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The MS67 tyre changer was launched last
year and has been an instant success - more
here
Touchless® - a unique ‘non contact’
wheel aligner – took centre stage at this year’s Brityrex exhibition
and a number of solid enquiries to the Beissbarth stand.
World leaders in wheel alignment and wheel
safety technology, Beissbarth UK, say that there is no doubt that Touchless®
will be one of the industry’s biggest success stories.
Beissbarth UK’s managing director,
Philip Hodges said: “Its impact will be nothing short of dramatic.
This is the biggest advance in wheel aligner technology that I have ever
witnessed in more than 30 years in the industry.
“Aside from pin point accuracy, there
are enormous time savings per vehicle on the current process, which will
build both capacity and turnover in all busy workshops.”
Read
all about it here.
Newsletter download
brochure pdf
Jason Plato has made a great start to the
2007 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, winning three races,
finishing all six races inside the top five and scoring 74 points. He
heads to Thruxton on a roll and aiming to consolidate his lead.
Team mat Darren Turner made his BTCC debut
at Thruxton in 2006. This year so far he’s qualified on pole, scored
a podium result, raced through the field like a champion.
Beissbarth’s world leading wheel aligner
technology continues to see the SEAT Sport UK team through a busy international
race season.
Beissbarth UK is launching a new wheel
aligner in its highly successful Microline range, which has the highest
number of top manufacturer approvals.
The new Microline ML1800 will be
unveiled at the Birmingham Automotive Trade Show in April. Click
for 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. more
here
The introduction of two new wheel balancing
models to the renowned Microtec range, gives Beissbarth customers a great
market advantage. Click
for details
Beissbarth UK
has secured the exclusive rights to market LET Headlight Tester in the
UK and Ireland. more 
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. more
here
Beissbarth is committed to leading the
industry in the development of one of the most up-to-date products to
hit the garage equipment market - the test lane.
As test lanes are becoming increasingly
popular in Ireland, the UK is just beginning to sit up and take notice.
Beissbarth has only recently introduced its test lane into the UK market,
and claims that the industry has responded well.
However, all eyes are on the next 12 months and the impact that VOSA will
have on the future of the test lane.
more
here
Beissbarth have a reputation as the world's
most innovative manufacturer of automotive servicing equipment.
The MAC Aircon System
Beissbarth are equally committed to ensuring
that car drivers worldwide can enjoy their motoring experience knowing
that with regular servicing and maintenance with Beissbarth equipment,
their safety is never compromised and their motoring investment is always
protected.
In light of the recent 'Which?' report
criticising the quality of MOT testing, the emphasis has once again been
drawn to what the industry and government can do to improve standards.
Computerisation appears to be the government's answer to improving the
quality of the MOT test, but what will this mean for those at the sharp
end of MOT testing?
more
here
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The team are gearing up for their challenge
for WTCC glory following their best ever season last year. RML will also
compete at Le Mans itself and in the Le Mans Series - the scene of their
most recent success in 2007.
RML have chosen Beissbarth's ML Easy 8
Wheel Aligner as one of their most important pieces of technology according
to Mark Busfield, RML Chevrolet Project Manager, who said: "The Beissbarth
ML Easy 8 wheel aligner is one of the most important pieces of technology
we have available to us as a race team, we have three, one factory-based,
the others travel with us to events.
"We would be literally lost
without them, 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."
Beissbarth’s Microbrake 8000 commercial
vehicle brake tester leads on industry approvals, says the company’s
managing director Philip Hodges. He added: “There is an impressive
list of major manufacturer approvals, and the use of Beissbarth testing
and service equipment by many government inspection agencies and commercial
operators throughout the world is on the increase.
“Using advanced technology Beissbarth has developed a range of easy
use, accurate test equipment that is favoured by industry from top truck
manufacturers and government inspection agencies.
“We have already supplied the new Brake Tester to a leading truck
manufacturer for use in the company’s European service facility,
and are confident that the Microbrake 8000 will continue to attract new
customers.”
Microbrake 8000 is suitable for vehicles Class 4 to 7 – up to an
axle load of 18 tonnes. Its high value features include easy operation
and data storage with infrared remote control. Mounting frames ensure
correct measurements in the pit as well as easy maintenance. It is modular
in design enabling a user to have a basic unit up to a full DP test lane.
Tough and reliable in continuous operation mode, the Microbrake’s
analog and LCD displays supply all the vital information while the test
is in progress.
NENAB pit jacks have been a worldwide name
in the car and commercial pit jack market for many years. Known for reliability
they are approved by the best of worldwide commercial vehicle manufacturers
Scania and Volvo.
NENAB pit jacks give a long term service solution for raising vehicles
in the most hostile environments in commercial workshops.
