The new Easy 3D wheel aligner from Beissbarth is the first of its kind and offers workshops a completely new 3D wheel alignment method comprising highly accurate cameras and an integrated reference system to ensure reliable results.
Beissbarth continue to dominate the wheel aligner market with the introduction of the Easy 3D. Classic features include easy use reliable technology that is robust and easily mobile - suitable for use with any lifting platform or wheel alignment pit.
Using the Easy 3D, one workshop technician needs roughly seven minutes to carry out precise wheel alignment on a car. This represents a time saving of 50% compared with conventional devices.
Accuracy is ensured by the use of two high-precision cameras per wheel. The sensors can be positioned wherever convenient in the workshop without time-consuming calibration. The Easy 3D wheel aligner is suitable for aligning all types of cars, through to light transporters and commercial vehicles. The standard indicators enable vehicles with a wheelbase of up to 340 centimetres to be aligned. With the larger rear indicators available as optional equipment, vehicles with a wheelbase of up to 430 centimetres can be aligned.
Lifting platforms designed for wheel alignment simply need only to be fitted with special support brackets for the sensors. The sensors can be easily detached and stored, freeing up the lifting platform for other work, or used by another lift making it multi purpose and increasing profitability.
Unlike conventional run out compensation, the vehicle does not have to be pushed by several technicians - it can simply be driven. The vibrations caused by the engine do not affect the measurement because the cameras operate at a high frame frequency of 29 frames per second.
The housing for the Easy 3D’s system components consists of elastic, impact-resistant plastic, which is also resistant to oil and fuels.
Beissbarth UK are introducing a new easy use Drester W-750 fully automatic wheel washer to their range which cleans in approximately 30 seconds.
The Drester wheel washer gives wheels a low environmental impact show-room sparkle and boosts profits with a short payback time.
When Beissbarth added the Drester Wheel Washer to its range over six years ago it found a new and diverse market – perfect for the needs of both vehicle restorers and major vehicle manufacturers with high output for vehicle preparation of company vehicles for the dealer network.
Beissbarth UK’s Philip Hodges said: “There are huge benefits to investing in this Drester. As well as making the wheels look spotless, the machine tackles the accumulated dirt and brake dust that can gather at the back of the wheels, giving longer lasting precision when wheel balancing.
“A more effective handling of tyres and wheels greatly improves production flow in the modern workshop. Dirt and dust stays in the wheel washer so there is less wear and tear on other equipment. The Drester safely cleans all kinds of wheels including SUV and Run Flat-tyres with no impact on the tyre. It also enables simple hairline cracks to be seen in the wheel surface which could lead to the eventual failure in the wheel assembly.”
The Drester blasts water containing small plastic granules and detergent at the front and back of the wheels. The machine works automatically and without interruption until the last wheel is cleaned. No wasted time or waiting at the washer.
The Wheel Washer is also good news for the environment, as it uses a biodegradable detergent. Water and dirt particles are separated by sedimentation. The filtered clean water can be let out into the drain and the sediment removed manually or with the Drester water cleaner.
Beissbarth – leaders in the field of advanced wheel aligner technology – are launching two new models to their extensive range.
Designed for even the smallest workshop, the new Easy 3D wheel aligner – available in early 2009 - is slim, lightweight and completely mobile. It only requires approximately 600mm on each side. State of the art 3D cameras are based on triangulation and guarantee reliable results every time. The components of the Easy 3D are well proven and part of the Beissbarth patented reference system.
The ML TECH wheel aligner covers every vehicle from Smart to HGV. The precise runout compensation with shaft encoder ensures that measurement results are completely accurate. Each sensor has two CCD infrared cameras to produce 360degree measurement field around the car, providing pinpoint accuracy. Measurements are transferred by wireless from the vehicle to the mobile PC. Results are displayed in seconds on the monitor. The ML TECH database comes with in excess of 20,000 data from more than 65 vehicle manufacturers.
Beissbarth holds the highest number of top manufacturer approvals, says the company’s UK managing director, Philip Hodges. He added: “The Beissbarth logo is a byword for advanced technology.
“When you buy Beissbarth you can be absolutely confident that you are investing in the finest quality technology, backed by a high value customer service package that includes industry standard training and reliable service delivered by competent engineers.”
The Beissbarth ML1800 is an entry level wheel alignment unit aimed at smaller body shops and garages. It runs on a user friendly Windows computer programme and includes car and van database details.
Beissbarth UK is launching a new product that takes the guess work out of precisely when brake fluid should be changed.
Most brake fluid testers only check the electrical conductivity of the fluid. The Romess Aqua 12 DIGI measures the exact boiling point of brake fluid that determines when the brake fluid has to be replaced.
