heavy duty repairers to “crowdsource” the solutions to common repair issues where aftermarket experience can be invaluable to technicians as well as manufacturers who seek better ways to respond to customer needs.
How will this help the fleets?
By allowing aftermarket heavy duty repairers the same access to diagnostic and repair information as the dealers, the vehicle or fleet owner will have more options when it comes to service locations. Vehicle owners will no longer be tied to a single repairer and will likely see reduced costs and downtime from a more competitive marketplace. This will also streamline the repair process by consolidating the links to the manufacturers’ web portals.
In addition, NASTF regularly receives service information requests (SIRs). A SIR is a tool that allows a NASTF member who is a vehicle service professional to submit a piece of repair information or tool gap for review by participating OEMs. A gap issue is a situation where service, collision, vehicle security, tools, or training information is available to a franchise dealer but not available outside of the OEM's franchise network; or, in many cases, is needed but not available to anyone.
NASTF foresees this being particularly helpful for smaller or mixed fleets. In addition, OEMs that support the independent aftermarket have seen increased value on resale and higher levels of customer satisfaction due to the increased repair options and subsequent flexibility.
How can I get involved?
The NASTF Heavy Duty Team is seeking volunteers from the heavy duty repair and OEM sectors to assist NASTF in ensuring that their service information links are up to date. Accuracy and clarity are of particular importance for independent heavy duty repairers as, in addition to the challenge of servicing various makes, models, and years, heavy duty trucks can consist of components from several different manufacturers.
If you are interested in assisting NASTF with developing and maintaining its heavy duty resources, please contact Managing Director Holly Wolfe at [email protected].
A former Capitol Hill staffer, Holly Wolfe got her start in automotive policy at the Automotive Service Association (ASA), serving as legislative analyst and government affairs manager. During her tenure, Wolfe advocated for the independent repair industry at the federal and state level. She joined NASTF in 2019, as the managing director.