The range covers 1.5 to 20 tonne in various
combinations and are manufactured to the highest standard. There are many
examples of NENABs in the UK still operating after 20 years and delivering
a round the clock service with the minimum of maintenance.
The travelling carriageway is spring loaded
to allow easy movement up and down the pit. All pit jacks are tailor made
for any pit combination and width so that the lifting saddle is level
with the workshop floor, ensuring that the maximum operating height can
be utilised. The spring loaded carriageway sits firmly to the lips of
the pit when being used, spreading the weight over a longer area.
The introduction to the UK market of the
10 tonne version testifies to Beissbarth’s commitment to the needs
of the transport industry. More details of the whole range of pit jacks
and lifts are available to view on www.beissbarth.co.uk
Beissbarth UK Ltd is the sole agent for
the UK and Ireland, offering expert advice and service delivered by a
team of trained technical staff.
The RML driver pairing of Mike Newton and
Thomas Erdos secured a memorable LMP2 victory in the Nurburgring 1000
kilometers today for Round 3 of the 2007 Le Mans Series.In a race where
few cars encountered the usual problems, it was an especially sweet win
for the Wellingborough-based team. Full
report here..
" On behalf of Beissbarth UK
I would like to thank BEN for this award - it represents an oppportunity
to reflect on how we are all vulnerable.
BEN has a well known record in looking after many who find themselves
in unforseen situations, fall on hard times or find themselves requiring
medical care. We should all take note to assist and contribute in the
fine work of BEN and show compassion for others who have worked in the
Motor Industry which represents a vital contributor and very important
part of the nations wealth.
I thank you once again for this award."
Jason Plato’s victory at Thruxton
was his 36th BTCC win of his career – putting him equal second on
the list of most race wins with Yvan Muller and Alain Menu. With more
race wins to come Jason will no doubt make that position his own very
soon. More importantly it was SEAT Sport UK’s first race win at Thruxton
since 2004 and together with a 2nd and a 6th place result, keeps Jason
at the top of the BTCC Drivers’ table.
Jonathan Adam and Freddy Norstrom dominated
the two Blaupunkt SEAT Cupra Championship races at Thruxton, winning the
New Leon Cupra and Leon Cupra R classes respectively both times.
There was double Dutch delight in Holland,
where Gabrielle Tarquini scored SEAT Sport’s first victory in the
2007 FIA WTCC winning Round 4 at Zandvoort.
Beissbarth’s ML8R Easy Wheel Aligner
ensures the chassis set up is optimised for each race.
Alain Menu scored the first win of the
season for Chevrolet in the 2007 World Touring Car Championship at Zandvoort.
Menu led from start to finish in the first race, closely followed home
by team mate Nicola Larini. It was the first ever 1-2 win for Chevrolet
since the make started in the WTCC in 2005.
Alain Menu (1st/DNF) said: "It was
a fantastic race! Chevrolet and RML totally deserve this win after so
much hard work. To score a 1-2 win is great and bodes welll for our chances
in the next races.
RML’s Ray Mallock added: "This
was a fabulous start to the European season of the WTCC and a great start
to our championship bid".
RML’s Eric Neve agreed and paid tribute
to the team’s success: "This weekend was the first time I had
the impression that we finally managed to unite all the elements necessary
to win. This has been a great team effort, but hats off for the drivers
who drove so brilliantly; Alain dominating the first race, but also Nicola
nearly making it to the podium again in the second".
Beissbarth’s ML8R Easy Wheel Aligner
continues to support the RML team throughout 2007.
Beissbarth UK’s managing director,
Philip Hodges welcomed the news that the Beissbarth worldwide group will
merge with Bosch. The terms of the merger makes it clear that the Beissbarth
Group will retain its legal independence. See from the MD.
Drivers of high performance and quality
cars demand smooth and efficient rides but part of the problem may lie
in the state of the propeller shaft. Even slight buckling can lead to
vibration of the drive train or roughness in acceleration.
Until now, measuring the propeller-shaft
alignment has only been available by mechanical devices. Full details
from Beissbarth UK Free phone 0800 1694660.
Chris Franklin is taking Beissbarth technology
down to the trackside to help car enthusiasts get the best from their
cars.
Using a Beissbarth ML Easy 8 – the
Microline 8 toe sensor microprocessor alignment computer - linked to a
laptop, Chris has been offering owners wheel alignment and corner weight
assessments during race-track days. Click
for details
Beissbarth were one of the key supporters
of the New Technology Achiever (NTI) Awards 2005.
The prestigious awards, staged at the East
Midlands Conference Centre, were attended by over 400 local business people
and members of NTI’s network of universities and colleges. Raconteur,
broadcaster and writer Gyles Brandreth wowed the audience with his witty
after dinner speech and presented the prizes with Carlton ITV’s Rajiv
Popat.