The introduction of two new wheel balancing models to the renowned Microtec range, gives Beissbarth customers a great market advantage says its UK managing director, Philip Hodges.
The versatile Microtec stationary micro processor controlled wheel balancers feature nine different programmes for passenger car and light trucks up to 65kg, with two programmes for motor bike wheels.
Key features of the MT 825 Wheel Balancer include foot pedal brake to fix the balancing shaft, three alloy programmes, three special programmes and two PAX. There are two LED for imbalance direction indicators and two LCD for digital imbalance and status information. The 825 comes complete with an aluminium weight caliper tool for manual fitting of adhesive weights on the inside of the rim.
Britain’s best known supplier of commercial vehicles, buses, coaches and industrial vehicles – MAN ERF Limited - has chosen Beissbarth’s Romess Brake Bleeder and diagnostic equipment for use in its UK dealer network.
Racing Silverline’s Jason Plato soared to the top of the timesheets in today’s qualifying session for race one of tomorrow’s HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship at Rockingham with a best time of 1:24.087s. The session had looked to favour team-mate, Mat Jackson, who was on great form during the second practice session and dominated for much of qualifying, however it was Jason who grabbed the last minute honours. This leading race team has chosen the ML8 Easy aligern to ensure peak performance.
The Chevrolet Cruzes finished twice on the podium in the Race of Italy, the last WTCC event in the European continent this season. Rob Huff clinched third in Race 1 and Alain Menu did the same in Race 2, bringing more heavy points to Chevrolet’s count.
The Chevrolet Cruzes today showed again their excellent pace and were the only ones impeding total domination by the turbo diesel cars. Now the WTCC is off to Asia, which will host the traditional two final events of the 2009 season in Japan and Macau. Beissbarth’s ML8 Easy aligner will travel with the team to ensure peak performance.
A SPECTACULAR WEEKEND AT KNOCKHILL SECURES TWO WINS & FIVE PODIUMS FOR RACING SILVERLINE
A stunning performance from both Jason Plato and Mat Jackson saw the Racing Silverline team leave Knockhill with a total of two race wins, five podiums from a possible six, two fastest laps, both drivers working their way up the drivers’ championship standings and in his race three win, Mat gave RML their 100th win in its 25th year.
A fantastic start in the opening round of Knockhill’s HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship saw Jason take a commanding and unchallenged lead from the lights to the chequered flag, marking the Chevrolet-Lacetti’s first ever race win from race one in the championship. He also moved up to 3rd position in the drivers’ championship standings and collected fastest lap honours en route.
The RML team use Beissbarth’s ML Easy Wheel Aligner to optimise race performance.
TWO PODIUM FINISHES FOR RACING SILVERLINE AT SNETTERTON
Racing Silverline’s Mat Jackson made a sterling start in the first round of the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship at Snetterton, which saw him claim the independents win and a 2nd place finish in the overall championship. Having moved up to 5th position from the first lap, consistently quick laps followed, allowing him to forge his way past O’Neill and menace the Airwaves BMW of Adam. By lap 6, Mat had shot past on Rivett Straight and with awesome pace, spied his next target, Team Dynamnics’ Thompson. The RML team use Beissbarth’s ML Easy Wheel Aligner to optimise race performance.
ONE PODIUM FINISH AND 15 POINTS IN TOTAL FOR THE CRUZE IN PORTO
One podium finish and 15 points in total: the Chevrolet team can be satisfied with the overall result obtained by the Cruzes in the streets of Porto, in two races (the 99th and 100th of the WTCC) that were closely fought and packed with incidents. Rob Huff finished second in race 1 and sixth in race 2, while Nicola Larini finished fifth in race 1.
Beissbarth’s ML Easy 8 Wheel Aligner continues to be one of the team’s most important pieces of technology according to Mark Busfield, RML Chevrolet Project Manager: “We would be literally lost without our three Beissbarth Wheel Aligners, as they are used after every single piece of on-track activity that we do, and provide an incomparable method for tyre alignment that is hugely more advanced than previously existing methods. They are easy to use, and most importantly, saves us a great deal of time.”
Wet conditions do little to dampen the Lacetti’s form at Donington
Having extended the deal for Mat Jackson to partner Jason Plato under the Racing Silverline banner, the team arrived at the circuit with optimism and confidence in one of the BTCC’s most competitive of driver pairings. Despite challenging weather conditions, both drivers delivered strong results in the Chevrolet-Lacetti’s, finishing every race in the points. The team uses Beissbarth’s ML Easy 8 Wheel Aligner to optimise their performance.
Plato and RML win Brands Hatch BTCC with Chevrolet
Jason Plato has been declared the winner of the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship’s third race at Brands Hatch after officials penalised Jonathan Adam who had crossed the line in first position.
