RR 116: Craig & Deb Van Batenburg from ACDC

Craig Van Batenburg is the CEO of Automotive Career Development Center [ACDC] and a former repair shop owner.  His wife Deb is his partner and vice-president. Craig ACDC 1is engaged full time in the understanding of the technology used in hybrid and electric cars. His 45 years of automotive experience serves him well.

The insight.
Craig Van Batenburg gives some great insight into why his career took the path to Hybrid repair and training. He says back in the early seventies he worked at a Honda dealership.  With a huge passion for Honda’s, at 26 years old he opened a shop to work on Honda’s only.  An admitted tree huger and owner of a VW bus named ‘Mrs. Fly’ he has always been driven by environmental concerns. He bought the first model Honda Insight which was the 23rd hybrid sold in Massachusetts. His wife Deb went to Kent State and was always into recycling and politics.

Why Listen!

Insightful history on Hybrid evolution.

Learn how connected Craig is with the industry.

Learn about Craig’s acronym: EMV

What is he driving?
Craig drivs a Nissan Leaf when he can and a Chevy Volt for longer trips these days, he also owns and drives HEVs from Ford, Honda and Toyota as well a Nissan and GM. With great passion, a keen wit and more experience that most, ACDC 2Craig can help you understand not only how but why these new electrified cars operate the way they do.  Craig is in demand worldwide and travels often to help those seeking a simple explanation of a complicated subject.

The big thing!
He teaches a six day comprehensive hybrid class called ‘Up Your Voltage’ that brings in students worldwide. This class has been taught over 43 times.

Husband and wife team.
Deb and Craig work together running ACDC – Automotive Career Development Center. Students worldwide attend their comprehensive six day trading class called ‘Up Your Voltage’. Deb also writes human interest ideas, business trends and critical thinking for Auto Inc and AASP magazines.

In his spare time.
He is a contributing editor for Auto, Inc., Automotive A/C Reporter (in Europe), TaT in Australia and many other journals. Besides Hybrid and Electric Car Education, Craig teaches a wide variety of technical and management classes for trade associations and other industry partners around the world.

His business has three components:

Provide schools with curriculums on hybrid training

Support independents with a ‘Qualified Shop Program’. Marking and support for hybrid repair.

Specialty classes with Honda, John Deer, Nissan.

Business: ACDC – Automotive Career Development Center. Unique in approach to training with a large fleet of vehicles and boot camp for EMV’s.
Years in industry: 45
Years in business ownership: 18 for ACDC
Aftermarket Association Memberships: ASA – SAE – ASE – AASP – NACAT
Special Accreditation’s: AAM – AMi
ASE Levels: ASE Master L1 – L3
Philanthropy: FAAT CATS

Link to Fix Hybrid.com HERE.


This episode is brought to you by Federal-Mogul Episode Logo Sponsored By v1Motorparts and Garage Gurus. With brands like Moog, Felpro, Wagner Brake, Champion, Sealed Power, FP Diesel and more, they’re the parts techs trust.  For serious technical training and support – online, onsite and on-demand – Garage Gurus is everything you need to know. Find out more at fmmotorparts.com  and fmgaragegurus.com

About the author, Carm Capriotto, AAP

Carm is the founder and host of the Remarkable Results Radio Podcast and the pioneer of automotive aftermarket podcasts. Carm calls on his years of experience in the aftermarket to bring engaging stories from his guests.

Listen to raw, unfiltered, honest, and sincere stories that include insights, trends, best practices, and expertise. Each interview brings an opportunity to learn one new thing through the stories of personal achievement. Many podcast guests tell their story of transformation from working in their business to working on it.

As host of over 1,000 episodes, Carm uses his enthusiasm and passion for the aftermarket especially the service sector to take his listeners on a journey showcasing successful service professionals’ paths to Remarkable Results. He also enjoys interviews with aftermarket industry thought leaders who bring their industry perspectives to his listener.

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