AR&D to Expand Hybrid Vehicle Diagnostics and Training, Will Seek GSA Schedule

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., June 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Automotive Research and Design, LLC. (AR&D) announced plans today to apply for a GSA Schedule and expand their government hybrid vehicle service training division by securing additional federal contracts. Federal officials appreciate GSA Schedules as a means of procuring goods and services, knowing that companies on these schedules have been qualified by the General Services Administration (GSA). AR&D plans on expanding their Hybrid Vehicle Training Curriculum and Diagnostic Equipment to federal agencies.

"As a training and diagnostic leader in the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and Electric vehicle (EV) technologies, the opportunity to service government accounts opens up significantly more markets throughout the country," states Chris Quarto, Founder at Automotive Research and Design, LLC. (AR&D), continuing, "We're looking to expand our specialized training and diagnostic products beyond the federal government to state and municipal agencies as they expand their fleets to include Electric Drive vehicles, such as a Toyota Prius or Chevy Volt."

Automotive Research and Design specializes in Electric Propulsion Systems Technology. Given that the legacy knowledge with regard to internal combustion engines does not transfer to hybrid and electric drive technology, the need for qualified technicians with hands-on knowledge of EV and HEV propulsion systems has experienced significant growth since the late 1990s.  AR&D is one of the few companies with a technically qualified instructor staff, specialized diagnostic equipment, leading edge publications, and course materials.  These elements enhance their ability to deliver a learning experience and a product line that effectively supports the highly complex and integrated systems found in HEV/EV.

GSA Applications has been selected to manage the tender process on behalf of Automotive Research and Design facilitating the application preparation, submission and negotiations with government buyers at the GSA. With over 800 schedules awarded to date, Tampa FL based GSA Applications leverages its industry-leading experience and in-house staff of specialists to deliver professional government marketing services to businesses nationally.

About the Automotive Research and Design LLC.:
A Woman-Owned Small Business, Automotive Research & Design was founded in 1987 as a technology company specializing in the development of EV and HEV propulsion systems. Their technical expertise has positioned AR&D as one of the first private training and consulting companies to offer EV/HEV education and training to the automotive aftermarket and educational industries. AR&D offers hands-on courses at Regional Colleges, Online Learning, eLearning, and Webinars. For more information, visit: www.go2hev.com

Contact for Automotive Research and Design LLC: Ariel Quarto, Marketing Director at 586.718.9469

SOURCE Automotive Research and Design LLC