Hella branding to remain, Megamacs ‘product trilogy’ a key example

We visited Hella UK’s headquarters to hear about the official launch of the latest “trilogy” of Hella Gutmann Solutions (HGS) mega macs diagnostics and ADAS products. But since the news that Hella and Faurecia are joining forces was announced on 1 February, and since, as a result we now know the firms will use the umbrella brand Forvia moving forward, let’s begin with the latest details on the integration.

Post-integration Forvia will be grouped according to application. Electronics & Software, Lighting and Lifecycle Solutions (of which Hella Gutmann Solutions is a part) will continue using the well-respected Hella Gutmann brand name for the foreseeable future. But particular post-share-acquisition synergies mean Faurecia aftermarket products become available to Hella.

Neil Hilton, head of Hella Gutmann UK, demonstrating the versatile digital ADAS calibration system’s capabilities (Photo: Chris Anthony, Tyre Industry Publications Ltd)

The clearest example of that is the Easy2Fit exhaust system. Further details will be available at end of April, but one key selling point is that it is a boxed exhaust system that can be assembled and fitted by one person. That approach brings withe it clear logistics benefits. Rather than one reference per pallet, Easy2Fit makes up to 14 references per pallet possible. And therefore, smaller order requirements and greater flexibility is possible.

Having shared those details, Hella managing director Neil Grant handed over to the head of Hella Gutmann UK, Neil Hilton, to formally announce the launch of the Hella Gutmann mega macs X, the macsRemote and CSC-Digital.

“Hella Gutmann is widely recognised throughout Europe as a leader in diagnostic technology,” explained Hilton, “but with the introduction of mega macs X and macsRemote, we’ve not just raised the bar, we’ve changed the landscape.

“Not only is the mega macs X very different in appearance to other diagnostic devices, it’s also the most advanced tool Hella Gutmann has ever developed. It incorporates the processor, diagnostic software and integrated diagnostic protocols, which includes among others, the CAN FD and DoIP for recent vehicle models such as Škoda Octavia, Volvo XC 90 and Volkswagen Golf 8, but communicates on a wireless basis.

Cyber security solutions

The latest cyber security requirements can mean that garages have purchased half a dozen manufacturer-specific tool, each running on different platforms. Perhaps the most attractive feature of the latest mega macs tools is their ability to address that problem.

Software-wise, the mega macs X sees Hella Gutmann Solutions enable garages to connect to its “trust-house” and from there to the OEMs (Fiat, VW, Volvo and JLR are all already on it) only once per user rather than each and every time. And with a single piece of kit and software. Hella Gutmman were the first ones to adopt this approach 12 months ago. Eventually, all diagnostic tool-makers will have to comply.

Sticking with diagnostic tools, the macsRemote provides another game-changing solution, which specifically addresses diagnostic access to newer vehicles that even the most up-to-date aftermarket tools cannot cater for.

“In short,” Hilton continued, “macsRemote allows independent workshops to legitimately access the vehicle manufacturer’s (VM) own tools, to diagnose diagnostic faults and activate solutions, to any vehicle from the moment it leaves the showroom, which means that no vehicle is anymore out of bounds to the independent!”

With all the features it offers, the mega macs X Is far more than a VCI tool. Rather it is everything but a screen. Why no screen? Because the system can connect to any screen – Android, Windows, iOS, Unix, Linux. Alternatively, you can buy the accompanying HGS tablet. Up to three external display devices can connect to the same MMX at the same time. Two more supplementary measurement devices are available, including – coming soon – MT-HV (high voltage), the measurement module. The latter is designed explicitly with EVs in mind.

Neil Hilton gave an example of one garage that has six different OE devices, which all work differently and all have expensive licence fees. Mega macs is not cheap and also has licences, but its comprehensive design makes it more efficient and economical overall. That takes care of approximately 80 – 85 per cent of the market in one go. However, macs remote takes up any slack by offering a pay as you go alternative that prevents independent garages having to send customers back to main dealers.

Last, but by no means least, Hilton introduced the CSC-Digital, the company’s third and latest advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) camera/radar calibration solution, which sits alongside its existing CSC-Tool SE and CSC-Mobile offerings.

“The CSC-Tool Digital is the latest ADAS calibration evolution,” said Hilton, “and so everything that’s possible with the analogue tools also works with the digital version, but faster and more efficiently.

“However, the digital tool also has some additional benefits, for example, the targets required for the front cameras are accessed via remote control and an Apple TV box, which are then simply projected onto a screen, so there’s no need to store and carry around the large-format targets. This saves both time and money because currently many different targets are required for the vehicles that are commonly used in the UK.

“With these three introductions, Hella Gutmann has developed the solutions that provide independents with a route to remain at the forefront of the service and repair sector, and rightfully and effectively, compete with the VM franchised dealer network,” Hilton concluded.

And while corporate integrations are always complicated, the potential aftermarket synergies that come with Faurecia’s 80 per cent acquisition of Hella mean there are plenty of independent aftermarket opportunities for Forvia in the future.

What Hella Gutmann Solutions calls the “the perfect trilogy” (Photo: Hella Gutmann Solutions)