GEARS TABLE OF CONTENTS


FOR THE TRANSMISSION REBUILDING INDUSTRY JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012


PHONE (805) 604-2000 FAX (805) 604-2006


Chief Executive Officer Dennis Madden Managing Editor Rodger Bland


Technical Director Lance Wiggins Advertising Frank Pasley


Senior Designer Jeanette Troub Contributing Editors: Steve Bodofsky


ATRA Technical Staff: Hank Blair Bill Brayton Mike Brown Steve Garrett Pete Huscher


Mark Puccinelli Randall Schroeder Mike Souza


Director of Membership & IT Svc Kelly Hilmer Seminars & Convention Manager Vanessa Velasquez Bookstore Manager Shaun Velasquez


SPECIAL INTEREST & TECHNICAL


4 KEEP THOSE TRANNYS ROLLING: Get to Know the 2011 Chevrolet Volt


by Pete Huscher


12 THE WORD ON THE STREET: Introducing the Jatco 6-Speed


by Mike Souza 20 The views expressed in this publication should not necessarily be interpreted


as the official policy of the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA). Publication of product information or any advertising does not imply recommenda- tion by ATRA.


GEARS™, a publication of ATRA, 2400 Latigo Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93030, is published for the betterment of the transmission industry and is distributed nine times per year. No part of this issue may be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. GEARS is distributed to members of the transmis- sion industry in the United States, Canada, ATRA Members in Mexico & Europe, and related automotive industry firms and individually. Send changes of address to GEARS in care of ATRA. Subscriptions are available by contacting GEARS in care of ATRA.


Advertisers and advertising agencies assume full liability for all content of adver- tisements printed and also assume full responsibility for any claims arising there- from against the publisher. The publisher reserves the unqualified right to reject any advertising copy as it deems appropriate, with or without cause.


GEARS is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard


to the subject matter covered. It is distributed with the understanding the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance, is required, the services of a competent profes- sional person should be sought— from a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and Committee of Publishers.


GEARS also welcomes articles submitted by members of the industry. GEARS considers all articles for publication that contribute positively to the welfare of the transmission industry, and reserves the right to edit all articles it publishes. If you would like to submit an article to GEARS, include background information about the author and a telephone number where he/she may be reached. If you want submissions returned, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.


Editorial and Business Offices 2400 Latigo Avenue, Oxnard CA 93030 Phone (805) 604-2000


Fax (805) 604-2006 www.gearsmagazine.com www.atra.com


Publications Mail Agreement No. 40031403


Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Station A, PO Box 54, Windsor, ON N9A 6J5 Email: gears@atra.com


Issue #163 Printed in U.S.A. Copyright ATRA 2012 26


8 and Beyond: A New Generation of Automatic Transmissions


by Mark Puccinelli


It’s Been a Good Run: The Last Product Change for the 4L60E


by Steve Garrett


28 Long Term Fuel Trim: A Nod in the Right Direction 32


by ATRA Tech


The Dealer Alternative: More than Just a Tag Line by Steve Bodofsky


38 A New Year, a New Plan: Continue Your Education in 2012 by Rodger Bland


42 Golden Anniversaries for Two ATRA Members by Steve Bodofsky 46 Respect: The Other Paycheck 48 WHATS WORKING: More Data, More Customers by Dennis Madden


54 GEARS BUYER'S GUIDE 2012 LISTING Get to Know the


2011 Chevrolet Volt Page 4


8 and Beyond: A New Generation of Automatic Transmissions Page 20


Introducing the Jatco 6-Speed Page 12


DEPARTMENTS 2


FROM THE CEO: A Closer Look at the Dealer’s Customer List by Dennis Madden


108 Powertrain Industry News 113 Shoppers and Classified 120 List of Advertisers


On the Cover: GEAR QR Code Test it on your smart phone!


See the Buyer's Guide online or page 54!


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