Adam was adjudged to have unfairly knocked Jason out of the lead as their cars entered Paddock Hill Bend a couple of laps into the race. The incident enabled Adam to take over the lead and he went on to cross the line 3.845s clear of Plato.
After looking at the evidence BTCC officials have concluded the move was unfair and added four seconds to Adam’s time – thus relegating him to second position. Jason has been handed the 47th race win of his career – the victory is also the first in the BTCC for the Chevrolet marque since 1975. Present at every race is Beissbarth’s ML Easy 8 Wheel Aligner, which the RML team rates as an incomparable method for tyre alignment
Fearnsport, the Silverstone based Porsche independent, has an unrivalled reputation for its innovative use of technology. So when the company invested in the racing circuit’s favourite piece of kit – Beissbarth’s ML Easy 8 Wheel Aligner – life was going to get interesting. And it did. Keen to maximise efficiency and quality time on the job, workshop manager Matt Counsell came up with the idea of running a wireless router inside the wheel aligner which allowed him to view the full screen on his iPhone while working under the car.
Matt said: “It works superbly well and means you can focus entirely on the job without getting up and down to view the PC screen. The ML Easy wireless version is incredibly easy to use, fast set up and display ability and the computer capability is amazing.”
Beissbarth UK’s managing director, Philip Hodges added: “Linking the ML Easy to an iPhone is a great idea and a prime example of the flexibility and ease of use which is synonymous with Beissbarth technology.”
Based at Silverstone circuit, the three man Fearnsport team look after a wide variety of Porsches for their customers, carrying out the most basic servicing to full engine upgrades. Fearnsport have the latest in diagnostics and chassis tuning equipment to get the best possible results, whether it be a standard Carrera to a very complex Carrera GT. They also offer trackday support and training.
As one of the few independents in the country to specialise in Porsche Turbo, RS, GT and Cup cars, Fearnsport are justifiably proud of their reputation as being ‘Home of the uber-Porsche’.
Pasquin Air Jacks are steadily increasing their share of the market as more low floor bus operators convert to the brand. In a move to raise that rate of conversions Beissbarth - world leaders in automotive service equipment – who distribute Pasquin are offering a £200 cash back and 5 year warranty across the range.
At 120mm the Pasquin 103 is lower than any other jack on the market. An air-hydraulic jack with proven reliability, safety and durability, the Pasquin range is noted for its strength and functionality for all commercial vehicles.
Beissbarth UK managing director, Philip Hodges, says Pasquin is accepted as an international leader in the field of air-hydraulic jacks with over 40 years experience in the market. He added: “High-level design, advanced production methods and rigorous quality controls have created a product that is extremely strong. Pasquin technology is a perfect complement to the Beissbarth range. The combination of the 10inch base and variety of models means that any vehicle can be safely and smoothly lifted.”
Pasquin jacks are operated by a double-acting pump and are provided with safety devices in order to avoid overloads, ensuring a long service life. Pistons are made of special high-resistance steel. The large base ensures their stability, while the diameter of the wheels and the three-position handle allow easy and safe handling.
With the rate of allergies rising and spring on its way, air conditioning and air purity should be top priority says leading automotive service and testing equipment company Beissbarth UK.
Beissbarth UK has introduced Saniflux, a new purification system which can be easily integrated into their advanced technology MAC aircon range.
Beissbarth UK’s managing director Philip Hodges said: “Saniflux is highly efficient in terms of eliminating allergens, purifying the aircon system and neutralising annoying odours in the car interior.
“Saniflux is the perfect complement to the aircon system efficiency, particularly when we are about to hit the peak hay fever season.
“The advantages for the workshop are that it is the only complete 2 in 1 aircon service, offering a great value service to the customer. It is a high margin service completed in just 20 minutes – being fully automatic it requires no operator time.”
The Saniflux liquid is completely controlled by the aircon charging station – fully integrated and automatic.
The Beissbarth MAC range features the most cost effective and technically advanced models available to deliver professional extraction, processing and refilling of refrigerants in air-conditioning systems. The units are compact, robust and easy to use in all workshops, and there is a model suited for all size of operations.
Philip added: “There is no doubt that the air conditioning market is still continuing to grow. Air-conditioning fitted as standard into about 80% of all vehicles, offers huge servicing potential. Aircon is not part of a standard service – this is a great selling point. Additionally, it’s important to remember that aircon is not a summer time only item in the car, and should be used at least once a month to maintain an efficient system. This fact makes it a profitable year round market.”
