Nine dollars a gallon for regular. That is what I paid after I did the math from Euro to Dollars and Metric to English. Deb and I had a great time in Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Driving a Renault Captur and using the Autobahn was fun but a Prius might have been easier at the pump.  Every month there is a new adventure at ACDC. This blog is for my entertainment and to keep you up-to-date.

AMPERA (a Volt by another name)

AMPERA (a Volt by another name)

We were in Germany at “Automechanika”, a huge trade show we have attended for many years. We are looking at a new Insulation Tester made in Germany as it has some features I like. PICO has new software and a more robust scope. My dear friend, Frank Bouman and others announced a new business in Europe (www.jifeline.com) that helps techs with reprogramming cars remotely. EVs, PHEVs are really popular and we saw an i3 (BMW) cruising down the road. A Tesla S is a common sighting as well. This Ampera charging up in Holland. It is great to see wind and solar farms popping up everywhere. The world really is changing but we still made it a point to visit two Castles, one German and one that is the “Batenburg Castle” in the village of Batenburg, Netherlands. I do come from Royalty so make sure you bow when you see me again.  I will then grant you some wonderful blessing.  The trip included two visits to Dutch Automotive Colleges with Graduates from “Up Your Voltage” classes we have held for Dutch Instructors. I had a chance to address the students in the newer EV technology. Over 400 people had a chance to ask questions and get a feeling what it is like in America.  I was very proud to talk about the Volt and the Tesla.  Two great cars designed and built on American soil (or concrete). Deb and I also toured with Ron Locandro, an auto instructor from Australia, that received a fellowship to study EMV (what we call any car with an orange cable) Technology. Ron spent a week with us in Germany and Holland. ACDC was his host and we will welcome Ron back to Worcester, Massachusetts and then Las Vegas for Industry week. You will get an invite from us for a party during AAPEX so stop by, say hello to Ron and ACDC.

We hope all is well with you. If you are not driving an EMV, I have to ask why?

 

My Castle in the Netherlands

My Castle in the Netherlands

Craig Van Batenburg