WIX® Filters, Babcox Media Name ‘Best Tech’
Wednesday, 06 November 2013
Bogi Lateiner of 180 Degrees Automotive in Phoenix Receives 2013 Award
WIX® Filters, a member of the Affinia Group family of brands, in conjunction with Brake & Front End, ImportCar and Underhood Service magazines, named Bogi Lateiner of 180 Degrees Automotive in Phoenix the third-annual Best Tech at the AWDA conference on Nov. 4 in Las Vegas.
“Bogi’s vision for the automotive service industry seeks to empower consumers through knowledge of automotive basics,” said Mike Harvey, brand manager for WIX Filters. “Her approach to consumer education also includes outreach to women on how they can pursue careers as auto mechanics. She represents the future of automotive technicians and is an exceptional choice for this year’s ‘Best Tech’ award.”
Lateiner, a 13-year veteran in the automotive service industry, is the founder of 180 Degrees Automotive, which emphasizes consumer education in providing door-to-door service for all automotive repair and maintenance needs. An ASE-certified technician, she also teaches basic car care classes for women and appears on a national television show called “All Girls Garage” targeting female viewers.
“After seven years working as a master technician for BMW, I missed having a connection with my customers,” Lateiner said. “I started a repair shop in my driveway with little more than a strong passion for educating my customers and a commitment to the highest quality of service and repair. I wanted to create a shop where everyone could feel comfortable and where I could be a part of elevating the reputation of the automotive industry.”
Today, 180 Degrees Automotive is an 8,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility with the look and feel of a coffee shop and designed with the customer in mind. Amenities include a children’s play area, art gallery, comfortable couches and free Wi-Fi.
“As a technician and as a business owner, I’m passionate about educating my customers and the community as a whole,” Lateiner said. “I love the automotive aftermarket industry and am committed to continuing to improve our reputation and to making the car care and repair experience less scary for everyone and particularly for women.”
WIX Filters and Babcox Media also named two finalists for the Best Tech award – Jeff Florey of The Auto Shop in Santa Cruz, Calif., and Audra Fordin of Great Bear Auto Repair in Flushing, N.Y.
About WIX Filters
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. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wixfilters, follow us on Twitter @WIXFilters and visit our YouTube page at youtube.com/TheWIXFilters
About Affinia Group Inc.
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 $1.5 billion in annual revenue, Affinia has operations in North and South America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.affiniagroup.com.
Wray Ward