Beissbarth customers seem to go from success to success says Beissbarth UK’s managing director, Philip Hodges, on hearing the news that UPS has ordered 12 electric powered delivery vans from Modec, for delivery in February next year. Six will go to work in the UK and six will work in Germany. The UK vehicles will run out of UPS' Camden depot, inside the London Low Emission Zone. The new order follows a successful nine month trial in North-West, East and Central London. The five tonne Modec van has a 100 mile range on one overnight charge. Having carefully researched the market Modec opted for the Beissbarth Microline Brake Tester and ML8R wheel aligner for the company’s UK vehicle assembly line.
Traditionally, headlights have been an area of low priority for the motoring public – except when they cannot see the road at night or the bulb has failed. As a motorist, how often at night, or during a rain storm in the daylight, have you either been followed by a car with one headlight, mistaken a vehicle coming towards you for a motor bike which has turned out to be a car with only one headlight, or even had the light behind or in front of you reaching for the stars?
Headlights are a matter of great safety interest and as an industry we should be raising awareness within the consumer arena. So here’s the challenge – why not include headlights as part of your sales package? Make it a popular sales topic. It could be just the item in your sales performance which shows you to be innovative, and help to create a point of difference between you and others in the fast fit or repair business.
After all you offer Tyres (all types from standard profile to high performance), Wheel alignment, Wheel balancing, Tyre repairs, Brakes, and possibly Diagnostics too - but headlights? For many the answer will be ‘no – never thought about it.’
We all need lights at some stage of the day or night. The possibility that we will have them on all day and night when driving, as they do in Sweden, is a distinct possibility in the not too distant future.
The subject should now receive a better degree of respectability since the introduction of the latest technology over the last five years - filament ( still available) , quartz halogen, gas discharge, xenon, have all been here for some time and serve the driving public well. LED’s, whilst not common now, will become more popular. Advances in design mean that LEDs can deliver the flux and luminance required to achieve a legal headlamp beam. LEDs are already approved for use in the USA and are on course to be approved for use in Europe during this year.
It is a matter which interests the European transport authorities and certainly VOSA in the UK. During the last two years the Commercial vehicle operators have had to pay much more attention to the direction and power of the headlights. It has been a rocky ride for many, in terms of understanding where VOSA and the rest of Europe stand, but overall it can now be classed as a success.
A PRS on a commercial vehicle operator’s licence is not good news. It has been a contentious issue throughout Europe and a high failure rate, in fact, just as much as Brake testing. Commercial vehicle operators understand now, more than ever, the importance of good headlights and their correct adjustment.
Why does not this apply to cars and light vans? You have to display two lights at the front and rear of a vehicle. Yes you do qualify if you have two sidelights and one headlight but it does not look as if you are attentive to road safety and considerate to other road users. It is after all a failure at MOT if bulbs do not work and more importantly can be a reason for a vehicle to be checked by police in a routine roadside safety check.
Brightness, direction and of course replacement is of the greatest importance. It does require skill and common sense - the right bulb for the car and fitted the right way up. Water inside the reflector caused through cracked lenses and dirt all contribute to visibility problems.
The case for moving headlight testing up the agenda is clear and help is at hand in the form of the LET PLA 20 - the headlight tester which electronically ensures that the beam is correctly focused on the road ahead. It has a stable and robust stand which ensures that the measurement is correct and by a simple easy to use method of correcting to a green light from an “out of tolerance “red”, ensures that the work you do, is right first time.
The LET PLA 20 - which can also be used manually - is supplied to many of the world’s car manufacturers at manufacturing level and dealer level. The expertise and knowledge is easily seen in the build and use of the PLA20. You do not need good eyes to see if the pattern is right, or if you are adjusting the wrong way. It shows you which way to adjust: left, right, up or down – easy use technology at its best.
Some points to watch for:
Is the area where you are measuring the headlight level?
Is the lens clean?
Is the bulb, the correct bulb for the car?
Is the bulb recommended by the car company?
Is the bulb fitted correctly in the holder?
Is the reflector corroded or damaged?
Do the headlights work correctly?
Do they dip to the left?
Can they be adjusted manually or are they the new style of electrically adjusted headlights?
This range is absolutely ideal for Fast-Fit and Tyre Repair workshops where time is seen as vital for a smooth and efficient workshop. All Herkules Lifts carry a three year warranty and represent extremely good value in the current lift market.
The air driven lifts are operated by a foot control, with locking variable and convenient heights. The capacity of the RS model is 2.5 tonne and the 2.8 tonne for the K 700. They require the standard 8-bar air pressure to give working heights of 500 mm and 1.1 m respectively. The minimum height of the RS is 69mm, which even with the lowest spoilers enables the latest vehicles to pass over with ease.
A new tyre changer for low profile, run flat tyres and wide wheels offers safe and simple tyre changing, even for the most difficult tyre rim combinations.
