Snap-on Inc. has launched Tech, a new lifestyle publication it's gearing specifically to automotive service technicians.
The 52-page glossy magazine will be distributed four times a year to 1 million technicians, according to the Kenosha-based tool and equipment marketer.
``Our dealers visit customers every week and there is more to the relationship than tools,'' said Chris Pfaus, Snap-on vice president of marketing. ``Dealers and customers talk about family, vacations, hunting, fishing, NASCAR, hot rods-even financial planning and career development.
``Tech magazine is representative of what our customers talk to dealers about-and therefore what the customers care about.''
The company claims Tech is the first and only publication dedicated exclusively to the professional technician.
The magazine's inaugural issue included:
* A journal from an off-road motorcycling adventure that several technicians took in the deep woods of British Columbia.
* Nationally known fishing and hunting pro Joe Bucher's tips on catching spring bass.
* A close-up look at the Snap-on Chopper, built on the Discovery Channel's show ``American Chopper.''
* A tour of the RCR racing shops detailing how Richard Childress builds his winning NASCAR Nextel Cup cars.
* A feature on Lee Getzelman, who converted a 1932 Ford deuce coupe into an ``ultimate street rod,'' only to be involved in an accident. Mr. Getzelman, who was seriously injured in the crash, struggled to rebuild the car as well as his life.
Tech also features the latest information on gadgets, toys and other products on technicians' wish lists.
The company, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary, plans to hand-deliver the magazine quarterly through more than 4,000 Snap-on dealers nationwide. No subscription is necessary, and the publication is available only to technicians, not general consumers.
Snap-on said the magazine will be supported through advertisers ``interested in reaching this audience of a million in a unique manner.'' Charter advertisers include Georgia Boots and Diamond Cut Jeans. Both companies are providing special promotional offers to techs through the new publication.
In addition to hand and power tools, Snap-on product lines include diagnostics and shop equipment, tool storage products, diagnostics software and other solutions for the transportation service, industrial, government, education, agricultural and other commercial applications. Its products are sold through franchisee dealer vans, distributor channels and company direct sales, including www.snapon.com.