IN KIND AUTO DONATION – Shown are (l to r) DaimlerChrysler Training Center Supervisor Dean Magnuson of Henrietta and Automotive Technology Instructional Support Associate Dennis Tuper with the newly donated PT Cruiser.

SUNY Canton Automotive Technology students now have a PT Cruiser to hone their skills, courtesy of DaimlerChrysler.

Automotive Technology Instructional Support Associate Dennis Tuper worked with DaimlerChrysler Training Center Supervisor Dean Magnuson of Henrietta to arrange the donation of the 2003 vehicle. Tuper recently designed a transmission holder to use during trainings by the automobile company.

“We designed and constructed 26 transmission holding fixtures for all of the DaimlerChrysler training centers in the United States,” Tuper said. “As a thank you, Dean gave us the PT Cruiser as an in-kind donation.”

Tuper said students helped him create the transmission fixtures as part of their classwork. “I had some help from local businesses to make the transmission mounts,” Tuper said. “The Materials were provided by Jeffords Steel and Engineering of Potsdam and Fockler Industries of Norfolk. I also relied on the Mechanical Engineering Technology department for their high-tech machine tools.”

The automobile will be used as a learning tool. Faculty members will use the test vehicle to create problem-solving exercises, which the students will have to diagnose and repair. Most often, students will be looking for electrical problems with the car.

Magnuson also presented Tuper with a Mopar coat and two framed letters of appreciation for creating the transmission parts. “Dennis really went the extra mile,” Magnuson said.

In the past, DaimlerChrysler has donated a High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel engine. “DaimlerChrysler also donated motor oils, lubricants, cleaners, and solvents eliminating the expense of purchasing frequently used products,” Tuper said.

DaimlerChrysler often works with the college to offer professional training sessions for North Country car dealerships and technicians.