Key safety feature is the MS67’s pneumatic lift which raises the tyre onto the table without the fitter having to lift the heavy wheel and tyre assembly. This ensures that the manual handling of tyre and wheel assemblies is kept to a minimum. Operational advantages include a fast and precise hydraulic unit for simultaneous braking of both beads, even with hardest run flat tyres.
Effortless handling is made possible by the central control unit and simple wheel clamping by a centrering flange.. A quick air filler is part of the standard delivery package as well as a profiled mounting lever.
Skinners see benefits of Beissbarth Headlight Tester
Skinners, a family run coach operator, runs day and European holiday excursions. They place safety and reliability at the head of their agenda.
From their base in Oxted, Surrey, they run an extensively equipped workshop and are a VOSA recognised PSV Testing Station. They also service and maintain other company’s vehicles.
Skinners were the first in the country to purchase the Beissbarth PLA20 Headlight Tester, enabling their coaches to be VOSA tested on the premises.
But having that facility to hand has added benefits says, Skinners Workshop Mechanic, Rob Maguire: “When the VOSA testers come to test our coaches they know what to expect from the Headlight Tester and how to use it.
“But it also means that we can keep our coaches maintained to that ideal standard and test them as often as we wish and that has to be good news for our customers.
“We calibrate the unit ourselves and we have found they work very well.”
Another EU Directive is coming down the tracks that will have a dramatic effect of the tyre industry, writes John Loughran.
Directive 2001/43/EEC, or S-Marking legislation is due to come into force on October 1, 2009.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) on the eve of going to press confirmed that EC Directive 2001/43/EC has been in place since 2001 and requires that all tyres of classes C1, C2 and C3 (with the exception of Classes C1d and C1e) sold in the EU from October 1, 2009 onwards are be marked with an “S”, sound marking.”
C1d and C1e classes of tyres sold in the EU must be “S” marked from October 1 2010 and October 1 2011 respectively, according to the RSA.
The RSA has warned that the European Commission has been advised by Member States that there will remain unsold stocks of non-compliant tyres by October 1, 2009 deadline.
However, the Commission will not amend the implementation dates of this Directive (2001/43/EC), as the text of this Directive has been in place for almost eight years, according to the RSA.
Are you ready for the vehicles of tomorrow says Beissbarth UK’s managing director, Philip Hodges:
It would be interesting to hear the comments and see the reaction of early pioneers of the Motor Car - Henry Ford, Rolls Royce, Auto Union, Benz and a host of others - who in their own way provided us with what is an everyday pleasure for some and for others a tool for every day means of transport and commerce.
All of these pioneers would, I expect, be amazed at the technology of today’s vehicles but also be speechless at the speed of the new developments which drivers of the future will take for granted.
John Boyd Dunlop was the creator of the pneumatic tyre, and produced tyres for vehicles travelling at 10mph with a man carrying a red flag in front of the vehicle. What would he think of the incredible advances which make it possible to travel at top speeds of up to 250mph, and that the technology to provide grip for all seasons is available in some form or another on every day vehicles. What would he make of advances in aviation tyre technology? Tyres for the A380 Aircraft weigh 75kg and take a share of the 18 Tonne weight of the aircraft, and tyres for Concorde reached 440 Kilometres per hour in 45 seconds at take off, and reached 290 Kilometres per hour in one second during landing. Components for speeds, grip and high performance were not on the agenda in Boyd Dunlop’s time and neither was high engine temperature, which eventually gave rise to garages and repair shops throughout the world. How things have changed and advanced.
Take the world of oil, diesel, petrol, and lubrication for everyday use now. We have come a long way now and we expect to go a great deal further. Artificial oils, high temperatures all feature together with high pressures.
The aircraft industry is perhaps 10 years behind vehicle technology and the latest A380 does not have much of the latest motor vehicle technology, but could have if they worked as fast as the Motor Industry. However, the consequences of too much technology in aircraft, too fast, could have disastrous consequences if not fully tested - it is much easier to have four feet eg: wheels on the ground to do this.
In all, with the development of the car, commercial vehicle and bus has come the Electronic Age. We now depend on engine management systems, cruise controls, satellite navigation, tyre pressure monitoring, electronic suspension, GPS controls and lighting, all of which are designed to help people to travel easily and comfortably. We need good and trustworthy tyre technology to stop and start the vehicle and we need the latest lighting to see in the dark for good visibility and safer driving. We require and expect good communication systems also to increase passenger safety. We now demand light vehicles to aid fuel economy, faster acceleration, and greater passenger comfort. This has come through lighter materials; fly by wire technology and low drag vehicle designs. After all that has been achieved we need electronics to assist us and a better understanding for all those associated with the industry and our customers’ expectations.
