Diagnostics
BSM Technologies Inc., a leading provider of remote monitoring, fleet management, fleet diagnostics and automated vehicle security systems, and EMS Global Tracking, part of the Global Resource Management business of EMS Technologies, Inc. said (on 3 April) that they are extending their existing reseller agreement to distribute BSM’s SecTrack products and services to Latin America.
Autologic Diagnostics Ltd will showcase its Autologic diagnostic tool at Automechanika Middle East 2011 in June. Offering an all-encompassing approach to vehicle diagnostics, the software allows for garages to operate independently with success. The UK-based manufacturer has announced it will participate at Automechanika Middle East for the first time in 2011. According to the company, the firm’s participation is in order to increase market awareness of the brand in the GCC region and to introduce their innovative products and services to this fast emerging market.
It might not be regarded as diagnostics per se, but Pro-Align recently announced the launch of ‘TouchRemote’, an iPhone App’ which gives users full wireless remote operation of Hunter WinAlign alignment systems. For maximum workshop flexibility, users can monitor live vehicle measurements, control WinAlign software features and view vehicle specific adjustment illustrations and digital images directly on their iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad.
When talking of diagnostic equipment, many immediately think of engine analysers, hand-held electronic devices, but very few put wheel aligners or specialist balancers in that category. However, wheel service equipment specialist Pro-Align is keen to promote its comprehensive range of equipment designed to help workshops diagnose and solve many wheel and tyre related problems such as uneven tyre wear, difficult wheel vibration issues, vehicle pull or crooked steering wheels.
On 22 May SPX Corporation announced that it had completed the acquisition of Stockport-based Teradyne Diagnostics Solutions. Teradyne Diagnostics is a global supplier of diagnostic solutions for transportation OEMs and automotive dealerships, tier-one suppliers and independent service providers. Terms of the purchase have not been released, but the transaction includes operations near Manchester, Brussels, Munich, Detroit and Tokyo. Teradyne employs about 200 employees and generated revenue equivalent to $40 million in 2010.
Remember the TAC-Scan technology RL Automotive and Tire Profiles Inc launched at SEMA 2008? (see related links below) T&A mentioned at the time that a machine capable of predicting tyre wear sounds like science fiction. But what was first put to use in top-flight motorsport applications such as Formula One, has now landed in tyre retail in India it may surprise you to learn that some of the most discerning technicians in the tyre business are already using prototypes based on exactly the same technology.
Glenrothes based Alba Diagnostics Ltd, purportedly the manufacturer of the world’s “number one brake fluid tester” has appointed Gavin Wheeler as its new UK sales manager. With experience in the motor trade, Wheeler has both a mechanical background, linked with what his new employer called “a first-class track record” in sales.
ATS Euromaster has launched a new payment card named ‘ATS Assist’, offering a single payment option for all motoring needs, regardless of vehicle type, covering drivers for everything from tyres to fuel and windscreen replacement to vehicle rental. Individual cards available for every car, van, truck and trailer. A single weekly or monthly invoice is sent to managers detailing all transactions, vehicle by vehicle, eliminating the need for drivers to collect receipts and claim expenses, thus reducing administration. The collective online information also provides a clear fleet cost analysis, enabling businesses to identify purchasing trends and potential cost savings more readily.
Leyton Service Centre, a successful garage for over 10 years recently decided to utilise the space in its garage more efficiently by installing a Class VII Tecalemit MoT bay and a Visualiner 3D Lite UK-Lift version 3D car Wheel Aligner from Euro Garage Solutions (EGS).
MOT testing stations in the UK now have the choice to opt for automatic test lanes (ATLs) to greatly enhance the testing procedure and reduce the labour burden, as only one person is required to complete the MOT test. Owner Bill Butt’s aim is to generate more business by working more efficiently. In addition by opting for a Class VII with its long platform and 5 and a half-metre lift the garage can now cater for the LCV market.
He also wanted the latest equipment to accurately measure wheel alignment and knew the John Bean 3D Alignment was the answer. With motorists becoming more aware that wheel alignment is an important check on a car he was looking for the solution to provide accurate results. Bill Butt wanted Leyton to move with the times and ensure they invest in the business future with quality equipment.
The recent Brityrex exhibition saw Tyresensors.com exhibit featured the company’s range of Schrader OE replacement sensors and service kits, not to mention the firm’s ATEQ line of TPMS trigger tools, which it exclusively distributes in the UK. So how did the exhibition go?
“A lot of people were interested in TPMS in generally as well as our parts in particular,” managing director Ian Smith told Tyres & Accessories, adding that the company’s ATEQ tool demos had the effect of drawing visitors in. As a result the company representatives report that they made “a lot” of good contacts, with a real emphasis on the quality of the leads gained.
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While the latest European Truck Customer Survey suggests that vehicle uptime has overtaken fuel efficiency as the most pressing concern on the minds of fleet operators, ATS Euromaster has continued to view both aspects of fleet service with similar importance. Peter Fairlie, group sales director with the firm, suggests that ATSE has retained a focus on helping fleet managers to “cut their running costs” across the board, through such measures as tyre husbandry, an increase in emphasis on mobile repair units and “ramping up” its service offering to accommodate fleet vehicles’ longer deployment.
Centrum International Ltd. is a new name for Tyres & Accessories, but as a newcomer in the sector we thought it was right to let the market know who’s out there now. According to the company, Centrum is “a young and dynamic auto garage equipment manufacturer.” The firm, which was founded in 2004, is based in Hong Kong with production facilities in China. Centrum’s production factory facilities are located in Yingkou city in China’s Liaoning province.
Show organiser Promotec is calling for UK manufacturers, distributors, motor factors, repair specialists and bodyshops to “seek new buying and supply partnerships” at its international exhibition of automotive equipment and aftermarket products Autopromotec. The organiser expects an increased number of exhibitors to attend the 2011 show on 25–29 May, at the Bologna Trade Fair Centre, Italy. Autopromotec 2009 attracted a record 1,443 exhibiting companies from 47 countries and 101,620 visitors from all over the world. The UK looks likely to be the fourth largest overseas exhibitor, behind the USA, Germany and China. A new section of the show dedicated to heavy duty parts and equipment is also designed to attract specialists from this market for the first time, the organiser states.
Plans to increase the number of ATS Euromaster outlets equipped for MOT testing are “on target”, the fast-fitter reports. By the end of the year 100 centres throughout the UK will be able to offer an MOT test service, an increase of 20 per cent. ATS Euromaster says a similar increase is scheduled for 2011.
From 2012 European legislation dictates that all new cars will be fitted with tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). With many modern vehicles already being fitted with them and the pressure watching technology due to become mandatory Tyres & Accessories has researched and compiled the latest information on the subject in order to answer the question: how will TPMS change the tyre retail business?
To start off with, there certainly appears to be a need for it. The 2008 Annual Tyre Pressure Review undertaken by Kwik-Fit found just over 46 per cent of cars tested had at least one tyre underinflated. Scaled up to represent the current level of UK registrations, this means that a staggering 12.46 million cars could be running on the roads like this, using £1.5 billion pounds of extra fuel and creating literally thousands of extra tons of carbon emissions. That 30 per cent extra tyre wear also means that an unnecessary 108,000 tyres each year have to be manufactured and disposed of too.
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