Ferrari is upgrading all its Hunter conventional sensor wheel alignment systems to incorporate new digital imaging technology. For the last 12 years every new car made at Ferrari’s Maranello plant has received a final ‘Hunter’ wheel alignment check before leaving Maranello, according to Pro-Align.
Snap-on Diagnostics has announced a five year “Peace of Mind” plan for its Sun DGA 2500 Combi MoT-approved gas and smoke diagnostic emissions analyser.
Terry Smith, European Marketing Manager of Snap-on Diagnostics, said that the plan was introduced as a result of the company’s 40 years’ experience in the UK automotive aftermarket and its constant communication with its customers.
He says: “Customers will be able to enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that their Sun DGA 2500 Combi is protected with a five year parts and labour warranty, five years’ VOSA vehicle limits software updates plus five years’ calibrations, supported by our own UKAS accredited Field Technicians.”
The plan is available at a typical weekly cost of just over £40.
From the 1 August B&J Rocket Sales AG will be located in new offices. According to executive manager, A Mueller, the previous arrangements were based on a number of small single offices and therefore were not as conducive to “communication and teamwork between staff” as they might have been. That’s why the company has relocated to open plan office space.
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Maha UK has reported that it is the first company to achieve class IV and VII GEA and VOSA approval for test equipment for Automatic Test Lanes (ATLs). The introduction of Automatic Test Lanes, (ATL) and one-man operation is due to be introduced by VOSA in September 2005.
The Snap-on Solus is the latest addition to the equipment manufacturer’s series of hand-held diagnostic tools.
Designed to provide the technician with faster performance and more diagnostic data the product has a much larger display than previous models, taking the technology used in Scanner to a higher level.
Beissbarth’s wheel aligner technology has been chosen by SEAT to see it through a busy international race season. The SEAT Sport UK team has selected the ML8R Microline Easy Wheel Aligner to ensure the chassis set-up is optimised for each race.
Speaking for the SEAT team, Grant Clearwater said: “It’s important for SEAT Sport UK to be able to rely on the equipment that we use to deliver accurate information every time, this is one of the many reasons why we haven chosen Beissbarth.”
Bosch has released the updated 2005 version of its range of DVD-based technical information, ESI[tronic]. The new version of the company’s software package will provide garage technicians with more technical knowledge for problem solving on a wider range of modern vehicles.
(Southern Africa/SA Treads) Bandag has launched ProWheel, a tyre tracking software aimed at small and medium sized fleets that require constant, up-to-date monitoring, as opposed to complex reporting.
Introduced as part of Bandag’s aim to offer fleet solutions it believes the new product will assist in the overall reduction of operating costs. Bandag describes the system as having a “practical and easy-to-use interface which will enable its users to comfortably navigate through the system.”
The system was developed with the intention of automating the tyre recording and controlling function by migrating users from a manual system to an electronic format. It records tyre location, mileage, purchase and retread costs and CPK for scrapped tyres. Once this information has been recorded, the system makes a provision for an official report in the form of a Tyre Card containing the entire tyre history.
ATS Euromaster has lunched an on-line authorisation service for commercial vehicle fleet operators.
In the past, authorisation for work required, has been carried out over the phone, sometimes causing delays or carrying the risk of possible disputes later on. The new system, which is being piloted at the moment and will be available to all ATS Euromaster account holders, will eliminate these potential problems.
Bandvulc Tyres will be showcasing Bandvulc Tyre Contracts (BTC), its tyre management system, at this year’s CV show, having committed £1/4 million to create semi-intelligent reporting software.
A selection of tyres will also be on show, including the BD04 295/80R22.5 new generation drive axle tyre, the BDE1, 225/75R17.5 bead-to-bead remould and the B2K 385/65R22.5 super single tyre for trailers.
John Bean is offering visitors to the ATS/CV show the chance to win a GPS satellite navigation system. In association with UK Equipment Group John Bean will be running a ‘3D Alignment Time Trial’ where, the person who aligns the car in the shortest time wins the system.
Competitors will be using the Visualiner 3D Arago, which the company says is one of the fastest alignment systems on the market. The system uses 3D digital imaging technology, and does not require run-out compensation or levelling of the measuring targets. It’s Windows XP software guides the operator through the measuring procedure and provides full alignment readings within four minutes says UK Equipment Group.
ATS Euromaster has introduced a new customer reward scheme in a bid to strengthen its support for managers of small to medium size fleets. The ‘In Roads’ scheme, which is being supported by Michelin, is designed to provide an extensive package of business and driver benefits, explains the company.
Dedicated support packages will be offered covering duty of care, specialist technical advice, a business fund redeemable against business products and services and a clear environmental policy. Regular reports and statements will also be provided together with fleet management software.
Beru has appointed a new corporate communications and manager. Gala Conrad will be responsible for investor relations and corporate communications and will replace Stephen Hass, who left to company for another position in the industry. Before joining Beru Ms Conrad worked as a journalist in Silicon Valley and was later in charge of communications at Aston Tate and 3Com in Central Europe and was responsible for corporate and capital market communications at IXOS Software AG.
Continental AG is expanding its automobile manufacturer and supplier engineering services. “For 2005 we are aiming to achieve corporate sales volumes in the double-digit million range,” said Continental executive board member, Dr Karl-Thomas Neumann. “In the area of vehicle dynamics and suspension control in particular we are filling a niche that to date has hardly been tackled by engineering service providers, as only very few companies have the required broad technical knowledge of automotive brakes, chassis, electronics and tyres,” explained Dr Neumann.
Truck tyre retreader, Bandvulc Tyres, has appointed Richard Quadling as its new software developer. Through its new recruit the company is aiming to improve its existing systems, and provide enhanced reporting facilities and systems integration.
Mr Quadling joins Bandvulc after 15 years at Carval Computing where he specialised in programming bespoke applications, point of sale and accounts development.
“I love programming and the degree of problem solving the discipline requires,” says Richard Quadling, software developer, Bandvulc Tyres. “Having previously designed software for Bandvulc as a contractor, I know that the work here will be extremely interesting. It also means that I can combine the high quality of life that staying in the region brings, with a challenging and rewarding career,” he adds.
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