WIX® Filters Names Inaugural Best Tech During AWDA

Monday, 31 October 2011

WIX Filters Names Inaugural Best Tech During AWDA

Thomas Palermo, Preferred Automotive Specialists, Named 2011’s Best Tech

WIX® Filters, a member of the Affinia Group family of brands, in conjunction with Brake & Front End, ImportCar and Underhood Service magazines, named Thomas Palermo from Preferred Automotive Specialists in Jenkintown, Pa., the inaugural WIX Filters Best Tech during the annual AWDA Meeting and Conference in Las Vegas on October 31.

“Customers place an extraordinary amount of trust in professional technicians, from recommending the best parts to properly repairing and maintaining their vehicles,” said Mike Harvey, brand manager for WIX Filters. “During his 20-year career, Thomas has displayed a passion for his customers that rivals only his desire to continue learning while performing his best work every day – these attributes make him the ideal winner of the inaugural WIX Filters Best Tech award.”

Palermo is an ASE Master Certified Technician and has been recognized as an AIAA/ASE World Class Technician. During his career he has displayed a passion for staying in front of changing technologies, from biofuels to electric vehicles and hybrids, through a quest for knowledge sought both in the classroom and on the shop floor.

“Over the years I've seen our industry grow and move in a very positive direction,” said Palermo. “The unwavering desire to do our best has taken the automotive industry to the next level. I am truly honored to be involved in this industry and I am very optimistic for the future for both myself and the technicians who work with me at Preferred Automotive Specialists.”

WIX Filters and Babcox publications also named two Best Tech finalists: Douglas Andrew from Doug’s Automotive Service in Miami and Kim Brant from Joe's Service in St Joseph, Mo.

As a sponsor of Tomorrow’s Technician School of the Year, Counterman’s Counter Professional of the Year and Babcox Publishing’s Automotive Tech Group’s Best Tech programs, WIX Filters supports excellence at every level of the automotive repair industry.

Since 1939, Wix® Filters has been an innovator in filtration products. WIX designs, manufactures and distributes products for automotive, diesel, agricultural, industrial and specialty filter markets. Its product line includes oil, air, cabin interior, fuel, coolant, transmission and hydraulic filters for automobiles, trucks, off-road equipment and manufacturing applications. For more information, visit www.wixfilters.com.

Affinia Group Inc. is an innovative global leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and marketing of industrial grade products and services, including extensive offerings of aftermarket products for automotive and heavy-duty vehicles. With approximately $2.0 billion in annual revenue, Affinia has operations in North and South America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.affiniagroup.com.

Wray Ward