• Omitec Announces Updates
• VOSA’s New ‘Traffic Light’ enforcement scheme
• TRW Offers Free Toolkit
• New ATL Package
• New ACDelco Team
• New Unipart Oil Range
• Trade Group “Provides Choice”
Omitec announces updates
Omitec, manufacturers of high performance diagnostics equipment have now released Version 13 Software to their range OmiScan (handset based) and OmiPro (PC Based) scan tools. Version 13 features software application updates to: Alfa Romeo, Citroën, Fiat, Ford, MG Rover, Peugeot, Renault, Vauxhall as well as intensive application additions to BMW.
The Version 13 updates features new and improved applications on selected manufacturers and vehicles. These include Engine Management Systems (Petrol and Diesel), ABS, SRS, Auto Transmission, Diesel Particulate Filter Re-set, Diesel Injector Programming, An extensive range of Body Control Modules, TPMS, Climate Control, Park Distance Control, Electronic Parking Brake Systems and Airbag.
John Watkins, Chairman of Omitec said ‘We have recently extended our engineering resource significantly in terms of man power and consequently the frequency of the updates and indeed the content of the Version 13 release has been exceptional. Existing customers would be well advised to keep up to date as we all know automotive technology continues to move and change at a rapid pace’
For further information on the OmiScan and OmiPro range of diagnostics tools or obtaining Version 13 Software for your existing Omitec Diagnostic kit please contact Omitec on 01380 732000.
MOT Workshop Magazine
TRW Automotive Aftermarket Offers Free Tool Kit With Every Easy Brake Tool Sold During November
TRW Automotive Aftermarket has announced a product promotion to celebrate its unique Easy Brake Tool. The company is giving away a high quality tool kit and leather-carrying case with every Easy Brake Tool sold during November. TRW’s Easy Brake Tool (part number YCB300) allows mechanics to safely and efficiently replace brake pads on vehicles which are fitted with the Electric Park Brake (EPB) system.
Andy Long, marketing manager for TRW Automotive Aftermarket, UK, said: “A vast number of advanced technologies are entering the automotive aftermarket and workshops need the correct diagnostic equipment in order to stay in business. As a leading original equipment manufacturer, TRW is committed to supporting its customers and the industry in general to gain access to the latest vehicle technology. With our Easy Brake Tool, independent garages can now provide a professional braking service, as increasing numbers of cars with electric park brakes head their way”.
TRW’s EPB technology is an integrated system that interfaces with the vehicle’s own computer systems. It functions as a conventional hydraulic brake for standard service brake applications, and as an electric brake for parking and emergency braking. The system is now available on an increasing number of vehicles including the VW Passat, the Audi A6 and A8.
The device consists of electronic components and a microprocessor which are housed inside a robust aluminum casing, and an OBD (On Board Diagnosis) II plug with a 30 cm cable and cord grip which are attached to the casing. The Easy Brake Tool functions by communicating directly with the vehicle’s control unit using the OBD interface. This allows the mechanic to detach the brake pistons to replace the brake pads. The tool is operated using three buttons and three LEDs which indicate the on and off status, and if error codes have been detected.
In addition to servicing TRW’s EPB technology, the tool is also compatible with electric park brake systems produced from other manufacturers.
To obtain your free tool kit, fill in the YCB300 registration form and fax or post back to TRW. Offer available while stocks last.
MOT Workshop Magazine
New ATL Package For Class IV and Class VII
Codi 9 ATL
Due to ever-increasing demand, Codi International is this month launching a complete automatic test lane (ATL) package from the Danish specialists HH Intertech.
The VOSA approved ATL package comprises brake tester, brake test control unit, vehicle lift with play detector and headlamp alignment unit. There is a full range of equipment to meet both Class IV and Class VII standards. The brake testers are PC controlled, store individual tests for a minimum of a year and provide print-outs.
The test, operated by an infra red remote, automatically calculates brake efficiency of service and parking brakes, incorporates axle weighing and has a manual facility for testing four wheel drive vehicles. The roller unit of the brake tester is of robust quality construction with hot dip galvanised chassis.
