Diagnostics
ATS Euromaster has confirmed its attendance at next year’s Commercial Vehicle Show. The retail and servicing company says the event represents a major opportunity to talk to fleets of all sizes. Peter Fairlie, group sales director, says: “It’s important to have a strong presence at the Show as we are the largest commercial vehicle tyre specialist in the industry.
Omitec has announced that it will supply and provide support for diagnostic tools throughout the National Tyres and Autocare network in the UK. The equipment supplier will provide its OmiScan II professional diagnostic scan tool to all 227 branches over the summer months. Each branch will receive initial training and will have access to the Omitec support line for ongoing information. Each tool is updated on a continuous basis with the latest software releases from Omitec.
After more than two years of waiting, the European Commission’s mandatory requirement for vehicle manufacturers to fit systems to detect and avert skidding on all new cars and vans will come into force on 1 November this year. Whether they’re called ESP, ESC, VDC, VSC or any of the many other proprietary names, the proportion of new cars fitted with these systems will jump from 60 per cent of those driving off dealer forecourts (at present) to 100 per cent.
UK distributor of Hunter’s wheel alignment and tyre balancing machinery Pro-Align celebrates 20 years in the business this October, and has been running a competition through its website to celebrate. Open for a few more weeks, the company is to give a Hunter Hawkeye ‘Special’ imaging aligner worth £9,000 to the winner. Paul Beaurain, founder and managing director, Pro-Align, said: “The response to the competition has been fantastic with almost 200 businesses entering so far.
CES (UK) representatives say the parts distributor has seen “a significant increase” in its braking business over the past 5 years, now accounting for over a fifth of its parts related sales. It offers a three tier range, comprising: original equipment, original equipment matching quality and a value range. The company says that brakes’ centrality to motoring safety means that motorists generally seek the reassurance of original equipment matching quality parts, which it says is reflected in its sales. Another factor that has become important to the distributor in driving sales is its emphasis on training, and information evenings.
Norfolk-based Apex Car and Van Rental has appointed ATS Euromaster to supply tyres and a complete SMR (service, maintenance and repair) package across its 1,000-strong fleet. In announcing its selection as supplier, ATS Euromaster comments that the deal will streamline fast-fit services across the fleet’s 600 cars and 400 vans and minibuses, replacing a system which previously relied on up to ten smaller independent providers. It will also, it adds, increase fleet management efficiency throughout the rental company’s affiliates and partners.
Over a two-year period, ATS Euromaster has undertaken what it calls a “record period of investment by the company.” This includes £4 million spent on service and network enhancements last year along with its recently-announced investment plans for 2011: ATS Euromaster intends to inject a further £6 million into its UK fast-fit network in order to introduce a number of new services, including nitrogen tyre inflation, air-conditioning recharging and re-gassing plus computerised wheel alignment.
Bosch is inviting visitors to this week's Automechanika Middle to enjoy “an interactive experience illustrating how the right hardware and software can make troubleshooting, servicing and repair efficient processes – all backed up by Bosch's cross-brand expertise.” The well-known garage supplier is showcasing its extensive range of workshop equipment and will also be demonstrating its products at the event, including tools for vehicle alignment and the full spectrum of wheel servicing.
Snap-on, brand leader in diagnostic tools, software and information for the automotive market, has announced the release of the new 11.2 software download for its hand-held diagnostic tools. The latest version now includes full coverage of the manufacturer Volvo and component test meter coverage of Mercedes.
Pro-Align has added David Haydon as the latest recruit to join its wheel alignment sales team, as field sales executive in the South West. According to the company, both Pro-Align and Haydon are “bowled over” that the ex-county cricketer has brought his proven sales track record to the wheel alignment business.
Garage technology firm Omitec is promoting its latest TPMS-orientated range. According to the company, OmiCheck Service from Omitec carries the TPMS function and enables registration or re-registration of tyre pressure monitoring valves on the vehicle ECU’s. Company representatives say that the Tyre Pressure Monitoring application is “a must for anybody who removes wheels from a vehicle.” This TPMS application is designed to register a new valve or re-register the location of a wheel should it be moved from front to rear and detect when there is a tyre pressure monitoring system fault or when the valve itself needs replacing.
Keen-eyed motorists may have already spotted the first examples of a sight set to become much more familiar; ATS Euromaster has launched a new livery for its 1,000-vehicle mobile service fleet. The company decided upon a new colour scheme – including more prominent chevron safety markings – in order to enhance safety while raising brand awareness and highlighting the company’s expertise.
Good news for all Tyres & Accessories/tyrepress.com subscribers. With just a subscription and a click on the more link below you can now access the latest issue of the magazine in virtual paper format. The April issue contains features on the wheel business, the effect of raw material costs on the tyre industry and a review of some new additions to the diagnostics market.
With more than 13 million tyres being imported annually and a market that is set to grow by 12 per cent each year (according to the US commercial service), Saudi Arabia is the largest market for tyres and tubes in the Middle East region. This growth, fuelled by an ecomomy riding on high oil prices, high disposable incomes and an appetite for all things automobile, means that the Kingdom is firmly in the sights of tyre and tube manufacturers worldwide.
Tyre fitting bays and garages increasingly being convinced to do TPMS sensor work by the argument that they are giving away business to main dealers by not offering this service. The reason tyre depots haven’t done so much of this work in the past is because they are either ill-equipped or are worried about working with tyre sensors, says tyresensors.com.
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