Mark Johnson, Northwest Technical College automotive instructor, and Dr. John L. Hoffman, president of NTC and Bemidji State University, were joined on February 5 by Dr. Ketmani Kouanchao, NTC executive vice president for academic affairs; Henoc Preciado, Office of the President head of staff; and Jim Walrath from the Minneapolis chapter of the Mercedez-Benz Club of America to see NTC’s new electric vehicle training station.

The Consulab EV-400 trainer, donated to NTC’s automotive program by the Mercedes-Benz Foundation, will allow students to learn techniques for servicing increasingly complex electric and hybrid vehicle motors without risk of serious injury.

Support from Walrath, a Mercedes-Benz Club of America board member and Bemidji State University alumnus, has been a driving influence behind two equipment donations to NTC’s automotive program. Walrath graduated cum laude from BSU in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and health. A four-year track and field and cross-country athlete, he was inducted into BSU’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998.

Walrath is part of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America’s Twin Cities Section, based in Minneapolis-St. Paul, dedicated to fostering appreciation for Mercedes-Benz automobiles. The club organizes driving and social events, provides technical support and promotes education through newsletters and outreach programs.