TOPDON US Selects UTI as Its First Partner for Postsecondary Transportation Education

As a provider of cutting-edge technology and advanced tools for auto repair professionals and enthusiasts, TOPDON US is partnering with Universal Technical Institute (UTI), the transportation, skilled trades and energy education division of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. The new five-year partnership is TOPDON’s first agreement with a post-secondary educational institution focused on transportation programs. TOPDON will initially support UTI’s emerging program to train students on electric vehicle (EV) maintenance and repair.

“Our partnership with UTI represents an exciting opportunity to support an educational institution working with students across the country,” said Chad Schnitz, vice president of TOPDON USA. “In the past, our TOP-UP initiatives have focused on supporting local community schools and automotive training programs. UTI is a nationally recognized leader in training, education and development of students pursuing skilled trades education and careers. This is an exciting step forward in our mission to foster the next generation of automotive and transportation professionals across the country.”

Through the TOP-UP Initiative, TOPDON’s partnership will initially support UTI-Rancho Cucamonga, UTI-Sacramento and UTI-Long Beach, which offer UTI’s EV training curriculum. Among the diagnostic tools being provided by TOPDON are the Phoenix Max with EV Kits and the Tornado120000. TOPDON’s newest automotive diagnostic scanner, the Phoenix Max, features a 13.3-inch screen with a wide array of functionalities, including a docking station, ADAS compatibility and Topology Mapping that shows all car systems in one view. The Tornado120000 professional smart programming power supply is designed to provide efficient charging and voltage stabilization for vehicles equipped with 12V batteries.

“As a leading provider of in-demand automotive and transportation training, UTI is focused on offering programs that prepare our students to begin their careers in these fields,” said UTI division president Tracy Lorenz. “As the EV market matures and technology expands, UTI is pleased to work with TOPDON to prepare our students to work with these sophisticated machines. TOPDON’s Phoenix Max and Tornado120000 are valuable resources that complement our curriculum and give our students the practical experience they need to repair and maintain EVs.”

UTI is among one of the nation’s first training institutes to offer a training program on the repair and maintenance of EVs, per the press release. The curriculum, currently being taught at five UTI campuses nationwide, will gradually be rolled out to other campuses in the UTI system.

TOPDON’s TOP-UP program was created as a global initiative and introduced in the U.S. in 2022. The U.S. program supports community colleges and trade schools, as well as programs at higher learning institutions dedicated to building up the automotive trade workforce. The five-year agreement with UTI includes a donation of TOPDON’s professional series of tools, including the Phoenix Max and Tornado120000, as well as product discounts for students and alumni of the college.