A variety of lifts are available with the ATL package. There is a Class IV electro-hydraulic 4-post lift with a 4.56 metre platform, and a similar Class VII lift with a 5.2 metre platform. Both lifts are 4 tonne capacity with a number of impressive safety features, including mechanical safety lock device in case of rope breaking, 24V ‘dead man’ controls, overload safety devices, automatic descent control, and safety valves for sudden loss of pressure. The lifts have recessed platforms for play detectors and turn plates. A Class VII 5 tonne scissor lift with a similar specification is also available where workshop space is at a premium.
To complete the package, Codi International also offers a quality headlamp alignment unit and a pit play detector.
Further information on the HH Intertech ATL package is available from Codi International, Abbey Lodge, Monmouth Road, Tintern, Chepstow, NP16 6SF, telephone 01291 689427, email info@codi-international.com or by visiting the company’s website at www.codi-international.com
MOT Workshop Magazine
New ACDelco Team Set To Accelerate UK Aftermarket Growth
ACDelco – one of the most widely recognised brands within the worldwide aftermarket – has disclosed details of a new and experienced management team that has been put in place to help thecompany implement its ambitious UK growth strategy.
Serving to support recently appointed Sales & Marketing Director Lee Quinney, who heads up the operation, is an initial three-strong UK salesforce. Briefed with driving forward the company’s expansion programme, the sales team will initially target a diverse cross-section of motor factors, independent distributors and other specialist automotive parts outlets, the aim being to increase ACDelco’s UK customer base from 80 to 200 by the year-end.
The structure of the sales team sees Anthony Ratcliffe covering the north of the country and Ireland, whilst newly appointed Alan Barker has assumed responsibility for the Midlands and Russell Shea the Southern regions.
Since joining the UK motor industry in 1992, Anthony Ratcliffe has worked as a Branch Manager with Edmunds Walker and assumed the position of Area Sales Manager with Corteco Limited (Freudenberg Aftermarket).
Joining ACDelco from Brake Engineering where he held the position of Business Development Manager, Alan Barker has held a number of managerial posts in a career spanning some 21 years with such leading names as Serck Marston, Loctite UK Limited and Delphi Lockheed Automotive.
Equally experienced in the UK automotive aftermarket is Russell Shea, who joins ACDelco having spent seven years with Valeo Service (UK) Limited where he worked as Business Development Manager.
Other members of the ACDelco team include Finance Manager, Jakina Matthews, whilst the customer services operation is headed by Customer Services Manager Nicky Keep. Furthermore, having recently switched its operation to a new head office and warehousing facility in Luton, parts storage, warehousing and logistics are being coordinated by a three strong team headed by warehouse manager, Bill Baldry.
Commenting on the new ACDelco team, Lee Quinney said: “It is our aim to support the operation by supplying a first class service to our customer base from the outset and the team that we now have in place is extremely experienced and more than capable of delivering this. What’s more, and as you would expect from such a widely recognised brand as ACDelco, it is a resource that we will be looking to build upon throughout the coming months.”
Today, ACDelco has the capability of offering some 70,000 quality parts across more than 30 product lines. This equates to it being able to cover around 85% of the light repair and maintenance automotive parts market.
Alongside the impending launch of an extensive all makes bulb range, Lee and his team will concentrate on rolling out a number of range extensions that are planned across ACDelco’s other core product groups and which takes in batteries, lubricants, clutch, shock absorbers, filtration, braking, belts and wiper blades.
MOT Workshop Magazine
New Unipart Oil Range Heralds New Era in Lubricants
Unipart has re-engineered, re-packaged and re-designed its range of engine oils so it now covers in excess of 98 per cent of the car parc and includes long-life variants.
The portfolio comprises a total of 60 part numbers, available from all Unipart stockists. It covers fully synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral oils with an additional comprehensive range of long-life products.
As the technology of the modern petrol and diesel engine leads to longer service intervals, Unipart has played its part to reflect the changing requirements of the aftermarket sector.
To further assist workshops in what has become a complex market, Unipart has commissioned a six-page leaflet for the range which turns into a wall chart.
So now workshops can select the right product for a customer’s vehicle “at a glance” and simply ring through the part number to their nearest Unipart stockist.
Oil and lubricant products from Unipart fulfil the quality requirements applicable to matching quality for use in the maintenance & repair of motor vehicles by authorised repairers as defined in the Block Exemption Regulation of 2002.
Most of the Unipart oil range is available in one-litre and five-litre retail packs and also in health and safety compliant 20-litre cans to meet manual lifting regulations.
Larger workshops can specify 205-litre barrels or obtain bulk quantities from 400 litres up.