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This is the second accolade
to be received by the company within the space of six months. Beissbarth
recently received the industry’s top equipment provider award
of 2004 Best Garage Equipment Provider.
more
here
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The MS 65 handles all rims with a diameter
of up to 26” and width up to 14”. With a range of features including
the largest turntable in the Servomat range and a two cylinder Tecnoroller
auxiliary arm, this model is equal to the challenge of off road vehicles,
pick up trucks and run flat tyres. Standard and run flat tyres are handled
with ease by the high value MS 65 OR. more
here in pdf
“Perfection in vehicle development
calls for precise and accurate servicing too. We are delighted that Mercedes-Benz
has commissioned Beissbarth to design service equipment that will guarantee
outstanding efficiency.”
more here
Beissbarth is marking
its 25 year working relationship with BMW through the introduction of
the upgraded Beissbarth Kinematic Diagnostic (KDSII) wheel aligner, now
in use by BMW world-wide.
Existing Beissbarth KDSI’s are being networked
to meet BMW’s information systems and upgraded to KDSII facilities.
BMW was the first manufacturer to request Beissbarth
to develop a wheel alignment system for them based on the renowned Microline
principle. All leading vehicle manufacturers now recommend the Microline,
making Beissbarth a world leader in wheel alignment technology.
Beissbarth UK’s managing director, Philip Hodges,
said: “No other wheel alignment manufacturer world-wide has as many
automobile manufacturers’ approvals as Beissbarth.
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It turns out that the Drester Wheel Washer
is the preferred choice for the highly successful RML team, who are targeting
more glory in 2008 as they aim to add to their tally of 15 titles over
the last ten years. The team are gearing up for their challenge for WTCC
glory following their best ever season last year. RML will also compete
at Le Mans itself and in the Le Mans Series - the scene of their most
recent success in 2007.
Mark Busfield, RML Chevrolet Project Manager,
said: "We have used the Beissbarth Drester Wheel Washer extensively,
and are absolutely delighted with its performance. It is a top piece of
kit, which is used at the factory following every race and test session,
saving us a huge amount of time, plus the added safety benefits.
"As a professional race team, it is
vitally important that we always look our best - however brake dust can
be very difficult to completely remove. The combination of beads and water
in this system is a huge improvement over anything we have used in the
past - it removes grime that has become embedded in the wheel, cleans
and then actually polishes it for a great finish
Beissbarth brake
tester and wheel aligners are helping the world’s first zero emission
vehicles take to the road.
Modec Ltd officially opened their new manufacturing
facility in Coventry where they will build their 2 tonne payload trucks.
The high performance pure electric delivery vehicles cover over 100 miles
at speeds of up to 50 mph on just one overnight charge.
Beissbarth UK’s managing director,
Philip Hodges, says Beissbarth is the perfect partner for this innovative
project: “Wheel alignment and braking systems go together and are
essential for energy efficient driving.”
“Beissbarth has consistently
been at the forefront of new technology so we are particularly delighted
to be able to part of this exciting project. The brake tester and wheel
aligners are capable of producing minutely accurate readings and settings
and the Beissbarth reliability means the wheels of production can be assured
to run smoothly. With businesses increasingly being made to account for
their carbon footprint, and with some city centres no go zones for polluting
vehicles, the future of electric vehicles seems assured and, naturally
Beissbarth wishes to be a part of that future too.”
The RML designed and developed 2006 Chevrolet
Lacetti used by Chevrolet Motorsport Denmark (CMD) took a spectacular
hat-trick of victories in the Danish Touring Car Championship. As usual
Beissbarth equipment in the pits supported the brilliant result.
Ford chose Beissbarth to ensure the launch
of the new Mondeo ran smoothly. Over 450 tyres were changed during the
event in Sardinia - read
more here.
Find out about wheel alignment, tyres and
vehicle stability with this NEW interactive programme.
click image to load software
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.
The MS67 tyre changer is designed to meet the ever
present health and safety regulations, and provide a fast and efficient
service for technicians and customers.
Click for details
Skinners, a family
run coach operator, runs day and European holiday excursions. They place
safety and reliability at the head of their agenda.
“We calibrate the unit ourselves
and we have found they work very well.” Click
for details
After many months of rigorous trials Audi Volkswagen
AG has approved the Beissbarth Brake Tester VAS6360, which surpassed
all test standards, including changes for the Audi Q7.
more
here
Porsche have approved the latest Brake
Tester from Beissbarth for testing all Porsche, including the Cayenne
4 x 4.
more
here
Beissbarth’s world-leading technology
continues to strengthen the company’s position as the holder of
the highest number of approvals from car and truck manufacturers.