Training in all aspects has become a high priority if not the highest priority. Those who have worked in the industry for many years will welcome government’s renewed commitment to apprenticeships – they are the lifeblood of our future. It is vital that the industry has competent technicians, bodywork specialists, IT literate staff and a complete understanding of vehicles. This skill and knowledge base will ensure that it does not become reliant on the Motor Manufacturers to give more and more assistance at greater costs to the consumer.
Shared information of vehicles by vehicles travelling together will also be available so that impact, speeds and assessment of speed can be controlled to enable the vehicle to detect when to release airbags, by using innovative sound waves from the structure of the vehicle recently developed by Continental for the VW Golf. A system of stop/start technology developed by Bosch has also been introduced in the new Fiat 500 to ensure longer and more economical motoring. Even the driver may soon be able to choose a dashboard layout and display with a system distinguishing pedestrians and vehicles and whether or not they are a risk. This high performance image processing is about to become a reality together with sign recognition and a warning, by reducing your speed automatically when in proximity to accident black-spots. Weather and congestion information, delivered through telecommunications via GPS will safely divert drivers away from accidents and incidents.
These advances, together with the hybrid vehicles from a host of manufacturers, mean that all who are associated with the servicing and repair of motor vehicles will have a technological nightmare if they do not fully understand and prepare for the latest developments.
Due to government controls on emissions, only the latest well equipped garage repair facility or Fast-Fit will survive. MOT Testing at the required intervals may eventually give way to roadside testing giving Testing Authorities the right to suspend further travel. Is this what you want in your daily life and leisure time? This may represent a great leap forward for the road safety lobby but for many years now the Motor Industry has been developing a ‘thinking’ vehicle to ensure safe travel. Will you be ready? Will you be able to repair? Will you be able to satisfy your customer? Only by keeping up with the latest technology and equipment will you survive and prosper. The heroes of the future will be real Master Technicians.
Equipment has changed in the last 100 years and dramatically in the last 10 years. Tools today are very much electronic, hand-held, PC driven with all the benefits of speed and fault finding. Yes, you still need the trusty spanners but even that has changed with impact/torque wrenches to give the correct manufacturer tolerances and strengths. But the central message is “equip your workshop with the highest level of technology available and understand it”
Do not underestimate the power of the consumer – he or she is becoming more demanding. Their travel will become much more time consuming with complex but safe systems to ensure they travel on time, by pre-loading journeys to a central communications centre, crash control systems and automatic speed limits imposed by the in-car sensing. They need and will demand the best of attention to body, mechanical and comfort. It is up to you to please customers in all aspects. So beware - things are changing and it will only be the far-sighted, well trained and high tech operators who will survive!
Leading automotive service and test equipment providers, Beissbarth UK, have backed their commitment to training excellence with sponsorship of the Peugeot Service Technician Apprentice of the Year 2008 awards.
Six finalists were put through their paces during a challenge of six diagnostic tasks based on the IMI Diagnostic Level Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA). The tasks tested the candidates on braking systems, engine electrical systems, transmission, vehicle electrical systems, engine mechanical systems and vehicle body multiplexing systems.
David Trent, apprentice at George Hartwell, Ferndown, Dorset, won first prize with a prize donated by Beissbarth UK.
Beissbarth UK’s Philip Hodges said: “Training is a vital part of our industry’s future and we were delighted to be able to celebrate the success of these apprentices.
“The level and range of sophisticated diagnostic and repair equipment will continue to increase and we are indeed fortunate to be able to work with farsighted firms like Peugeot who are leading the way in investing in apprenticeships, so enabling more young people to embark on an excellent career.”
Jason Giblett, Programme Manager for Peugeot’s Apprentice Programme added: “Beissbarth UK’s sponsorship of the Technician Apprentice of the Year programme enables us to continue acknowledging the work being done in the apprenticeship scheme and to highlight the wealth of skills being developed by our team within the Peugeot Dealer Network.
“As we know, apprentices are our skills force of the future, so recognition in this way is a fantastic way to promote the fact that the programme works and can produce skilled competent individuals.”
For further information on Beissbarth call the Free phone Helpline 0800 1694660 or fax 0115 981 8431 or www.beissbarth.co.uk For information about Peugeot Apprenticeships go to www.peugeotapprenticeships.org.uk
Credit crunch, tough times ,its impact on the industry and the year ahead, what’s going to help the industry survive in straightened times? Better quality service and long term investment in the best technology, says Beissbarth UK’s managing director Philip Hodges.
Throughout three decades of working in the automotive industry Philip Hodges has been a driving force for improvements in standards, training and technical innovation. As MD of Beissbarth UK he has steered the company from start up to being regarded as one of the leading companies in the automotive service industry, with a hard earned reputation for innovation and customer service.
