Phoenix, Ariz. June 18, 2009. Motorists faced with the daunting task of looking for an auto repair facility they can trust, need look no further – AAA Arizona is announcing its eighth annual list of Top Shops, auto repair facilities awarded for providing customers with honest, reliable and quality service. This year, the auto club is recognizing 27 Approved Auto Repair facilities throughout the state, including nine first-time recipients and four recipients which have carried Top Shop designation since the award’s inception in 2001.

“As an advocate for the motoring public, we’ve built a network of auto repair facilities to serve as a resource for motorists seeking a reputable auto repair facility,” said Don Nunnari, vice president of membership products and services for AAA Arizona. “In addition to the two repair shops the club runs directly, we believe that these repair shops represent the best in the state.  The Top Shop award identifies and recognizes the ‘best of the best’ facilities within our network.”

To be considered for the Top Shop designation, facilities must first be a part of AAA’s Approved Auto Repair network, which is comprised of more than 150 auto repair and auto body facilities across the state. These facilities must adhere to more than 20 standards established by the auto club, including:

• Annual inspection by AAA Arizona representatives.
• Staff an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified technician or equivalent for each area of service offered.
• Guarantee effectiveness of repairs, parts, labor or components for a minimum of 12 months or 12,000 miles.
• Accept the final decision of AAA club representatives in resolving complaints concerning service to AAA members’ vehicles.

In addition to meeting AAA’s Approved Auto Repair standards, Top Shops must go the extra mile by agreeing to:

• Maintain customer surveys with at least a 90 percent approval rating.
• Remain actively involved in the community through service groups and charities.
• Uphold an exemplary business reputation.

“Top Shops exceed AAA’s stringent Approved Auto Repair requirements in terms of professional standards, integrity, customer service and community involvement,” added Nunnari.

A chart of this year’s winners is below. The number next to the auto repair or auto body’s name indicates the consecutive years the facility has earned a AAA Top Shop award.

AAA Arizona’s 2009 Top Shop award recipients were honored and presented with a plaque at a luncheon at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Phoenix on June 18.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members.  Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists.  Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.