Beissbarth products
are used and endorsed by all the leading car manufacturers and will
be found in leading servicing workshops around the world.
Beissbarth are
committed to developing products that are in step with the ever-increasing
level of automotive technical efficiency and innovation.
Daihatsu, Nissan, Volkswagen and Opel have
all chosen Beissbarth’s renowned Microline Wheel Aligner range.
These latest approvals consolidate Beissbarth’s
lead as the only automotive service and testing equipment company to hold
such a diverse range of top manufacturer approvals.
This latest clutch of approvals is proof
positive that Beissbarth is recognised as the industry leader.
“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.
“Technology evolves even faster
these days. Vehicle manufacturers specify an increasing number of wheel
alignment settings and closer tolerances - the new generation of wheel
aligners meet those demands. Beissbarth aligners deliver pinpoint accuracy
- lesser technology simply cannot cope with such exacting standards.”
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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 43.5billion euros (approximately
£29billion).
The new “Touchless” is the fastest
and most accurate wheel aligner technology available. There is no doubt
that “Touchless” will have a significant impact on the way the
industry and consumer has traditionally viewed the process of wheel alignment.
The benefits are truly groundbreaking. Aside from pin point accuracy,
there are enormous time saving benefits per vehicle on the current process,
which will build both capacity and turnover in all busy workshops.
Read all about it here.
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.”
Beissbarth’s position as one of the world’s most innovative
manufacturers of automotive servicing equipment, places them at the forefront
of supplying Automated Test Lanes (ATL), says the company’s UK managing
director Philip Hodges.
Quality and choice are the watchwords for the Beissbarth Testlane system
which features advanced technology pioneered by the company. The range
of models SL600, Screen-testline 7000, Screen-testline7060 and the TL600
have been a huge success in Ireland and are having a significant impact
on the developing UK market. The STL 7000 and 7060 take data from service
equipment and feed it into a single computer.
The information compares results with previous records. The STL 7000 is
linked to toe, running gear and brake testers and exhaust emission monitors.
Data is automatically recorded. Lighting and visual checks are entered
onto the database from input masks to form a comprehensive information
database. New technology on the STL 7060 displays the degree of axle damping
on compression and rebound cycles. It measures weight ratio between body
and suspension to determine body capacity.
Testing can be networked with toe angle, suspension tester and rollers
for brake testing. Philip commented: “Vehicle weights are lighter and
what may appear to be a difficult handling problem can easily be diagnosed
and cured quickly through the use of a Test Lane.” The ATL system will
form the basis of future testing of all vehicles throughout Europe. Investment
is key, adds Philip: “This is all about quality and longevity, not about
inferior equipment at bargain basement prices. Investing in high quality
equipment not only creates an immediate competitive advantage, but makes
absolute business sense in the long term.
“Those who recognise that Test Lanes are the way forward will ultimately
be the ones who will thrive in this highly competitive market. MOT on
average generates about £118 per test so it is obviously a viable business
builder.”
With so much to gain, why is the service and repair
industry not heeding the wake up call?
“This is the last chance saloon for those in the
industry who are plainly not up to the job, and giving competent operators
a bad name.” added Philip, “If the industry cannot regulate
itself then government will do it and the smaller firms will sink without
trace under the weight of the subsequent red tape. This is the final wake
up call.”
Philip cites a litany of damning consumer research reports
ignored by the industry, compounded by threats from the National Consumer
Council (NCC) to make a ‘super complaint’ about the service
and repair sector to government ministers, which could result in an investigation
by the Office of Fair Trading.
A recently published discussion paper by the NCC titled
‘At a Crossroads’ which examines the breadth and cause of consumer
dissatisfaction in the car service and repair sector, has recommended
the introduction of a system to license technicians and repair outlets.
Research reveals that ‘rip off’ repairers are costing consumers
around £4bn a year.
In response to the NCC report, a consortium made up
of motor manufacturers and repair garages is launching a new quality standard
brand to counter the ‘cow boy’ operators. It is hoped that Automotive
Technician Accreditation (ATA) will become a byword for competence and
quality of service. Once technicians have achieved ATA accreditation they
will be reassessed every five years.
The initiative is backed by the Department of Trade
and Industry, Which? and the Trading Standards Institute. “Excellent
idea,” adds Philip, “investing in human resources is a sound
move. Skills deficits are a key factor in the industry’s malaise
but another symptom is chronic under investment in technology. This is
a knowledge based economy characterised by cutting edge technology yet
hundreds of operators are still in the dark ages. To those garages and
workshops my advice is you’re operating on borrowed time. If you
think the cost of investing in technology is expensive – the bill
for under investment has just arrived on the doormat.”
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