Now part of the Bosch Group, Philip welcomes this development and sees huge potential for both brands: “Bosch have an enviable status throughout the world with a strong brand recognition which has become synonymous with technology and excellence to both consumers and the industry alike.
“Beissbarth UK’s business performance is strong and is acknowledged as making a significant contribution to the group’s overall profitability. Together we bring a whole new dimension to the UK automotive market, and view the coming months as an exciting opportunity for further growth, innovation and service. The opportunities for the long term growth of both companies are an exciting prospect.
“The pace of technology is driving our industry as never before and we will continue to be first to market with the latest innovations. We will soon be in a position to introduce Touchless, and in 2009 we will also launch an innovative new 3D wheel aligner to complement our conventional wheel aligner range. There is no doubt that next year will be a testing time but as we continue to extend the choice and scope of products and develop other wheel service projects, we are confident that our brand will maintain its pole position in 2009 and beyond.
“Working at such advanced levels requires massive investment in research and development to produce cutting edge technology. We can continue to be a formidable global market force because we have the combined expertise and sound financial base created by Beissbarth and Bosch coming together.”
Renowned for reliability, top quality and easy use technology the Beissbarth range includes conventional wheel alignment systems, tyre changers, wheel-balancers, brake bleeders, air conditioning service, headlight testers and test lanes. With the introduction of the “Touchless” wheel aligner Beissbarth’s reputation for world first innovation is assured.
Philip Hodges says the new Touchless will be the fastest and most accurate wheel aligner technology available. He added: “Touchless will change forever the way the industry has traditionally viewed the process of wheel alignment.
“The benefits are truly groundbreaking. Aside from pin point accuracy, profitability with a saving of up to 20 minutes per vehicle will provide an instant and worthwhile investment and return for all workshops.
“Equipment preparatory work will no longer be required, and wheel clamps will eventually be history. Now that truly is a world first!”
But it is not just wheel alignment which has benefited from the Beissbarth innovative process. The company’s successful push into the air conditioning market has boosted their MAC range to the top of the league.
Developments in tyre technology means that all dealers must invest in better equipment. Beissbarth are at the forefront of these advances with the MS67 and MS69.
Headlight technology has resulted in the VOSA test stations upgrading with the LET Headlight Testers PLA 20, now available from Beissbarth with further versions introduced in 2009.
Beissbarth’s renowned brake testers are a top seller in the company’s range. Brake testers can be incorporated into a full working test lane, complete with side slip examination, shock absorber testing, and a noise detection unit, saving expensive and time-consuming test drives.
Beissbarth UK's managing director, Philip Hodges, says the constant changes in education and curriculum in schools will continue to leave the automotive industry with a skills gap. He says advances in new technology are not being matched by the availability of suitable technicians and apprentices.
Philip has been in the business for over 30 years and is passionate about the challenges facing small and micro garages and workshops. He says the recent changes and proposed slacking of curriculum requirements are another lost opportunity for the future workforces.
He added: This is an industry sector predominately made up of small workshops or sole traders. When they choose to take on a young employee or apprentice they have to be certain the individual has the right basic skills, such as literacy and numeracy, to handle the equipment, and have the necessary personal skills to relate to customers. All Beissbarth equipment comes with easy to read digital displays, icon keyboards and comprehensive training but the new generation of technicians are not only required to understand a sophisticated level of technology but they also need to articulate the benefits to customers.
So often we find ourselves having to train apprentices who have no grasp of basic communication skills. Investment in basic skills is vital today and the Government persists in the idea that the only right way is for young people to go to university. They have forgotten that there are many who do not want to go to university, it's just not for them. I believe that there should be more emphasis on helping young people into hands on rewarding careers such as engineering. Vehicles are very technically advanced and require good knowledge and ability to repair them.
Beissbarth has built a strong reputation as an innovator with many projects running which are geared to tomorrow's technology. These ideas are for the next generation of vehicle, garages and fast fit operations and will bring great benefits to the industry at large. That much is clear - but who will deliver this technical excellence?
Philip is calling on the Government to address the problems in the education system and to provide more support for businesses providing apprenticeships.
He says training providers and colleges must also review their course provision and invest in the latest technology, and not rely on the motor industry to fund the technical skills from their resources.
If the training providers and colleges do not train young people on the latest technology they will find that they are producing unemployable labour and letting the students down at the very time they need support. Larger manufacturers are able to supply their own training schemes but our industry relies on the excellence and capacity of smaller, independent businesses too.
I see this as a very positive strategic move for the long term growth of both companies. Beissbarth and Bosch have a strong tradition of being both in the OEM and aftermarket worldwide, and are synonymous with innovation and technical excellence.
For Beissbarth UK it is a confident "business as usual". Our business performance is strong and is acknowledged as making a significant contribution to the group's overall profitability.
