Bosch Esitronic software allows work on access-protected Mercedes-Benz vehicles
From September 2020 onwards, all new vehicle models in Europe must be equipped with secure diagnostic access in accordance with EU Regulation 2018/858. This regulation provides for the protection of vehicle electronics against manipulation and unauthorized access. Following FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), Mercedes-Benz AG, among others, is now also introducing such safety measures in a two-stage concept. By means of update 2020/1.02, workshops using Bosch Esitronic workshop software will receive the necessary software update to perform comprehensive diagnostic, service and repair tasks without any restrictions even on Mercedes-Benz vehicles with secured diagnostic access.
Continue ReadingSnap-On offers online tool-matcher
Snap-on has devised a way of making it easier for professional technicians to find the right Snap-On Intelligent Diagnostics-enabled platform for their needs with the addition of a tool matcher feature on its website.
Continue ReadingTexa presents Axone Nemo 2 diagnostics tool
Already a Texa bestseller, the introduction of the latest edition of the Axone Nemo series brings with it added processing power, communication speed and multi-environment software. This means the same diagnostic hardware can be used across the car, truck, off-highway, bike and marine environments.
Continue ReadingWet winter, dry spring increase harvest tyre checks importance
Michelin has urged farmers to pay close attention to the condition of their tyres as they head into the harvest season. Gordon Brookes, customer engineering support manager at Michelin, explains: “We would always recommend a thorough inspection of your harvester tyres before you get the machine out into the field, but this year it’s probably more important than ever.
Continue ReadingDenso webinars ‘go from strength to strength’
Introduced in response to the coronavirus crisis to provide technicians with ongoing training during the restrictions imposed by the country’s lockdown measures, Denso Aftermarket’s webinar programme has proved immensely popular. As a result, alongside the original air conditioning and thermal management modules, which will remain, new product categories will join them as the company shares its wealth of technical knowledge derived from decades of original equipment design and production experience.
Continue ReadingPeak petrol – has UK hit auto landmark unnoticed?
Following the SMMTs June round of car registrations figures, analyst Deloitte wonders if there is cause to think a UK automotive landmark has passed. While much of the focus has been on the historic depths the countrys car sales have hit, the proportional demand for hybrid and electric vehicles has continued to rise at pace. Michael Woodward, UK automotive lead, Deloitte, said: “The automotive industry is taking positive steps towards recovery from the impact of COVID-19. Socially-distanced showrooms have been reopened in England for a full month, and factory production is ramping up again, in some cases faster than expected.
Continue ReadingCautious optimism on car sales from NFDA
Commenting on the SMMT car registration figures, Sue Robinson, director of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK, said: “Pent-up demand helped sales during the first weeks, but the market will need to be monitored closely to support the sector over the coming months”
Continue ReadingVan market shrinks -24.8 per cent in June – SMMT
UK new car registrations fell -34.9 per cent in June, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) as the market began a tentative restart after more than two months of lockdown. The drop was an improvement on May’s -89.0 per cent wipe-out but, with 145,377 new car registrations, this still represented a significant decline of 78,044 compared with June 2019, as dealerships in Wales and Scotland remained closed for much of the month.
Continue ReadingUK new car market down a third as tentative restart reveals subdued demand
UK new car registrations fell -34.9 per cent in June, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) as the market began a tentative restart after more than two months of lockdown. The drop was an improvement on May’s -89.0 per cent wipe-out but, with 145,377 new car registrations, this still represented a significant decline of 78,044 compared with June 2019, as dealerships in Wales and Scotland remained closed for much of the month.
Continue ReadingFowler Welch renews contract with Bandvulc Tyres
Fowler Welch has extended its long-running tyre fitment and management contract with Continental Tyres subsidiary and retread specialist Bandvulc. Continental and Bandvulc tyres will be specified across the entire Fowler Welch fleet of 450 Euro 6 trucks and 750 temperature-controlled trailer units for a further three years, continuing the relationship between the companies, who have worked together since 2011.
Continue ReadingVenson urges businesses to prioritise mental well-being for drivers
A recent study has revealed that a driver’s average working week increased by almost five hours during lockdown, as many played a key role in keeping the country moving during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. As lockdown eases and brings new fleet management challenges, Venson Automotive Solutions is asking businesses to ensure the extra hours undertaken during lockdown and the new processes being accommodated to address relaxed social distancing, don’t take a toll on drivers’ mental and physical well-being. While most businesses know what to do to keep their vehicles safely on the road, they can sometimes miss the signs of an employee being under stress.
Continue ReadingStrong focus on agriculture during Covid-19 lockdown – Apollo Vredestein
Apollo Vredestein tells Tyres & Accessories that it has focused strongly on the agricultural sector of the market during the Covid-19 lockdown. Although some of the wider company’s employees were “placed on furlough leave,” its agricultural team was kept functional with some home working facilities provided by the company. Just prior to UK entering lock down, Apollo Vredestein’s UK team, anticipating what had already happened in other European countries, doubled UK stock levels of agricultural products, as reported by Tyres & Accessories. This was also supported by transfer of resources in manufacturing and administration to allow continued agricultural tyre production in the factories.
Continue ReadingSensata cutting 160 jobs in Northern Ireland
TPMS sensor manufacturer Sensata Technologies is cutting 160 jobs in the town of Antrim, Northern Ireland. The news follows Sensata’s decision to close its Carrickfergus, County Antrim operation in January 2020. And this was part of a downward trend that saw the company cut 125 jobs in Carrickfergus in 2018.
Continue ReadingFirst Highway Heroes win Goodyear tyres
The UK’s first Highway Heroes have received public recognition and some Goodyear tyres. During April and May, Goodyear invited nominations via LinkedIn for deserving commercial operatives, with one winner chosen each month to receive a brand-new set of premium tyres for their personal vehicle.
Continue ReadingBridgestone subsidises training to assist customers ramp up post-lockdown
Bridgestone is providing supported training courses aimed at getting commercial customers back on their feet following lockdown. During the third quarter, the company’s comprehensive range of accreditations – which helped secure three National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) staff training awards in the past five years – are to be offered at heavily subsidised rates to dealers for the first time. By providing the wide range of qualifications, Bridgestone hopes to re-engage with - and empower - technicians and ensure its network of commercial partners provide a premium service when answering fleet calls.
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