In response to customer feedback, Unipart has designed new five-litre container with integral handle and a special “pull-up” pour spout. The can is also now wider and incorporates a transparent line so users can determine how much oil is left in the can.
Unipart Automotive’s Therese Edkins said: “As the car parc has advanced, so we have developed the Unipart oil range to strengthen our competitive offering to the workshop and provide technicians with all the products they need to service today’s vehicles to the highest quality standards.”
MOT Workshop Magazine
The Trade Group “provides choice”
As Ian Gott of The Trade Group explains “Trademaster MOT packages have been selected from the world’s leading equipment manufacturers for excellent build quality, reliability and all-round value for money. At the heart of the package is the proven and unequalled Rotary four post lift, complete with recessed turn tables and a choice of manual or air operated jacking beams. You can then choose between the internationally acclaimed MAHA or the superb Trademaster range of brake testers and the package can be complemented with the option of a Trademaster ‘new generation’ standard or sensor type headlamp tester and a state-of-the art Trademaster emissions analyser featuring a blue tooth smoke meter. The most popular packages are class IV and Class VII bays with 4 post lifts but other options are available”
Gott continued, “The Trade Group is also able to offer what is arguably the most comprehensive range of ATL equipment available. The MAHA ATL represents the cutting edge of ATL technology, from a manufacturer widely regarded by many as the international leader in this field. To complement this, the Trademaster package is designed to provide a flexible, well specified but cost effective alternative for those with a smaller budget. We believe the Trademaster ATL packages offer garages a flexible choice to suit their pockets”.
The Trade Group offer a complete service including a first rate understanding of VOSA requirements; a FOC, high quality CADCAM drawing service providing clearly defined layouts with, very importantly, ground work details and electrical specifications, plus a complete installation and first class nationwide technical back-up service.
What to Look for in an MOT bay and Automated Test Lanes.
Ian Gott pointed out, “The Trade Group are very experienced in the MOT/ATL field and we believe MOT bays & ATLs are one of the most costly purchases a garage can make. Important factors for the equipment are good range of capability and because of the commitment needed to be given to customers, a high level of reliability. VOSA have introduced the ATL to improve the quality and integrity of the MOT test; equipment used must meet specific design and functional criteria before being approved or acceptable for use. Equipment that does not compromise performance, versatility or reliability can be expected to be justifiably expensive, if a lower cost option is pursued, check that it has an identifiable pedigree and is well supported now and for the future.”
MOT Workshop Magazine
“Down time costs Money and harms reputations”
Equipment reliability is vital for all MOT test Stations. The loss of use of a jacking beam even for a short time will dent hard earned profits and damage reputations for reliability. Majorlift claim to be the UK’s market leader in the manufacture of 2 tonne class 4 and 2.8 tonne class 7 MOT jacking beams.
At their highly automated plant 95% of components for these products are manufactured in house. This enables Majorlift to exercise complete control of the quality and full traceability of all components. As a result of their confidence in design and manufacture they feel able to offer an industry leading 3 year warrenty on these products.
Contact Majorlift for more details
Tel: 01454 299 299
MOT Workshop Magazine
TRW Automotive Aftermarket Offers Free Tool Kit With Every Easy Brake Tool Sold During November
Multi-Tester Pro is an In depth Multi-Make Scan Tool which offers Serial Diagnostics on Engine Management systems, ABS, SRS, Automatic Transmission, Climate Control, Instrumentation, Electronic Suspension, Immobiliser, Central Locking, Body Controllers, Park Distance Control,Electro-Hydraulic Steering, Cruise Control, Functionality includes : Reading and Clearing Fault Codes, Default Monitor Lists, Custom Monitor Lists, Activations, Configuration, Programming, Service Light Resets, Adaptions, Key programming, BSI Configuration, Injector calibration, Control Module Replacement and many more.
Vehicles Covered: Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Citroen, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Landrover, Mazda, Mercedes, Nissan, Peugeot, Porsche, Rover, Renault, Saab, Seat, Skoda, Smart, Suzuki, Toyota/Lexus, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, Volvo & obd2/EOBD
Product price: £4,500 + vat
Telephone number: 0161 209 4470
Fax number: 0161 207 4488
E-mail address: info@autodiagnos.com
Website address: www.autodiagnos.com
Method of distribution: Direct Sales
MOT Workshop Magazine