The introduction of Touchless, other non contact wheel aligners and other wheel service projects, makes both companies a formidable global market force.
Industry watchers say that Bosch's interest in Beissbarth began back in 2006 after Automechanika, following the highly successful launch of Beissbarth's Touchless non contact wheel aligner. The launch drew record crowds to the Beissbarth stand and scooped the show's prestigious Innovation Award 2006. Bosch also won the Innovation Award in 2005.
Agreements between parent company Beissbarth GMBH and Bosch were signed this week and is subject to anti-trust approval. Robert Bosch is the largest supplier to the automobile industry employing some 3,300 people in the Automotive Aftermarket Division, out of a total workforce of 251,000 with an annual group turnover of 43.5 billion euros (approximately £29 billion).
The pace of technology is driving our industry as never before says Beissbarth UK's managing director Philip Hodges. Working at such advanced levels requires massive investment in research and development to produce cutting edge technology.
Can anyone rival Beissbarth's perceived position as world leaders in advanced automotive technology? No, says Hodges, who sets out the case for what he believes is an undisputed lead.
What marks Beissbarth out as unique is the mix of heritage and ground breaking ability to remain at the forefront of the technological revolution. Very few brands stand the test of time and it would seem that Beissbarth has turned longevity into an art form.
The distinctive Beissbarth logo has long been synonymous with high tech easy use advanced technology and industry pundits are generally in agreement it's the one to look for and trust. If the race is on, then Beissbarth is in poll position adds Hodges.
Renowned for reliability and top quality, the Beissbarth range includes Wheel Alignment systems, tyre changers, wheel-balancers, brake bleeders, air conditioning service, headlight testers and test lanes.
This is the story that automotive legends are made of, starting back in 1899 when Daniel and Hermann Beissbarth collected probably the first official driving licence issued in Germany. Fast forward to 2006 and the legend continues apace. This is a company that has scooped what is recognised to be the highest number of automotive manufacturer approvals and introduced yet another first a state of the art wheel aligner. Beissbarth’s Touchless is completely non contact, changing forever the face of wheel aligner technology.
Hodges says the new Touchless is the fastest and most accurate wheel aligner technology available. He added: There is no doubt that Touchless will have a significant impact on the way the industry has traditionally viewed the process of wheel alignment.
The benefits are truly groundbreaking. Aside from pin point accuracy, there is a saving of up to 20 minutes per vehicle on the current process. Equipment preparatory work is no longer required, wheel clamps are consigned to history and on screen results are available in seconds. Now that's got to be a world first!
Wheel aligner technology and its development is closely entwined with the company's history. It is generally acknowledged that Beissbarth created the first aligner system and today Beissbarth ML Easy Aligners are the top choice for the industry and successful race teams.
Beissbarth's successful push into the air con market has boosted their MAC range to the top of the league. Air conditioning is the number one item in cars these days and before satellite navigation. It is no longer a luxury but a necessity. There is no doubt that the air conditioning market is continuing to grow. Fitted as standard into about 80% of all vehicles, air conditioning offers huge servicing potential and a profitable year round market.
Developments in tyre technology such as the self supporting tyre means that all dealers must invest in better equipment. Beissbarth are at the forefront of these latest advances with the MS67.
Advances in headlight technology has meant that the VOSA test stations have just upgraded with the LET Headlight Testers PLA 20, which is now available from Beissbarth UK. The company has the exclusive rights to market and service Testers in the UK and Ireland, offering every Testing Station and MOT Testing Station the opportunity to be up to date with the very latest technology.
Beissbarth's renowned brake testers are a top seller in the company's range. Brake testers can be incorporated into a full working test lane, complete with side slip examination, shock absorber testing, and a noise detection unit, saving expensive and time-consuming test drives. The introduction of the Automated Test Lanes (ATL) have created a unique market position for Beissbarth as the premier ATL supplier.
The latest industry poll of the hot 100 automotive groups reveals that 60% of the top firms are supplied by Beissbarth UK
Leading automotive service and testing equipment provider, Beissbarth UK say they're delighted with the figures which reveal that the top performers are all Beissbarth customers.
Beissbarth UK's managing director Philip Hodges said: This is the second year running that we've supplied such a high percentage of the top performing groups in this influential AM magazine poll. Despite tough conditions in a testing marketplace where profit is hard to come by, the best of the hot 100 are still turning in a robust performance and excellent results.
The results are a powerful affirmation that investing in Beissbarth service and testing equipment plays a big part in running a successful business.
The Beissbarth logo is a byword for quality. When you see the logo you can be absolutely confident that you are buying the finest quality technology, backed by a high value customer service package that includes industry standard training and reliable service delivered by competent engineers.
