Newsmaker

Al Sutherland, Jr. is the owner of Al's Certified Auto Repair (ACAR) in Augusta, Maine.  Known as ACAR, the independent automobile repair shop services foreign and domestic vehicles. The company specializes in Japanese vehicles. 

Al has more than 40 experience as an automotive service technician and holds many different certifications including, Master Honda Technician, ASE Master Technician with and L1 certification, MAC-AC, and ATTS Master Hybrid technician.

He founded ACAR in 2002 and has always provide exceptional service for customers across the Kennebec Valley and beyond.  Al takes pride in the company's employees who are highly trained and knowledgeable on the latest trends and technology in the auto repair industry.  

ACAR is also The Hybrid Shop which includes two ATTS master technicians that work on hybrids and electronic vehicles (EVs). The team can help with a wide range of maintenance and repairs for the energy efficient vehicles. 

Media information:

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Pronunciation: Al (AL) Sutherland (SUH-thur-land)

Zoom interviews: Yes

Contact:  1-707-PLIABLE

Email

Recent media coverage:  

11/23/22 - Safety tips for driving at night in Maine

1/20/23 - Al Sutherland quoted in TV story about the Right to Repair Act

4/20/23 - Pothole season is here as we transition to warmer weather

10/3/23 -  United Auto Workers strike may trigger larger impacts on auto repair industry in Maine

Interview topics: 

• Importance of the Right to Repair Act in Maine
• Feb. 2 - National Change Your Windshield Wipers Day
• June (2nd week) - National Automotive Service Professionals Week
• April - National Auto Care Month
• October - Brakes for Breast fundraising campaign
• November - Winter car prep, holiday travel car maintenance
• How COVID-19 is still impacting the auto repair industry
• The history behind Al's Certified Auto Repair
• Why many car shops are going out of business
• ACAR's employees and apprentice program
• The Hybrid Shop and the popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles

Media videos:

How COVID-19 is still impacting the auto repair industry

The history behind Al's Certified Auto Repair

Al talks about why car shops are going out of business

Why you should not clear snow off your windshield with your wiper blades

3 Tips for driving better at night 

Tips to prepare your car for winter

Al talks about ACAR's employees and apprentice program

Al explains the Hybrid Shop and the popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles

Al talks about the Brakes for Breast fundraising campaign

Al Sutherland explains his stance on the right to repair act 

Social media:

Twitter - @1hondadoctor  

Facebook - Al's Certified Auto Repair

Company profile:

Industry: Automotive

Founded: 2002

Location: Augusta, Maine

Services:  Al's Certified Auto Repair's Digital Shop program gives your vehicle a complete overview with our digital inspections and comprehensive health score. This provides you with the proper information to determine the best course of action to take with your vehicle's health. 

Specialties:  

Al's Certified Auto Repair is equipped with SmartFlow, the most technologically advanced solution in the industry.  Al's Certified Auto Repair's Digital Shop program gives your vehicle a complete overview with our digital inspections and comprehensive health score. This provides you with the proper information to determine the best course of action to take with your vehicle's health.

Interesting facts: 

• ACAR is the only independent repair facility in Maine to participate in Brakes for Breasts, an annual fundraiser in October that raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. Over the past five years, ACAR has raised nearly $10,000 for breast cancer research.
• ACAR is the Hybrid Shop, a one-of-a-kind repair and maintenance location that can repair and rebuild electric vehicle batteries.
• In 2012, ACAR was one of the first repair facilities in the state to provide digital inspection reports and electronic summaries to customers via email.
• ACAR technicians are required to complete at least 40 hours of educational training each year. This ensures the technicians are able to repair a wide range of vehicles, including Advanced Driver Assistance System.