The trusted authority in transmission repair since 1954
Built by Rebuilders.
Trusted Worldwide.
For more than 70 years, the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association has defined what professional transmission service looks like — ethically, technically, and globally.
About the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association
Setting the standard since 1954.
ATRA was founded by a small group of independent transmission rebuilders who believed the industry deserved better — better training, better standards, and better protection for the consumers they served.
Seven decades later, that mission has only grown. ATRA is the world's largest trade association dedicated exclusively to the transmission repair industry, with members in more than 50 countries.
"Our purpose is simple — elevate every member shop, protect every consumer, and advance the transmission repair industry as a profession."
— ATRA Mission
OUR JOURNEY
Seven decades of Milestones
From a single bulletin to a global association, here's how ATRA has shaped the transmission repair industry.
1954 | The beginning in San Bernardino, Southern California
A small group of independent transmission rebuilders forms ATRA to share knowledge, raise standards, and protect consumers.
1975 | Golden Rule Warranty established
The nationwide Golden Rule Warranty Program is introduced — giving consumers consistent, member-backed protection across North America.
1965 | Moved ATRA Headquarters to Ventura, California
Originally inside transmission shop known as "Trans-King Transmissions", but is now Dave Wilkes Transmissions, home of ATRA's current President.
1980s | Technical bulletins launch
ATRA begins publishing technical bulletins — the foundation of what is now a 35,000+ document technical library.
1992 | GEARS Magazine debuts
GEARS Magazine becomes the industry's flagship publication, delivering technical, business, and association news to members worldwide.
1993 | ATRA Hosts first Satellite Seminar
The first ATRA Satellite Seminar was a landmark event for the association, held on October 23, 1993.
1992 | ATRA's Powertrain Expo debuts
The first ATRA Powertrain Expo (originally known simply as the ATRA Expo) was held in 1993. This inaugural event was a significant milestone for the association, launching shortly after the first publication of GEARS Magazine in 1992. It consolidated ATRA’s mission to provide a massive, centralized hub for technical training and industry networking.
1997 | ATRA Online debuts
The official website, atraonline.com, first launched in 1997. It was a major digital milestone for the association, moving the "Golden Rule" warranty and technical support into the internet age.
2000 | Expanded ATRA Headquarters to Oxnard, California
The association operated out of the Eastman Avenue office in Ventura, CA. This location served as the international business office during the transition years before moving to Oxnard, CA.
2020 | Online tech library & training
The Early Seeds (2000s–2010s): Before the full VTS launch, ATRA offered technical bulletins and some digital downloads via atraonline.com, but most training was still done through physical regional seminars or the "Technical Seminar" books.
2019 - 2020 | Launch of the Virtual Training Solutions (VTS) program and ATRA University.
The 2020 Pivot | In January 2020, ATRA ramped up the VTS program. The goal was to bridge the gap between trade schools and working shops, especially as the pandemic challenged in-person seminars.
2022 | Moved ATRA Headquarters to San Antonio, Texas
ATRA officially left Oxnard, California, to establish the current headquarters and research facility in China Grove, Texas.
TODAY | 72 years strong
ATRA continues to set the global standard — supporting thousands of members, training and certifying technicians, and advocating for the industry.
CODE OF ETHICS
Every ATRA member operates by the same code.
The ATRA Code of Ethics is the foundation of our association. It's what every member shop pledges to uphold — and what every customer can expect when they see the ATRA seal.
Provide honest, accurate diagnoses before any work begins.
Quote written estimates and obtain customer authorization for all repairs.
Use only quality parts and proven repair procedures.
Honor the ATRA Golden Rule Warranty without exception.
Treat every customer with fairness, courtesy, and respect.
Maintain ongoing technical training and professional standards.
Resolve disputes promptly and in good faith through ATRA arbitration
Uphold the reputation of the transmission repair industry at all times.
BY LAWS
How ATRA is governed.
The ATRA Bylaws are the operating constitution of the association — defining membership, leadership, ethics, and the processes that keep the organization accountable to its members.
Article I — Name & Purpose
Establishes the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association as a non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing the transmission repair industry through education, ethics, and member services.
Article II — Membership
Defines membership classes (Shop, Associate, International, Honorary), eligibility requirements, application procedures, dues, and the conditions under which membership may be suspended or revoked.
Article III — Board of Directors
Sets the composition, election, and terms of the Board. Directors are elected by the membership and are responsible for the strategic direction and fiduciary oversight of the association.
Article IV — Officers
Identifies the officers of ATRA — President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer — their duties, term lengths, and the process for filling vacancies.
Article V — Meetings
Governs annual membership meetings, board meetings, special meetings, notice requirements, quorum, and voting procedures.
Article VI — Code of Ethics & Discipline
Binds every member to the ATRA Code of Ethics and outlines the complaint, arbitration, and disciplinary processes that protect consumers and the integrity of the association.
Article VII — Amendments
Describes how the Bylaws may be amended, including notice to members and the supermajority vote required for adoption.
Download the full ATRA Bylaws document with the button above.
One association. Three doors. Pick yours.
Whether you drive, fix, or supply — ATRA is built to get you exactly where you need to go.