Our Mission
To Serve, Support, and Better the Aftermarket
The Automotive Service & Tire Alliance (ASTA) was formed in 2021 through the merger of the Independent Garage Owners of North Carolina (IGONC) and the North Carolina Tire Dealers Association (NCTDA). We are the Southeast’s largest member-sponsored non-profit association serving the aftermarket automotive industry.
Our Goals
ASTA is an organization dedicated to supporting the success of independent automotive repair shops and tire dealers in the Southeast. Our goals include offering resources and programs to help businesses thrive, as well as promoting professional development and advocacy.
Provide a variety of discount programs and group purchasing power to offset the cost of membership
Advocate as one, powerful voice when called upon by legislative processes
Our Values
ASTA is a organization dedicated to supporting the success of independent automotive repair shops and tire dealers in the Southeast. Our goals include offering resources and programs to help businesses thrive, as well as promoting professional development and advocacy.
Strive for excellence
Act with integrity and humility
Be a voice for the industry
Build Community
Looking to grow and succeed in the industry?
In addition to our goals, we offer a variety of resources and opportunities for professional development, including educational conferences and workshops, as well as an apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship program ( I would link this to the apprentice page) is designed to help student technicians acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the automotive industry.
If you’re an automotive repair shop or tire dealer looking to grow and succeed in the industry, consider becoming a member of ASTA today. With our resources, support, and professional development opportunities, ASTA can help you take your business to the next level.
Our History
The Automotive Service & Tire Alliance was formed in 2021 by the merge of the Independent Garage Owners of North Carolina (IGONC) and North Carolina Tire Dealers Association (NCTDA). We are the Southeast’s largest member-sponsored non profit association serving the aftermarket automotive industry.
The Independent Garage Owners of North Carolina (IGONC) was established in 1959 to help its members deal with challenges facing independent garages in North Carolina. IGONC expanded its services and membership base and represented approximately 500 members. It provided updated information on automotive repair and business practices, protected its members from unfavorable legislative initiatives, and built productive relationships between its members, vendors, and the public. IGONC’s resources and community support helped its members become more successful through regional unit meetings, the trade show, and ongoing one-to-one contact.
The North Carolina Tire Dealers Association (NCTDA) was formed in 1964 to advance and safeguard the business interests of its members. It promoted harmony, good will, and understanding among its members, encouraged an exchange of ideas and technical knowledge, and aimed to improve the quality and standards of tire and retreading products. NCTDA educated the public on the value of independent tire dealers and represented the NCTDA in contact with local, state, and national governments. It appeared before legislative, administrative, judicial, and quasi-judicial bodies on behalf of its membership.
News & Articles
GTCC Aims to Address Automotive Technician Shortage
GREENSBORO, N.C. — There is a nationwide shortage of automotive technicians, which is causing repair times to be longer.
What You Need To Know
The number of graduates completing programs in the automotive sector has dropped 20% since 2020
Most people working in the automotive industry are over the age of 55
Derek Morehead is a first-year student at Guilford Technical Community College
Derek Morehead’s high school automotive class helped determine his future in the automotive industry. He says he took it for fun then shortly fell in love with it.
But these automotive classes aren’t widely available.
“There’s not as many automotive programs and high schools as there used to be. However, from what I’m seeing and hearing is that’s going to make a comeback not only in the automotive sector, but also other aspects of career and technical education like carpentry, electronics and things like that, which is fantastic,” said Guilford Technical Community College Department Chair Jeff Faircloth.
The number of graduates completing programs in the automotive sector has dropped 20% since 2020, according to TechForce Foundation, a nonprofit that guides students into careers as professional technicians.
Now, a first-year student at Guilford Tech, Morehead gets to turn his passion into a career.
“Being able to see what I’m learning actually does matter when I go to work,” Morehead said. “It definitely makes me more engaged in class acts and more questions.”
Working part-time at Mercedes helps him apply what he’s learned in class.
“It’s nice having to go to school and work at the same time. So like whenever I’m at work, if I don’t understand something, I always can come here and like get a deeper explanation of it than what I could get at work,” Morehead said.
Faircloth added the goal of the automotive program at GTCC is to get students jobs in the industry and help the local economy, as well as help the students be successful.
Empowering Technicians: Safety Protocols and Training Essentials for Working on Electric Vehicles
https://creative.endeavorb2b.com/ClientMarketing/trans/2023/RW_NAPA_ATE_EmpoweringTechnicians.pdf?oly_id=%%0.2.110%%&oly_anon_id=2a309c0c-e6e1-4d41-a70a-c79698c9bc7a