New Auto World creates one-stop shop for vehicle service

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Scott Saldukas
  • 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The new and improved Kapaun Auto Hobby Center opened for business after a grand-opening ceremony and chain-cutting March 18. 

The new center is one of three components that make up the new KMC Auto World. The other two are the Ramstein Auto Hobby Center and the Auto Recycling Center. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the Ramstein center is scheduled for 2 p.m. Mar. 27 at building 2136. It will officially be open for business Monday. 

"He had a vision and did everything he could for the project while doing all of this work with volunteers," Lt. Col. Dawn Lancaster, 435th Services Squadron commander, said about Douglas "DW" Curtis, manager of the Kapaun Auto Hobby Center. 

"As a manager, the goal was to make something unique and convenient in the KMC," Mr. Curtis said. "The only reason we are now open is because of the customers, we are here for the customers." 

With his motto, "Driven to keep you driving," people can understand that the grand opening was a big deal to Mr. Curtis. He was most excited to tell everyone what they will now be able offer to the KMC. 

The auto hobby center now offers six self-help service bays, parts department, full service Xpress lube, permanent change of station cleaning, auto detailing, vehicle storage, towing center, auto disposal, a bid lot and stereo installations. 

The hours of operation of the auto hobby center are: Self help, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday; Mechanical service and parts department and the Xpress Oil Change, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. 

Service members shipping a vehicle will be able to do so at one centralized location due to the new set up on Kapaun. It has been arranged so that everything they need is within walking distance as they prepare their vehicle to be shipped. 

Another key element that center offers is the full service Xpress lube that will allow ID card holders to get a quick, quality oil change during the work day. The full service Xpress lube only allows customers to get an oil change, which will prevent the waiting time from getting to long. The center also has six self service bays and everything needed for those that like to work on their own vehicle. 

"Customers can come in and use our equipment and as long they put everything back and clean up after themselves. They won't have to worry about lugging tools around wherever they go," said Mr. Curtis. 

Auto World was designed to make servicing automobiles easier and more convenient for service members and their families, the opening of these centers now makes that goal a reality.