New ATEQ TPMS Tools

Performance Wheels Ltd, distributors of the award winning Tyresure aftermarket tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) have been appointed as the official UK distributor for the ATEQ range of TPMS trigger tools, headed by the capable new ATEQ VT55 OBDII. ATEQ is reportedly the global number one supplier of TPMS trigger and activation tools both for OEM assembly lines and aftermarket ‘fast fit’ and tuning shops. With offices in 22 countries and over 5,000 major customers, their range is already used and approved in over 270 OEM installations worldwide. Their sales figures of over 30,000 TPMS products annually reflect the fact that they are used on almost every production line of almost every global manufacturer.

With TPMS set to become a legal requirement by 2012, company representatives said the timing of the deal is perfect. The ATEQ units simply plug into any cars OBDII port to allow the unit to interrogate and update the integrated central electronics system to ‘marry’ any new TPMS sensors to the car. Not only is the ATEQ hardware compatible with ALL currently known TPMS sensors, but it also has in-built synchronisation software that ensures that it stays up to date with all new TPMS sensors introduced each year. Already in use at franchise level with manufacturers like Chrysler and Peugeot, the tool can communicate with manufacturers’ systems like Renault, Citroen, Peugeot, Honda, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Nissan to name but a few.

With a high-capacity internal Li-ON rechargeable battery, the VT55 is used as a hand-held device in the workshop for ease and convenience. Its large, clear graphic display easily displays all salient tyre sensor information and allows quick and easy selection by manufacturer. In addition to the latest advanced stream coding technology that can trigger and decode sensors much faster and far more accurately than previous generation tools, the unit also features a USB interface to allow rapid interface and upgrade via the internet. Meaning as the market and technology advances, business owners can stay at the forefront of the latest developments.

Upon launching the product in the UK, Performance Wheels managing director, Ian Smith said: “We are genuinely excited about bringing this product into the domestic market. It is the perfect addition to any fast fit tyre operation, franchised or specialist workshop, or wheel and tyre retailer. With an ever-burgeoning market for TPMS and mandatory status on the horizon, it will be the workshops that invest in the technology now that will be ahead of the curve when demand explodes, with a very real opportunity to gain market share.” In addition to the trigger tool, Performance wheels will also offer a comprehensive range of replacement TPMS sensors, service kits and workshop tools for every TPMS application, direct from their UK facility and e-commerce site.

As well as the numerous OEM applications, the New ATEQ units also provide top-end wheel and tyre retailers the chance to offer aftermarket packages with full TPMS compatibility and function. A facet that could possibly have far-reaching implications into the future. ‘Although it has not been confirmed yet, our initial discussions with major insurers has lead us to believe that once the systems become mandatory in 2012 on new cars, aftermarket wheel and tyre packages that don’t include full TPMS functionality may have a detrimental effect on levels of cover – possibly voiding it all together in the event of a tyre-related incident.’ explained Smith.

With franchised dealer TPMS resets currently costing anywhere from £65-£ 125,  the ATEQ at just £885 + VAT should recoup its original purchase price within a very realistic period – Typically 25 resets for a specialist outfit based on a unit price of £35-£40.